Keeping My Mouth Shut

Over the course of the years, I have learned there are times when keeping one's mouth shut is absolutely essential.

For example, I have learned to always clamp my mouth tightly shut before doing any of the following:

1) Filling the bird feeder.
2) Feeding the cats.
3) Cleaning the litter box.
4) Giving the cat or dog its medicine.
5) Painting the ceiling.
6) Changing a diaper.
7) Watching Canadian geese fly over head.
8) Planting the garden.

It is much easier to wash hands than it is to wash a mouth out. And a lot less distasteful.

The Ways of Middle Age

Now that I am in the midst of middle age, it's interesting to look around at friends and family to see how they are dealing with getting older.

I have always kind of taken it in stride, joking that I can't wait to get those senior discounts. I do wonder how in the world I got to be this age so fast, but if I can't do anything about it, I may as well enjoy the benefits. I have noticed that some people just don't see it that way.

A few of my women friends have gone into middle age kicking and screaming. Literally. Pass the Botox, please. Really, is injecting a deadly toxin into your skin the way to stave off middle age? I just love those mouths and eyes that no longer move, too.

Some women get facelift after facelift. You can always tell because their eyes and mouths have a definite upward slant.

Men seem to have their own particular ways of keeping the years away. The hair "combover" is a common one. So is the "I haven't ridden a motorcycle for 20 years. I think I will do it again now." After the ride, it takes them two days to walk without looking bow-legged.

When I look in the mirror, I no longer see the young woman I once was. But, I am the woman who has lived, cried, and laughed. I have the laugh lines and crow's feet to prove it.