Doddering senior?? Boo-yah … not in this lifetime!
By Deborah Chamberlain
The word “senior” used to mean “a person who is older or of higher rank than another” or “a student in his last year before graduation” according to Webster. Now it’s a punch line used to identify a lifestyle of forgetful moments that must be so debilitating, one company thinks we all should be wearing a hat with an embroidered message on the brim that reminds clerks to give us our discounts. I’d rather pay full price.
And the term ‘retiree” is no better if we are doomed to a boring life of puttering around the garden or tottering along sidewalks behind the family pooch, picking up droppings. Phooey.
While I may be in the “back nine of life” as one avid golfer calls it, I challenge any young sprout to meet or beat what I’ve done since I reached what I hope is my chronological halfway mark since turning 50. Ready? Take a deep breath.
Professionally: still principal of my advertising and marketing business.
Fill-in work: at the “world’s biggest music festival,” as security for Harley-Davidson’s 105th reunion, sold ride tickets for state fair (being with the carnies was a blast!), worked as a retail associate, passed the barista exam on the first try (forgetful?? With all those drink recipes to memorize??), catered parties and retreats, been a tour guide for an educational program, worked Mother’s and Valentine’s Days in a flower shop, and have been a Bunny – Easter not Playboy.
Volunteered: crocheted and donated baby blankets, held babies in the NICU, worked for my college daughter’s ArtsFest and Project Pumpkin events, helped with the SHARE food program, was a panelist for the National Survivor of Suicide Days, and have become a member of my city’s Reserve Police unit, learning defensive and arrest tactics, including recently earning my own pair of handcuffs.
Traveled to: Sierra Leone, Qatar, Jordan, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem to finish the fourth and fifth of the six continents I hope to visit in my lifetime (still undecided about Antarctica).
Returned to Writing: after being hired as a community columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,l then as a guest blogger writing about the “Dark Side” of being a “Top 10 Single.”
Wrote a Book: Self-published my memoir, Orange Picnic, about my first love – a story I began when the events were unfolding. Since then, I’ve done media interviews and speaking engagements, as well as teaching writing classes.
Doing Homework: Accepted into a Master’s Program to study Grief and Bereavement in preparation for my next career as a speaker.
Received Affirmation: At my 40th high school reunion, I sought out a guy I had a crush on to see what he’d say. He paid me a thoughtful compliment then followed up with a tight hug and lip-kiss. Mmmmmm – gotta’ love those reunions.
Found love: met a younger man who calls me his “soul mate.” He gives me butterflies.
Doddering senior?? Boo-yah … not in this lifetime.
=======================================================================
Deborah Chamberlain is the author of her poignant memoir, Orange Picnic, which received a 5-star rating from Midwest Book Review. She is currently pursuing a certificate in Grief & Bereavement studies to facilitate her role as a speaker. Chamberlain is the principal of Donaldson Media & Marketing Services, LLC, an agency that provides advertising and public relations services. She can be reached at orangepicnic@gmail.com.
About Deborah's book, Orange Picnic:
In the heart of middle America and the shadow of turbulent times, Orange Picnic is a sweet reminder of the 1960s and a story for the ages. Set in Homewood, Illinois, Orange Picnic follows two teenage couples whose lives intersect as they fall in love to the drumbeat of the Vietnam War. From corner coffee shops and skipping school to the lyrics of Dylan and Donovan, the rush of romance ignites the teenager in all of us, but it is the shock of unexplained loss that awakens the adult. It takes a lifetime to learn that love never dies and youth never should.
(Did you enjoy Deborah's article? Be sure to vote on the home page)
Source: March, 2010 Put Old on Hold Newsletter
Barbara Morris — Image F/X Publications
Barbara@PutOldOnHold.com
© 2010 – Image F/X Publications, All rights reserved
Learn my secrets for staying youthful!
And receive "Twelve Unique Diva-Tested Tips for Fantastic Skin" ebook as a FREE gift when you subscribe!
Privacy Policy: Your email address will never be sold, rented, or given to anyone. You have my word on it!
Put Old on Hold wisdom:
“I'm on a personal exploration
of the anti-aging odyssey. I've lived through this process. I know it
works.”
— Barbara Morris
