Hi, everyone! I guess you could call me an "Elder Tween".
I'm 61, disabled, dealing with a few chronic conditions (type 2 diabetes, COPD, arthritis) but not yet at the legal age of retirement. My job skills are out dated, my professional field (desktop publishing) dwindling, and I need a walker to get around. Not exactly marketable in this economy. I'm on SSI, disability. I live alone in subsidized housing, reside in SE Michigan (not by choice) and I'll be the first to admit that I struggle.
I have two grown daughters and six grandchildren. My older daughter and the six grand kids live in Florida (I realize that is totally backwards) and I have not gotten to spend time with them for nearly 8 year now. We chat sometimes on Facebook to stay in touch. My younger daughter lives about five miles away, life consumes her time, but we see each other at least once or twice a month. So for the most part I am alone. What daily doses of affection I get comes from my two cats. Hey, don't judge. They make good companions and don't have to be walked. When you're mobility challenged you have to think about those things.
It really does suck to get old. However I refuse to watch soap operas, play bingo and think about bygone days. Fine, I think about bygone days, but can't stand soaps or bingo.
Every morning I get up, hobble to the toidy (I know TMI) take pictures of the sunrise (I live on the 9th floor of a high rise - my windows face SSE) and sit down at my laptop. I don't own a television, but do watch "stuff" on my computer. I have subscriptions to HuluPlus and Netflix; combined with the cost of wifi I still pay less than basic cable. For me the Internet is my chosen connection with the outside world.
At this point I should tell you I am an aspiring novelist. It has been a life long dream of mine to be a published writer. I've started hundreds of novels and finished a few first drafts, though this late in the game of life have yet to gain the confidence to submit anything. I've participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) through four Novembers and made it to the 50,000 words in 30 days each time. I also have first drafts for three of a six book fantasy series completed. I am determined to attain my dream. Each year brings me closer, so maybe next year will be it. I still have hope.
I've lived in a few different places, seen some interesting things and met a number of fascinating people. I've taken a couple of crazy chances and a few leaps of faith along this sometimes rocky road called life. Yeah, I hurt; physically, emotionally and spiritually, but I am far from beaten.
Growing old sucks and life throws serious challenges at us along the way, but I refuse to give up! This blog is about those challenges.
