A couple of weeks ago or so I turned 64. In my neck of the woods, it means I’m eligible for a “senior’s card”. As long as I am working 25 hours/week or less. I swapped out to part-time work earlier this year, because I am in a position where I can and I realise this makes me fortunate. The senior’s card means I get discounts on some things, like my council rates, public transport, and entry to my local swimming pool.
I’m thrilled that I finally qualify for the card. My partner (who is a wee bit older than me) was flummoxed. He could not believe I was excited to be “getting older.” I’m like “really?” I get a discount!! What’s not to love?
People often dread getting older and all it entails. Personally, I don’t really feel “old.” I just feel like me. A little wiser, a little calmer and a whole lot more content with my life!
It’s beautiful Spring weather in my part of the world. Finally! After a very soggy and rainy winter we are seeing some sunny days. It seemed the perfect time to head out into nature over the weekend and visit one of our national parks. It’s wildflower season and there are beautiful blooms out there. I love the native flowers the most. However, we have a tulip festival in our town at this time of year and the tulips were glorious in all their colours!Tulips
I’ve long believed that taking time out of the city and getting into nature is great for my emotional wellbeing and I’ve recently read research that supports my thoughts. Every time I have the chance to have a weekend in the countryside, I feel a sense of peace and tranquility as soon as I leave behind the suburbs and drive alongside country roads surrounded by trees. The stresses of life seem to melt away tree-by-tree. This is partly by being in nature and partly because being away from work and other stressors, there is this sense that you must let go, at least for a while.
Back to reality now, but not too soon. It’s a long weekend here, so I have the day free. I decided to go for a 10k run this morning. I usually run around 5-6k, but I’m nearing the end of a running challenge for September, called The Long Run, a fundraiser for prostate cancer.
I’m in a bit of a competition with a couple of my workmates and as much as I love younger people, they think it’s a done deal that one or other of them will have the most kilometres by the end of the month. I’d slipped a bit in my km’s last week as I had acute bronchitis and pharyngitis.
Feeling all better, I tied up my running shoes this morning and off I went. Only to come a cropper at the 4.5k mark. Tripped (no idea on what or if it’s just my own feet getting in the way) ? I landed on my hands, elbows and one knee. Ripped a hole in the knee of my favourite running tights and scraped myself up a bit! I figured I was close to the 5k turnaround and unless I called a rideshare to get me home, I may as well trot along and finish the 10k.
I’ve been laid low with acute Bronchitis for the last few days. I was feeling a bit better this morning, it’s a sunny(ish) day after days of consistent rain and gloom. I usually like to go for a run every couple of days, so being housebound has been a struggle. My dog was also mad keen for a walk after being stuck indoors. I grabbed his leash and we took off to our local park.enjoying the sunshine!
We were enjoying the sunshine and my dog was scampering around joyously. There were a few lads playing cricket with a makeshift pitch and a tennis ball. A couple of them smiled and waved and I did likewise.
There was another fellow going for a slow jog around the perimeter of the park. Good for him! Nice to be out getting some exercise.
We all minding our business, best way to be. My dog stops to poop as dogs do and I was standing next to him with a bright yellow doggie poop baggie, ready to scoop and drop it in a nearby bin.
Jogger jogs past, glares at me and says “that really pisses me off” and then on he jogs.
So. Ok. I get not everyone likes dogs (except look at this face, how could you not love him?)
However, the park is a public space and shared by joggers, dog walkers, kids and people setting up temporary sports.
He then jogged on out of the park and we continued to enjoy the sunshine and scenery.
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