Shortcomings

A couple of years ago, I accidently wore my shirt inside out when I walked across the street to meet our new neighbors.  They invited me in for a beer, and when I got home, Ruth asked, “Did you wear your shirt like that while you were out?”  I had.  I ended up writing a blog about the experience and other problems that arise as we age.  Getting older has its pitfalls, but I’ve learned to roll with the punches.

I’m not guilty of all of the items listed in the cartoon. I don’t consider myself sloppy.  I have my days, but most are held in the confines of my home.  I put the toilet seat down at least 90% of the time, and I’m not a public scratcher.  I have been known to pee in the bushes on a golf course, but only if there were no facilities available.  I’ve never peed in the bushes of Florida because I’m concerned about what might be lurking there.

I return my calls in a timely manner, and respond to all emails within twenty-four hours.  I think that’s the polite thing to do.  I’m not so prompt with texting, but I’m really not a texter.  I prefer an old fashion phone call on my cell, with caller ID as my screener.  When it comes to toenails, I trim mine in the garage or on the deck. When I’m done with the nail clipper and chisel, the clippings are easier to sweep up.  I’ve had the occasional bird think they were birdseed.

As for my memory, it’s pretty good.  I keep a calendar and take a lot of notes.  Most of this blog comes from items stored deep in my brain.  I do my best to stay sharp as I still have room for more memories.

If you asked Ruth, she’d tell you I have other issues.  I know I pull on my mustache when I’m deep in thought.  That leads to stray whiskers finding their way to my shirt.  Whenever we are about to enter a house, store, or make a public appearance of any sort, she’s forever pulling and plucking anything she finds attached to me.  If you’ve ever seen a mother monkey grooming its child, its kinda like that.  I know its for my own good, so I do my best to just let her pick and pluck. I’ve even done some pre-plucking of my own to save time.  In fact, I shake all of my clothes before I put them on, and take one final look in the mirror before I venture out.  Sometimes it’s just not enough.

I’m sure each of us has at least one shortcoming that could be addressed.  I’m happy to have the opportunity to improve upon myself. The best part of getting older is the getting.  Without the getting, there would be no older.