Don't You Hope You'll End Up Like This

B and I have been married for almost 17 years. Since I never expected to make it to 30 years old (which, much to my chagrin, I did, and then some), let alone get married, I never developed a mental picture for my future. I know we will never have kids (by choice), so no one to take care of us when we get old(er.) (My, it's a parenthetical kind of day.) Sometimes, I see elderly couples walking and holding hands. They may even be smiling. I like it best when they are walking an elderly dog.
I would like B and I to be that kind of couple. Still speaking, wanting each other's company, and walking our cats. It's probably time to start training them.

Maybe we'll still be sleeping in the same bed, and enjoy our memory lapses. I'm hoping my migraines will have stopped by then (they say menopause may end them- something else to look forward to.) I'll probably still have the MINI Cooper, and I will have taken the Defensive Driving courses to give us a discount on our car insurance. Rest assured that I will still be Bending the Rules, and Ruling the Bends.

Since I don't like (and don't allow) having my picture taken, no one will know I'm getting old. I can use a picture of a good-looking couple and say it's B and I, and no one will be the wiser. I'm not sure what my natural hair color is now, so I can do anything purple and just focus on covering the gray.

I will probably be surrounded by books in Large Print, and lots of magnifying glasses. I'll buy 20 pairs of reading glasses for $20 at Costco, and put them everywhere so I don't have to remember where they are. I'll still be using my current laptop, which will be dated like the old 1926 Royal Typewriter I saved from a dumpster (yes, I'm also a lowly dumpster-diver) at the University of Washington. Oh my, I just realized that I have vintage raingear from REI, and a vintage Kelty frame backpack, and Oh My, LEATHER Vasque hiking boots. Maybe I'll grow old having some vintage value. Maybe you'll want to know me when I grow old...

All of this, of course, depends on if I actually get old.

Things I Finally Know

At this stage in my life, and during another bout of insomnia last night, I've decided that there are a few things I know:

• I know that flannel sheets are great year-round.
• I know that I'm nothing in the great scheme of things, and that's okay.
• I know that great chocolate can make my day; maybe even save the world.
• I know there are things I will never discuss with my parents.
• I know there are times I like coloring in the lines, but I'm happiest coloring outside the lines.
• I know that just watching my cats get through a day, without my interfering, can be one of my greatest joys, while also being a great mystery.
• I know that a good book will always be one of my best friends.
• I know that my car makes me feel like I am someone (sadly enough.)
• I know I will never understand children.
• I know that my cat Bean will probably never really know what's going on.
• I know that chocolate is good on bread (weird Dutch food.)
• I know that violence is offensive, not sex.
• I know that I'm great at starting things, but not so great at finishing them.
• I know that Black Hook Porter makes me happy.
• I know that knowing never ends, and it's my perogative to change what I know.

The End