Today’s my birthday – 80 years old today.
It’s a milestone of some sort, I guess. Eighty relegates me to that group of people most vulnerable to succumbing to COVID-19, or having a serious case of the flu that’s going around, at risk of experiencing a severe cold that could land me in hospital.
In my head, however, I’m feeling none of what seems to be expected of a typical 80 year-old person. I’m still reasonably fit, interested in what’s going on in the world, actively engaged in creative pursuits. Not bored, not lonely, not feeling unproductive, neglected, or useless. In other words, I’m not feeling OLD.
Today, I went to the aquafit class as I have done every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the past 27 years. I worked through the same routine I always do as vigorously as usual. I then spent an hour and a half sharing English with Ahmad and Basira and their boys, recent Afghan refugees to Canada – something I’ve been doing for the past two months. I’ve had a bunch of phone calls with people I haven’t heard from in quite some time wishing me a happy birthday, including my 98 year old Aunt Goldie in Toronto. I have some sewing I intend to resume after I’ve written this. Later, I’m having dinner with some friends in the building – not a birthday party, but leftovers from the holiday season.
My life seems to be continuing as it has for the past couple of decades. Today feels just the same as yesterday.
Instead of slowing down, I lament that there aren’t enough hours in a day to accomplish all the things I want to get done!
Today will come and go. It’s really just another day in this cycle we call a life.
jmn 
A day late but happy 80th. It is indeed a number and you aren’t listening- which I think is good. I want to age like you and my cousin Helen. Engaged and engaging.
Keep engaged in stuff and you will!
Happy Birthday. I find so much inspiration reading your blog. Long may it continue!
I’ll do my best Jayne!
Happy 80th Birthday, Judith!!
Keep doing what you are doing, never give up. We admire you!!
All the best in 2023!!
Virginia & Dawne from B.C.
Thanks for your good wishes.
A very happy birthday from 4 hours earlier
Happy birthday, Judith. Here’s to another decade of ordinary days 🥂
Thanks Nana
Happy Birthday! Thought I had missed it yesterday. Carry on the good fight!
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Great to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.
Congratulations on enjoying the life you lead. Inspiring in the best possible way.
Thanks.
Happy Birthday Judith! Congratulations on reaching 80 with such aplomb. Hoping you have a lovely New Year and another accomplished year of good living- And just maybe we might get to meet in 2023… Pat
Sent from my iPhone
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We need to actively plan something, Pat!
You’re looking fabulous. May you have many more healthy years!
Thanks!
Happy Birthday (and Happy New Year) Judith! I still remember that wonderful dance routine you did in the bar in “Havana”! I wish you a rewarding 2023.
Wow, that memory goes back a L-O-N-G way!
Congratulations! I just turned 75….a bit sobering, but also joyous.