Dale and I were at the Walgreens pharmacy and saw this sign over the counter that said, “SELECT NARCOTICS IN TIME DELAY SAFE.”
We were waiting for a prescription, and Dale whispered to me, “Do you think now would be a good time to select our narcotics?”
I couldn’t stop laughing. Then Dale couldn’t stop laughing. Seriously, I thought someone was going to come out and tell us to quiet down and quit having so much fun. I used to tease Dale about his loud, crazy old guy laugh, but I don’t anymore. I would pay extra for it.
If we’re supposed to be dignified, we blew our cover, but the whole idea of cultivating an image is dead to me. I cared a lot about how I presented myself to the world when I was working, because honestly, image was the name of the game.
By the time I got to the higher ranks, I concluded they don’t care so much about what you can do but whether they want you in their club. They want to see you’re willing to conform. Do you look like them? Talk like them? Or do you dress wrong? Is your laugh too loud?
Those things mattered to me then because they directly impacted my livelihood, and for me, work was about money not passion. Although I never quite mastered the art of fitting in, I tried to look and act the part and got close enough.
But man, always being judged. It was exhausting. The great bonus of retirement is that nobody is paying me to perform for the king. I am whoever shows up that day.
Maybe I actually am gaining some wisdom as I age, but it has occurred to me that judging others is just as exhausting as being judged. I’m tired of expecting other people to be who I want them to be.
This includes difficult relatives, but it does not apply to evil people and politicians or evil politicians.
You two kids are a laugh-riot.
And “Cheese is an inspiration.” Still got that marketing genius.
I’m kind of digging my new cheese name. Jalapeño Jack. You probably need to be thinking about yours.
Jay Jarlsberg??
I like it.
Ah yes, the judgement. I always felt Aero was thick with the heaviness of judgement. Was my humor too sharp? Were my shoes professional? Was my voice moderated to fit in with the stately executive row?
I love being free. And you’ve noted a great reminder: free yourself from judging others.
Thanks for your blog post!
I don’t miss it! I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying your freedom as well.
I will never look at that sign the same way again. I just hope that I don’t burst out laughing while standing in line!
Definitely can’t unsee that.
We live in a community that emphasizes involvement, but there are certain things we’re not comfortable doing. Like happy hours and parties. I think others believe we’re antisocial, but it’s just our personalities. It’s nothing against the group. I do participate in other things so people know me. They don’t, however, know my husband. He doesn’t care at all. I care a little bit. But I have to admit, at this point in my life, I mostly don’t care about my image. And I don’t want to be included in little potential conflicts fueled by judgment and assumptions. It’s best to live your life and let others worry about those things!!
I love things like the pharmacy sign. It’s good to be able to laugh!!
We are both a bit introverted as well, so people might make assumptions. You are right. Just live your life and let the chips fall where they may.
I’ve started typing a response to this post at least three times (damn this new job for interfering with my blogging life).
I chuckled at the mental image of you and Dale reading that sign and reacting. If Dale has a loud, crazy old guy laugh, I hate to think how Himself would describe mine – especially when he makes me helpless with laughter, positively-hyena like when it coincides with my having a full bladder and I have to hop about while trying to prevent an embarrassing incident. The best bits of life are these moments 🙂
It’s a shame we had to get old and retired before we could relax into a life like this.
“It’s a shame we had to get old and retired before we could relax into a life like this.”
Yes!
So happy to see you’re back! I really identify with what you write and enjoy reading your musings. Also enjoy your sense of humor. As for being judgmental, I’m very good at it, comes naturally and I don’t find it exhausting at all.😊
Thank you so much. Funny how easy it is to get good at being judgmental.
Yes, Donna, glad you’re back. I try to Willie Nelson things – no apologies & no explanations. Some days are diamond; some, not so much. I am an introvert & I revel in my rural home where I don’t have to live up to any expectations from the hills & cows & wildlife. I like to think I’m better at handling the judgement, my own & others. Then, I leave my home!
That sounds about perfect.