Last week at work, my young friend, Brian meandered in. He asked what I was doing. I told him I was mentally making a list of the things that would become available to me on May 31. When he gave me a puzzled look, I explained that I was celebrating a milestone birthday that was not necessarily a milestone that one wanted to celebrate. "Ah," he said, "a dubious milestone." He hit the nail on the head.As others joined in our conversation, one asked if I had just gotten my AARP card. "Well, no," I said, "I got one of those when I was 44. My husband was 6 years older than me so I got in when he did. Besides, I could have gotten one on my own a few years ago."
So what, pray tell, is now available? Here is a list. (Take note friends of the same age and former classmates!)
1. I can now order off that "special" menu at participating restaurants.
2. I can now officially live in a retirement, oops, "active adult" community.
3. If I owned a Saturn I could get 20% off on parts and service.
4. I can get a discount at Best Western Hotels.
5. I can get a discount Jiffy Lube.
6. Thanks TCBY but ICBITO (I can't believe I'm this old.)
7. I can get a discount at AMC theaters.
8. I can get a Golden Apple Card at Applebees.
9. Wendy's, here I come!
I've noticed that things have changed since my parents were my age. The senior age is creeping up. The new "golden" number seems to be 62. That's when I can get the things I really want like the 10% discount from Finnair and the 5% reduced fare for the Greyhound bus!
I always wonder if I will ever feel any differently than I did when I was 20. Sure I have more knowledge and experience but I don't feel different. I don't know if this is normal or if I am just woefully immature. I just hope I never feel my age, although at times when I go through the checkout at the drug store, I can see it!
So, until my next dubious milestone birthday, I will enjoy my new life perks. Oh, I forgot one.
10. Goodwill has a 10% discount for me one day a week!
Happy Birthday! Have fun with all your discounts!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Bets! What great stories you have to tell. And those sad parts that you shared brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteKudos to raising a super daughter. She sounds like a real "jem" ;-)
I can top those AARP and discounts though-I am on Medicare at the "young" age of 54 :)
Tell your sister Karen "hello" for me. Are your parents still in the home on Main St. in Yardley? I remember it well.