Did I really just turn 55?….
Closer to 80 than 30?
Closer to 90 than 20?
Damn!
I first worked at Skydive Perris when I was 29. On my way to the drop zone I would drive through Sun City past signs reading, “55 and over community” and think to myself, “I’d never live in a place like that.” I was driving down the same street the other day and thought, “A little house on a golf course ten minutes from the drop zone doesn’t sound too bad.” What’s that about?!
As it turns out 55 isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it sounded when I was 29. But I have to admit I’ve taken on a somewhat new approach to life. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, a new way of picking my fights or maybe adjusting my priorities. I guess I’d call it “Giving in but not giving up.”
Weight
For example, when I was training and competing full time my fighting weight was between 160 and 165. I still eat pretty healthy and go the gym regularly but these days it’s all I can do to stay below 175. Well, apparently all I’m willing to do anyway. (I’m sure it’s all muscle. I just can’t figure out how my waist measurement is now bigger than the length.) I’m giving in. I decided to be happy weighing between 170 and 175. But anytime I get on the scale and weigh one ounce over 175 I’m going on a coffee-only diet and doing cardio every day. I’m not giving up.
Silver grey
My hair, or what’s left of it, has turned pretty grey. It would be nice to still have a full head of hair that wasn’t white. I could get hair replacement or dye it. But that sounds like a total pain in the ass and I’d look ridiculous. Grey hair matches my face better. Nah, I’m giving in on that one.
Silver not Gold
Each year I have the privilege to jump with the current AZ Airspeed team and some of my old teammates at the US National Skydiving Championships. It’s a blast jumping with the team and we still do some pretty good skydiving. I’m often asked if I miss it and wish I was still competing and going for the Gold. I do miss it, a lot. But I’d never want to train that hard now. Its way too much work and I lost interest in winning Gold medals at the Nationals a long time ago. I’ve given in on that. But I’m not giving up. I can still show up at the Nationals and get Silver.
Working out
Back in the day when I was working out I would only lift heavy dead weights. I would never even consider getting on a machine. Machines were for wimps. When you’re lifting heavy dead weight you’re really moving some mass. It made me feel strong. It made me strong. When I got done working out I felt like I could pick up a house. These days I never lift heavy or dead weights at all. Anytime I have, it felt like I was about to rip a limb right off my body. I’ve given in. I only work out on machines now. I definitely don’t feel strong enough to move a house but at least all my limbs are attached when I’m done. I haven’t given up.
I’ve given in on a few things but given up on nothing.
I’m not the man I was at 29, but fortunately I don’t want to be. 55 is ok. I’ve given in on a few things but given up on nothing. Just the same, I think I’ll hold off on the house on the golf course in Sun City for a few more decades!
