One Day to 70: Looking Back at 69

Here are some of the highlights of my 69th adventure around Apo Init, aka El Sol, aka The Sun. For the wanna-knows, the first language in that sentence is Ilocano, the second, in Spanish, and the last, English, the  three languages with which I’m familiar (Spanish, a little bit, and Ilocano in memory). Without further distractions. . . .

1. Knee-haw! Sing, my left knee joint, was renewed with titanium and plastic parts. The 14th of December will mark the prosthesis’ first anniversary. The first step I took after surgery told me I made the right decision to trust Dr. G to open up my leg, saw off the bad parts, insert a new prosthesis, and close up the incision. Did I have to get so graphic? 

2. For sale. Good friend L and I held two yard sales to sell our mothers’ collections of stuff. I’m already thinking about what to do differently for our next yard sale. This last one, which was on Saturday, for example, I got artsy-fartsy with the signs, one of which someone either stole or destroyed, and I put out a table full of hand tools because guys at the first yard sale asked for tools. 

3. Starting seeds. I got vegetable and flower seeds to sprout and strong enough to plant into the ground in Spring. They didn’t make it for me, but they grew and produced for good friend L.

4. P.T. Dr. G prescribed me about 12 weeks of physical therapy to build up Sing’s strength and flexibility. First time for me to do physical therapy. II went twice a week.  At the beginning, the physical therapist was continually telling me to “Slow down.” “This is not a race.” “Pace yourself.” It took me awhile to understand that doing the exercises slower is better for me.

5. Self-discipline. When I finished physical therapy, I created my own exercise routine to get my whole body working properly again. Nearly every morning for 45 minutes or so stretching, bending, moving, grunting before breakfast. Slowly, I’ve been learning how to wake up all my stiff and inactive muscles. It’s slow going but it is going. 

6. Pomp & Circumstance. In May, the Husband and I went to his 50th college class reunion which was held during the college’s commencement weekend. One of the college’s traditions is to invite the class celebrating #50 to march in commencement. Class members’ significant others are invited to participate as well. Finally, I marched in a college graduation ceremony. I had skipped mine to Mama’s disappointment.

7. Power tools! I bought a battery-operated drill and a battery-operated mini chainsaw for projects yet to be dreamed. Until I’m ready, they’ll sit unopened in their boxes. I’m almost there.

8. Socializing. After two years of being cautious and careful about being out in the world, the Husband and I got to see friends, make new acquaintances and friends, attend a few events, and eat out once in a while. 

9. Success! Can you say tabongow (tah-bong-ow)? After seven years, a figure-eight shaped gourd finally grew for me. For us, actually. The Husband was in charge of watering the vegetables this year. That’s what made the difference, the two of us taking care of the vegetable patches.

10. Did and Done. In February I wrote this post about things I had added to my list of things I want to do. I actually did four of them. I sewed an ironing board cover, pickled bamboo, made Asian dumplings, and sprouted dahlia seeds (didn’t make it in the ground). 

11. Happy Birthday! In October, we hosted a party to celebrate all of our guests’ birthdays.

12. Volunteering. I used my research, writing, and editing skills to compile a timeline for a local nonprofit organization. That was a fun, easy project. 

13. Took pause. I stopped blogging in April, and started up again 30 days ago as a challenge to myself. Can I still string words together to tell a story? Do I still want to? Am I brave enough?  For having made a living out of writing, I can be such an insecure writer from time to time. 

Onward to 70! 

P. S. I’m participating in Thursday 13. Come check out other bloggers with me.