60 Arrived.

Last month was my 60th birthday. I can't believe it arrived. For almost a decade I was dangling around telling people I'm in my 50s. Now that is not the case, I ponder what now? An R&B singer, Aaliyah had a song titled,  "Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number". I thought of this, and say, really is it just a number? 

To me, it's a statement that I'm no longer in "that" demographic of individuals who are under 60. I'm with the group now that borders on pre retirement age to full on, no longer working. Well generally. I think of my high school classmates who are all turning 60 this year in 2025. To think just 35+ years out of high school we were young and invincible. As life moves on, we take on our careers, family, and new lifestyle of being adults. i.e. paying taxes, voting, and managing our lives as best as we can. Surreal. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

Personally, as I prepare my impending retirement from my current employer, I'm a bit anxious and at the same time excited. On the other hand, fear creeps in my mind, as a single middle age man I constantly ask myself, "Do I have enough to retire?", "Will there be someone to take care of me as I age if I'm unable?" I've always been independent, self reliant, and been on my own for the most part of my life. But those two questions seem to haunt me in my mind and in my retirement plans. 

Today, I skipped going to the gym. My excuse was I'm getting over a cold and didn't have the energy to deal with crowds of people in my gym for a body pump class. The other reason is I simply didn't feel like it for a Monday. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

As I reflect and begin to embark in my new decade of my life, my thinking as changed on focusing on my age. It wasn't an issue before but at this AGE, it seems to be an issue. I begin to think, "I'm I slowing down on my workouts?" "Has my mental health becoming an issue if I stop working?" "Will a flight of stairs become a crazy thought of falling?" Some of these things seem to bother me. 

But I do know that I can only control what I can. Adapt with a new way of living. The other day, I played a tennis match with an opponent who appeared older. In the game of tennis he played serve and volley strategy. Which is when he serves, he moves towards the net to cut off my return, basically shorten the point or rally. I stopped doing that years ago and decided to play at the baseline. The other thing I've decide not to do is chase down a drop shot. A while ago, my doubles partner said to not chase these balls down as I'm not as quick as I use to be. I tend to disagree. I want to get every ball as if I was still a 16 year old. Sadly, it's true, I have to adjust my game with my 60 year body and just let it go. Again, adapt. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

I'm a few months away from choosing a full retirement from my current job, finances has been utmost my main concern bringing doubts on whether it's ideal to retire. Maybe I'm forcing the issue as I turn 60. I spoke with others who retired before me and many of them agree, they wished they retired sooner. I know I'll find something else to do with my time; spending time with family, pick up a new hobby or continue with the ones I have, and also travel as much as I can financially in the next 10 years. Some say it's the "go go" years, which I'm able to walk, run, and handle the rigors of travel. When 70 arrives, it may not be as worthwhile, this decade they call the "no go" years. 

My eye is still on the prize to retire early while I can and enjoy my saved earnings to do some of the things I would enjoy. I'll stay in my rent controlled apartment in San Francisco, and another two years, my home outside of the City will be paid for so more disposable income in my pocket. This I believe will serve me well for the first decade of enjoying retirement. As 70 comes into play, I'll have this extra money and nowhere to go to enjoy but find that my medical expenses might be where my money will be used for. I'm generally in good health. Gained a few but for the most part I'm managing. 
As July arrives, I hope to be in a much better outlook with myself personally, mentally, and financially. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

Again, adapt as this will come in from time to time. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

  

Part. Of. Family.

One week ago today, our boxer, Jack died during a Sunday morning walk around the neighborhood. I knew he wasn't well in the last couple of years, but did't want to admit that he was getting old and his health was failing. The gregarious and easy going Jack smelled everything along the way. That is how dogs usually see their world, by their sense of smell.

His death was sudden and quick, his heart failed. He collapsed and his paws were sprawled on the pavement. I quickly held him up to try to revive him at the same time calling my partner to come over and help me. But sadly, the remaining minutes we tried to save him ultimately turned to comforting and looking at him with compassion until he took his last breath. It was devastating. I cried and cried. We lost someone who was part of our family, our life for almost 10 years.

 
So, today, I'm celebrating his life and sharing his image to remember that he wasn't just a dog but an amazing addition to the family. We've gone through a lot together. Sometimes we take for granted of his constant companionship and think he'll always be around, but this day has come where he won't be back. I will have my moments but certainly, my thoughts and smiles will always be with this loving animal, just Jack, happy dog!