STAYING UP AND SLEEPING IN !

2008 By Mint Julip

So now I’m retired and over the hill!

I can sleep in on weekdays as late as I will.

But when the sun does go down

And I’d go paint the town

All my peers are in bed

And the town appears dead!

Have they but a few hours before milking the cow

Or limited daylight to handle the plough?

So I’m out on the porch with a glass of red wine

Seeking one lively soul with a timepiece like mine!

Hi! Welcome to my place!

It is my belief that we all “Act our age!”. If we act 40, and feel 40, we are 40, If we act 80, and feel 80, we are 80. You may not believe this, but we almost always determine our ages by how we see ourselves. When I grow up I'll decide what to do with the talents I was given. If you don't force yourself to grow up, then obviously you can't get "old". My heart still beats and breaks and laughs like a teenager's and I'd rather dance to rock n roll than most anything I can think of.

There has never been anything dull about my life. Not stable either! I have lived in seven states and attended 12 different schools before I started high school! I’m a retired journalist and miss that sometimes, with the exception of meeting those stressful deadlines! I truly enjoyed the work and learning something new almost every day, meeting very interesting people and seeing some really unusual things.

Aquarius is my sun sign. It isn't clear to me why the Zodiac works but it seems to describe most personalities by their birthdates. Of course there's a lot involved besides the sun! Chances are if you are also an Aquarius, a Gemini or a Libra you'll like me a lot.....Otherwise you'd probably think I'm a hyperactive oddball. I've posted a mini description (down and on the left) of what an Aquarian is like, click on it to enlarge for easier reading......That's my only warning....It describes me, rather well.

Writing is my escape sometimes. I've written a book of poetry with over 200 poems. Some are good, others, "drively syrup". The first newspaper in the US, "The Virginia Gazette" published two of mine (exclusively) after not having published any poetry in over 30 years....That meant a lot to me.

Fortunately I've been blessed with good genes and good health, so I feel much younger than I actually am and can keep up with my three sons and can almost keep up with my two grandsons! Zachary, (Six, July 2008)  and Nathaniel, (Two, November, 2008). They are the center of my universe! Yes they truly are the rewards of not killing our kids when they were teenagers. I thank my friend for that quote.

Someone told me profiles should contain seven things about your personality, so here they are.

1. My likes include, but are not limited to: Rock n roll and the blues. Dancing. Old towne excursions, comedy clubs, museums, art galleries, outdoor concerts, live theater, movies (comedy or adventure) some operas, some symphony concerts and ballet. The Discovery and History channels on TV. Research on the computer. I am a news freak and like most anything that becomes a learning experience.

2. There are a few things I really dislike. The main thing is someone lying. That’s an insult to anyone's intelligence. Also, I absolutely hate it when someone says "for your age" I don't even know what that means! I dislike people judging others by their fashion statements (or lack thereof). Uniqueness can be refreshingly original. I do not like to go to bed early (like Hemmingway, I see sleep as "the little death") or to get up before I "fall out of bed". I do not like "Reality" television and lowbrow shows like Springer and Cheaters that make people look like inbreds!

3.My Passions: my family, dancing. laughter, travel, cruises, Christmas and the Hawaiian Islands!

4. My fears: irresponsible voters, young drivers, U.S. being dependant on foreign oil, politicians who don't care and don't listen and too much government control over individual rights.

5. My personality, good traits: friendly, talkative, curious, polite, reliable, truthful, usually positive, altruistic and down to earth. Bad traits: unpredictable, attention deficit, may not finish all I start, easily bored, nocturnal.

6. My Favorites: Foods: shrimp, and cheese cake. Not necessarily together! Artists: Dali, Drinks, Black Russians and Decaf Pepsi (not mixed). Movies: "Always" and "Harold and Maude." TV shows: Almost anything on the Discovery Channel or the History Channel plus “2 ½ Men.” I am also a news freak and like to watch it all the way through at least once a day. Books: "Illusions" by Richard Bach and "Listen to the Warm" by Rod McCuen. Broadway Shows: Almost anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber especially "Phantom of the Opera" I also enjoyed "Ragtime" and loved "The Producers".

7. My heroes: My father and my ancestors. Some are reputed to have come on the Mayflower. Making me 10th generation American via my mother and third generation on my father's side. His parents were from Switzerland and Germany.

Now you know me better than most of my neighbors! I have to go now there was a spider walking on my monitor. "I don't like spiders and snakes, 'cause that ain't what it takes.”

See you later! Have a Great Day! Minty