Middle-Aged Learnings

I’m halfway through my UCLA online program in patient advocacy, there’s quite the eclectic mix of students. The participants include a firefighter, nun, hospice worker, emergency room nurse, financial advisor, human resources manager, entertainment professional, high risk youth counselor, and lawyer. And then there’s me, whatever I am. During this quarter I’m also renewing my insurance licensure with exams about identity fraud and income maximization – what a schizophrenic stew!

I now volunteer as a receptionist at the local senior center, which is never dull and sponsors monthly karaoke bingo. Seattle is fortunate to have lots of community resources; folks of all ages enthusiastically attend classes in self-improvement and like to hike in the rain. Last week a reasonably attractive guy showed up and said “hey I turned 65, how the hell did that happen and what perks do I get?” Yikes, that may soon be my opening line. I’m going to help with an early memory loss chorus (singing is great therapy as music is stored in a part of the brain that is last affected by dementia).

On the Dad front, Sid had a fun New Year’s date, drank too much and learned to gamble. He’s taking Advanced Yoga, works out at the fitness center, and does laundry as a form of physical therapy. I’m visiting him every month and will be taking Laura, my friend and neighbor, on an upcoming trip to share the adventure. Plus we get to hang out at the beach. It’s all good.