Now to answer your question put before us - I do worry about having to have assistance as I age and who it will be . Being very independent especially since I lost my husband I am not sure I can handle anyone else having to help me with my needs. I don’t worry to much about it because I hope it is a very long time coming but it does sneak into my thoughts from time to time. At 75 I plan to stick around a long time and I want to live independently with gusto !
Oh, Karen ~ I worry some about that too. But I also worry about losing my husband. I'm very independent too, but we've been married 56 years. I'm 76 -- so most of my life has been spent with him. A group of my friends who have lost their husbands call themselves The Merry Widows. Seems kinda weird, but they are having a good time going out to dinner & on trips together. Your last sentence "I want to live independently with gusto" give me hope -- if that time ever comes. Thanks! xoxo
Oh Jan I love this. I use to laugh at my mom with her everything but the kitchen sink purse. As I got older and had kids. I never dreamed being like my mom. My mom is 79 and to this day she still carries that purse. I had in my purse band-aides, Neosporin, a small scissors, Kleenex, ibuprofen, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, ponytail, holder clippers my make up bag, hard, candy, and that’s it. I now know not to laugh at my mom because I’ve become just like her 😂😂😂
Oh, Jan, you are so much fun! I can identify with carrying a big inventory of much needed things (or so I think)! By the time I get to where I am going I am so tired from lugging all that stuff around that I need a rest stop to recoup! Thanks for sharing your writings with us. It is a delightful way to start my day!
Thank you, Karen ~ I love writing the blog entries, but hearing back from you all makes my day. I read that the avg purse weighs 5 pounds. I'm betting mine tops that. Ha Ha! Rest up! Tomorrow is another purse exercise day. {{Hugs}} xoxo
Jan, as I was reading, I was reminded of a conversation between my two oldest grandkids. As I was handing my grandson the Kleenex he had asked for, his sister said, “How did you know she had a kleenex?” He answered, “ Grandmas always have them in their purses!”
Another fun read, I was checking off the items that I had in my purse...I do have a small notepad, you know in case I need to write a reminder to myself. I remember playing the “game” how many of these items do you have in your purse at Tupperware parties....and winning a few times!
Oh, Linda ~ I love the story about your grandchildren. It is so true. And you must have been reading my mine: I was thinking about that "game" about items in your purse. For some reason, I remember them asking if anyone had doll clothes in their purse & some woman did. Ha! Hope you have a great weekend. xoxo
Oh Jan I so enjoy your writings lol. I still have a little purse but have a large bag that goes with me everywhere. I don’t think you mentioned Clorox wipes or hand wipes oh and toilet seat covers that’s what is in my bag. You just never know what you’ll need. 🤷♀️
Jan, I read this a while back while travelling and as always tears in my eyes laughing😂. However I’m more like Cathey Cone on this one! My purse is approximately 7” x 3” and just about fits my phone, credit cards, cash, Medicare + insurance cards, store cards, driving license etc. a pen & paper and sometimes a couple of tissues. My car keys are hooked onto the side! As I don’t live very close to places my car has other essentials and when travelling my carry on bag has things like yours. I must admit I fall short on some of the suggestions and might have to up my game! Thanks as always for the entertaining article. Much appreciated😂❤️🙏🏻 hugs.
Rita ~ I'm getting a sloped shoulder so I'm going to have to become more like you & Cathey. My purse gotten stolen once -- you'll never believe where -- a charity supper I was helping serve. I live in a small town & the recyclers found it as cardboard was being dumped from their truck. The thief didn't even want all that stuff. ha ha! xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jan, and all the ladies who responded to you. I had my morning laugh and I’m still laughing. Oh my gosh, just too funny. And I needed that. and I’m still laughing. I have a big work bag that I carry practically everything in that everyone mentioned, but anymore if I go out for an afternoon or even out for dinner, I just carry my wallet, my phone and my keys. I do carry extra things in my car. if I am driving. If I’m riding with her friend, I carry a smaller bag was several items that were mentioned. Jan, you are so good for the soul. I enjoy your writings so much and I am so grateful for you and your writings. Blessings to everyone this morning!
Thank you, Mary!!! So many of you mentioned carrying things in your cars. I've got an empty compartment in the back. Gees, I could really fill that up and save some back strain. Blessing to you too! xoxo
Morning, Lynn! Man, do I have a funny story about pantyliners. On my recent flight to Florida I wore a pair of those new underwear that are leakproof & smell proof, a pantyliner & a tighter pair of underwear to hold everything in place. Ha Ha! I got stopped by TSA and got a pat down on my lower half because I didn't pass the screening. I told the woman TSA agent as she was feeling around I was wearing this new type of underwear & maybe it was made of something that set off the machine. She said no I just had too many layers on down there. She asked if I like the new underwear because she was thinking of getting some for her mom. I almost died... ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Yes! And I get asked, "why is your purse so heavy?" Because I have everything you will probably ask me for at some point!! Plus, I carry a small purse in my big purse when I know I'm going to be casually out and about! Great fun read!! XO
Brenda ~ I read somewhere that the avg woman's purse weighs 5 lbs. We should weigh ours & see if we're average. Ha! The survey also said most women's purse have 10 junk items in them. Ha! I didn't even mention the old movie stubs, candy wrappers, cash register receipts, etc. Ten -- don't make me laugh! xoxo
I can imagine your bag! I don't usually carry a lot of things in mine, but I have the habit of checking what I'm carrying at every moment, I can't explain why. I don't think much about the future, but I find days go by faster and faster and I can't believe we are already half way through the year.
Hi Elizabeth ~ I get you about checking what you have. When I went to Italy a couple years ago, I checked for my phone & passport constantly. And guess what? I had set my passport down by the cash register in Vatican City. I started to walk away and then I checked... Whew! Enjoy the second half of your school year... xoxo
My purse has definitely gotten bigger! I am the "ever prepared", don't leave the house without all the "necessities" I might possibly need girl. And now we're in the age of clear purses for events. I don't have one so I stick my phone, i.d. and lip gloss in my pocket and I've found I don't really need all that "just in case" stuff. But all day outings? I may as well carry a suitcase. 😂
Hi Cathey ~ I definitely think I could go without most days. Just recently I bought a smaller purse, however, to go inside my bigger purse 'cause I could never find anything. Ha! I'm thinking maybe we should invent a purse on wheels. Have a great vacation -- leave your purse at home. xoxo
That’s one amazing bag! My dear “second mom” (my best friend’s mom) had a bag similar. We would always laugh because there was never a time she did not have her Bianca mouth spray and Kleenex. I think being prepared is a positive. It can tip the scale sometimes of being too particular but when kept in check, it’s a positive! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tricia ~ what amazes me is I'm so "fly by the seat of my pants" most of the time, but my purse is like a Boy Scout bag. Is there a diagnosis for that? Ha! Can't wait to tell you about my last class with Dr. Taylor. She told us about riding out tornado winds on her houseboat recently -- twice. The first time she was in Char. 3 and loved the excitement, adventure. The second time she huddled in the middle of the boat as Char 2 -- upset & crying. It was a wonderful example of how previous experiences triggering our Char 2. Hope your lone time is going well. xoxo
Jan, I too find your writings funny & heart-warming. I really admire your gift for story telling & have identified with many of them.
I don't carry a large purse as a rule but I do have a pantie liner to-go bag that includes the liners & a change of underwear, slacks & saniwipes. I've only started this practice recently after my experience with a locked bathroom at a small historical mission church out in the middle of nowhere! I was ill prepared for the bladder accident that ensued - thank goodness for leather car seats (not aging gracefully in that moment). After wringing out the bottoms, using a hand towel between me & my undies, I attempted to air dry my slacks by hanging them out the car window (which didn't work well), so draped along the top of the dashboard & proceeded on my journey & hoping I'd not get stopped by police! It was so stressful & yet hysterical at the same time. 🥺😂
Now to answer your question put before us - I do worry about having to have assistance as I age and who it will be . Being very independent especially since I lost my husband I am not sure I can handle anyone else having to help me with my needs. I don’t worry to much about it because I hope it is a very long time coming but it does sneak into my thoughts from time to time. At 75 I plan to stick around a long time and I want to live independently with gusto !
Oh, Karen ~ I worry some about that too. But I also worry about losing my husband. I'm very independent too, but we've been married 56 years. I'm 76 -- so most of my life has been spent with him. A group of my friends who have lost their husbands call themselves The Merry Widows. Seems kinda weird, but they are having a good time going out to dinner & on trips together. Your last sentence "I want to live independently with gusto" give me hope -- if that time ever comes. Thanks! xoxo
Might add bladder leak pads in case a surprise sneeze occurs!
Ha Ha! I just didn't know how to say it ~ I've got 'em in there. xoxo
You’ve just described Mary Poppins’s purse for seniors....full of all sorts of tricks!😉
I’m laughing because I have one too! Luv ya!
OMG, Cindy ~ what a great way to describe it. Love that! Hope all is ok your way. Thinking of you... xoxo
Oh Jan I love this. I use to laugh at my mom with her everything but the kitchen sink purse. As I got older and had kids. I never dreamed being like my mom. My mom is 79 and to this day she still carries that purse. I had in my purse band-aides, Neosporin, a small scissors, Kleenex, ibuprofen, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, ponytail, holder clippers my make up bag, hard, candy, and that’s it. I now know not to laugh at my mom because I’ve become just like her 😂😂😂
Shari ~ I'm 76 so no more laughing at your mom. ha ha! You ought to see what I've got in my golf bag. Or maybe not. Love your list -- xoxo
Oh, Jan, you are so much fun! I can identify with carrying a big inventory of much needed things (or so I think)! By the time I get to where I am going I am so tired from lugging all that stuff around that I need a rest stop to recoup! Thanks for sharing your writings with us. It is a delightful way to start my day!
Thank you, Karen ~ I love writing the blog entries, but hearing back from you all makes my day. I read that the avg purse weighs 5 pounds. I'm betting mine tops that. Ha Ha! Rest up! Tomorrow is another purse exercise day. {{Hugs}} xoxo
Jan, as I was reading, I was reminded of a conversation between my two oldest grandkids. As I was handing my grandson the Kleenex he had asked for, his sister said, “How did you know she had a kleenex?” He answered, “ Grandmas always have them in their purses!”
Another fun read, I was checking off the items that I had in my purse...I do have a small notepad, you know in case I need to write a reminder to myself. I remember playing the “game” how many of these items do you have in your purse at Tupperware parties....and winning a few times!
Oh, Linda ~ I love the story about your grandchildren. It is so true. And you must have been reading my mine: I was thinking about that "game" about items in your purse. For some reason, I remember them asking if anyone had doll clothes in their purse & some woman did. Ha! Hope you have a great weekend. xoxo
Oh Jan I so enjoy your writings lol. I still have a little purse but have a large bag that goes with me everywhere. I don’t think you mentioned Clorox wipes or hand wipes oh and toilet seat covers that’s what is in my bag. You just never know what you’ll need. 🤷♀️
Oh, you're right, Cheryl ~ I've got the hand wipes, but not the toilet seat covers. Will have to get some of those. ha ha! xoxo
Love reading this . We all age at our own pace. Sounds like you are enjoying life. Thanks for sharing
Hi Susie ~ yes, I'm enjoying life most of the time, but this aging gig can be challenging. Thanks for reading & supporting my blog. xoxo
Jan, I read this a while back while travelling and as always tears in my eyes laughing😂. However I’m more like Cathey Cone on this one! My purse is approximately 7” x 3” and just about fits my phone, credit cards, cash, Medicare + insurance cards, store cards, driving license etc. a pen & paper and sometimes a couple of tissues. My car keys are hooked onto the side! As I don’t live very close to places my car has other essentials and when travelling my carry on bag has things like yours. I must admit I fall short on some of the suggestions and might have to up my game! Thanks as always for the entertaining article. Much appreciated😂❤️🙏🏻 hugs.
Rita ~ I'm getting a sloped shoulder so I'm going to have to become more like you & Cathey. My purse gotten stolen once -- you'll never believe where -- a charity supper I was helping serve. I live in a small town & the recyclers found it as cardboard was being dumped from their truck. The thief didn't even want all that stuff. ha ha! xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jan, and all the ladies who responded to you. I had my morning laugh and I’m still laughing. Oh my gosh, just too funny. And I needed that. and I’m still laughing. I have a big work bag that I carry practically everything in that everyone mentioned, but anymore if I go out for an afternoon or even out for dinner, I just carry my wallet, my phone and my keys. I do carry extra things in my car. if I am driving. If I’m riding with her friend, I carry a smaller bag was several items that were mentioned. Jan, you are so good for the soul. I enjoy your writings so much and I am so grateful for you and your writings. Blessings to everyone this morning!
Thank you, Mary!!! So many of you mentioned carrying things in your cars. I've got an empty compartment in the back. Gees, I could really fill that up and save some back strain. Blessing to you too! xoxo
Jan you crack me up 😂 I love too travel light,but often come unstuck.Always have my phone lipstick tissues and pantyliner😉
Morning, Lynn! Man, do I have a funny story about pantyliners. On my recent flight to Florida I wore a pair of those new underwear that are leakproof & smell proof, a pantyliner & a tighter pair of underwear to hold everything in place. Ha Ha! I got stopped by TSA and got a pat down on my lower half because I didn't pass the screening. I told the woman TSA agent as she was feeling around I was wearing this new type of underwear & maybe it was made of something that set off the machine. She said no I just had too many layers on down there. She asked if I like the new underwear because she was thinking of getting some for her mom. I almost died... ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Too funny!
That’s so funny🥰
Yes! And I get asked, "why is your purse so heavy?" Because I have everything you will probably ask me for at some point!! Plus, I carry a small purse in my big purse when I know I'm going to be casually out and about! Great fun read!! XO
Brenda ~ I read somewhere that the avg woman's purse weighs 5 lbs. We should weigh ours & see if we're average. Ha! The survey also said most women's purse have 10 junk items in them. Ha! I didn't even mention the old movie stubs, candy wrappers, cash register receipts, etc. Ten -- don't make me laugh! xoxo
I can imagine your bag! I don't usually carry a lot of things in mine, but I have the habit of checking what I'm carrying at every moment, I can't explain why. I don't think much about the future, but I find days go by faster and faster and I can't believe we are already half way through the year.
Hi Elizabeth ~ I get you about checking what you have. When I went to Italy a couple years ago, I checked for my phone & passport constantly. And guess what? I had set my passport down by the cash register in Vatican City. I started to walk away and then I checked... Whew! Enjoy the second half of your school year... xoxo
My purse has definitely gotten bigger! I am the "ever prepared", don't leave the house without all the "necessities" I might possibly need girl. And now we're in the age of clear purses for events. I don't have one so I stick my phone, i.d. and lip gloss in my pocket and I've found I don't really need all that "just in case" stuff. But all day outings? I may as well carry a suitcase. 😂
Hi Cathey ~ I definitely think I could go without most days. Just recently I bought a smaller purse, however, to go inside my bigger purse 'cause I could never find anything. Ha! I'm thinking maybe we should invent a purse on wheels. Have a great vacation -- leave your purse at home. xoxo
That’s one amazing bag! My dear “second mom” (my best friend’s mom) had a bag similar. We would always laugh because there was never a time she did not have her Bianca mouth spray and Kleenex. I think being prepared is a positive. It can tip the scale sometimes of being too particular but when kept in check, it’s a positive! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tricia ~ what amazes me is I'm so "fly by the seat of my pants" most of the time, but my purse is like a Boy Scout bag. Is there a diagnosis for that? Ha! Can't wait to tell you about my last class with Dr. Taylor. She told us about riding out tornado winds on her houseboat recently -- twice. The first time she was in Char. 3 and loved the excitement, adventure. The second time she huddled in the middle of the boat as Char 2 -- upset & crying. It was a wonderful example of how previous experiences triggering our Char 2. Hope your lone time is going well. xoxo
Jan, I too find your writings funny & heart-warming. I really admire your gift for story telling & have identified with many of them.
I don't carry a large purse as a rule but I do have a pantie liner to-go bag that includes the liners & a change of underwear, slacks & saniwipes. I've only started this practice recently after my experience with a locked bathroom at a small historical mission church out in the middle of nowhere! I was ill prepared for the bladder accident that ensued - thank goodness for leather car seats (not aging gracefully in that moment). After wringing out the bottoms, using a hand towel between me & my undies, I attempted to air dry my slacks by hanging them out the car window (which didn't work well), so draped along the top of the dashboard & proceeded on my journey & hoping I'd not get stopped by police! It was so stressful & yet hysterical at the same time. 🥺😂
Hope I did not offend with TMI.
Oh, Juliann ~ I can't click "Love this" enough! Hysterical! Now, I know we belong in a sisterhood. Thanks for making my day! xoxo
🥰
I have since seen a urologist & been prescribed drugs for my over active bladder. 😏
Maybe they can make a commercial out of my story?!😅