Embrace life now we are old

[georgegeorgia]

Well now I'm considered a "Senior Citizen"

 

Less public transport costs,health care card etc a few more benefits because of my age 

 

So I decided to attend a senior's citizen social club in my area , unfortunately I think I got banned after the second visit 

 

I recall my parents generation when they retired they all would attend the Lawn Bowls , all wearing white playing Lawn Bowls , do they still have that ?

 

Is my generation still interested in that?

 

Anyway turned up at the seniors citizens meeting all old people sitting in chairs whinging & complaining drinking cups of tea and bikkies.

 

A couple of old people ( my age) started chatting about how too many Muslims are coming here and it's terrible and introduce sharia  etc , I commented back I thinks absolutely fantastic I said , I hope they do ,I'm sick of these drunken slobs walking about !

Stop the drinking ,and in some parts of Australia introduce Sharia law in all for it !

 

I looked around the room to see some of them ( old people )have had hard lives by their faces ,ex drunks or druggies in their party heydays

 

The crime is bad now said one old lady , probably about 70 , "I can't leave my doors unlocked anymore 

 

I quickly argued with her , The crime was worse in the 1980's and 90's love I said , much worser!

 

I remember the robberies and murders back then !

I even bashed a guy in the park over there in 1987 I said to her pointing to  a once notorious park playground that is now filled with rich yuppies and their children 

 

She looked at me shocked and got up to leave , nearly took her 30 minutes to get out of the chair ,, 

"Do more squats ,more squats in the gym ! I shouted to her 

She looked at me like I was some kind of nutter 

 

 

Edited December 14, 2023 by georgegeorgia

[GammaGlobulin]

20 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I recall my parents generation when they retired they all would attend the Lawn Bowls

 

Sounds more like a slow death, or a premature death.

 

Couldn't they find anything else more interesting to do?

 

Einstein worked right up to his dying moment.

 

We know this from looking at the state of his desk, the day he died.

And, Einstein was still FULL of work yet to be done....

 

By comparison, attending Lawn Bowls seems like something the un-dead might do.

 

I would not be caught dead attending Lawn Bowling, unless I were some sort of zombie with rotting flesh, one dead even before I had taken my last breath.

 

Better to be an Einstein, and go out with a big bang pondering the Cosmic Background Radiation.

 

 

[scubascuba3]

27 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

She looked at me like I was some kind of nutter 

Sounds like she may have been correct 

[georgegeorgia]

I had the music changed.

There was approximately about 15 of us "Senior citizens" sitting in this community hall , 

Sunny morning they are sitting around drinking tea and playing board games 

The music playing was.   Wait for it.....Bing Crosby!

Now that's my parents generation music 

I quickly went over to the young girl behind the music desk,she is a volunteer student DJ who helps at the Senior citizens centre hall one day a week 

 

I said how about some AC/DC love?

I was astonished even at her age 20ish she had no idea who AC/DC was?

 

She said oh the mature aged ,yes matured aged people she said they  prefer Bing Crosby ,I said that's our parents generation not ours !

 

She looked up ACDC  to play " I'm on the highway to hell .da da ...highway to hell !!! Pumped into up !

The team leader a baldy headed chubby old guy came running over , " turn that music off ,it could scare people here !

 

Another seated nearby covered her ears with both hands with a painful expression , " oh  I'm nearly 70 she shouts 

 

I was asked to leave 

 

 

Edited December 14, 2023 by georgegeorgia

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, georgegeorgia said:

I recall my parents generation when they retired they all would attend the Lawn Bowls , all wearing white playing Lawn Bowls , do they still have that ?

They do where I live. I was going to join to meet some people my own age, but I'm too busy doing other stuff.

Actually, in between life's little crises I've got more to do than I have life left to do them. I used to be stressed about not sorting them before I passed over, but then I realised that after I've gone they will just throw everything in a skip, so whats the point anyway.

All my treasures are other's rubbish.

[GammaGlobulin]

43 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I had the music changed.

There was approximately about 15 of us "Senior citizens" sitting in this community hall , 

Sunny morning they are sitting around drinking tea and playing board games 

The music playing was.   Wait for it.....Bing Crosby!

Now that's my parents generation music 

I quickly went over to the young girl behind the music desk,she is a volunteer student DJ who helps at the Senior citizens centre hall one day a week 

 

I said how about some AC/DC love?

I was astonished even at her age 20ish she had no idea who AC/DC was?

 

She said oh the mature aged ,yes matured aged people she said they  prefer Bing Crosby ,I said that's our parents generation not ours !

 

She looked up ACDC  to play " I'm on the highway to hell .da da ...highway to hell !!! Pumped into up !

The team leader a baldy headed chubby old guy came running over , " turn that music off ,it could scare people here !

 

Another seated nearby covered her ears with both hands with a painful expression , " oh  I'm nearly 70 she shouts 

 

I was asked to leave 

 

 

 

Sounds like the sequel to... 

 

One Flew Over.... 

 

 

[stoner]

we ? 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

One used to be able to find lawn bowls at the RBSC Polo Club. Might still be there, but don't know.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

Lawn bowls is more an attitude thing. Has become cool in Australia last decade or so. Things like barefoot bowls nights. Cheap beers available. Could be fun and it is skilful. I thought you were eccentric but I think you make stuff up now. Each to their own. 

[Prubangboy]

2 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

 

"Do more squats ,more squats in the gym ! I shouted to her 

 

 

 

As the young say, "Cool story, Bro".

 

I just had dinner with a guy, 76 (so a mere five years older than me), who looked like he could be my dad.

 

I wasn't smug, I was filled with dread: At any point, I can hit similar skids, fast. My 10 years-younger wife is more down than up ,healthwise, so that's another nagging reminder not waste my time on anger, stupidity, or whole cloth making up of imaginary Bing Crosby disputes.

[steven100]

OP ....   you really need to get a hobby.

[Prubangboy]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

 

Stop the drinking ,and in some parts of Australia introduce Sharia law in all for it !

 

 

 

 

OP down at the mosque:

 

" "Not really feeling the whole wailing, yodeling Call To Prayer-thing. Do you have any AC/DC?".

 

'Hope he's caught this:

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

This is where having kids to think and worry about is a good thing. George has way too much time on his hands. Please retell your gay experience again, quite funny. Too bad it was quickly deleted.

[simon43]

43 minutes ago, steven100 said:

OP ....   you really need to get a hobby.

He already has one >>> arguing with and annoying people!

[JimTripper]

Good morning. Die young!

 

[jaywalker2]

I read they're having orgies at nursing homes in America. Made me feel like checking in.

[JayClay]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

I was astonished even at her age 20ish she had no idea who AC/DC was?

 

Really?

[georgegeorgia]

3 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

One used to be able to find lawn bowls at the RBSC Polo Club. Might still be there, but don't know.

Now your bringing memories back,there was actually a Lawn bowls Club with greens in Pattaya many years ago

[Lacessit]

I am 80 yo. I am physically active, swimming, golf and exercise. Mentally active as well, I create YouTube videos.

I can't imagine sitting down at a meeting of 20 odd "senior citizens". They'd bore me to tears. I would probably bore them too. What a godawful prospect.

IMO lawn bowls is for people who can't play golf, either through infirmity or lack of ability.

 

[soalbundy]

The best thing about getting old is realizing that nothing really matters.

[georgegeorgia]

2 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

The best thing about getting old is realizing that nothing really matters.

Ha how very very true!

 

And that post or sentence will go over most people's heads.

 

But aint that the truth 👍

[worgeordie]

7 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

She looked at me like I was some kind of nutter 

She was a good judge of character I think , sounds like you just went there

to wind old folks up and cause trouble.... act your age...

 

regards Worgeordie

 

[georgegeorgia]

4 hours ago, Prubangboy said:

OP down at the mosque:

 

" "Not really feeling the whole wailing, yodeling Call To Prayer-thing. Do you have any AC/DC?".

 

'Hope he's caught this:

 

 

I didn't realise Bruce sang that too, I love Bruce Springsteen version of Nightshift.

I remember when I was a teenager I was in love with him,( geez he must be old)

Love his energy 

 

Another guy still going is Leo Sayer ,saw him the other day in the street stopped and talked to him

 

Edited December 15, 2023 by georgegeorgia

[Purdey]

When I was given the option to retire, I asked to be allowed to continue as the office allows me to meet people (and the work is fun).

 

A social life is the key to longevity, so bowls would be fine (if they had it in Bangkok) as it allows you to meet and interact. Holding a party at my place tomorrow with young colleagues as it is part of the social life we oldies need. 

 

Regarding music, I once had a chat with the music critic of the Bangkok Post (he only seemed to discuss endless classical music "cover" versions) and asked why he thought people switched their musical taste to Beethoven immediately upon reaching 60, after growing up with Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC etc. Just a smile, then he walked away.

[Purdey]

21 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

The best thing about getting old is realizing that nothing really matters.

The best thing about getting old is realizing that nothing else matters.

 

Much better.

[Thingamabob]

9 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Well now I'm considered a "Senior Citizen"

 

Less public transport costs,health care card etc a few more benefits because of my age 

 

So I decided to attend a senior's citizen social club in my area , unfortunately I think I got banned after the second visit 

 

I recall my parents generation when they retired they all would attend the Lawn Bowls , all wearing white playing Lawn Bowls , do they still have that ?

 

Is my generation still interested in that?

 

Anyway turned up at the seniors citizens meeting all old people sitting in chairs whinging & complaining drinking cups of tea and bikkies.

 

A couple of old people ( my age) started chatting about how too many Muslims are coming here and it's terrible and introduce sharia  etc , I commented back I thinks absolutely fantastic I said , I hope they do ,I'm sick of these drunken slobs walking about !

Stop the drinking ,and in some parts of Australia introduce Sharia law in all for it !

 

I looked around the room to see some of them ( old people )have had hard lives by their faces ,ex drunks or druggies in their party heydays

 

The crime is bad now said one old lady , probably about 70 , "I can't leave my doors unlocked anymore 

 

I quickly argued with her , The crime was worse in the 1980's and 90's love I said , much worser!

 

I remember the robberies and murders back then !

I even bashed a guy in the park over there in 1987 I said to her pointing to  a once notorious park playground that is now filled with rich yuppies and their children 

 

She looked at me shocked and got up to leave , nearly took her 30 minutes to get out of the chair ,, 

"Do more squats ,more squats in the gym ! I shouted to her 

She looked at me like I was some kind of nutter 

 

 

You need your head examined if you welcome sharia law. I hope you were joking.

[georgegeorgia]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

When I was given the option to retire, I asked to be allowed to continue as the office allows me to meet people (and the work is fun).

 

A social life is the key to longevity, so bowls would be fine (if they had it in Bangkok) as it allows you to meet and interact. Holding a party at my place tomorrow with young colleagues as it is part of the social life we oldies need. 

 

Regarding music, I once had a chat with the music critic of the Bangkok Post (he only seemed to discuss endless classical music "cover" versions) and asked why he thought people switched their musical taste to Beethoven immediately upon reaching 60, after growing up with Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC etc. Just a smile, then he walked away.

I hope you not going to bore them tomorrow night with Bing Crosby 

[georgegeorgia]

12 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

You need your head examined if you welcome sharia law. I hope you were joking.

No.im not joking !

Have you ever walked the streets whether that be Glasgow ,Sydney or Auckland in a early weekend morning to see drunks including young girls vomiting in the gutter 

 

Walking home late last night from work past a pub I had a drunk girl bump into me , the pavement is wide but no matter which direction I walked she was on intent in bumping me ,her boyfriend I presume ,said to me " watch it mate as I walked past 

 

These people are disgusting smelly alcohol 

 

I made a donation online last year to a Islamic charity that patrols the streets in London suburb to implement proper law in that area and in 2024 I plan to make it monthly debit to them to increase the sharia patrols

 

I'm sick of senseless crime particularly to elderly people.

 

 

 

Edited December 15, 2023 by georgegeorgia

[Photoguy21]

Surely there is a vaccine to solve this problem?

[spidermike007]

It is all about a high quality of life, and milking every remaining day for what it is worth. I do not know how many days, weeks, months, or years I have left. I am so happy I am living here. There are many issues to consider. Going back to the US is not an option. I would not want to live there now, unless I was being paid over a million dollars a year, and then I would only do it for 3 years, and then leave.

 

I travel back to the US often, and the prices and inflation are mind blowing. The cheapest lunch we have found was $30 for two. That is 1,000 baht, anytime you want something basic. A bag of groceries is 3,000 baht. A friend of mine is looking for an apartment to move to in LA, and really small, simple places are 70,000 baht per month. Nice two bedrooms are closer to 100,000 baht. Decent homes start at 125,000 baht per month. The cost of nearly everything has gone up dramatically. Runaway inflation?
 
Thailand is still reasonable. It used to be cheap. Has not been cheap for a long time. But, it is still reasonable. I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $2000-3800 a month. That is 120,000 baht! For me, it is about quality of life, and my level of fulfillment on a daily basis, which I seem to have here in abundance. A big factor here, is the relatively light hearted attitude of the people. You just do not find that in the US, where most seem bitter, disenchanted, unfulfilled, and heavy hearted. 

 

Some of us live very good lives here. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me. The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 1 GB fiber optic connection, at under 700 baht per month!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there.

It is a very personal choice. I have friends who seem to be dropping like flies. I could be dead next year. You just don't know. I am not extravagant, but I live very, very well. A nice house, a new car every few years, new motorbikes for my gal and I every few years, a great art collection, plenty of good wine in the wine cooler, a new 77" OLED TV, a world class home theatre, plenty of international travel, etc. For me, it is a great lifestyle, that I could only dream of in the US. Well worth the expense and very easy to justify. Life is way too short.

 

I used to have more issues than I do now. I worked on my attitude, which was getting in the way of appreciating Thailand for what it is, and was clouding my experience here. Used to stress over stupid stuff, as you can see from some of my past posts. Used to allow the politics to make me angry. Now it is not something I take seriously, just something I comment on, without anger or an emotional investment. Now, I just tend to laugh it off. Spent some real time back in the US recently, and it allowed some clarity and perspective, that I am very grateful for. Now, I just chuckle at most of the nonsense. Water off a duck's back, so to speak.