Eat Dessert First...

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my
loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've
aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of
myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for
eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for
buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks
so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be
messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before
they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer
until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to
those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same
time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I
will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging
body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose
to, despite the pitying glances from the jet
set.

They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But
there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I
eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not
break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or
even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken
hearts are what give us strength and understanding and
compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will
never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair
turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched
into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so
many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about
what other people think. I don't question myself
anymore.I've even earned the right to be
wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I
like the person I have become. I am not going to live
forever,but while I am still here, I will not waste time
lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will
be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like
it). In fact eat dessert first ...life is way too short.

Simple Life

From My Dad!

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk..

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

It's Called Christmas !

Tammy Roginson Downs, an IC friend of mine through Face Book wrote the words to this song! It's mostly awesome.