Last August I turned half a century. For those who are trying to figure that out, it means I turned 50. I hear you. Fifty used to be old to me, also. But now? I’m not going to lie to you. It is old. My body is constantly telling me it is. Let’s just say, the original parts are starting to show some wear and tear. And some are actually giving out completely. Which is totally not cool at all but as I say, it beats the alternative. So, in that spirit, here are some things I used to be able to do.

I used to be able to do chin ups. In fact, at one time I held the record at school. I also held the record for holding a chin up. Not to brag (that’s not true), I was in the local paper and everything. Now? I can dangle from a bar for a few seconds but there is no pulling this chin up to that bar.

I used to see a hill and want to climb it. Now? I can appreciate the view from the bottom. I don’t need to see the vista from the top. That seems a bit ridiculous.

I used to break dance. Not saying I could but I would. Now? I shuffle my feet side to side and the movement has moved upward to my arms. I flap around like some caged bird unaware of the cage. And if I get too crazy with it all, there’s a good chance my dance will break me. So, basically a new type of break dance.

I used to lift weights. Now? Why would I do that? If I tried I’d get a symphony of snaps and cracks from my orchestra of body parts. And that is not a pleasant symphony.

I used to be able to do things like shovel the snow from the walk and then do other things. Now? When I shovel the snow it is my only activity for the day. The rest of the day is spent on a heating pad.

I used to be able to stand up for a while. Now? If I am on my feet longer than 15 minutes my knees send a message to my brain saying STOP! Sit down before you hurt yourself.

I used to be able to figure things out. Now? I don’t care if I don’t know. Nothing is that important to make my brain hurt.

I used to have energy. I’d come home from work and play tag with my nieces. Now? One activity per day is all management allows. I either work or play but under no condition am I allowed to do both in one day.

I used to stay up all night working on projects and then work all day. Now? If, for some reason, I ignore my curfew then I will have to miss the next day’s activities.

I used to be able to sneeze without worry. Now? With each sneeze I run the risk of knocking my neck out of whack. Again.

Ah, getting old is a blessing not everyone gets to enjoy. And I am grateful for each new day. But man, I do miss some of the things I used to be able to do.