Getting old.

[Enzo]

40 years ago, I was a guy to lift the pool table so someone could slide a dolly under it. I could unload a leslie from the equipment truck at dock height by myself. I recall even grabbing two Marshall 4x12 cabs, one on either side, by their side handles. I was just tall enough they didn;t drag the ground.

Well those days are past. I had to call a friend over to help me last night. I couldn;t life the Vox AC50 up onto my table cart. I think it weighs 75 pounds. Just couldn't pick it up from the floor. I can pick it up on the table, at least enough to shift it around. And getting it down will be easier. But I am getting old.

[Mick Bailey]

I was that guy, too. When we used to have a delivery every 'old' guy carried two boxes from the loading bay up the stairs, one step at a time, I'd carry four and do three steps. We used to do bravado stuff all the time - young bucks challenging each other. Lift a car battery with the span of one hand? Now the same with both hands. Get a broom handle and rope, tie one end of the rope to a car battery and hold the broom out at arms length then wind the rope up as fast as you can with someone timing. It's a killer.

Now all that has gone. Everything seems heavier than it used to be, my body feels leaden and I know I'm out of shape. I use hand trucks and dollies and ask for help. The shame in asking went long ago - I can't afford to wreck by back again or worsen my hernia. Let the kids unload the gear and let me bask in the smugness of knowing that some day they will be just like me. That's the inescapable inevitability of ageing; another day, another pain.

[J M Fahey]

That said, I'm 63 today and have two 70 y.o. friends who can almost do the same as in their youth, flat belly, not an ounce of grease, etc. who can shame me (by comparison) any day of the week.

Both are health nuts, don't smoke or drink, walk everywhere (I mean 10/20 blocks , not just a couple), take the stairs instead of the elevator if possible, reject quick/junk food and sugary drinks, not vegetarian but virtually take a scalpel and "operate" meat until all you see is red, not a whitish or yellowish spot anywhere, the works.

So it looks like the nuts are not that nutty after all.

[Leo_Gnardo]

That said, I'm 63 today

63 today? Well happy birthday, ya geezer!

[Tom Phillips]

Ditto to the postings above.
Hopefully we get wiser with age and can apply that knowledge to accomplish things. (I was going to say "smarter" but wiser seems more appropriate)
It's a really bummer to work solo on projects that require muscle power.
Cheers,
Tom

[big_teee]

That's why I like winding guitar pickups!
I can still lift those!
T

[Justin Thomas]

There <IS> something wise in being adaptable enough to stay involved in those things that may be currently hindered by physical limitations... So while some of us are still able to schlep the Twin Reverb around no problem, we still appreciate all you "feeble" old dudes who help us get them fixed, and also the "creative engineering solutions" you offer! So, before you make fun of that "old guy" for not wanting to carry his Super Reverb to the gig, why don't you offer to carry it for him? I also try to keep in mind, without all you "old guys" around, I'd be schlepping a <DEAD> Bassman around... And that's no use to anyone.

That said, I just lugged a Twin Reverb up two flights of steps the other night. I'm getting old... But my 27-year-old friend carried it half a block on flat terrain, and he got winded, too...

Justin

[Leo_Gnardo]

That's why I like winding guitar pickups!
I can still lift those!
T

Lift 'em sure, but can you see the wire?

[big_teee]

It's like riding a bike, I wind by habit, and brale.
I have a special little cube where I wind, I have it all lit-up, you need sun glasses!
Luckily I still have good eyesight.

T

[J M Fahey]

63 today? Well happy birthday, ya geezer!

Oh, sorry, my actul Birthday was on December the 15th, should have said I'm currently 63 ... which is true of course.
Everything else applies and of course warm thanks for the congratulations

As of the physical stuff, I'm trying to put the muscles in action, both to burn blood sugar , keep the old pump running and in general feel way better, more motivated, etc.

The doctor said I must move a little everyday, so just arrived back from delivering an amp to a Mail company, took a taxi there to arrive just in time but walked back home around 2 or 3 miles, tonight I'll work until I feel sleepy and then walk another couple miles (the daily minimum) and so on.

He also told me that what most of my friends do, to stay idle at some desk or bench work all week and exercise heavily on Sunday (gym/football/cycling/aerobic running/basketball/etc.) "is a nice way to die on Sunday".

I believe him, my athletic (Pro Football player and Bycicle racer in his youth) Father, Olympic trainer for Argentine teams worldwide (Tokyo Olympics 1964, Switzerland Winter Olympics/also in Canada/Puerto Rico/Cuba/USA/you name it) died at 58 while bicycle training, running in foot deep dust roads (think running with the wheels parly in snow or sand) "just to make it a challenge"
Oh well.

Italians have a sage saying: "piano piano si va lontano" : "slowly slowly you can go FAR away" .

[The Dude]

Well then,.....happy BELATED birthday, Juan! You old fart.

[Mark Hammer]

I'm also "currently 63".

I knew I was getting old when I looked at my students, some 12 years ago, and realized that, not only were they too young to have seen the Beatles on Ed Sullivan or gone to Woodstock, but their parents were likely too young as well!

[J M Fahey]

I realized that when most/all **HOT** chicks around started "seeing" me again, and easily engaging in idle conversation, after "seeing through me" (if you know what I mean ) for ages ... absolute proof I'm now "safe" ... whatever that means. (basically I won't):


They also offer me their seats in public trasport, and now and them ask me if I'm feeling well ... not kidding.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Know whatcha mean Juan. I need to gather some clothing items to put 'em to the test. A Viagra baseball hat & Trojans golf shirt oughta do it. "Are you feeling OK?" will have a whole different meaning... Oh yes Esmerelda, I'm feeling terrific! How's about you?

[The Dude]

Yep. I like to say, in regards to age and the opposite sex: The older you are, the larger the gap between what you want and what you can actually get.