Monday Musings- The long and short of it
I hope you’re having a lovely long weekend. I spent eleven hours behind the wheel on Saturday, and six on Sunday…so we’re now home in California. We are safe but not unscathed. My laptop seems to have taken a nasty hit somewhere along the way home and the screen is unusable so this is being written with my phone. I’m going to Best Buy today to see if the laptop is salvageable.
Checking Out
Our long drive home from Vancouver to California was longer than ever this time. We checked out of our summer rental on the last day of August and had to stay one extra day to tie up some loose ends… so we checked into a hotel. The following morning we loaded up the car and crossed the border. Three hours later the hotel called to let us know we had left four bags in the closet. My suitcases! I flipped out. Yup. Me, not calm.
Much to my husband’s frustration, I got off at the next exit and turned around to get them. He insisted we could have them shipped, but since it was all my stuff, I wouldn’t hear of it. And since I was driving, that was that. That meant six wasted hours on the road and two cranky, exhausted adults. We ended up staying that night in the same hotel, before leaving for home.
How did I screw up so badly? We had so many suitcases and boxes clogging that hotel room, that I had “very tidily put three of my bags into the closet…and closed the door. When the bellman showed up, I was rushed, and unorganized and didn’t notice my bags didn’t make it into the back of the car. The funny thing is, I’d checked under the bed and both bedside tables before we left because I’m neurotic about ensuring I don’t leave things behind. HA!
There is more to this story, but I can’t write it from my phone like this…so stay tuned!
Anti-aging Skincare
I do want to share that I turned down yet another collaboration with a brand that uses the term anti-aging to describe their skin products. I know the SEO is great for the word anti-aging, but at what cost to the women to whom the ads are directed? Does it belittle the aging process? How do you feel about the term? Does it roll off your back? Does it bother you? Let’s peel the onion back on this one, ladies.
I buy a lot of things on Amazon and some turn out to be treasures way better than I expected. What is your best Amazon find? I’d love to hear your favorite.
Hi Jennifer,
I am so sorry to hear about your fitful journey home and your laptop. My husband used to make the drive from Vancouver to Los Angeles, which l think is 22 hours, and it was always a real grind to get through. He once stayed the night at a “last minute place”and kept a chair on the door as he had very “bad vibes” and from then on he never stayed anywhere but just “did it in one” which had me very nervous. Amazon finds l like: LANEIGE Water Bank Cream Moisturizer and LANEIGE lip sleeping mask. Just lovely . Hope you get some rest 🙂
Wow!! That’s a long drive. I’d be worried too. Thanks for mentioning the Laneige brand. I’m been curious to try it.
What a frustrating end to a what sounded like a wonderful vacation, just glad you both made it home safely. I hope your laptop can be repaired. I’ve been reading quite a few books on aging gracefully, many of which you have recommended on your site, and I’m feeling better about doing it naturally. I will be 67 this month and I’m finding myself becoming more accepting, and more open to gratitude for the process. As others have said, the alternative isn’t good! I don’t think I will ever stop fighting it though, through good care (and makeup!) as I always want to look my best. I don’t comment often, but I want you to know how much I enjoy your site. It’s become the first email I look for and when it’s not there early I’m disappointed! But, like my Christmas mornings as a child, when the stocking was my favorite thing, and I saved it for last, your email is my stocking! So after I’ve deleted or opened all the others, I open yours and savor the insights and information! I’ve learned a lot, thank you!
Your comment brought a tear to my eyes. Thank you so much for your kind words Deby. I’m so glad you’re here!!
Sorry to learn about your suitcase woes but honestly I would have done the same and driven back to retrieve them. With that being said; am happy they didn’t mysteriously disappear as I once had a pair of brand new pair of shoes that were left in the trunk of a taxi cab and without going into a lot of detail, to this day suspect they fit the driver’s wife. As to the phrase ‘anti-aging’ since I feel it is all part of a Marketing strategy (similar to such slogans as ‘new and improved etc.’ ) I don’t let it bother me as the reality is, part of the life cycle is to age regardless of declaration and no one will convince me otherwise … lol! -Brenda-
You’re hilarious Brenda! I bet they were her size.
Oh Jennifer, so sorry to hear about your travel and computer challenges. Fingers crossed they can fix your laptop screen quickly!
I can certainly relate to your determination to turn around. About a year ago, my hubby and I were traveling to watch our alma mater play in a football game. We live just under three hours drive from the airport we were flying out of. Arrived to the off-site long term parking lot the morning of our flight and hopped aboard the airport shuttle. On the way to the airport, hubby asks me if I have some smaller bills to tip the shuttle driver, so I look into my purse and discover that my wallet isn’t there…which, of course, meant that not only could I not give him the cash, but I also had no ID to check into our flight. When changing purses, I’d failed to transfer my wallet. So, I hopped off the shuttle at the next opportunity and told my husband to go on without me. I’d see if I could get switched to a later flight and, if not, I’d pick him up when he gets back. It was no sense in both of us losing out. And our flights, hotel, and game tickets were all prepaid and non-refundable anyway. Off I go to drive back home to retrieve my wallet. I placed a call to the airlines along the way and was able to switch to a later flight, though it was going to be a very tight timeline. After my 6 hour round trip home (meaning a total of 9 hours in the car), I made the later flight and arrived in the destination city in time for a late dinner with hubby. And to add to the adventure, the next morning before the football game, we each received notice that our flight home had been cancelled and we were being rebooked…but not on the same flight. Eventually, we resolved that issue too and now we have an interesting, funny story to tell about what I prefer to call a “blond moment.”
I don’t like the anti-aging term, but so far most of the substitute phrases don’t appeal to me either.
Wowza! You’re a real trouper. Good for you Carolyn.
Hi , I have forgotten things in hotels as we road trip most of the year.
We try to get hotel rooms with two beds so I can put everything on one bed on the day we are leaving so I can get it together. This has really helped not leaving anything behind.
I don’t like anything anti-aging as there isn’t any way to stop it, only help our skin with the protection that works for our particular type.
When I was in nursing school we were taught never to use the terms dear, honey, sweetheart, baby,girl or boy when addressing an adult and when I am addressed as such I cringe lol.
We all age and now that I am fighting breast cancer and skin cancer every day is a blessing. Age is only a number it’s how we manage it. Being positive is the best we can do for ourselves and those around us.
Thanks for all you do to help us find great outfits!
Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way, Trisha. A positive attitude is so very important! Thanks for sharing with us.
Years ago I left 2 favorite rings on a hotel dresser in Molokai, HI. (Last minute swim!) There was no turning the plane around and by the time I called from home, they were gone forever. Now I NEVER take favorite or valuable jewelry when traveling. Tough lesson.
On the upside, you asked about good finds on Amazon. This long, open front cardigan was a real surprise. Great quality and shape retention, 15 colors, and it’s under %50 right now. Can’t wait to wear it, if it ever gets cool here in Colorado.
ANRABESS Women’s Open Front Knit Cardigan Long Sleeve Lapel Casual Solid Classy Sweater Jacket
Oh no. Jewelry is the worst. I have managed to lose one of my moms earrings this trip but I keep hoping I’ll find it. Your cardigan sounds great!
Good for you standing your ground and going back for your precious things! These things happen, and it is how you react and resolve that shows your inner strength. Brava!
Oh, Jennifer, so sorry for your having to go back to get your luggage – though, that was the only right decision!
I am packing for 2 weeks in Alaska, and I’m so nervous I will not take the right clothes for the weather (or too much clothing). I keep reminding myself that they have shops in all of the towns – of course! Better to take too little, I think. I managed a month in Italy just four years ago 😂.
Enjoy being home.
Have a fabulous trip! Pack layers
What a frustration with your luggage, but how nice that the hotel called you (instead of you discovering it when you got home). I left a favorite shirt at a very nice hotel in San Francisco, and when I called them about it later that day, they told me that they checked the room but it wasn’t there 🙂
Regarding the anti-aging message, the one that gets to me is when a younger person – usually a male in a sales or some type of business setting – refers to me as “young lady.” (I’m sure they are prompted to do this by their employer.) I then address him as “young man” with a big smile on my face.
Hi Jennifer,
Glad you made it home safe. Looks like losing things while traveling struck a chord. I have certainly left my share of things behind. My retainer in the Ritz in Barcelona was the most expensive. Now who would want that?
Anti-aging hmm. Like other readers I am more bothered by products on very young models being sold as anti-aging rather than the term. I want to know what (if anything) a product can do for me and my skin. The new one I am researching is a wand that looks like it can help with my sagging neck SBLA. Do you know anything about it?
Welcome home, get some rest.
A retainer would be expensive! I’d be snapping crowns until I could replace mine which would be very, very expensive!
I’m 74. The pandemic aged my looks quite a bit. I lost 45 lbs and now have a lot of wrinkly, crepey skin. I stopped coloring my hair a dark brown and now have a long gray ponytail. I am still athletic and wear my usual sporty style. People in public are treating me differently these days. They didn’t use to notice me. Now smiles are friendlier. Tones of voice are softer. One question I often receive is, “What are your plans today?” I sort of imagine that people are seeing me in a pro-aging way. At any rate I am enjoying these interactions.
That’s wonderful! We do need more kindness.
Crepe erase cream from Amazon. Would you tell me the brand please so I can get some too.
Wow that is quite the adventure. Glad you finally made it home safe and sound. As for the phrase anti aging it does not bother me. In my 70s I just think of the alternative to not aging. I am thankful for every day. Can’t wait to read the rest of your story.
What a trip! It is a good thing you turned around to get your suitcases since your medications were in one of them. I once left my denim jacket in a hotel at the Grand Canyon. When I realized it, I called them and they located it and sent it to me. It was not an expensive jacket, but I had altered it and it was very comfortable, so, even though I deliberated for a few long minutes, I spent the money to have it sent to me.
Regarding the anti-aging label, I am skeptical of such products because I think it could well be a marketing ploy. If it sounds good, I will look up reviews elsewhere and carefully study the ingredients. Maybe, just maybe, I will try it.
I feel blessed to be aging and don’t let descriptions bother me. I lost my mother at the age of 45 and my oldest son at 44. The fact that the Lord has allowed me to live this long and be blessed with my now 6 year old granddaughter (my one and only thanks to my younger son) brings me much joy at this time of my life. I’m at the age where all my friends have great-grandchildren older than my granddaughter. Her vitality and enthusiasm keeps me and my husband moving and happy (she spends a good deal of time with us since we live only 5 minutes away). Guess it’s all a matter of perspective.
You are so blessed to be close to her!! I love your attitude.
I am using medical grade skin care that breaks its product lines down by skin condition. The one I’m using is “aging”. This line includes retinols, serums, peptides and sunscreens. Makes sense to me.
Can you share the brand. It sounds intriguing.
I don’t blame you for going back for your bags!
We do get ourselves in a tizzy don’t we.
We are going to Vancouver Island for a short visit today and I’ve been awake since 5 am packing & repacking my stuff in my brain !!
Getting older is a gift!
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves to embrace it.
My dear friend died at age 64 of bowel ca, I miss her.
Have a wonderful trip! Embrace each day. So sorry about your friend.
So sorry to hear about your misadventures. Must have been incredibly frustrating for both of you. A couple years from now it will be an amusing story. I find anti-aging a very odd phrase. I’d like to be anti-aging in my body so I could walk faster and do the things with energy that I did in my forties. I understand the phrase but I think there will be a better one coming out since so many women are offended by it. Great picture of you having coffee. You don’t look stressed at all!
How frustrating for your husband and you. I am a list maker and always have been b/c I was a project manager and making lists and taking notes are essential. That’s not to say I never forget things if I am rushed, but my prescriptions, devices, and chargers are always at the top of my list. So, yes, I’d go back for them – for my luggage, I don’t think so. We once drove back to a hotel in France for a beannie baby (French for ‘did you find a plush zebra’ anyone?).
Love this Maeve. Beanie babies are pretty important to the little ones who loves them. Thanks for sharing.
This reminds me of something that happened with my first husband. We were going to a 3 day wedding celebration for his younger sister in Connecticut. We were driving from Boston. Well, I packed the suitcase and our outfits were in the garment bag in the closet. Husband packed the car. You guessed it! He left the garment bag at home! We both had nothing for 3 days except underwear. His older sister lent me a dress which I wore for 3 days and someone loaned him a jacket. Their was another funny thing. His sister who is 28 years old, is getting married, right? He bought her a stuffed animal as a gift, a giant teddy bear! I don’t know what he was thinking. Needless to say, new husband and I always triple check all the drawers and closets when we leave a hotel!
I know it wasn’t funny at the time, but your story made me smile.