It's just after Noon, on a beautiful Sunday in early October, and my statcounter says the 40,000th visitor to take a look at this blog since it began 4 years ago this very weekend (The Coming of the Mad Macedonian - A 3 Part story, with pictures, too! - if you think you understand this blog, or me, let this series be a lesson to ya, hee, hee!)
Reading that series, for the first time in years, made me smile at the appropriateness of it in relation to where I'm at today, and hope to head in the future, and as an introduction to this blog. ;-D
The Maceyugoserbulgarigreekadonian Compound is not something easily squeezed onto the back of a T-Shirt, and certainly wouldn't fit on a business card, but it suits my peculiar sense of humor, and my pride in my European heritage. ;-D
What did I see in this county when I came here in 2002, and began my first blog?
I saw a chance to start over, re-invent myself, and build a new, and better, life.
A lot has happened in my life, in almost a decade, most of it positive, but California has long since ceased being the great state that my parents came to in the 40's, & 50's and, this past year of unemployment has led me to do some things to try to improve myself, and inspire myself, and attending the AARP Life @ 50+ Convention was another step along that road.
On Sept. 22-23 I attended this "Geezer Con" (This series actually begins with a Prelude), intent on attending some sessions on subjects that I hoped would give me food for thought, and inspiration, as I plan for the future.
I had a great time, from the moment I arrived, and had to explain to a couple of young Hispanic volunteers at an entrance doot just what a "Geezer" was, to the silliness I indulged in towards the end of my visit the next afternoon, and learned a lot, coming away with much to think about.
Come, I invite you to walk with me. ;-D
On the morning of the 22nd Nikita, & Elvira, looked at me in puzzlement as I fed them their morning kibble...at 3am, got dressed, and left them to their own devices, at 345am.
4 hours, 3 busses, and a short red, and blue, line jaunt later, I arrived a the Convention Center, all bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed!
When I approached the young male, and female, volunteers, and asked where Geezer Con was, she laughed, and he looked clueless until I pointed at his badge, & repeated with a smile, "Geezer Con!". ;-D
Boy, the young these days!
I swear, don't they have ANY familiarity with the slang of their elders? ;-D
So, what was I doing here, anyway?
I'm barely into Geezerhood, at 51 1/2, after all.
I guess that's the point.
Now that I'm on the plus side of 50+ I thought there were some sessions, related to finance, health, life, careers, & even You Tube, that would be worth checking out.
A flier for the convention made the point that "Life is about looking at all the possibilities, learning, & doing, new things, and creating a plan to achieve what suits you best."
I was here to gain some ideas, & inspiration as, once I was healed from my ankle injury I didn't plan on continuing to rely on Government Assistance forever.
There were around 200 exhibitors, many of them giving out freebies of various sorts.
Over 2 days I came away with 18 quality re-usable bags of various types, and sizes, and some other things including bandanas, books, and brochures.
In an intro, written for the convention program book, David Pacheco (AARP Ca. State President) wrote:
"Never before in modern history has there been greater opportunities for those of us in the 50+ Community to redefine how we approach this new stage in our life."
I certainly saw a lot of people older, & more affluent than me, walking around, & exhibitors geared toward helping them part with their hard earned money in their Golden Years, but I also saw booths related to all sorts of health, & health care, issues, not to mention genealogy, computers, smart phones, and more.
There were also several pet related booths, to my pleased surprise, and the reactions to my paw print suspenders, & Cat Blog Badge, by many people I encountered at booths, in sessions, or just walking around, gave me plenty of opportunities to promote the blog, & pass out my card. ;-D
Continue to... Geezer Con, or I've joined the 50+ Set, So Now What? - Part 2
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