sherryderen

Anticipation

Anticipation is under-appreciated as a source of pleasure. Sometimes the anticipation can even be more pleasurable than the experience anticipated. For several years I looked forward to retirement, anticipating that I could plan and do more of the activities I was always too busy to do when I worked- like visiting new places in NYCContinue reading “Anticipation”

ID Cards

My passport and driver’s license are my most frequently used documents to prove my identity – generally used for things like checking in at the airport or cashing a check. And they have other uses. I went to a baseball game recently (the Mets, my favorite team, at Citifield) and when I bought a beerContinue reading “ID Cards”

For the Duration

Sometime in her 50s, my mother started using the expression “for the duration.” She used it when referring to something that she purchased that she anticipated would last the rest of her life, like a piece of furniture. It helped her justify the cost, as she would never need a replacement. It made me smileContinue reading “For the Duration”

“You’re Three Versions Behind”

When I worked as a research scientist, one day I had some problems synchronizing my iPhone and my desktop computer, so I called the IT service at my College. When the young man who came to help me started checking my iPhone he said “you’re three versions behind.” Although I had upgraded with a newContinue reading ““You’re Three Versions Behind””

Who IS That?

As I passed the full-length mirror on the street, and saw a graying, stocky woman, I knew it was me- but didn’t fully believe that. Who IS that ? I wanted to ask. How could that be me? And I remembered how I thought of older people when I was young. And some of theContinue reading “Who IS That?”

Me Competitive?

I never felt competitive when I was in school. I studied hard and worried about my grades, and I usually did very well on tests. I didn’t feel competitive in sports either. I remember playing ping pong and tennis with my family, but I was a middling player, so I never aspired to be aContinue reading “Me Competitive?”

Memories: Remembered and Forgotten

Memory loss is a natural part of aging, and for most people it starts in the 50s. When I think of happy or pleasurable times in the past- whether with family, friends, or at work- I feel suffused with warmth and a sense of gratitude. Being able to talk about the memories with those whoContinue reading “Memories: Remembered and Forgotten”

Gender Differences Part II: Observations on Behaviors

In a previous blog entry, I wrote about gender differences in sensory capacities- vision and hearing. I knew it would be the first of several entries, because there are gender differences in other areas too, like some behaviors at home and on the road: Finding abilities Stories about primitive societies refer to gender differences inContinue reading “Gender Differences Part II: Observations on Behaviors”

Youthful and Useful: Changes in Meaning Over Time

I did it! After having my hair colored for many years, I am letting my gray hair grow in. When a few gray hairs showed up near my temples, I thought it looked attractive, and contrasted nicely with my dark brown hair. My friend said it looked like the gray was providing a partial frameContinue reading “Youthful and Useful: Changes in Meaning Over Time”

Testing: From Birth to COVID

The Apgar test for newborns wasn’t developed until after I was born. I’m sure if it were in use at that time, I would have worried that I might not do well. I always worried about how I would do on tests. Throughout my school career I studied hard, often cramming the night before anContinue reading “Testing: From Birth to COVID”