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, Thank you for sharing your stories–both the triumphs and pitfalls. I love to read about your traveling adventures and love your fashion tips. I also appreciate when you share challenges, such as weight gain–you always look good, and it encourages me to not be so annoyed with myself when I gain a few pounds on vacation, too. It’s nice to see realistic photos of women that look put together no matter what, and you are so good at identifying and to point out styles of clothing that highlights one’s best features and minimizes areas of concern. I have tried out new styles of clothing, mostly jackets, that ordinarily are not my preference, after seeing how good they look on you. Thank you for your candid appraisals of items that you like and dislike and reasonings for that.
Thank you Sharon. I’m so happy it’s helpful.
We clearly have a society that is fixated on youth and youth alone. Unfortunately, it’s been that way for years. All one has to do is to look at the proliferation of plastic surgery.
If one goes to “Wikipedia” and enters the title, “List of age-related terms with negative connotations” you will find a truckload of ageist words. I’m not adding the URL here as it may/may not be acceptable procedure for this blog. Perhaps someone can add “Dear” to the list!
That story brought a laugh to my morning. I’m sure you and your husband aren’t laughing about it yet! I can only imagine what the mood in our car would have been like if that would have happened to us…..but I would have insisted on going back as you did. But I know my husband would be against it!
I just did the same thing! We went down to the Oregon Coast in May and had a couple stops on the way back to the border. We stayed in Lynnwood to get some shopping in and the weather was so nice there. We didnt even think about our jackets we left in the closet until we got to the Canadian border! My rain jacket was only about a month old but I wasnt about to turn around to get it, so I called the hotel and they were going to ship them. We have never received them, but the hotel said they were sent. Oh well, guess we both get new coats for the fall!
I’d ask for the shipping info. Perhaps they sent your jackets to the wrong address.
I have no problem with the coined phrase “anti aging “. It’s just two words used for a sales pitch..if I like the product I buy it..I don’t expect it to reverse all those “come by honestly wrinkles” but I love any product that makes my skin feel soft and gives it moisture.. even words of endearment don’t bother me..I do like my makeup because it does cover up and even out and it makes me feel good and I always answer the quizz question what item could you not live without and my answer never changes…MASCARA!!
I am just happy to still be on this side of the grass and considering natural deterioration of my body as I age I am still happy with life
I’m with you on the mascara however eyebrows have become increasingly mandatory.
a few years ago we made a road trip to Mayo Clinic in RochesterMN. We left our hotel and were almost back in Illinois when the hotel called to say they had my husband’s laptop. It had been found on the black asphalt parking lot where my husband had toppled the luggage cart. Guess the black laptop bag must have blended in with the black asphalt. He never told me about the toppling until this came to light. My brother in law in Minnesota drove to the hotel and shipped it to us via FedEX. If I had done this, I would have never heard the end of it. Surprisingly, the laptop was in perfect shape. Glad no one ran over it.
Can’t wait to hear the rest of your story. Horrible to experience this. Glad you’re home with all your belongings!
Wow! You’re so lucky it survived. Mine was inside a protected case and it’s not looking good.
I don’t mind the term anti- aging. What I object to is all the filters and photoshopping of images. If something will help address some of the affects of aging, great! But all these fake images are just lies. I don’t want to be lied to.
I help manage a vacation rental house and am often on hand when guests are checking g out. I remind them to double check various areas of the house for belongings and invariably they find something important or valuable ( like medications or a child’s favorite toy ) they had forgotten. But never bags of luggage. ! What a journey home that was!
So many interesting comments on
“ dear”
For me it’s all about who is saying it and the tone of voice. I don’t mind m’am or madam. I was once “ love-bombed” by a narcissist who cozily called me “Hon “ from day one. I didn’t like it and later realized it was a manipulation.
Most of the time I don’t mind someone like a clerk calling me a friendly term.
It’s all about how it feels. Trust your gut
Just don’t call me Toots or Baby Doll. .
Good point! “Baby doll” would bother me too!
So let’s see, you begin your trip in Vancouver with you bag being stolen from within the car and then cap off the trip by leaving your bags in the hotel. Thank you! You make the rest of us appreciate being normal. Was that part of your plan? Love it! Happy Trails!
Lol, just my real life🤣
I hope with all those border crossings you have a Nexus pass! PS — We once drove from Seattle to Anacortes for our boating vacation only to discover the boat keys were still at home. Sigh.
Ouch! Luckily we do have Nexus.
I must share a story, just not mine. The waitress was given this TIP, no money but this advice: Tip…. Don’t call my husband sweetheart! 😳 Oh my! I know your trip was long but glad for traveling mercies.
lol!!
Reminds me of the time ( way back) that my husband and I went to Bermuda. I posed all over the island for pictures. Got home…., opened camera and NO film.
Lol, we’ve done that too!! Luckily iPhones don’t need film. That’s all we use now.
Glad you got home at last and with your prescriptions! Best thing i ever did was
get an ipad . I have a mac and iphone but i use my ipad for everything at home and traveling .
.it fits inmost purses or totes , the screen-(and text size is adjustable ) is big enough to do everything a laptop does but easier and lighter ! And texting is easier … To carry ! Or not forget !
As for aging terms 😩😩
Also i HATE drs who say “ for your age “ at appts. Always makes me think they are just giving up on keeping us healthy vibrant and active 😩
Hmmm, I think that would bother me if my Dr said that too.
So sorry for the computer and for the luggage that did not get initially lugged. Please don’t worry about this kind of thing. Though I am sure it was very frustrating and tiring, it happens to all of us. Thank you for sharing, however, because it will help us all to be more mindful as we leave a vacation home or hotel room.
I am not particularly bothered by the anti aging label, but what I would really like to know is why is it anti-aging. What’s the magic ingredient etc. That way, I can truly decide if it will help.
Some of your gift giving ideas from Amazon have been big hits in my family. Otherwise, my kindle reads are the favorite.
Sorry meant to say I gave you a lot of credit. There is no way my husband would have turned back so I am very careful checking everything before I leave. My problem is I pack too much but I’m glad you made it back safely as you’re must be exhausted.
I had packed too much too but 3 months seemed like a long time. In the end, there were lots of things that did not get worn.
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.
Oh Jennifer, I know you’re still annoyed, but your story made my husband and I recall our many travel catastrophes. Much laughing ensued. We’re glad you’re home safe and sound!
The term anti-aging should bother me, but I’m so inured to the many small insults aimed at the aging population that it doesn’t. ☹️
One of my favorite Amazon products is Andalou shower gel, fave scent is Citrus Sunflower. It’s soooo moisturizing! It’s also cruelty free.
I love the Andalou brand!! Great point about the number of things that are aimed at us.
At age 72, I have had young people call me Dear. I have to wonder if they understand what it feels like. So, I continue the conversation and end it by calling them Dear. Now they know!
Oh my goodness! I would have driven back as well! Yikes!
I have allergic skin, I don’t use anti aging products, so I probably never give it any thought. And I know ads are photoshopped.
I use sunscreen/ hat/ IPL/ and some Botox , things I’m not allergic to.
I hope you get some rest!
My story about a delayed trip is not quite the same but still frustrating: while on an international trip, about 3 hours in, a woman went into labor and the pilot returned to the original airport! It added a lot of travel time. I guess she really wanted to have that baby in a different country!
Wow! That’s wild.
Sorry to hear about your laptop and & adventure with forgotten luggage. There are so many things to remember when traveling that inevitably we miss something. My goal is to become more minimalist and hopefully that will help!
I’m not a fan of “anti-aging” and I haven’t had much luck with these products when I do try them. I stick with things that are cruelty-free, have a wonderful scent or just make me feel good.
Hope you have a great and relaxing Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day!
Amazon doesn’t pay its proper share of income tax here in the UK so I never buy from them on principle. I prefer to support ethical businesses if I can, and small, local shops. Just a point of view.
So sorry all that happened to you. My husband definitely would have reacted the same way, but like you I would have been driving so no hesitating there as I would have turned around too!! The anti-aging phrase does bother me also. Like the other ladies on your blog I get SO annoyed that they show theses products on 20-30 year olds. What is up with that? They don’t even have an idea what wrinkles are. But you know what, in the grand scheme of things if we weren’t supposed to have wrinkles as we get older then we would stay the same forever. What fun would that be! I think each stage of life we go through is depicted in the changes in our skin over the years and all we can do is embrace who we are.
Great point Dianne
What does anti-aging even mean?! Or, the “signs of aging.” Be specific. Does your product address fine lines, spots, dry skin?? Aging gracefully is an artform, and I’m happy to have the opportunity!
Yes!! Being specific is much more helpful.
Oh Jennifer I can feel for you with the luggage you left behind. I had a similar experience. I worked for luxury resorts in Hawaii and I live on the East Coast. On my last big client trip, the taxi driver grabbed my bags from the garage…so I thought. He left the bag with all of my pretty shoes and sandals in the garage. I discovered this when he dropped me off at the airport. I couldn’t turn back because my flight from SC had to connect to a flight out of NYC to HI. UGHHH. I wanted to scream. I bought a pair of pretty, but painful sandals at the airport in HI. I didn’t have time to go shopping because I was touring with and entertaining my clients the entire time, and working In between all of that. My husband shipped my “shoe” bag through a courier service but because we were going to the different islands, my bag was always one island behind us the entire 8 days. I could not wait to jump into my Sketchers on the last day and head home. My shoe bag made it back home 2 days after I did…and I donated those sandals! What a debacle! I will never forget that one.
Ouch! Literally. That’s so frustrating.
I am also bothered by the term anti- aging and avoid buying products that advertise their brand this way. The message appears to say that looking our best is not enough, and that looking old is not acceptable. The message implies that being old is not acceptable. We can speak with our dollars and stop buying the merchandise and the message. There’s plenty of excellent cosmetic and skin care products that do not advertise this message and I thank you for finding and sharing many of them with your readers.
Great point…we do speak with our dollars!
Maybe 10 years ago, I left a favorite jacket hanging in a motel closet. I paid a pretty penny to have it returned to me. This was one of my lessons in mindfulness.
We talk about how anti-aging impacts our response to various topics. Let me add age appropriate and terms like “dear” to the list. It’s a very slippery slope if we allow ourselves to be consumed by these terms. I really wanted to school a young sales person about referring to me over and over as “dear”. I just cringe when I hear that at the store or at the bank…. My fear is that this can be where the cranky old attitude settles in and we allow it to become an obsession. My favorite phrase is “let it go”. These terms or phrases will not determine how I feel about myself.
Stay strong and keep moving forward with grace!
The term dear feels condescending to me. I do love your thoughtful comment Jan. Thank you! Let it go is such a strong stance.
Or the one I dislike so much “young lady”. I know they are trying to be nice but why reference my age at all?
Agreed!
I have a bad habit of calling people “dear”. I use this word to people who I really like. I’m a retired elementary teacher who called my students “dear” all of the time. Now that I’m nearing 70, I have a friend who gets very upset when I call her dear. Somehow, I’m going to have to change this habit.
I dislike people calling me “madam”. This is a term that is commonly used when I’m in U.S.A.
I do not like to be addressed as “dear, honey, sweetie” etc except by my husband 😁
I totally agree. Whenit someone you don’t even know it’s demeaning. My response is to call them dear or sweetie right back.
I have only one thing to say about “anti aging”; if we aren’t aging we aren’t LIVING!!!! Aging is a blessing and we would do well to remember that. (Guess that was two things.😉)
Love it! Aging is growing.
I don’t have a problem with the term anti-aging when used to sell products that were created to address the very specific concerns of aging skin, like wrinkles, crepey skin, age spots, etc.
It’s a straightforward and honest term, which I prefer to a condescending euphemism like “mature complexion,” which sounds like a denial of the aging process or like we shouldn’t mention it.
After all, the reason we want those very products is to modify or eliminate the effects of aging…they aren’t for 20-year-olds.
I am almost 69 and definitely experiencing most of the signs of aging! If I choose to use products to address these things—to “fight” the signs of aging—I don’t feel belittled in seeking out “anti-aging” products. I don’t fool myself that they will make me look more youthful—my goal is to look my best at the age I find myself.
By the way, I don’t comment very often but am a faithful daily reader and very much enjoy your blog!
Thank you Andrea. I’d love you to comment more often. We all grow by sharing.
Sorry about your extra-long journey home! Look at it this way…it made for a good read for all of us on a Monday morning!! You are not alone; at this age I am always rechecking things. As far as the term anti-aging goes, I guess I’ve become so used to seeing and hearing it that I really don’t think about it. What bothers me more is they show the product being used on a 30-year-old woman most of the time (or younger). Ridiculous! Thanks for taking time out of your busy day and Happy Labor Day!
Oh my gosh, I’d be cussing up a storm, Jennifer! I’m so sorry to read about your bags, and your laptop. 😢 I am glad you made it home safely, and I hope your Best Buy is able to help fix your screen.
“Anti-aging” is kind of ugly in its own way. My Dad only got to live until 62 before pancreatic cancer stole his earthly life, so he didn’t get the chance to “age”. I’m his age now, and I’m determined to live each day to the fullest. Yes, I’m older now, but I’m grateful for each day that I have been given. I do care for my skin (being a CA girl, skin cancer has made a visit to me) and my body, but I’m intelligent enough to know that the “anti-aging” thing is elusive and not realistic.
So sorry about your Dad and the SC. It’s a battle for sure.
So sorry to hear about the luggage fiasco. I know exactly how upsetting this can be. I also have a disaster this summer to share. I had this lovely wedding pants set to wear for my daughter’s outdoor wedding . I was sure I had everything for my outfit packed. Guess what? The pants to the set was not there! We were dressing for the wedding and no time to go get something else either. Thank goodness I had nice black dress pants to wear. The top pieces were teal . They looked fine together, but not as good as the matching pants. Good thing this was a boho wedding. I am still reeling from it, lol. Are these senior moments? Oh my!
Black pants are so very helpful! If have been upset to have forgotten the matching ones too!
Oh, no! Well, it sounds as if you two made it through undivorced, but I can imagine the turnaround and additional day caused some serious friction. Luckily you were driving and could control the agenda, LOL. Glad you made it home and hope the laptop is recoverable.
Thanks Bette
Oh my gosh, what a trip home! I’m so sorry. A calamity for sure. Glad that you made it home safely. You will never forget anything in a hotel again. Enjoy settling back in.
I find anti-aging way over used and I tend to shy away from the term…at least, it does not sway me to investigate a product further.
Oh my gosh, what a story! Not too long ago, we left our electronics three hours away when visiting family, and our son shipped them to us ($100). Before they left on the truck, we discovered part of my husband’s sleep mask had also been left behind. So we headed back, but meanwhile, the electronics were already en route. What a pain and an expensive reminder to check everything. I’m a somewhat minimal packer, even to the point of going to a laundry on longer trips, and I do think that helps with not leaving things behind. But … it happens! Glad you are home safe.
Oh wow! That is frustrating. I’m glad I went back because my prescriptions were in one of the bags.
The part that annoys me about anti-aging ads is they show models who are in their 40’s to show how great the product is, I am in my 70’s it will not work the same.
My Amazon find was crepe erase for my arms on sale so I stocked up.
Ah!!! Sounds great
I feel your pain. Once I am in the car all I want is to reach my destination. To have to go back 3 hours was a decision I would have made also but not without much frustration. So sorry!
Traveling can be difficult: don’t beat yourself up! I’m so sorry you experienced all these problems. Try to take some time to relax and rewind before you launch into the rigors of work.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Oh no, what a way to end your trip! I hope your laptop is fixable. As for the “anti-aging” phrase, I detest it and think it’s insulting and will not buy products that use it.
That’s how I am about the phrase too.
I would have freaked out and turned around too if my bags were left behind. I think my husband would just resign himself to that one. I kind of tune out to the whole anti aging thing. There are so many products out there, it gets overwhelming. I do the best I can. Glad you’re home safe 🌼
Thanks Rosemary. He argued for a few (many) miles but I was determined.
Rough start to your trip home. Happy it all played out well and you are both well and happy. Happy Labour Day!
Same to you!
I left my pocketbook in Florida at my in-laws. It had everything in there my license, glasses a bunch of the kids stuff.
My in-laws noticed it and shipped it to me by UPS and I received it the day after we arrived home.
It’s tough to be without all your stuff.
Wow, what a nightmare for you! Glad you made it home safe!
When I hear the term “anti aging” it turns me off completely. There is nothing that stops aging. It’s a false claim.
Don’t be so hard on yourself about the suitcases! When things happen to upend our plans, it’s normal to forget things or make mistakes. Even though it made for a long trip, at least your belongings weren’t lost.
Love those glasses, btw.
Exactly! I’ll try to look on the bright side. I have them.
Had to read the first 2 paragraphs of your blog today to my husband. His response was, “I wouldn’t tell anybody”. I said, “You were brave”. Sure made us just shake our head. A little scarey. That sure was one you will never forget. Let’s hope the rest of September goes better.
Happy Sept!
Jennifer, I hate that you folks had such a time getting home! That’s a lot of driving!! I would have turned around too!
The term anti-aging doesn’t really bother me. But then, I’m not publicly endorsing something either. I might feel differently in your position.
I’m all for aging and love every birthday I have!!
Hope you get your laptop back in great shape! Thanks for your emails!
I can relate to this. Many years ago my husband, 8 year old son and I were driving for vacation from southern New Jersey to the Outer Banks NC. We visited St Michael’s MD and spent our first day there had dinner and continued to drive another hour south to our hotel. We were tired but when my husband opened the trunk to get our luggage there was none. My husband was going to drive home alone but my son wanted to go with his daddy and I didn’t want to be alone so away we all went into the night back to NJ and then back south to our hotel. We still laugh about this today and it definitely made a lifetime memory. It wasn’t funny at the time but it was an adventure.
That’s a great story!
Oh how wild! I hope the second trip was far less eventful.
Not too exciting, but I just ordered my third pair of Casabella dishwashing gloves on Amazon. They hold up better than other brands I’ve tried. Each pair lasts a good six months before the fingertips begin to get a bit tacky/sticky.
Thanks! Sometimes the best finds aren’t fancy, just great.
I somehow left a new pair of jeans on my last trip and swear I checked everywhere!! A memory for later years!!!
Yes!!
Oh Jennifer- this story awakened me to being more careful when packing up and leaving anywhere- I can be careless and forgetful when hurried along by you-know-who. I did lose a small bag of my makeup ( not the skin care products thankfully!). I just picked up some drug store makeup for the two/ three days away. Nothing compared to your experience! Yikes!
On Amazon I don’t purchase wearables usually- books are my go/to and my gluten free biscotti. I think they are baked in Brooklyn NY!
Gluten free biscotti sounds wonderful.
Oh, Jennifer. I felt your frustration just reading about the bags left behind. Ouch!
Honestly, I’ve never been bothered by the term “anti aging,” but upon reflection, can understand why some are. What I am truly bothered by is featuring these products on a 22 year old model. Or, the claims to “get ahead” of the aging process. Let me give these young users some truth.
The only option to avoid aging is one they don’t want.
On the bright side, kudos to Lancôme for featuring Isabella Rossellini at age 72.
Yes!
Leaving possessions behind happens to all of us. So glad you’re home safe, Jennifer.
I hadn’t thought about the product description “anti-aging.” I’m going to do a little research, which I started by googling “offensive women’s product descriptions.” There’s a lot to think about! Thank you!
Great way to research! Google must have had fun with that one.
Wow, unfortunate turn of events but as all readers have noted—glad it’s over and that you arrived safely at home. I really despise the anti aging thing. My dearly beloved mom used to talk about how she wasn’t going to age gracefully. She was relentless pursuing the right weight, clothes, beauty products to maintain her appearance. She’s been gone 13 years now. I’m 62 and I’m sure she is in heaven enjoying that I have not going down that path…or at least I don’t let it bother me to that extent. I believe we honor our loved ones by building on what they gave us. It doesn’t mean we have to completely emulate them to show love and appreciation. My favorite Amazon purchase is 5% lidocaine “numbing” cream. Helps with the aches and pains of daily life and doesn’t smell weird.
Thanks for sharing, Michele 🙂
The anti-aging phrase doesn’t bother me. It is a fact that we age and a fact that some of the signs of aging are not attractive. I try to improve them. It’s like wearing a bra. At 65 and after 3 pregnancies I need a very supportive bra! I have 65 year old skin that grew up in the age before sunscreen. I need to help that skin!
We were once at a Florida hotel, having driven in from a snowy state, and the room had so many closets I put all our winter coats in spare closet. At check out, we packed up in the garage and I got a phone call from a strange number. Fortunately, I picked up an it was the hotel! The cleaning crew had found all our coats in the closet! So we had them for our next destination, where we would need them. So thankful we didn’t need to turn around. But we have been in a situation similar to yours ( but with a staged car to share a commute). It will become part of your family stories!!
Good thing you were driving! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.
Happy Monday, Jennifer.
Happy Monday Bea!
Girl. I think that tops all the crazy things I’ve left behind! And OMG 3 hours. I think I would have done the same thing – drive back, stay overnight, start again the next day. That’s crazy! I hope it’s good to be home.
It is good to be home! Exhausted but here.