What’s going on? Are they giving out free stupidity pills? More people’s brains are on vacation or something these days. Is it part of a nasty plot to destroy us all? Computers don’t yet know how to think and people have already forgotten how. I’m at a total loss to explain it.
Looking for an exercise class for seniors at a nearby facility, I ambled over and spoke with their ‘Program Director’. (Impressive title, no?) She told me the program was on their bulletin board.
I have macular degeneration and don’t see well. Besides, I’m shorter than I used to be and was short to begin with, so the sign she pointed at was impossible for me to see.
‘Please write it down for me.’ I politely requested and asked about membership fees and what the classes cost. I’d never been a member. Wouldn’t these questions hint at that??? She’d certainly never seen me before.
At home, I read: Tues. 8:30 am – 9:30 am, Thurs. 9 am – 10 am. It was Wednesday. The next morning, I got up extra early. Everything takes longer than it used to, but I did well and was at their door at 8:45 a.m. They weren’t there. The receptionist came out, locking the doors behind her. I asked about the class.
Oh, that doesn’t start until next week. It says so on the notice.’
‘Can you tell me why I wasn’t told that by the program director? Especially since I told her I couldn’t see the notice? What was she thinking?
Seems like no one knows anything anymore. I may even need to include myself — especially when I count on others. But, I won’t give up.
View from Over the Hill 
Loved your rant! It didn’t go where I expected (I’ve the very same thing myself way too many times lately, but none for your reason). Sorry. Hope you get to the class at the right time and it proves worth it. FYI, oasiseverywhere.org, the website of Oasis, an organization for older adults offers some wonderful classes online (and at their physical sites, too). I’ve taken exercise, yoga, tai chi, book groups, lit classes, and oh so many more. Just a thought. Caroline
Thank you so much Caroline: Where I live OASIS is a great resource for people with arthritis. Is it the same one? I have taken many classes but our bus system has changed and I have no way to get to those anymore. I will certainly try again this week. Wish me luck. Muriel
I’m not sure whether it’s stupidity or a complete lack of consideration for others. One can’t help being stupid i guess but the other category -and it’s increasing by the day- really maddens me.
It surely is annoying Jaya: But, I’ll be there Thursday morning and try again. I’ll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck. Love, Muriel
Fingers crossed for you ❤️
Thank you sweetie: Love, Muriel
Muriel, Sounds like your Oasis is part of the network. I don’t know if they offer or you care to do, but they do offer classes through Zoom. I take many online and am so glad they’re still doing so, although they are starting to hold some in person, too. I wish you luck, Muriel, and fun!
I’d like to say, you got a lot of patience there! Hope you’d be able to get to your class. Stay well, Muriel!
I will certainly try. I refuse to let my annoyance get in the way of a class that may be good for me. I’ll go and see if it serves my purpose. Thanks for reading Adelheid, Muriel
Hi. My vision isn’t the greatest either. In so many places the signs/menus/etc. are written in fonts that are too small for MANY people to read, not just you and me. Why don’t these places realize that?
I agree Neil. Probably because they are designed by young people who aren’t yet in our position. I carry a compact magnifier which lights up (for menus) in my purse. It helps. All the best to you and yours. Muriel
Dear Muriel, I feel your pain. For the last 6 months I’ve been trying to navigate the health care system in a new province. This has consisted of multiple episodes of me being scolded by doctors for not bringing something, or doing something, that no one had told me to bring/do. I feel like there is a secret network of information, which I am excluded from, that might enable me to do things correctly. Maybe there is a secret handshake or a password that I don’t know?
I knew it! It IS a plot to make us all feel inadequate and stupid. Well, if WE become stupid too, we’ll fit in better. Right?
So sorry you are having such a hard time Marion. I’ll try to call you later. Love, Muriel
You are SO RIGHT … couldn’t agree more!
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Thank you for reading Lynne: And thank you for agreeing with me. People seem like they’re in a fog. Love, Muriel
I’m sorry that you encountered this. It sounds to me that it’s laziness combined with incompetence, and I certaily see a lot of it going on lately. I hope next week will work!
Not to worry. I’ll try it out and see if it works for me. I won’t allow this nonsense to keep me from doing what is best for myself. Thanks. Are you home yet? All the best, Muriel
Got home a couple of days ago and it feels good to be back even though it’s a bit cold…
Interesting, we in Vancouver are having a very cold spring. Spring hasn’t arrived at all and farmers are distressed because the bees aren’t out yet. I’m thinking spring won’t come until next year! Cold. Congrats on making it back home. Muriel
I hope the bees come out soon!
Me too. The fact that we’re losing so many bees in any case makes this all the more important.
I hope you enjoy your class. I am supposed to go every Thursday afternoon but I sometimes forget. We have a diary in the kitchen and if it isn’t written up it isn’t remembered. They stopped in the Easter holidays and I didn’t notice when they restarted. We have so many hospital appointments at present it is hard to know what day it is. We had our booster jabs on Sunday and then forgot to take our masks to the hospital to see a consultant. Good job they had some for oldies like us! Best Wishes,
Boy do I identify. The older we get, the more attention our bodies demand and I’m older than anyone. Life, however, continues to be an adventure and I’m planning to stick around and make as much trouble as I can. Chuckle. Enjoy each day. Muriel
You will be a part of my life as I grow older.
Good and I hope you live as long as I have — and longer, and enjoy life as much as I do. All the best.
I agree too, Muriel…there seems to be more confusion all around, even in the health care system, sad to say! Over-use of computers may be partly to blame, offering too much quick information and addling people’s brains! Sometimes I miss the “old days” when we had more in-person, face to face contact with each other. More compassion and mindfulness would help, too! However, we keep on trying, especially as we get older, I’m finding!
You’re right, plus all the lack of being with others we’ve experienced during the pandemic may have made things worse. By all means, stay well. Regards , Muriel
Yes such people do not think. She could have been more understanding. I am sur things will be better when the classes start. Each time when I read you new posts , I feel so glad that WordPress has made it possible for me to be in contact with you. Thank you.
And thank YOU for reading my blog. Yes, I started the class and like the people in it. I’m glad I didn’t let her spoil the opportunity. As we get older, we need to move our bodies or our bodies won’t move! Right? All the best, Muriel
Love to read your blogs!
I’m so pleased that you do. I love writing and you help make it worthwhile for me. Thank you! Muriel
People needs to be more considerate and compassionate!!
A lot of things are designed for a certain section and they ignore if anyone needs anything different.
You’re absolutely right. This was a thoughtless young woman who had no understanding of what it means to have any disability, visual or other. Thank you for reading this post. All the best, Muriel
Love your honesty and humour… but my goodness I feel cross for you too that they just didn’t have the cop on to tell you about class not starting… but your blog mightn’t have happened then… PS I hope that muscular guy is in the class when you get there… wouldn’t mind a blog on him!!
Ha, ha! Yup, I may be old but I’m not dead yet. I still enjoy photos of muscular guys. The class IS good and I enjoy the other women in it, so I’m glad I didn’t let her stupidity deter me. Interesting, they all have the same opinion of her I do — including the instructor. Stay well, Muriel
I can teach you to exercises if you want 😁 😁 Muriel
You’re sweet. I just came home from a class at that very place where the girl was so unhelpful. The classes are fine and good for me. Thank you for your willingness to help. Muriel
Sure, Muriel
Keep it up….