Getting Old

Gerald, the beloved joker of the office, has a line that he uses occasionally. 'Must be getting old' is said when the people around him repeat themselves. Having to repeat yourself, whether as a slip of the tongue, a result of clearing the throat, a brain-tongue coordination problem or not being heard the first time, is the sign of going over the hill. The line, uttered in hush tones, brings on a cackle at meetings.

There's probably some truth in that. The older we get the less tolerant of persons not listening to us, or simply not paying us enough attention. So we repeat ourselves to make our point. Our wisdom demands to be heard, damn it!

Or maybe we relish peace. To have it we tell the yapping mouths to shut up. Just shut up. Please just stop talking. Shut up! (See, I had to repeat 'shut up' 3 times - old age kicking in)

I have a habit of repeating myself to people, the same story to the same persons. It's embarrassing:
'You know she's having a kid.'
'Yeah, you told me already'
'I did? When?'
'Monday'
'Oh, must be losing it then.'
'Yeah, getting old.'

I'm 31 and I think the synapses between the neurons in the head need a tune up. Omega 3 and 6 oil change please, and doctor, don't hold back on the salmon with gingko paste. Did I tell you I have a habit of repeating myself?