Onwards, to 50 and beyond. Wendy, my sister, gave me a great Birthday card that read:
“Just remember, Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is Optional. Happy Birthday”
Which just about sums up my outlook on life. Inside, I don’t feel any older than I did twenty or even thirty years ago, perhaps a bit wiser than when I was twenty, but there is no way I feel that I should be slowing down or taking it easy. If anything I feel the need to push harder and get myself into better shape than I have been for a while. I guess that comes from hesitating on my journey and considering options for a while. Pressure off and things tend to go downhill slowly without even realising.
A good friend laughed at me the other week when I explained that I was planning on working in a ski resort again for the winter and if my accommodation ended up being mattress on the floor for the winter I would be quite content, so long as it was warm and comfortable. She protested and said that at my age she would have expected that my demands for luxury and comfort be a bit higher than that.
I can assure you now, Ginny, that it is I who has rented the apartment, so if anyone sleeps on the floor, it won’t be me this winter. Not that it would have bothered me if I had. I now have to find two or three other seasonal workers who need a roof over their heads and are willing to share with an aging english man in the mountains. Another exciting winter ahead no doubt. Can’t wait.
Four months in the mountains, well occupied every day, will give my subconscious time to process the events of this last year, (along with those of the last fifty) and hopefully come to some conclusions of what to do for the next few years of my life. I’m looking forward to being part of a french speaking team in a ski refuge (accommodation for 30 in dorms with half or full board) and also a lunchtime restaurant on the pistes. The only access in the winter is by ski and ski lift, so when the weather gets bad, there is no way in or out. Last season, an overnight team ended up working for five days without a break due to storm that closed the resort. They didn’t get lunchtime visitors but fed and provided for the guests that were also cut off from the outside world. Sounds exciting, and having visited the location already, know that it is equipped for almost any eventuality, well located and looks to be a great place to spend the winter.
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