Trends

Many adjectives might be used to describe me. Loud, bossy, old-fashioned, nosy and klutzy are a few that come to mind. One descriptor that will never show up with my name is trendy. I am slow to to grab on to the latest and greatest. Here are a few examples.

1) Fancy water bottles--Water bottle choices today are mind boggling. Stainless steel containers, plastic bottles (BPA-free, of course), vacuum insulated flasks, Nalgene bottles, jumbo mugs the size of hot tubs and the ever-coveted Stanley bottles. I am not sure the adults of my youth had hydration on their minds for us. We may have been offered a swig from a red and white jug if we got thirsty (communally used). Our schools offered dribbles from a porcelain, non-refrigerated drinking fountain (VERY communally used). Currently, I am one of society's pariahs as I tote a recyclable plastic water bottle, single use. I have a history of losing anything of value so compromises must be made.

2) Weighted vests. It is not uncommon to see a walker/jogger wearing a weighted vest these days. I recently discussed this with a friend of mine when we met on the sidewalk. She was wearing a weighted vest. I wasn't carrying so much as a water bottle. I asked her about her rationale for the vest and she said it helped raise her heart rate while walking due to the additional weight. I told her I had enough natural weight to take care of that issue. More power to those who choose some extra heft. My hips will have to suffice for me.

4) Air Fryers. Many, many folks have air fryers and love them. I totally support their decision. My issue is the competition for coveted real estate on my counter top. I have a small kitchen and I have to be parsimonious with my small appliance choices. A toaster, Kitchenaid mixer (a beast, but a necessity to me), an electric kettle and a coffee maker line up like soldiers in my kitchen. Other small appliances have to be stored in my limited storage spaces. Sorry, air fryer. Crispy, healthy fries will not be happening in my kitchen.

5) Fashion. I have one word for my fashion sense: hopeless. As I did a merciless gutting of my closet last week, it was evident that my styles haven't evolved much in the last couple of decades. I donated a pile of clothes that needed new owners and if I decide to replace some of the pieces, I have no doubt I will be getting the same style. I might splurge a little and get a different color or a zip-up instead of a pullover.

Needless to say, I will not be a Tik-Tok influencer when it comes to new trends. If I every get caught with something trendy, alert the authorities. I have gone mad.