July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Hot Flash Columnist Barbara Bishop: Things I’m “Too Old” To Do:

Have you ever thought you were “too old” to do something? Most people argue that you’re never too old to do what you want to do.

I have a unique twist on the matter. I love my age. I cherish where I am in life. And there are certain things I am absolutely too old to do, and frankly very happy about it.

Here my top five:

Staying out past midnight

When I was young, staying up past midnight was something I could not wait to do when I was older. The only time we could stay up late was when I hosted a slumber party with all of my girlfriends at the tender age of 10.

In college, there were more than a few times when we were the last ones to leave when the nightclubs shut down on a Friday night. Fun times – but I am very glad I lived to tell this story.

Now, I can’t remember the last time I rang in the New Year in the Pacific Standard Time Zone. I am now fast asleep by 10 pm every night.

Hanging out with people I don’t like even if they’re supposed to be “cool”

I wish I could go back to high school and be able to freely choose my friends. We were the “cool” group. The cheerleaders, football players, jocks, smart kids.

If someone wasn’t in the group, he/she could not be your friend, or you’d be shunned from the very group you were a part of. How sad. How stupid.

Since Facebook started, I’ve become great friends with those I was not friends with in high school. Cool, interesting people.

And some of those in our “cool” group? Not as cool now as they thought they were then.

Being a size 2

I was a natural size 2 for the first 25 years of my life. Then I found myself really having to work at being a size 2. Eating very small amounts of food. Exercising like a maniac. Feeling really bad about myself when I couldn’t sustain it.

Until one day, a new colleague of mine came to work.

She looked like a million bucks. Her clothes fit her perfectly, makeup flawless, hair perfect, and she walked and spoke with confidence. And, she was a size 10.

She changed my life that day. She gave me permission to look just as good as she did, and not starve or exercise myself to death. I’ve had my weight ups and downs, but I definitely don’t not let size run my life.

Living with roommates

Holy crap! Living with my husband is more roommate than I will ever need. But even before I was married, I had the wackiest roommates ever! I had to move out in the middle of the night to get away from one cray-cray roomie. It was the first and last time I ever answered a “roommate wanted” ad. If you can swing it, living alone is the way to go. Once I lived alone, the food in the refrigerator remained there, I always found my clothes in the same place I hung them, and I could sleep soundly without any impromptu party noises in the next room to keep me awake.

Drinking crappy coffee

When I was younger, I drank any coffee just to wake up.

The quality wasn’t even on my radar. As I aged and found myself getting up earlier, I found that sipping a freshly brewed Italian Roast was something I savored and looked forward to every morning. Now, since I go to bed early, I’m up at 5:30 am.

There’s nothing better than a clear, crisp Southern California morning to get you going!

Here’s to being older – and wiser!

Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 seeking insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues. Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor.

Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email Barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...