On the rare mornings I actually leave on time for work, I see an old couple walking down the sidewalk along the street I take to get on the freeway. They always make me smile because they’re both about 100 years old, they’re always holding hands and almost always chatting. His hair is so white, it’s almost pink (like a flamingo who’s had too much shrimp for lunch). Her face is always a little twisted, like she’s in deep thought or maybe just cursing him out about something he should’ve done that morning.
I call them Mr. and Mrs. Skinny, because, well — they’re skinny. Both of them, SKINNY. He’s the poster boy for the “he’d-disappear-if-he-turned-sideways” cliche. I love this couple–mostly because they’re always holding hands. I assume, of course, that they’ve been married for 70-80 years and have this great relationship we could all learn from… I’ve conjured up all sorts of stories about how they met on a blind date, how he left her behind when he went off to war… of course, for all I know — they could be married to other people and meeting every morning for some stolen time together, holding hands en route to some lusty hideaway.
Anyway–it occurred to me the other day that I always assumed they were naturally skinny people… like models (!). But the more likely truth is that their daily habits probably make them skinny. Like walking every morning (and perhaps all that sex in their lusty hideaway). I bet they eat small portions and lots of fruits and vegetables. I bet they’ve never laid eyes on a diet coke or a Lean Cuisine. I’d also bet they eat real butter and cringe at the thought of skim milk.
Just something to think about (if you can get the image of a couple 100-year-olds in bed out of your mind).