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2/15/2010

Monday Meanders 2-15

One of the things I HATE about getting older is the perception that time goes by so much quicker. There is actually research to support that, as well. As you age, your ability to judge just how much time has elapsed in, let's say, a minute, is altered. A person in their early twenties, for example, will be within one or two percent of the passage of time, where a person my age might be off by as much as twenty five per cent. So, in a test of one minute duration, a young person might say 58 or 59 seconds, if not 1 minute, while a person my age will often guess around 45 seconds.

So that's the bummer. All you young'uns get to live life to the fullest - and make the most of every minute. For me, and those like me, sometimes it seems like it's over almost before it begins. On the other hand, you wouldn't want to hang by your thumbs for MY five minutes.

The "Valentine" challenge published on The Inferno last night. Great stuff. All of it. Check it out.

Oh, and leave comments.

Sarah seems to be back on track now. I recast the episode I didn't like and it seems to have worked out much better. I have to remember to keep things moving - I want this book to be a 'page turner' - and the only way to do that is to keep everything moving. Things are moving, again.

The other thing about that change in time perception ... it's why I don't like to sleep in on the weekends anymore. The days go by too quick and before you know it the day is done and it doesn't even seem like it should have started yet.

It's why my alarm goes off at 5:10am - even on the weekends.

Because I don't want to miss anything.

Ndinombethe.

14 comments:

Jientje said...

I agree, time goes by way too fast for me too. If this speeds up even more, which it probably will, life will feel like a roller coaster ride. There are never enough hours in a day as it is, but 5.10 am is VERY early!

moneythoughts said...

You know as you get to the end of a roll of toilet paper, the roll spins faster. Do you think it is because we are getting closer to the end of our roll?

Sage Ravenwood said...

I don't sleep in anymore either. No matter the time I've retired the night before, I'm always up anywhere from 4 to 5 in the morning. If time is indeed speeding up, I want to savor every moment that I may. (Hugs)Indigo

Shadow said...

you and hubby are very alike. although he doesn't have an alarm going off on weekends, he's up, nonetheless, without fail the minute the sun rises...at least that's happening a little bit later now, heee heee heee.

hiya lou, how are you?

PattiKen said...

Your age is my age, Lou, and I know exactly what you mean. Glad to hear that there's research confirming it. Not that knowing that helps any.

Moneythoughts, great observation. I love it! 'Course some folks might wonder about a guy who contemplates the speed of the toilet paper roll... ;)

Wait. What? said...

Recently I read a study from california that stated the reason older people think time goes by much faster than younger people is that - older adults have already stored so many "first' memories in their brains, while younger people are still storing those "first' memories.

Time seems to fly by for people who are not making new memories of doing new and exciting things, while those who are, time feels as if it slows down.

Tara R. said...

That passage of time is like that for me too, but I'd not sure if it's age or not having a job to go to every day. I can be doing simple things - laundry, dishes, vacuuming - and suddenly it's 2p and I think it should be closer to 11a.

Coal Miner's Granddaughter said...

I love the extra rest I get from sleeping in, but don't enjoy the lost time during the day. Blech!

Unknown said...

Jientje: No - there are never enough hours - and yes, 5:10 IS early.

Moneythoughts: Yeah, I guess we're getting to the butt end of our lives.

Indigo: Me, too. Savor every bit.

Shadow: I'm fine, sweetheart. Up with the sun - like a farmer, eh?

PattiKen: He does have a twisted perspective, no?

Cat: So .. if I want to slow things down, I should find a way to establish a whole bunch of 'new memories'? I wonder how many volunteers I can find ....

Tara R: Exactly. Me, too.

Coal Miner's GD: I have to admit - once in a while I hit the snooze button - i usually regret it.

CaraBee said...

Oh my, 5:10am? Even on the weekends? Whew.

I don't feel like I ever had a good grasp on how long a minute is. I know I don't now. Time definitely goes faster, but I had no idea it was actually a proven fact.

Expat No. 3699 said...

Belated Happy Valentine's Day. It's was this time last year that you and I met Cat for lunch...though it seems like yesterday. Yes, I know what you mean.

Momisodes said...

5:10am? You are dedicated. Time definitely seems to pass quicker these days. I'm guessing sleep deprivation doesn't help either.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

DAng. I didn't realize it was an actual phenomenon! I thought I was just distracted by the kids and what not... Great. I'm just getting old. THANKS LOU.

Thankfully, I think I'm only at about 50 seconds per minute. So there's still some chance for me...

Holly said...

I live in an area where there are several retirement communities -- *not saying this is anything like you!* -- and these folks seem impatient. I guess the time perception thing is why.