Columnist Ruthe Deskin: New Year offers some new lessons

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004 | 8:17 a.m.

Way back in 1999 I had one mission in mind -- make it to the year 2000.

I had received some rather distressful and serious news about my general health, but I was determined to be around to welcome a new century.

Thanks to excellent doctors, caregivers, modern medical advancements and (sometimes) trial by error, I am now extending good wishes to all for the year 2004.

If I have learned one thing about the aging process it is that we need formal education to teach us how to cope with the unexpected.

My own Christmas Eve experience is a good example.

It all started 20 years ago when a friend stopped by the night before Christmas and we decided to make an annual event to include the members of my bowling team. As time went on relatives and friends became a part of the festivities. This year was no exception.

On Tuesday, Dec. 23, I had a routine appointment with technicians to check my ICD, technically known as an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, which is a gadget similar to a pacemaker that gives a jump start to a lazy heart.

The routine inspection soon turned into something else, and the next thing I knew we were consulting with my doctor about minor heart surgery to insert new batteries. The next day, Dec. 24, I was at Sunrise Hospital at 6 a.m., ready for the operation.

Everything went well and I was allowed to come home early Christmas Eve. While my guests reveled in the spirit of the holidays, I slept off the effects of the anaesthesia. Now I am all prepared with a new generator and batteries.

Just wind me up and turn me on.

New Year's Eve in the hospital wasn't so bad. There were few patients and a lovely staff and I thank them for making my stay fairly pleasant -- considering the circumstances.

I tell this story to illustrate that making long-range plans isn't a good idea for senior citizens, who never know from one day to the next what new crisis will arise.

There are so many changes that call for adjustments in our lifestyles. A class at the university, titled Aging 101, might be in order so we can learn to cope with problems and accept the fact that aging takes one day at a time.

Make all those days count in 2004.

Does it seem like telemarketers are crawling out from under the rocks and making more calls again?

If you are still getting those annoying phone calls even though you registered with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call List, there is recourse for you. File a complaint. More than 65,000 citizens already have.

Call FTC at (888) 382-1222 and plan to stay on the line for some time before your complaint is filed, but it is worth it. Also, you can go to www.dontcall.gov to register your objections.

When the long-lasting Venetian restaurant on West Sahara Avenue closed its doors, another part of Las Vegas legend was lost.

Famous for excellent food, friendly service and pleasant atmosphere, the Venetian was a favorite for locals lo these many years.

May 2004 be the year all your dreams come true.