Wednesday, February 11, 2015

What's Sexy After 50

                                                                             

Note: With Valentine's Day approaching, I thought it only fitting to revisit this post from November of 2012. Though we currently subscribe to People Magazine, mysteriously the Sexiest Man Alive issue of 2014 never appeared in our mailbox. It must have run off with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Regardless of the fact that they're published several months apart, Christian and Anastasia have their games, and we have ours.  
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As I was perusing People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive issue, I thought about how my definition of sexy has changed over the years. Though Channing Tatum looks great with his shirt off and is an amazing dancer, I don't know if he has what it takes to top my list. Sure he would be delicious arm candy, but would he ever stop doing push-ups long enough to give me what I really need?

While most of the buff men in the issue pump iron, I get steamy watching my husband iron his shirts. Instead of texting naughty messages like many celebrities do, my husband prefers a more personal approach. He lets me have a front row seat while he's cursing at bad drivers. 

Lately, I've found that simple sayings are music to my ears. Some of my favorites include:

  • No that doesn't make you look fat.
  • You were right, Julie.
  • Cancel the service guy. I'll install it right now.
And my all time favorite is when he's telling our boys:

  • Listen to your mother.   

Men who cook are incredibly sexy. My husband is master of the grill, and even our friends delight in watching him barbecue. Whether he's adding marinade, inserting timers, or slicing with the precision of a Samurai Warrior, it's always a treat to see him in action. My dad was known for his special London broil, and my husband has continued the tradition. Our sons are currently in training. 

Some of our neighbors could also be in the running for Sexiest Man Alive. There's Devin who's either outside mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, or shoveling the snow. He's always quick to smile and wave no matter how inclement the weather.  Stan drives carpool, and even packs his kids' lunches. Good neighbor Ted leads a dog walking group with other moms. He also volunteers at the local school, while his boys are off at college. I've never seen any of these men without their shirts on, and I prefer it that way.
 

51 comments:

  1. I like a man who always agrees with me even if I'm wrong.

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  2. If those things are considered sexy, then I'm in luck!
    My definition has changed over the years. Yes, some women in their twenties are very attractive, but anyone under thirty seems like a child to me. And my wife is more sexy now than ever before.

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  3. Ray will laugh at my stupid humor and he encourages my writing - that's sexy. He makes great sour cream enchiladas. And he somehow knows just when to say the right thing - all without his shirt off. You posted the perfect early Valentine salute

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  4. My husband makes cheese toast. It is so simple, he loves it. I love him too. What could be sexier?

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  5. Sexy is a working man (paid or not) who gives me space and makes me laugh. Based on that, I should have married my brother-in-law.

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  6. I must admit I do cook, but I never would characterize it as sexy. On the other hand, I do have something every modern-day girl cannot resist - a job.

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  7. Oh yes. I hear what you're saying. Sexy has definitely taken on a whole new definition as I've aged. Thanks for the laughter again.

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  8. Replies
    1. Carol - I'll bet it was the handyman part that got to you!

      Pat - You don't have to cook as long as you don't mind ordering out now and then! A cat can't rhyme if he's drunk all the time!

      GB - Maybe the gorillas that you swing with would say that, but being helpful goes a very long way in our tribe. Yesterday, a woman at the bank said that my mom and I looked like sisters. One of us was not pleased.

      Joanne - In a few years it will change to wearing pants, and driving at night.
      Thanks Joanne!

      Julie

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  9. Mine has sure changed as I look at the younger fools drinking ever other day, ugg, turns me off no matter what they look like. I can't cook though, so guess I'm screwed lol

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  10. I believe the modern term for the type of man you like is "pussy-whipped". I apologise for using such language, but that's what people would say. What do you think of the young fellow who says "Is she your sister?" when your daughter introduces you to him?

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  11. You have defined sexiest man alive for most of us.

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  12. Delores - Who are you trying to kid? We know you're never wrong!

    Alex - As I've said before, your wife is a very lucky woman!

    Joanne - I agree that having a great sense of humor, as well as appreciating wonderful
    writing is extremely sexy! Of course, the enchiladas are an added bonus! Thanks
    Joanne!

    Yvonne - Cheese toast sounds delicious! What's not to love?!

    Arleen - Wouldn't it be easier to solve the space problem first? As for the laughter part, I think you're funny enough for the two of you!

    JJ - In addition to cooking, you built an entire compound for your family! Great line about the job! You deserve to be on the cover of the new People, AARP!

    Lee - I'm sure our definitions will continue to change throughout the years! Thank you Lee!

    Julie









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    Replies
    1. If you have an in with People, AARP, please send in an application for me. My SS# is 1.

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    2. JJ - Neither magazine is taking my calls, but they both would be interested in you! What was your tricky SS # again? Ha ha!

      Delete
  13. I was never one for the typical sexy shots. They always looked brainless and that's a turnoff to me. Channing Tatum might be a really nice guy but i always think he has no neck and has a bullet head. Actually when a man keeps showing how ripped he is and his fly undone I want to throw up. Give me Jimmy Stewart and day. When my hubby looks at me and smiles-that melts my heart. When he gets up and takes the snow off the car and helps people around our neighbourhood with snow removal-that turns my crank. The best is when we discuss issues or the newest film we saw and we can talk and laugh-that's fun.

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  14. Funny reading this right now (as someone who dips their toe occasionally into the dating pool... only to yank it back out again). My ideas for "what I want in a man" have changed so much (just in the last few years). Part of that is I think I am mentally healthier (with higher expectations) and the other part is that what I value has changed. I still have eyes. I appreciate a nice-looking man. Do I want to live with him (aka marry him)? Not necessarily. Sexy is as sexy does.

    Since we moved into this house, my mom constantly admires our neighbor. (He's happily married, btw.) But mom says things like, "I'd sure like to find one like him." Not because he's good looking, but because he's working. All the time. On his house. On his yard. In his garden. Washing his car. Washing his wife's car. Seems like every time we look out the window he's out there doing something.

    And I think, "Yeah." I don't even expect that much, though. I would like someone handy with a screwdriver who could make the repairs that are just beyond me. Or someone to kill the spiders when they pop up. I hate killing spiders. Or just someone to say, "You are right, Robin." I really want one that can say that. Sometimes. When I'm actually right.

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  15. Birgit - It's so nice that your hubby helps your neighbors plow or shovel their snow! I'm sure Channing Tatum is a perfectly nice guy too, but he was just an example of how our tastes change as we grow older. Talking and laughing are the keys to a wonderful relationship. Oh, and listening once in a while also helps!

    Robin - I also hate spiders, and worry about killing them if they're on the ceiling. They'd probably get stuck in my hair with the hairspray. Eewwww! Your neighbor reminds me of the Josh Brolin character in Labor Day. If you haven't seen the movie, he just happens to be the perfect guy--who just escaped from prison! You and your mom should see it, unless you're worried about her hanging out in prisons afterward! I'll say it now, "Robin you are right!" You deserve to hear it all the time, and you will someday.

    Julie

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  16. >>... the Sexiest Man Alive issue of 2014 never appeared in our mailbox. It must have run off with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue

    Ha! Very clever, GEM JULIE!

    According to your list and a few of the others in this comment section, I am apparently not the least bit sexy: Don't cook, don't wash cars and make repairs. Oh, well, I don't sweat, so I don't stink either.

    >>... He lets me have a front row seat while he's cursing at bad drivers.

    Oh, wait! Maybe I do have some sex appeal after all, because here in Phoenix there are LOTS of opportunities to curse bad drives. The city is wall to wall with 'em.

    This was a fun blog bit.

    Say, I recently mentioned the following blog bit to Beer Boy Bryan:

    http://stephentmccarthysstuffs.blogspot.com/2009/09/o-avocado-where-is-thy-sting.html

    I can't believe I failed to link you to it back when we were avocado yakking. (Actually, yes I can, because a year and a half of graveyard shi(f)ts has wrecked my mind all to hell.)

    Anyway, if you have time and feel like it, you might want to check out that old blog bit. I mention avocado on toast and an avocado that my Brother and I found lying all alone in a parking lot and dubbed the "Avocado Of Death". Things didn't work out though. We thought the AOD was our ticket to heaven, but as you can see, I'm still here.

    See ya at the Feb. 15th BOTB?

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground')

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    Replies
    1. Stephen - The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition just arrived today, and it really looks like something out of Playboy. The airlines sent us some free subscriptions, and I'm sure my son isn't too disappointed about this one. I honestly haven't seen it since it first arrived. Stephen, your great sense of humor, and avocado recipe make you very sexy in my book! Your passion for jazz also earns you extra points! I can't wait to read about your avocado adventure! Thanks Stephen!

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  17. I don't think I ever found my husband more attractive than when he was changing our sons' diapers.Or maybe rocking them to sleep.

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  18. Okay confession time - the first time I can remember feeling properly sexy was a time before work when I was ironing the shirt I was going to wear that day. Topless ironing could be a mature-aged porn genre.

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  19. LD - I remember the days when every extra minute of sleep felt like hours! Pretty sexy stuff! Glad your husband was so helpful!

    Michael - Ooh...tell me more! I think you've just stumbled on the perfect business! Of course, you'd still have to wear a white collar, bow tie, and cuffs to look professional. You've already jumped out of a plane, and gone pole dancing, so this will be easy breezy for you, Michael!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Oh heck I don't have a good enough body for that. I once played football with a guy who revealed he's a topless waiter on the side. I'll ask him if he knows anyone ;)

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    2. Michael - It just wouldn't be the same without you, and who knows how good this guy is with an iron?!

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  20. I see his name near his face, but I still don't who he is.

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  21. I have dinner waiting for my wife every night when she gets home and I'm the guy who cooks the Thanksgiving dinners and all the other special dinners when family comes over to visit. I must be incredibly sexy!

    The problem is that after I cook this food I also help eat it--and probably too much of it. I think I've got a conflictive situation at hand here. Cook, eat. Cook, eat. You're not going to see me going around the house with no shirt on.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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  22. Ivy - It's Channing Tatum of Magic Mike fame! He also stars in the Oscar nominated film, Foxcatcher.

    Lee - That's why I usually try to make enough for leftovers. I'm impressed that you even cook Thanksgiving dinner! Now that's a huge undertaking! Your wife is very fortunate to have you around! I hope you prepare your meals in advance during A to Z! With or without a shirt, I agree that you're "incredibly sexy," Lee!

    Julie

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  23. Stan packs his kids' lunches? Salami? Is he single? Oops, I forgot. I have George. And he's very apt at grilling. I get so heated watching him in action.

    I thinked you're primed for some erotica poetry or prose, Julie. Love all the seductive language and sly innuendos. Sexy writing, my friend.

    Have a sexy Valentine's with your hubs.

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  24. The sexiest man alive would drive us to the beach every other year. I love the sounds, smells, and sights only a beach offers. I'm okay doing mountains too... maybe some fishing. And it doesn't have to last more than a couple of days. Like the John Denver song that goes... "You fill up my senses, like a night in the forest... ." Everything else is useless without that quiet time. I have no problem being alone. I savor moments when a friend and I can enjoy the surroundings, incorporate into a song of love that never has to be explained with words. God is love - I am happy. (smile).

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  25. I like your criteria! You are right, sexy is defined differently after 50. :-) Tatum is cute, but he's a kid!

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  26. Sounds like you're living in the right neighborhood. I should be transferring there. Tee hee.

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  27. Robyn - Of course Stan is packing a salami, but his kids are vegetarians! You are the Queen of erotica poetry, and I would love to catch a live performance...of you reciting your pulsating poems! It might also be fun to watch George in all his grilling glory! I hope he's using protection...like a strong pair of barbecue mitts. Happy Valentine's Day,
    funny girl!

    Dixie - The beach sounds like the perfect place to be right now! I remember having John Denver's albums when I was in high school. It's sad that he died so young. I'm all for quiet time too. I'm happy--you're happy, Dixie!

    Mare - It's funny how our tastes change as we get older! I wonder what Channing's dad is like?!

    SuperLux - Hey, there are a couple homes for sale here, so anytime you're ready! You would definitely be an asset to the block!

    Julie

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  28. Thanks for the entertainment!
    I loved the idea of Sexiest Man Alive issue of 2014 running off with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue... the cutest image...
    Channing Tatum? Nah. Not for me. I'm wondering... will he be able to age as gracefully as Richard Gere?

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  29. I like your list, Julie. I agree, there is a lot more to being sexy than washboard abs.

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  30. Michelle - A movie critic was just saying how a young Richard Gere (from American Gigolo) would've been perfect for the role of Christian Grey! I agree that he still looks fantastic! Thanks Michelle!

    Daisy - I'd be much too self conscious to be around someone with washboard abs all the time. Then we wouldn't even be able to think about going out for ice cream, and I can't hide a freezer in my closet! Thanks Daisy!

    Julie

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  31. Yes. Men in clothes is a good thing.

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  32. Can't wait until Spring.
    I am sooooo gonna mow that lawn.

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  33. This was not only funny, it's 100% true. While I'm one of those nuts that likes to work out an hour a day and eat like a rabbit that's not the thing my wife finds sexiest. No, not by a long shot. As the stay at home writer I cook (and well, at that), do the dishes, and I've been known to fire up the iron from time to time. And I have to say, it's almost weird how sexy she finds that.

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  34. Shelly - All the better to let our imaginations run wild!

    Al - Feel free to wear lots of layers when doing so. You can't be too careful when it comes to sun and wind burns!

    B & B - Cooking and ironing are both incredibly sexy! And you were worried about what to give your wives for Valentine's Day! Every day's a holiday with B &B!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. I cleaned off Mrs. Penwasser's car this morning. You think that might help?

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    2. Al - It definitely helped. A little kindness goes a long way, especially in this freezing weather. I hope she remembered to let you back in the house.

      Julie

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  35. I am not sure if I am sexy but I do wish magazines would stop photo-shopping my abs into their Calvin Klein ads...

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    Replies
    1. Keith - Sorry you have to live with this horrible curse! Ha ha! I don't know why I didn't see this earlier. Good one, Keith!

      Julie

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  36. Hello greetings and good wishes.

    From your list I understand that the sexiest man is the one who is useful around the house. He cooks, mows, fixes, repairs, drops children to school and picks them up after school, is cool, calm, collected and never loses his temper, does the shopping for the house, does the laundry etc. ets. Appearing on the front cover of a magazine without shirt showing off his rippling muscles does not qualify to be a sexy man in the eyes of a woman.

    Yet we find in the movies hero's flex their muscles, beat up bad guys, jump from building to building, run on top of the train etc. I am referring to actors like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brad Pitt,Vin Diesel,Bruce Lee ,Jet Li ,Jean-Claude Van Damme etc. Perhaps these men don't qualify to be in the sexy men list.

    Very interesting post.

    Best wishes


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  37. Yes! I agree -- some of those simple sayings are actually the best -- better than muscles and perfectly-tousled hair, even.

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  38. Joseph - Though all of these men are nice to look at, they may not be the easiest people to live with. For starters, they would take up far too much closet space. As for Arnold , he's already proven he's not exactly the best husband. It's a shame Bruce Lee died so young.

    Caryn - If they said and did everything above, I suppose I'd be willing to accept the muscles and "perfectly-tousled" hair too!

    Julie

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  39. Great post!

    Ya know, my husband might not look as buff and sexy as he did fifty years ago, but I think he's sexier than ever. For a lot of the reasons you already mentioned, and then there's the way he interacts with our grandchildren... and our cats. He's a tough guy on the outside, but when he lets his softer side show, I absolutely melt. (At my age, that isn't necessarily an attractive thing... HA!) And a shared sense of humor really seals the deal. :)

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    Replies
    1. Susan - You and your hubby are very lucky to have each other! A great sense of humor is key, and it seems like you are both tied for first place in that department! In the meantime, try to keep your melting to a minimum!

      Julie

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  40. Great post and so true! Hope you had some fun!

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