1. One of my husband’s high school classmates became mayor of his hometown last year.
2. The gaggle of white hairs expanding throughout and streaking the sides of my head.
3. I just recentely figured out who Justin Bieber is.
4. Justin Bieber looks like he’s 13.
5. Why are all the girls wild about Justin Bieber? I seriously don’t get it.
6. When informed that youths of today send about 100 texts per day, I scratch my head and turn around three times in confusion. It’s an odd day that I even send a text, for gosh’s sake. I think the generational gap is getting gappier and gappier all the time.
7. New technological gadgets don’t excite me.
8. New technological gadgets stress me out.
9. Please don’t make me change cell phone models. I’d be lost.
10. I love my bedtime. I have no desire to party all night. Or even stay out past, say, 10pm.
11. Make that 9pm.
12. My metabolism doesn’t seem to be able to assimilate anything I eat with no complaint anymore. I used to inhale pounds upon pounds of pasta, constantly. Now, a generous serving of pasta is likely to make me feel there’s a rock in my stomach for at least 24 hours. Methinks my stomach doth protest too much, savvy?
13. There’s this dress, see. A very light pink with a feathery grey print. Silky, cut on the bias. I planned on wearing this to dinner when I was with my extended family the other weekend. Thankfully I tried it on before packing it, because dangit if it wouldn’t zip up. I sucked in my stomach. I expelled all the air in my lungs and crunched my ribs inwards. I solicited my husband’s help and told him to use whatever force was necessary. After a few minutes of huffing and puffing, I finally accepted the fact that I just don’t have the same body that I had when I was 18, when I first wore this dress. Or when I was 24 and last wore this dress.
The signs are unmistakeable. But if I’m honest . . . I’m loving it. I wouldn’t turn the clock back even if I could. I’m remembering all the insecurities of 18 . . . the meltdowns at 20 . . . the roller coaster of 21 . . . the huge (and painful) learning curve when I entered the workforce . . . and I’ve gained so much since then. There’s a confidence that comes with age; an emotional stability. Then there’s financial stability we’ve been blessed with–yep.
I’ll take the white hairs.
I turned 50 this year and honestly all things considered I feel and look better than ever! Its all about your attitude and the ability to laugh off the little things like tiny lines and the occasional ache or pain. Forget the number and be thankful when the letters PMS no longer apply to your life- hot flashes however…….oh well I guess there are a few trade offs 🙂
That’s so encouraging Deb! =) I hope to have that same joyful perspective as the years slip on by.
Ah, spring chicken, just wait until 40. Crazy amounts of assholery await.
As I’m getting settled into my second year of my 30s, I’m realizing that maybe I’m not as old as I thought I was when I was 28. I thought the fact that I couldn’t blend in with the college kids, I couldn’t party all night three nights in a row, I couldn’t stay up late and be productive, nor could I get up the next morning and be productive, and a plethora of other things meant that I was.. old.
Well about 6 months ago I realized that I’d been thinking, man, I was so young when I was 28 and now? NOW I’m old at 30. Then I stopped and realized – wait. I could sit here and think that 30 is old, but when I’m 40 I’ll think 30 was young! So I decided that it turns out I am young! I can still party! (just only one night, not three in a row) and I can still stay up late! (just only on weekends when I can sleep in the next day and I don’t have to be productive – like, say, working), and on and on! I may not think Justin Bieber is hot, but I love me some Lady Gaga! (she’s cool, right?)
Anyway, I have not felt so young since I had that realization. I have enjoyed my age and have partied occasionally and basically just had a grand ole time! And I’m not sorry!
I plan to continue to enjoy the rest of my 30s and, who knows? I might consider my 40s to be young too. One can only hope!
Giselle, I LOVE your perspective. I will henceforth try to approach it like you do, always thinking “young.” Thank you so much for encouraging me to think this way too!
Hilarious. So true.
and……Can I have that dress?
Yes! It’s in our donation bag in the closet and you can snag it when you come through Chi-town if you want. =)
Um… what if i get there first?
Whichever sister visits me first gets the dress. =)
And I think that’s gonna be Erica . . .
And hey, you guys might not even like it!!
haha!
You are not old!! Haha. Don’t say that, because that makes me feel old, too.
But my hubby turned 30 this year, so I know it’s right around the bend.
And I’m with you on the Justin Bieber deal. DO NOT get it.
And yes to bedtime at 9pm. 🙂
You’re right, I’m totally not old yet . . . and “old” is entirely subjective, so hopefully I can have a good attitude and always be young on the inside. But then I look at today’s high schoolers and undergrads, and I’m like “wow. I think I’m 100.”
Yep, I have the white hairs too. I don’t get the whole thing with Justin either, that’s an odd one. My son is of the texting generation and that’s basically how we ‘talk’ but, I’d much rather pick up the phone. Texting takes too long and a phone call is much simplier, so I don’t see the appeal?? I think being young is how you perceive yourself. I’m 44 but, I feel like I’m in my early 30’s 🙂 Now, I’m going to be a Grandma in September and just that word makes me feel old…lol! I said I want to be called Granmama…sounds a ‘lil better 😉
Oh Justin, Justin. What is your deal?? =)
And I love “Granmama”–it sounds old-fashionedly elegant (and I mean that in the best of senses).
There are times when I still can’t believe that I’m 40. Then there are others when I feel every one of those 14,660+ days and I think I’m turning into the stereotypical cranky old lady.
I feel older and older every school year when I see the birth dates of my students. Current freshmen were born in 1997! Also, a few of the students I had during my first year teaching have already graduated from college! Crazy! I am also becoming more and more removed from the “popular” music they are listening to. Or, there are even times when I’ll quote a tv show, like Seinfeld, and expect them to get what I am talking about. I usually just get blank stares. haha.
I was just going to say something along the same lines- 1997! I remember 1997 very well and it should NOT be the birth year of someone who is now in high school. Yikes.
hilarious! however, i must say that i love texting and technological gadgets (though i don’t send 100 per day or purchase all the technology i want). and funny you should mention justin bieber today… i heard on the radio earlier that this is his 18th birthday. whaaaaat? he so looks 13.
I know! Why does he look so young??
Jenna, this was a marvelous post and perspective. Aging is inevitable. Gravity takes it’s toll. Chin hairs happen. 🙂 Smile and enjoy the ride!
Chin hairs!? That should be interesting. But nothing a pair of tweezers can’t solve. =)
Oh man. The chin hairs. Hate those things, but yes, a pair of tweezers can fix them right up!
White hairs!! welcome to the club, although you have a LONG way to go to catch up to me =). And chin hairs….!!! Yep, they happen, too, and sometimes resist twwezing in a most infuriating way.
You will always be young, for young is what is in your heart!
Glad I’m not the only one with a “gaggle” of white hairs. And I’m totally commiserating with your Mom about the chin hairs. Those are so much worse than the white hairs. I was pretty much nodding my head to every point you made up there-lol! But I agree, where and who I am now is so much preferrable to my youth. I know you shouldn’t ask a lady her age, but since I’m a lady, I hope you’ll forgive me b/c I’m curious to know. You’re still in your twenties right?
Yup, turning 29 in May though, so not for much longer.
Well, I hope it’s a consolation that you at least look younger than your age–I thought you were several years younger.
A.men. Having just turned 38 a few days ago, I couldn’t have said it any better. Wait until you have kids of your own; you think you feel old now! I swear they’ve aged me in dog years. lol
In dog years…that is hilarious Julie! 😉
I had a dream about Justin Bieber the other night… I think Elmo was in there, too. Maybe I’m actually getting younger? 😉