Hello, my name is Kirsten and I’ll be your cruise director…
Today is my birthday. I say this not as a fishing expedition for well wishes, but because today is in fact my birthday, and it’s a big one. There is most definitely a zero involved. There may or may not be another number involved. Perhaps it is a four. Maybe.
I’m FOUR years old, today! Woo-hoo!
Oh, wait. I’m not even four if I were born on Leap Day. But on a not really kind of related side note: I always thought that would be kind of cool. Like a built-in fountain of youth. Of course, you get totally robbed on the birthday party front. See, I figure if I blather on enough then I won’t have to say it. If I blather on enough, I won’t have to come to terms with the fact that I am officially an age that I once considered Older Than Dirt.
Older. Than. Dirt?
Only I don’t feel older than dirt. Well, sometimes when I get up in the morning I feel every bit as old as dirt. But for the most part I feel half my age.
Which means that I am officially old enough to realize what it’s like to feel half my age. Sigh. Embrace it! Love every year! You’ve earned it! Whatever. Let’s get this over with.
OkayI’mforty.
There. I said it. I’m embracing. I’m loving.
I. Am. Forty!
But mentally, I’m pretty sure I am stunted somewhere in my 20’s. Only, I hope that I am a whole lot smarter now.
On another totally random related note: I remember seeing a documentary on aging once when I was young enough to think that it wouldn’t really apply to me for like, ever, and this sweet woman in her 80’s was saying that she still felt like a young woman, and it was only when she looked in the mirror that she realized that she was as old as she was. I get it! Makes all the sense in the world!
Honestly, I’ve never really paid much attention to my age after the age of 21. Forty is no different, really, because I love the me that I have grown to be. I love my life. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, four (FOUR!) beautiful sons, and great family and friends. I am blessed with more than I deserve–the best gifts of all. And for that, I am grateful. I couldn’t have asked for more.
Of these things I am sure:
1. I’m a little older
2. I’m a little (I hope) wiser
3. I’m a lot less blond
4. I’m a little more jiggly.
5. Just this summer, I found a gray hair shining like a beacon under the bathroom lights. Taunting me.
Of course I pulled it out by the root. I’m older, but I still have some vanity left in me.
Obviously.
I am Forty! And I embrace every year. So, bring it on, Forty! I’m ready!
Just keep those gray hairs to yourself.
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