Age

I'll be watching a movie and thinking to myself that this actor or actress must be close to my age.  And then I read somewhere that they are like 23 years old.  Ouch!

So I have a hard time believing that I am (ahem) ......30....... years old. 

Sure, I realize that in the large scheme of things, 30 is not old at all.  However, I personally have to admit that 30 is probably one of the last numbers I 'feel' like turning .... not meaning the last year I'd like to live of course, but let's face it - 30 is when you are officially separated from the young "twenty something" crowd and instead paired up with the "young family" crowd.  It's not necessarily a bad thing, but a mental adjustment for sure. 

I remember that I used to refer to people as "early 30's" when I didn't know their age and they looked older than me.  Then came the day I said that and realized that I, myself was now grouped into that category.  I better up my phrase to "mid-late 30's"!  I truly don't think about it much, but there are those times I feel like I am in an episode of this old sitcom that used to air (I can't even remember the name anymore).  The intro was this minivan pulling into a beach parking lot and as these young parents were unloading floaty after floaty, strollers, coolers, umbrellas, kids, etc.  They looked totally exhausted, sleep deprived and sweaty and then this convertible pulled up next to them.  Four young people hopped out with nothing but their surfboards and sunglasses and took off to the water!  They stopped unloading for a minute and just stared at them longingly.....yea, I think I have officially been there! 

Driving a minivan is something of a turning point in your life, right?  I've heard friends say,
"Maybe people will just think I am the hot nanny!?"
Not even that, I just hate the work it takes to load and unload everyone and their things for simple trips.  Or when you pull up next to a car filled with young kids and you feel like a total mom.  Again, not necessarily a bad thing, but not exactly how I picture myself all the time!

I must admit that I often mistake college kids for high school kids and then think, college age?  No, they couldn't be....could they?  Or when I see all of those skinny jeans out there and come to terms with the fact that most of my jeans are still boot cut .... the haunting thought enters my mind .... are boot cut jeans like the new "mom jeans"?!?!?!  I don't think so, and I sincerely hope not!  But what if they are!?  hahaha

To be honest, I don't think I could keep up with the twenty something crowd anymore.  Nor does nightlife really interest me much these days.  I like to try and get in bed by 10pm for sure - earlier if I can!  Not that I am promised to actually SLEEP, given the kids.  But that is when I at least like to start trying :)  Of course a night out here and there is divine.  But so is getting comfy on the couch and watching an episode of MadMen.  :)  (I am totally painting a picture of my dork life now, aren't I?)

In the end, I can even see large differences in myself from being in my twenties until now.  Age brings more wisdom and confidence and so many other wonderful things, despite the occasional wrinkle.  And building a family and enjoying this stage can actually be quite fulfilling. 

So I guess you just try to follow that Tim McGraw song, right? 

Something like,
"I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age.  The ending of an era and the turning of a page.  Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here.  Lord, have mercy on my next 30 (+) years!"