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Hey Sweet Shoppers, Keely here today, straight up, I’m doing a little bit of venting.  You see I’m in the final days of my thirties, in just a few days I will be turning 40. UGH. Now normally I’m not too hung up on the age thing, I mean what can you do about it really? In my life I’ve been very aware of people that act way older or younger than they are so I know the age thing isn’t necessarily a set in stone reflection of a person. That being said, this one’s hitting me a little hard. I just don’t feel 40, I can’t believe that number matches me.

Logically I know that so much has changed in the forty years since I was born. Countries have been dissolved and created. Some of the fashion of my middle and high school years is making a comeback (hello neon!) and those years are considered retro. Technologically speaking, I didn’t have a remote control to my tv until I moved out of my Mom’s house, I listened to records and tapes, when cd’s came out it was years before I could afford to buy them. I used a printer that spit out paper in connected sheets with sides that you had to tear off. Cell phones were the size of bricks. I couldn’t have imagined just how much the world has changed in that regard. Now all that makes me sound old.

But….I still don’t feel old. I mean, I know when I look in the mirror I’m not thrilled, I have an official age spot, I’ve discovered that skin really does sag, everywhere. ( you know I was not prepared for saggy knees) and those lines in my forehead probably aren’t going anywhere.  I’ve never been a hottie so I’ve tried to make peace with the outside, it’s what I was born with and I do my best with what I’ve got, that’s not really new.  I’m in pretty good shape, I’m active, I eat well, I don’t feel all that different than I did ten years ago, sometimes I’d say even better. Lately though I’ve started to question myself, age appropriate has come into my head and not just where my daughters are concerned for a change.  Do I need to lose my geeky t-shirts and funky nail polish? Can I still rock my Vans and Chucks, my bikini?  Will someone attack me with a decorative sweater and “mom” jeans in the middle of the night?  While I’m struggling with 40 I have no desire to look like I’m trying to be 20 but I’m not ready to give in to elastic waist bands and sensible shoes either. (yes I’m being dramatic)

So that’s where my head is these days. To all you young ones, enjoy it while it lasts. To my fellow older ladies, hold my hand and tell me it’s going to be okay! Thanks to all of you for letting me ramble.