Last Day in the Forties
Well, today is my last day in the 4th decade of life. I know everyone thinks this is a great time to have a big bash, but to me, that would be akin to putting on a parade when you get your wisdom teeth yanked from your head. I don't think so. Sure there are advantages, like that wonderful subscription from Modern Maturity and daily junk mail from AARP, but there are downsides too. For one, I don't feel old. Sometimes I look into the mirror expecting a 30 year old face to peer back, but there's a saggy one in the reflection with a "Ha, Ha, that's what you get for skipping the sunscreen" expression. Choices like picking out wedding invitations, daycare centers, elementary schools and orthodontists have been replaced by picking out plastic surgeons, gyms, life insurance and burial plots. Now, when I get a pain in my chest I think coronary disease instead of indigestion. Now, when I read, I have to stretch my arms 3 inches beyond what's normal instead of, well, not reading at all. I long to stop my youngest from growing up, but I am soooo glad I don't have one in diapers. I mourn the dwindling time my kids want to spend with me, but I look forward to spending more time with my husband. So being 50 might have it's disadvantages, but there are benefits too. Besides, it beats the crap out of the alternative!