I'm Like Fine Wine

I don’t get it! I really don’t. I will be turning 40 (yes, 40) in 86 days. So why am I still breaking out like a 16 year old girl? What’s up with that? Zits, pimples, acne, whatever you choose to call it, I got it, and I’m tired of it!

I mean, if I had to still be experiencing things like I did when I was a teen, why can’t it be eating anything I want (and as much as I want), without having to worry about weight, cholesterol, osteoporosis, etc? Or how about my energy level? Why can’t I be plagued with boundless energy at all times? Seriously, the Energizer bunny had nothin’ on me! After all, when I was a teen I worked full time, went to school full time, was social full time and even managed to complete some homework. (Note I said some homework. H.S. was really more social for me and I didn’t start to really take homework seriously until I was paying for my own college courses!)

It’s not that I mind getting older – I really don’t. I’m healthier mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I’m more grounded, patient, relaxed and even, hopefully, wiser too. I love life itself and my life specifically. To be perfectly honest, I think I’m like fine wine – I’m getting better with age. And I wouldn’t go back to adolescence for anything in the world. It’s just that, well, for once in my life I’d like to have a clear complexion. Really, is that too much for a (dare I say) middle-aged woman to ask?

Moving from my own age of youth to age of maturity, I saw something on TV that really cracked me up. I was watching the 4th hour of the Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb today, and they had a segment on with Gene Simmons, you know, from the 70’s rock band Kiss (with the makeup, wild hair and leather). It seems that Gene has a new gig these days. Apparently, he is now one of the spokespersons for AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons)! Seriously, the AARP! Does anyone else find this to be hilarious? Anyway, in his now seasoned wisdom he basically said, “The only difference between girls and women, or boys and men, is experience.” There you go – I have experience, therefore I am a woman (no matter how many zits I have).

“I’m not interested in age. People who tell me their age are silly. You’re as old as you feel.” ~ Elizabeth Arden

“Live your life and forget your age.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

“So much has been said and sung of beautiful young girls, why don’t somebody wake up to the beauty of old women?” ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

“First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful” ~ Lady Diana Cooper

“I’d rather be over the hill than under it.” ~ my 87-yr old Gram

“I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in” ~ my 87-yr old Gram