Today is the eve of my fortieth birthday. I have to admit I am trying to turn 40 quietly. No cake. No balloons. No shenanigans. Just another day, right?
Don't you remember as a kid 40 being so old? Parents were 40. Teachers were 40. Anyone in authority was 40. Forty always seemed so...well...old.
I remember when my parents turned 40. I just couldn't believe they were THAT old! Now they are turning 70ish and they seem so young! I am completely confused about turning 40.
Each day I know I do something that my 20 year old self shakes her head at, like knees popping when I stand up, lecturing my boys on proper dinner time etiquette (always ends with someone burping followed by laughter), or getting excited when CBS Sunday Morning come on. There are also days that my (almost) 40 year old self shakes her head at my former 20 year old self. The poor decisions I made (I had fun, but hey...), the people that I allowed to take advantage of me, or even (what seems like a good idea at the time) the regrettable tattoo. I guess that is all part of "growing-up".
As the sun rises tomorrow I will put the kids on the bus, kiss the husband good bye, and go for a run. I will shower, eat breakfast, and then head to work. I will, throughout the day, be thankful for another year here on Earth. I will look back and see what wonderful people I have had the privilege of knowing. I will look forward to all of the amazing places that I have yet seen. As the sun sets I will be so grateful that I am old and that I am 40.
