We went to a wedding last weekend of a co-worker of Jon’s, a guy in his mid- to late-20′s. And while I’ll leave my observations about how fancy schmancy the reception was, how gorgeous the bride looked, and how stocked the bar appeared, I had one staggering realization that trumped them all.
I am approaching middle age. Not quite there yet, I think, but closer to middle-aged than “young and vibrant.”
I think. I don’t know. I can’t be certain, because I still get excited when I get carded at restaurants, flashing my ID like a sorority girl, proud that I’m legal. And then I realize that I’m almost double the legal drinking age, and that the waitress is asking me for my ID so she doesn’t get fired. Sure, I think that term can be applied to people a good decade older than me as well. But let’s face it, I ain’t no spring chicken either.
Looking around the crowd at the reception, I felt completely jammed in the middle of things. I wasn’t young enough to feel drawn to hang out with the hip 20-something group, who drank until they staggered without repercussion that some small child might wake them 40 minutes after they passed out at home. But looking at the next age group around us, it contained their parents, grandparents, and their parents’ friends. People who have just entered retirement or who’s kids have long left the nest and can’t seem to remember the days when the small children in their house bickered daily about who got to sit in the counter stool closest to the window. So, if those are the two “extremes”, then I guess that places me somewhere smack in the middle. Dammit, when did that happen?
And yet, I don’t feel like I’m what I thought being “middle aged” was when I was younger. When I was in my 20′s, my vision of middle age meant driving a convertible, having a crisis, gray hair, a beer gut and a nice chuck of change squirreled away in a 401K or something. You know…OLD. But now that I’m There, in many ways, staring down the barrel of 40, these years feel like when I was preadolescent. I believe them youngin’s are callin’ that the Tween years. Am I right? Or am I right?
In both demographics, you’re not old enough to move in to that next bracket of wisdom and privilege (driving, voting, moving away from home; retirement, Senior Citizen discounts and an AARP membership) and yet you’re not young enough to get away with what you used to 5-10 years ago (shirking responsibility, slacking off just because you can, living life without a single thought about the future – immediate or otherwise). You’re too old for the bouncy house, but too young to NOT want to jump in the bouncy house.
And man, I do really like a good bouncy house…as long as it doesn’t leave me needing a hip replacement.
I love it. 40 is the new 10. Heavy sigh. I think the hardest part is feeling you should have more stuff, or made different choices, but that the die is cast. Wondering what you would keep and where you’d want a do over. And could you do over one without losing the other. So many questions…
Yes, 40 is the new 10. I do agree with you, Keesha, that there is some reflection, questioning and a tinge of regret that happens around our age. I know there’s no way I’d have met my husband and had my kids if I hadn’t gone to graduate school for dance. But I’d also might have met “40″ with a better sense of career fulfillment had I chosen another career. But then I’d never been able to experience This Life either, which I wouldn’t trade. This type of thinking could go on and on and on.
I love this!!!! I’m 46 soon to be 47 so there is no denying it, I’m middle aged. I have to say though since I was born at 45 I’m just hitting my prime!!! I also think it helps that although a few of my friends are starting to go through the empty nest I still have a 13, 10 and 7 year old to keep up the appearance of being younger!! Great post Gina, I love it!
When’s your birthday? I’ll be 47 in March. AND I refuse to grow up — as you know.
Gina… look at it this way… 10 years from know you will look back on this and shake your head at the realization of just how young you are now!! Pushing 50 here and I could not agree more with you! Great post! Grace, peace and blessings, Carla
Cheers! I am right there with ya. 40 in October and I am going to OWN it. I have never felt stronger mentally and emotionally, now we just have to get the physically part up there and I am ready for it! Hello midlife…let’s do it!!
Thanks for stopping by Bonbon Break!
Just Be Happy That You Are Still Here To Enjoy Everyday Life ! You Can Still Experience Wonderful Things That Life Has To Bring.
One is NEVER TOO OLD FOR THE BOUNCY HOUSE!!!! =)