It doesn’t matter how you look at it, it’s still old.
So yesterday I celebrated my 45th birthday, the phone rang off the hook, I received virtual greetings and got pampered. It’s nice to feel special, to have your loved ones acknowledge your special day. But it’s just not like it used to be, I remember, in my younger days going to bed the night before with butterflies in my tummy. I remember waking up with such anticipation, being a princess for a day. Having no worries, not a care in the world. Watching the clock, waiting for your friends and family to show up with cards, presents….having a cake with candles that fit on it.
The clock ticks, the years go by, we get old. The butterflies in your tummy have turned to gas, the anticipation now anxiety and you now can’t even stay awake to greet your friends and family. Your idea of presents are no longer a Barbie Dream House or a new bike….you are now just happy to have your health, to have family and friends that care. Your expectations of being a princess for a day have diminished….reality has set in. You’re 45 now, (oh and yes, it will happen to you too!) this is now your idea of a perfect Birthday:

• Dyed my eyebrows
• Cleaned the litter box (my cats)
• Researched hearing-aids
• Had a hot flash
• Made an appointment for a face lift
• Clipped coupons for Depends
• Took out the trash
• Swapped out stylish jeans for Polyester Apparel
• Watched “Bowling For Dollars”
• Did 5 sit-ups, 5 leg lifts….forget what else
• Had another hot flash
• Looked through K-Mart ads for Flannel Pajamas, on sale
• Laughed so hard I fell off the bed
• Rejoiced I was able to get up
• Installed “Clap On” light
• Walked the dog, then realized I don’t have one
• Hummed while I did the dishes
• Called my kids by the wrong names
• Googled local Senior Centers
• Had another hot flash
• Practiced saying, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”
• Cancelled appointment for a face lift
• Started knitting slippers
• Played a game of Solitaire…with cards
• Sipped warm milk
• Went to bed at 8:30 p.m.
• Read a chapter of “Dentures; Grin and Bare It”
• Had a hot flash
• Fell asleep