Reflections on My Birthday

When I was in high school and college, I babysat alot.  A whole hell of a lot.  I babysat my nephews and my niece all the time.  In college, I had several families that I would babysit for on a regular basis.  The summer that I graduated from college, before I started my teaching job, I nannied for a family.  I only did it Tuesday through Thursday each week. 

Yes, I would be with children during the days when I nannied.  I would make meals, clean up messes, play games, take them swimming...the whole nine yards.  But then when their mom got home, my time was my time.  I would hop in my little silver Volkswagon Beetle and head down to the beach for the rest of the week/weekend.  My time.

The mom of the kids that I watched would sometimes come home from running errands or shopping and she would show me her clothing purchases.  She would tell me that when you have kids you feel guilty buying stuff for yourself.  I would think, that's ridiculous.  She would want to know what I thought about the clothes because I was young and I guess she thought I was stylish.  Hold on a sec, I need to think about that.  I was young and stylish.  I need a moment...

Okay, I am back.

She would always want to know what my plans were and she got a real kick out of the funny stories that I told her.  She would want to know all the drama.  She would laugh and then suddenly be sad that I was starting my real job and she was "losing" me as a babysitter. 

Now that I look back on it, I wonder if she looked at me and thought, "Someday you will be me.  You will be in your mid 30s.  You will have children and you will feel guilty about buying things for yourself.  You will want to hear stories or live vicariously through those younger than you.  You will be me."

Because guess what?  When I see younger gals...in their early 20s, partying and having a nice carefree time, I think, "Good for you girls.  Because someday you will be me.  You will be in your mid 30s.  You will have children and you will feel guilty about buying things for yourself.  You will want to hear stories or live vicariously through those younger than you.  You will be me."

And you know, I am fine with being me...and being 34.  Nope, I don't shop for myself much.  We don't get out and party hardly EVER.  My husband and I got a night out last night.  We went to dinner and then we checked out the new Whole Foods store near us.  You got that right!  ROCKSTARS.  But it was such a nice night.  And did I mention that Whole Foods has a little brew pub in it?  That was nice too.

So here I sit.  34 years young.  It's all relative.  You are as old as you feel.  Isn't that the saying?  Welp, I feel 34.  And 34 is fine with me!

And while you are here, since it is my birthday and all, go on over to the right and click on the Top Mommy Blogs link.  One click in one vote.  Thank you!!! ---------------------->