40 Years!

Well, this month I've been around for forty years. If you count when my mother found out she was pregnant, you know, counting the long nine months I spent solo swimming, kick-boxing, etc. I suppose you can say I was born a fine swimmer and had a blue belt in Kempo. Ask my Mom, she can tell you some interesting stories.

Four decades! The first decade spent learning how to climb trees, jump into deep water, tie my shoes and learning about rainbows. I didn't like dolls. I was content with a pet or riding my blue bike. I would clean a welders garage to earn change for ice cream. Sometimes, he would make necklaces for me. I learned about sports, how to be a team player or not! Loved softball, kickball, tether ball and ran for the track team.

Second decade were hard times. My parents divorced and life was difficult, but who didn't have a hard time in the late 1970's? I spent so much time not being true to myself. Sound familiar? Heheh. The teenage years. Loud music, experimentation, anger and the ever-present pity party. Frizzy hair, black eyeliner, and cruising the boulevard searching for someone cool to replace my lack of confidence. Then reality hits. Adulthood.

Third decade what a trial! Enlisted in the military, spent four years learning about others and little about myself. What I learned: having self-confidence and the ability to take care of myself sure helped. Renewed my relationship with my mother and cherish her still to this day. I have traveled to several countries learning how lucky I am to have running water and electricity. Married my best friend-lucky me.

Fourth decade just beginning! The gray hairs are popping around my head, the wrinkles are slowly appearing...the eventual process of aging. I'm noticing that I'm no longer in the "young" demographic and now have been categorized in the 40-65 age group. In fifteen years, I can qualify for senior discounts! Yes. This is life! Expect to hear more from me. I plan on writing about the age topic...now would anyone be interested, or does the idea of gracefully aging terrify you?