I think it is safe to say the majority of people are sad to see our long, hot days of summer, turn to dark-when-you-leave-for-work-and-dark-when-you-get-home, chilly ones.
However, I have, (what I consider), an even better reason for dreading the fall/winter season.
You see, in November, I will become “Forever 29.”
From Nov. 2, 2013 until the day I die, when asked how old I am, I will stick to the answer many women resort to: “Why, I’m 29 of course.”
It’s not that I think anyone will believe me the in the years to come (my mother-in-law still uses this line although her sons are 25 and 30). It’s just that it makes me feel better.
When I was younger, I remember thinking, “What’s the big deal with getting older? Why are people so uptight about it? It’’s better than the alternative.”
Now I get it.
It’s not that I am upset that I have been on the Earth for (almost) 30 years, it’s that most people have so many dreams for themselves and for some reasons these round-number ages become the deadlines for these goals.
“I want to travel the world by the time I am 30.” “I will own my own company by the time I am 40.” “I will be the prime minister by the time I am 50.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with my life. I have a fulfilling career that I love and work with people I respect and care about. I have a loving husband and live in the home of my dreams. I am the proud “parent” of an evil cat and an adorable dog.
I have an incredible circle of friends and family who amaze me with their generosity and kindness everyday.
But as the big 3-0 approaches I can’t help but wonder if I could have done more....
Here are just a few things I have yet to check off my list:
• learn to play an instrument
• become bilingual
• see the Seven Wonders of the World
• go skydiving
• dance with John Travolta
• move to B.C.
• own a boat
• fly first-class
If I stick with my plan to remain 29 for eternity, I don’t have to admit to myself that I have not yet found the time, money or courage to do these things.
I will not be disappointed in myself and I can continue to live in ignorant bliss.
Seriously though, it amazes me what someone can fit in just 30 short years.
I have gone to Vegas for a stagette, ziplined in Costa Rica, white water rafted on the Kicking Horse, toured the Palace of Versailles, seen the Eiffel tour and Colosseum, stayed in a chateau in France, watched the sunset in Greece and visited almost every province in Canada (Newfoundland and NWT, I will get to you one day).
Whenever I start to feel like my knees are getting a little stiff or think “I can’t do this anymore” after hiking up a mountain, I think of my grandma.
She is an incredible 93 years old and a true inspiration. She lived in her own home until about three years ago and still makes her own breakfast and lunch everyday.
Listening to her tell stories about her experiences and travels makes me proud to know and love her.
She is a prime example of aging done right...
Maybe by the time I am 90, I will revert back to telling the truth about my age.
