Monday, September 13, 2010

I’ve lost my youth...Do I have to grow up now?

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Today is my birthday.

Today I am 36.

I have been hanging on to “youth” by the ends of my fingernails for quite some time now,(the muscles in my fingertips have developed to such an extreme that my fingers look like mushrooms) and I think I finally have to accept now that my youth has passed.

Youth has been given many age variants, from 13-19 to 15-25 to 15-29, but I have been choosing to follow The Danish Youth Council’s lead when they say "Youth is defined as any member of society between the ages of 15 and 35".

But I no longer can even squeeze myself into that category...My youth has packed it’s bags, written me a long and heartfelt “Dear John” letter and bought a one way ticket to The Bahamas (where it will obviously indulge itself on all the fake tanning, Brazilian waxing and Pina Coladas I refused to EVER give it!!)

But does that mean I will have to grow up? Will I have to start “acting my age?”

Will I have to trade my Dunlop Volleys for orthopedic boat shoes with tassels? Am I still allowed to buy mixed lollies? Must I give up on my Transformers obsession (and Astroboy too)? Do I have to start wearing beige now?!!!

Although there have been many times in my life (mostly recently) that my body has felt old, and when the bills have piled up, or one of my family members has been sick, I have had to be responsible. Still I don’t really know if I am quite ready to “grow up”.

When I was about 25, I was walking along the street one sunny Autumn day. I noticed an approaching elderly lady, slowly shuffling along. I was about 5 metres away from her when she stopped under a deciduous tree, the fallen flame-like leaves crunched under her feet as she swayed unsteadily. She looked up at me, grinned cheekily, and proceeded to do a merry gig amongst the autumn debris, kicking up the leaves until she was dancing in her own little autumnal whirlwind.

This has always been one of my favourite memories. If I can retain my youth the way that lady did, I think I will die happily.

So, If you’ll excuse me, I have some aging disgracefully to do.



At what age did you feel “grown up”? Or are you like me and refuse to do it?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Take solace in the fact that you look smokin' hawt for 36 Mama!

Unknown said...

happy birthday.
don't ever grow up. beige is hideous. be that old lady in the leaves.

Voluptacon said...

Toushka, I will never, ever do beige. It will be my wish to be euthanised if I ever start to wear beige!!

Ooooh, "smokin' hawt" hey GGMH? Why thanks very much! Now THAT'S a good Bday pressie!

allison tait said...

Hang on to your Dunlop volleys - I'm 41 and still retain mine. And the leaves still look pretty good at this age. And you are 'smokin hawt' for any age. :-)

MommyHeadache said...

Alas I am still mentally aged 13 and mostly get excited at loud pop songs, chocolate, going shopping and tweeting with friends!

Voluptacon said...

Emma, I'm more like a 12 year old boy. Farts are hilarious!

Allison, I'm probably going to be buried in my Volleys.

Brenda @ 13 Acres said...

ok, so this is my first visit - is that you up there with a cute little boy siding your cheek coz you don't look like you should be in your 30's - much much younger so not only should you hang onto that youthful spark you got yourself there, you should smoother yourself in it and enjoy it!

ps - that sounds like an awesome memory!

Farmers Wifey said...

Happy birthday, I refused to turn 40, in fact I refused to even think about it, I even refused a party offered by my hubby...until 2 days before and I suddenly embraced it...We are all young at heart....xx

Voluptacon said...

Yes, Mira Narnie, That is me and my gorgeous lil Boy Atti (trying to struggle out of the glare of the Mumarazzi with her camera!). Thanks, I will smother away!

Farmers wifey: We sure are all young at heart. I am the opposite with birthdays, I have no problems up until the day, and then it takes me a couple of days to process a new age. I'm fine now and heading onwards to 40!

Unknown said...

You definitely don't look 36!!!!!

*Sigh* it's the continuing downward slide, yes? Unavoidable...

Princess Kate said...

OMG! You're that old?! I would have said 36 years wise...., not old...

And something just dawned on me, I've been buying taupe, beige, etc. colours for the last two years and they actually look good on me now... I used to look good in bright colours and now it's come to this.... *sob*

sevencherubs said...

I totally loved it when I turned 30 - felt free to speak my mind and did not care what others think! Love that we are the same age :)Naomi

Voluptacon said...

Quick Dorothy! Buy something in a primary colour...STAT!!!

Go the 36er's Naomi!