Today I am honored to have a guest post from a woman that I hope one day will take a long run with me, sit down to a glass of wine, discuss Shaun Cassidy songs and Brady Bunch trivia, and perhaps this year share some birthday cake with me for our 43rd birthdays.
I know the fabulous, talented and gorgeous Julie Gardner through her blog, By Any Other Name...Julie is an incredible writer and the mom I want to be. I find myself hitting refresh on her blog about 60 times per day just waiting for new brilliance to arrive. No exaggeration. I’ve found through my time in the blogosphere that the blogs I go back to are the ones that belong to true writers. The ones that speak to me. Julie does that and I’ve fallen head over heels in total platonic love for her and her writing..well and her love for running..okay mostly because she turns 43 this week which makes her two months older than me. You know how awesome it is to surround yourself with a few older friends, yes? Shhh….don’t tell Julie I said that.
If you haven’t discovered Julie, I ask you NOW to go visit her writing and follow her. And wish her a Happy Birthday this week!
Some of my favorite posts by Julie…
Today call me julienancy (If you have a sister you will melt for this post)
Without further ado – I give you Julie Gardner and her thoughts on turning 43…
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I May Not Be Old; But I’m Not the New Anything
Don’t you just LOVE people who claim, “40 is the new 30!”
Oh. You mean to say you don’t love them?
But why, pray tell?
Right. Because it’s a load of crap. That’s why.
You see, I’m almost three years into this decade; the one in which people gush, “You’re-Still-So-Young!”
But. I’ve noticed no one blurts this when you’re – let’s say – twenty five.
Because it’s obvious then and need not be announced. The mere fact that anyone shoves a “still” into the statement “You’re so young!” means you’re not.
Young I mean. I’m plenty still. It’s one of the things I do best.
So. While I’m sitting here on my almost-43-year-old butt being still, let me tell you this:
Forty isn’t the new anything.
Oh no.
Forty is longer skirts, shorter hair, lower heels and higher cholesterol; it’s less collagen, more wrinkles, faster heart-rates and slower metabolisms.
Forty is iron tablets and probiotics; mammograms and calcium supplements.
Forty is stumbling across a faux-leather diary in which you once recorded your white-hot love for Shaun Cassidy or – if S.C. doesn’t return your letters – Bo Duke.
Forty is remembering when you watched Love, American Style and didn’t get the jokes but knew they had something to do with S.E.X. (Shhhh.)
Forty is having loved your friends and hated your lovers; it’s right and wrong and yes and no; opportunity knocking and change and fear and once again more change.
Forty is part-time jobs and internships, careers and responsibility; it’s “everybody’s working for the weekend.” (Yes we are, Loverboy!)
Forty is vows and secrets, pain and wonder; it’s losing at card games and winning the lottery (but not the real one. Probably).
Forty is having your husband say, “You’re bringing your ID? Why?”
Forty is getting carded by the clerk at the grocery store (over the one bottle of Sauvignon Blanc you’re bringing to book club) because you kept your sunglasses on after skipping the mascara.
Forty is amending your Living Will to ensure you’ll be buried in those damn sunglasses.
Forty is attending book club.
Forty is hearing your mother’s voice issue from your lips, seeing her neck emerge below your chin.
Forty is watching your son grow pimples while you moisturize your crow’s feet; discovering your daughter’s bra in the hamper after having forgotten she wears one.
Forty is hearing “You look great” and waiting for the follow-up “for your age.”
Forty is life-insurance and college-savings; it’s Botox or Restylane. (Or not.)
Forty is setting curfews and allowance; driving carpool and handing out cash; saying goodbye and holding your breath as the door slams shut.
Forty is getting a text from your lifelong friend saying her son’s up to bat against your old high school’s baseball team.
Forty is wondering when you slipped past the age at which you first thought your parents were ancient.
Yes. Forty is all this. And more. And less.
And still.
Forty is running marathons and fundraisings for worthy causes and cutting your hair off and living your dream; it’s writing books and taking risks and believing in something.
Forty is being at war and at peace; its releasing guilt and embracing growth.
Forty is letting go and holding tight; it’s choosing wisely and experimenting wildly.
Because why not?
Four decades lie behind you. And Forty wants to fit all the smiles and excitement, all the generosity and thrill, all the joy and hope into what time lies ahead.
Forty is appraising years that could’ve been better or worse; a past that must be owned; a chance to move forward while dragging with you everything you’ve learned and all that you know and whatever you can offer to this world.
Forty is teaching your kids about grace and kindness; about perseverance and love that endures.
And when I blow out my forty-three candles this year, I will not wish to be the New Thirty.
I want only to be the woman I am now. And if there is frosting on my face? All the better.
Because at the end of the day?
Forty should be cake. And no regrets.
Thanks for having me here, for your lovely words, and for reminding me what YOUNG looks like.
p.s. Platonic love? DANG it.
XO
Well I didn’t want to shock people with my real feelings for you. My mother in law reads this and all.;)
Oh Julie, Julie…I love me some Julie.
And over here? Where I love me some Tracy? Perfect.
I 100% totally agree on this subject, even thought I am a few years closer to that next milestone than you are.
But I couldn’t agree more. And my “new whatever” is exactly what I want it to be.
With friends like you, Sherri, every milestone is a celebration.
Life is a joy.
And each day is new.
Thanks so much for being a part of this reality.
My love for this has much to do with the fact that I’m about one month into this 40 thing. So far, so good. I totally agree with you on the 40-is-the-new 30 bs. I’ve done 30; no thank you. And that just means that 60-yr-old’s can get away with saying that’s the new 40. More bs. Those folks need to grow up already.
Bo Duke. Swoon.
Ash –
First, happy birthday and welcome to the cool club! (Although I suppose calling it “cool” isn’t. Ah, the paradox of 40!)
Anyway, this has been my best decade so far. BY far.
Less fear and more knowledge.
Comfortable in my skin. It’s a good place to be.
Seriously. Welcome to the club.
XO
You? Are fabulous. That is all.
Also?
AYou weave between funny and brilliant funnily, and um- brilliantly.
I’ll stop now.
I love this line: “a past that must be owned; a chance to move forward while dragging with you everything you’ve learned and all that you know and whatever you can offer to this world.”
It’s perfect, as is this.
XO
Galit -
I think that’s my favorite line, too. Although it’s hard to beat cake and no regrets
You, my sweet lady, are have made these past months in my blogging life that much more wonderful.
So as I enter this new year, I’m dragging you right along with me!
Let’s just see what we can offer the world together!
Oh yeah.
I’m a few years from the next big milestone too, so I’m older than you:) Forty may not really be the new thirty, but compared to how our parents looked and acted at our age, we do seem much younger. Btw,I haven’t thought of Love, American Style in years. I loved that show even though I didn’t completely understand it either,lol!
I totally agree that the previous generations had an entirely different “take” on who/what/ where/why they should be the age they were at each decade…
I can only hope our children will feel even better than we do when they reach our “milestones”.
And also maybe that they invent a drug-free wrinkle remover.
A girl can dream…
Amen. Being 9 days from 44, I find myself thinking more and more about some of these things. YOU said it all better than I could have. I really love this post!
Happy Almost Birthday to you, too, Ally!
I love the symmetry of 44, by the way. My forties hasn’t made me any less in love with the number 2 and with being even (so 44 which is 22 X 2 is pretty awesome).
Oh no. Now everyone knows I’m weird. Again.
Oops.
(Still, happy day to you. And much joy. And at least two pieces of cake. Times two.)
Is there a way to say that I want to do my forties the way all of my favorite women are doing them without sounding like a total jackass?
Cause it’s true.
And if I get to do them like you all, I will get hotter with the next decade, and what’s not to love about that?
You don’t sound like a jackass.
It sounds like the loveliest of compliments.
Especially the part where I’m one of your favorite women.
What’s not to love about that?
XO
40 is the new 30.
40 is very young.
Cher said her peak was at 40, and I agree.
Woman look so good at 40, and their bodies still respond to exercise.
And they’re confident and getting their own legs, and realizing they don’t have to be like others to be accepted.
They can be accepted into their own world…even if it is only made up of themselves.
There are wonderful things to getting older.
And there are trade offs, just as Julie noted.
Young is good, but getting older..and knowing what counts and letting things roll of your back…so very nice.
Happy Birthday, you two.
xo
Alexandra,
You’re so right. I do feel better than I ever have. And this has been my best decade by far. Now that I’m three years in I can actually say that with some authority.
(When I blurted something similar two months after my fortieth birthday it sounded perhaps a bit too optimistic??)
I didn’t mean for the first part of this post to send a different message that that ~ just to be funny. (Mammograms are hysterical, right? Ha!)
I know women in every stage of life who are vibrant, joyful, lovely and kick-ass. And women who are already defeated and down in their twenties.
I hope to embrace the former. And to drag everyone else through the joy right along with me.
(It’s why I take iron pills. I’m very strong!)
XO
This was so wonderful to read. I love how you’re taking your 40′s by storm but not trying to claim that they are something they are not. I love your descriptions of your life and your honesty. And I love that you are here at Tracy’s place. It’s all perfect.
Elaine -
Thank you so much for the perfect compliment.
This was exactly what I was going for here. And then I also got to meet you. So hooray!
And bring on the storm…
Following my Julie-Jule over here. And, as always, I’m not disappointed and I’m laughing.
But Canadian me was sidetracked with the Loverboy reference. Loverboy made it to the US? Really? Sympathies (though the cover of one of the their albums was pretty H.O.T.)
Leanne -
Oh, never underestimate the power of the Loverboy.
Their influence spread itself long and wide.
(Or something like that.)
Canada couldn’t hold those guys back. As much as you all may have tried to keep them a secret.
We heard. Oh did we ever.
(Shhhh.)
My favorite cover with the nice ass in jeans yes?
You make me look forward to 40 and that is no mean feat!
You do look fabulous by the way.
Thank you, lovely Alison.
You have everything to look forward to at every age.
An adorable boy, a devoted readership, friends sprinkled across the world.
That’s no mean feat. You’ve already got it all!
Forty will be icing on the cake.
Speaking of which…
First let me say that I love Julie.
I’ve got some years to go until 40 but I hope that I have all the same good feelings about it as Julie does.
Jess -
Oh my friend. You need the Welcome to Thirty speech first! You young thing, you.
But I think you have what it takes to love every stage. AND you’re still a baby.
In a good way.
So enjoy every minute of it.
And every decade.
I love every single word. Such a moving post – so on the mark for us “over 40 gals.” And a great post to hang onto for those who aren’t there quite yet.
Much love, Julie.
Thank you, Missy.
I count you among one of the best aspects of this decade:
The fellowship of like minds I’ve discovered.
(Does that sound as old as I think it does? Who cares. I’m comfortable in my aging skin.)
Either way, you are wonderful. And I feel lucky to have you in my corner.
Yep. Forty-three is looking just fine from where I’m sitting…
7YO: Dad, how old are you?
Me: 37
7YO: Wow. You’re tall for your age.
Julie, you’re a great writer for your age.
Chase -
Have I told you lately how much I adore the stories about your kids?
They – and you – make my day on a regular basis. So thanks for having four children and everything.
That’s a lot of kids for your age. And a whole lot of entertainment for their biggest fans.
Both of you in one place? Swoon! You have me not afraid of 40. I can only hope to be like this when I get there.
Kimberly -
Thanks so much! Tracy makes 40 look fabulous (and well-dressed and cute-shoed).
I make 40 look comfortable.
Put those together and there’s nothing to fear.
(Just keep my fashion sense out of the mix. For real!)
Love this & thanks for the intro to your friend Julie! I totally agree, I think every year is a wonderful gift that we have worked for…so why pretend to be 25 again, or 30, or 35! May 43 be your best year yet!
Melanie –
Each year is a wonderful gift that we have worked for…
That’s fantastic! You said it better than I did in much fewer words.
Then again, I talked about Shaun Cassidy. So there’s that…
Thanks for the wishes. Best year yet?
I’m in!
Forty ain’t 57 and Phil says it sure ain’
t 62…nonetheless we still love you!
Di -
Forget about making “any age look good.”
You and Phil make LIFE look good.
So there.
p.s. When are we getting together?
Embrace the bra in the hamper! You will be at least 50 before she brings it home in her pocketbook
Poppy -
That’s when I’m sending her to live with you.
With love.
XO
p.s. Seriously. I love you.
Love this! Life is about coming to terms and embracing our ages. Kind of related, people also have a habit pf saying, “You look great … for having had twins!” Um, thanks? I guess that’s better than looking like crap for having 1 kid.
Leigh Ann -
Oh my gosh I never thought of that! Poor dumb people and their back-handed compliments, huh?
I think it’s funny how desperately we all want to say something nice about the way people “look” –
How about this instead:
“That cake looks delicious.”
Why, thank you. Thank you very much!
Thank you….feelin’ inspired on this Monday morning.. at 48!!!
Cate -
48 sounds good to me. So does inspiration.
But Monday morning? Hmmmm….
I’m going to have to work harder at loving that!
I turned 44 last week. I feel your pain. And your joy. I’d love to drink some birthday wine with you, but that’s where it’ll have to end because running makes me cry. *sigh*
Nina Badzin turned me on to Julie a while ago – very happy to have now discovered Tracy!
Oh Anne -
I love Nina. and Tracy. And wine.
So don’t go runnin’ to try and please me. I’ll hang with you just the way you are.
And 44 looks good on you, by the way.
Really good. (!)
I still have a couple of years until I get to 40, but I hope that I have such a great point of view when I get there in a few years.
Barbara -
It’s sometimes hard to believe I’m on the other side of 40 (by a good three years, no less).
I feel like it was yesterday that I was 37 and thinking, “Huh. Late thirties. Really.”
The time flies, but I’m here to tell you – it just gets better.
If you let it!
Turning 43 in less than 3 months. Oh, how I can relate. Only difference is my hair has gotten longer since growing out my pixie and I’m still chasing after a toddler (because I was slow to mature). Happy to discuss my love for SC anytime!
Kara -
Believe me I was slow to mature, too. My 14 year old was a surprise (hooray!).
And the jury is out on what I’ll do with my hair now – it’s actually more work to have it short (but it was for a good cause, so).
The only thing I know for sure is that Da do ron ron ron never gets old.
Probably.
XO
I <3 this. I mean, I <3 Julie, and I <3 Tracy, so it really shouldn't be any question that I'd big pink puffy <3 the merging of Julie & Tracy.
Can I sign up for that run & wine & Brady Bunch trivia-a-thon?
You two? You look great – for any age.
John -
Running, wine, Brady Bunch and you + Tracy + me + _______.
Yes, please.
Any time. Any age.
XO
Living with no regrets, a perfect summation.
Two gorgeous ladies here today … and so many above in these comments.
A wonderful group of women right here on this screen – what a blessing the blogosphere is!
Nicole -
I couldn’t have said it better myself. There is goodness all around here that I never would have imagined.
And you’re among them.
Thank you for your words, your support, the inspiration.
Blessings indeed.
Tracy, I just realized your blog has fallen off my reader somehow. So thank you, Julie, for an amazing post and helping me get Tracy back!
Happy Birthday, Julie. I love all that 40 is, and kind of hate it, too. Here’s to looking good and to hell with “for your age.”
Missy -
Yes! Let’s take “for your age” out of the lexicon for Pete’s sake.
Does anyone under forty say for Pete’s sake?
Hell. Let’s take that one out too.
I’ll stick with “Please pass the cake.”
That’s a phrase for the ages right there.
XO
Can I say I want to be both of you when I’m 40? Truly, I have no worries about getting older, although I totally miss having a perky butt and my boobs before nursing but other than that, I admire you both for your confidence and grace and talent and can only hope to be there too in a few years.
Jessica -
What’s that you said? Confidence, grace and talent?
Oh my girl. You’re my new best friend.
And perfectly perky.
I’m sure.
Julie, what a treat to discover you on Tracy’s blog this morning-Happy Birthday this week! Love your writing, and I will become a new stalker.
Currently living out my 49th year, I have to say I have looked forward to each year of my forties, knowing that each year I would be letting something go, something that seemed oh so important and necessary in my twenties and thirties. I can’t imagine how freeing the fifties will be!
Promise you’ll come back and tell me!
Pretty please?
I have some FABULOUS friends in their 50′s so I’m already sure it will be another decade to enjoy.
And I think “freeing” is a perfect way to describe it.
So cheers to that.
And to 49.
And to always wearing it well…
Man, I love cake! (And Julie!) I can’t wait to be forty.
Enjoy all the years until then, Megan.
I’ll keep the cake warm for you.
(Well, maybe not this exact cake. And maybe you wouldn’t want it warm. What with the melted frosting and everything.)
Let’s just say I’ll bake you a brand new cake in the WAY DISTANT FUTURE when you’re hitting 40.
I pinkie swear.
I’m about to turn 37, but now I wish it was 40. You make it sound fabulous.
With that sassy new haircut you make it look fabulous too.
Bridget -
It is! Fabulous, I mean.
Being 43 IS fabulous.
As for looking fabulous?
Well, that comes and goes.
But I could say the same for when I was 13, so. I’ll take it.
Cheers to 37. And 13. And 43.
“It comes and goes.”
So we might as well smile
Sigh. I have my own feelings on 40, some of which are exactly yours (have we discussed the ginormous poster of Shaun Cassidy I had in 5th grade that I kissed every night before bed?), some of which are a little bit different.
I’m glad we’ll have 13.1 miles to discuss this all Sunday!
xoxoxoxo
Also, Tracy? We are SO YOUNG at 42!!
Cheryl -
You can talk and run at the same time? I probably could if I weren’t busy eating, too.
Didn’t I tell you? I eat and drink constantly while I run.
Oh yeah and before I run. And after.
Get excited. I am!!!
(And also maybe hungry.)
XOXO
Love Julie! I have appreciated getting older so far. I’d choose it over my tighter body of my 20′s because, boy, I was kind of an idiot back then.
Kristy -
If you can say “kind of an idiot” you’re ahead of me by miles.
I exhibited FULL BLOWN idiocy in my twenties. Just ask my parents.
It worked out though. Mostly.
And now I get cake, so there’s that.
Hooray!
We share a platonic love for Julie Gardener. Can I come running with you guys??
And Julie, please tell me you are not cutting your hair!
Happy Birthday, friend. Save me a piece of cake.
Ilana -
PLEASE come run with me. With us. Any time. And also eat cake with me (with us) too!
As for the hair, it’s gone. 10 inches. Gulp.
Not because I was surrendering to the “I give up” cut or anything. It was for Locks of Love.
I’m growing it back (probably) to donate again. So my hair will be a roller-coaster for this decade.
I figured I might as well enjoy the ride…
Lately I feel like I’m hurdling toward forty, despite still being four years away – the less collagen and more wrinkles? Yeah, that one struck a nerve.
But despite feeling as if my body is disintegrating before my eyes, I do feel like the older I get, the more at peace with myself I become. Also? I’m not as angry as I used to be… and that’s rather refreshing.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could have our 40-something perspective along with our 20-something bodies?
Kristin -
I’ll tell you a secret. I like my body more now than when I was in my twenties.
Not because it’s better, necessarily. Although I exercise more and am stronger and more fit than I was then.
15 years ago I was stressed about fitting into a wedding dress and having babies and doing the “comparison” thing.
But now? I kind of like myself. I’m more forgiving and the expectations have relaxed.
I do have those darn crow’s feet. But mostly when I smile. So I’m cool with that.
(But shhhhhh. This is a secret.)
Oh Julie!! Always such beautiful words mixed with a lot of heart and funny! Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!! May you overdose on cake and wine!
Oh Tonya, I plan to.
Thanks for the green light!
And I’ll be waiting to overdose with you in the way distant future when you turn 43.
Oh yeah.
I need a book club.
Oh that made me laugh out loud.
You can join mine any time…
I don’t know where you live, but we eat a lot of food and drink a decent amount of wine and we even talk about the book.
Sometimes.
Happy Birthday! Love everything you said! Now put Julie on your BlogRoll!
OMG I have a blogroll – I bet it’s been a year since I’ve looked at that thing…Bad, bad blogger. Off to update! Oh wait – I think I’ll wait until Julie adds me to hers. kidding. I’d rather just have cake.xo
OMG I have a blogroll?
Ha!
I don’t even know how to update mine. My brother-in-law started it for me last year.
So yeah.
We can update it or eat cake.
Or both…
Wow. Yes, yes, and yes, to all of it.
Cheers to being 43 this year, with all of its challenges and celebrations.
You nailed it. As usual! I wouldn’t have expected anything less. I am going to share this all over the place.
Also? I loved Shaun. I had Shaun pajamas with a picture of him inside a heart that went over my chest. And every Tiger Beat published between like 1973 and 1980.
Oh thank you thank you thank you, my dear friend Gigi.
For all of it.
Especially your friendship.
(Can’t wait to celebrate with you in person!)
XO
Wait – we really need a “born in 1968″ big birthday bash here…maybe I just need to move to So Cal.
No “maybe” about it.
Move now. Karly can babysit all the kids.
For free. (!)
So glad to have found this today! I’m a fellow 40+ blogger and I’m totally adding you to my blog roll too. Must admit, I was starting to wondering about you and saying, “But wait! There’s more to being 40!” And then you made such a fabulous turn and said all the things I’ve been thinking in my head for the past year and a half, but much more poetically. Thanks for articulating why it’s so great to be a 40-something.
Thanks for sticking it out through the FIRST half of the post which was really just supposed to be funny…
Because of course osteo perosis-prevention and crow’s feet are hysterical, right?
Ah yes. I do love my forties. And I’m glad I’m not alone -
Also glad to *meet* you here.
Very.
Oh yes, I knew it was leading to something. It had to be, because the 40s are fabulous!
I. LOVE. THIS. POST.
LOVE IT! Every damn word! I just got life insurance last week! And was watching the Dukes of Hazzard opening credits on YouTube to see if Bo still did it for me (answer: hells to the yes)! You are an inspiring writer and all around cool chick, Julie. Just move north, already. We have cupcakes. And wine. And long johns.
Long johns rule.
At any age.
Warmth can never be over-estimated in my book.
Or Bo Duke.
Grrrrr.
XO
I love this post. 43 is gorgeous.
Forty is letting go and holding tight; it’s choosing wisely and experimenting wildly.
Because why not?
That’s my favorite. “Why not?” is always a good answer when trying something new.
Angela -
“Why not” has sort of been my unofficial motto. For my entire life.
For better or worse.
In fact, I MAY have just discovered my tattoo…
I am loving my 40′s…well not the metabolism slowing down, but the rest..yes I love it. Plus having 3 yr old twins is keeping me from sitting down as much as I’d like. I am the laziest mom alive.
I love how you gave us the good and bad, the stuff we wish could be like 25 and the other things that we wouldn’t trade now.
I think 43 looks amazing on you Julie!!!! Happy Birthday!
Thanks so much, Kir.
Sometimes I wish I had known at 25 years old what I know now at almost-43.
But then I suppose that’s what makes this decade marvelous and I shouldn’t want to trade it.
(Except, as you said, maybe for the metabolism thing.)
Because CAKE. And tortilla chips. And second helpings!
Yes, please.
Oh my gosh Julie, you are just my hero. Seriously. This list – I love every item. I hear my mother’s voice lately, too, come out of my mouth. As scary as that is.
Elena -
I saw my mother’s ENTIRE FACE looking back at me when I woke up this morning and glanced in the mirror.
It’s a good thing I love her so much.
XO
I so can relate. I turned 43 in March. I was completely in love with Shaun Cassidy and played his record all the time. I also had a shiny, blue disco-type jacket to wear when I was rocking out to his “excellent” music.
Dara -
I DREAMED of having a shiny, blue disco-type jacket to wear while rocking out to “Hey Deenie” and the like…
I would have been your best friend. And also jealous.
But mostly your friend.
If you’re in Minnesota and you were born in 1968 (or close to that year), you might want to check out this new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center:
http://www.the1968exhibit.org
I know – I am totally going!
Awesome post! I am a youthful 35 and a half, but there is already no way someone would mistake me for younger, even with sunglasses. My ever present–grey roots would give me away. I am also in book club.
Hooray for “youthful 35 and a half!”
When I was 35, I went to my dermatologist for a body scan (thinking skin cancer prevention; not vanity!).
He looked at my face and got out his magnifying glass. Then he said, “You look pretty good for 35. But you’re going to start showing your age really soon.”
Yeah. I don’t even want him to SEE me at 43.
The other day I was telling my daughter about auditions for a part in a play put on by a civic theater that I thought I might be good for. I said “It’s the part of a 28 year old, but it’s the stage, so whatever. I bet I could pull it off,” and she turned to me and said, quite disgusted, “You could never pass for 28. Sorry.”
I am choosing to believe that she meant I look too young to pass for 28. Why not?
On another note, I happen to know what Restylane is without having to look it up. I think this makes me sadder than the thought of turning 40. 40 is just a number. Knowing what Restylane is, however, is a symbol. Sniff.
*waves flag in surrender* No regrets. Bring on the cake.
Carol –
I’ve seen pictures and vlogs of you, lady. You look fabulous no matter what your age.
And if television producers would have us believe that these actors playing high school roles are under 25, SURELY you can be 28.
Or younger. Or you can just eat cake and not worry about it.
p.s. Restylane? What’s restylane?
Yeah. Right.
I love Julie.
I loved 40.
I can say I am thinking 52 is even better, except for the wrinkles, the sagging skin and the dead hormones. But the trade-off is worth it. More time, more money, and more smarts. Add in the grand kids and it is cake.
Oh Janie.
You make grand kids sound good. In every post. I’m not ready for them yet (because of what it means my kids would’ve been up to!) but someday?
I imagine it will be better than the best dessert.
And hormonal balance.
XO
Julie my dear you are surely the perfect person to teach your kids about grace and kindness as you have both qualities in spades. What a delightful run down of forty. (I admit mine looked slightly different than yours, except for the iron pills mammograms and moisturizer, but still.) Although I am much older and more decrepit than you, all I can say is right on sister, right on! Pass me some cake. Happy happy birthday. xo
Heidi -
I hope you like chocolate. With chocolate frosting.
Or carrot. Carrot is good, too. With cream cheese.
Or really any cake I don’t have to bake myself.
I’m in. You can have half. You just have to come to California to get it!
XO