Bits of Wisdom (#1-10) Gained With Age

Let's face it.  We all thought we knew everything when we were teenagers. But as we moved into our twenties and then into our thirties we learned that sadly, this was not the case.

Now as I am approaching forty, I'm confident that I still don't know much of anything.

There are, however, a few things that I have learned along the way (this list is obviously not all inclusive and will definitely grow longer as my journey continues).

• Sometimes chocolate really does make things better.
• It's ok to say no.
• Not everyone will like me, and that's ok.
• You're never too old to try something new.
• Wisdom teeth will not fall out on their own no matter how much you pray.
• Infants somehow magically turn into teenagers overnight.
• Gravity is a real force.
• People are always watching.
• Some choices and actions (good or bad) affect your life forever.
• God never changes.

Are there any you'd like to add to the list?

Acid Washed Denim, Vanilla Ice & Banana Clips

Yes.

We did.

The year was 89-90 and acid washed denim was cool. Can you tell?

And so was big hair (held together with White Rain, AquaNet or Rave hairspray). At least in Texas it was. And I'm pretty sure there were a couple of TV shows displaying similar height and volume.

A few of us from our Student Council group were selected to be guest D.J.s on our popular radio station, POWER 104.

On air and off, we probably said things like "This is like so totally awesome!" and "Cool beans!" and "To the max" and "Dude!" and "Gnarly" and "Totally Rad."

We probably played artists like Madonna, Vanilla Ice, Depeche Mode, Janet Jackson, Poison, Billy Idol, INXS, Bobby Brown, Chicago, Debbie Gibson, Bon Jovi, Prince, and Guns N' Roses just to name a few.

I think I kept my copy of the video cassette from that day. Wonder if I can find it?

Wonder if I really want to?

And yes, among other totally awesome souvenirs, we were given these beautiful acid washed jackets. I'm sure they were coveted by our peers. Can't believe I didn't save mine. Probably could've sold it on ebay.

Under these rad jackets, I bet you would find swatch watches, rubber bracelets, and big belts.

On our feet? Possibly hi-top sneakers (Converse or L.A. Gear) or some shiny flats.

Yep.

Those were the good ole days.

Makes me want to go buy a banana clip.

Forty is Young & Friends Are Like Bras

I remember when thirty seemed soooo old. Ancient, in fact.

And then, as I inched closer, it suddelnly wasn't so old after all, but FORTY? Forty was definitly old.

Now that I'm thirty-nine, forty seems almost adolescent. Almost.

I mean, you're as young as you feel, right? Not counting those times when my body aches while getting out of bed, I feel young, hip, and fun. I'm sure it helps that I'm surrounded by a pretty amazing group of friends and three lively offspring (19, 15, and 6).  These are just a few of my rockin' friends and my daughter. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

I read once that "Friends are like bras...close to the heart and there for support" (not sure who gets credit for this). Couldn't have said it better myself.

The more birthdays I have, the more thankful and grateful I am. Since having melanoma in 2004, life has taken on new meaning. Each day is to be celebrated, and I plan on doing just that.

Forty really is young. And fifty isn't looking so bad either.

Here's to celebrating our years together!

And to my friends, old and new, I really mean this ...

You really do. Don't let anyone tell you different, no matter how young or old you are. :)

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." ~Mark Twain