The art of aging gracefully

Next week I celebrate the 7th anniversary of my 27th birthday.  No need to do the math folks, that makes me 34.  I am officially in my "mid-thirties" now.

And don't think this will be some rant about getting old and how much it sucks.

Well, I mean, it does suck, but...  I have a couple of things that I love about being older.

1.  I finally have my you-know-what together.  Mostly.  My bills are getting paid on time, I show up at work every day, I'm in a stable and committed relationship, and I've figured out a way to handle almost all of the crap that life throws at me.  On occasion when I get sick of feeling old and lame, I'm still young enough to blow off some steam in a most inappropriate manner (day drinking in the city followed by several *hazy* hours spent at a strip club, anyone?)  Thank god for good friends! (Who also develop through getting older & being a better person and all that....)

2.  I have wrinkles under my eyes.  Although that seems like it should be a bad thing, realize that they were caused by sunshine and laughter.  This, I believe, is awesome.

3.  I'm finally ok with "me".  I know that sounds all new-age and self-help-book.... probably because it is.  But seriously, I appreciate all my life experiences (good and bad) because they have given me perspective and helped me figure out what I want.  They've given me the gumption to go for the things I relish and the foresight to avoid things I don't.  Other good things that come from living my life: I've become more patient, more sociable and more magnanimous.

And hey.... when those reasons don't help me sleep at night anymore, I just remember I got ID'd for buying beer the other day.

That's right!  I've have officially been legal to purchase alcohol in this state for almost 13 years, but the guy at the counter thought I might not be old enough.

So when it comes right down to it, I'd have to say:

SUCK IT SPACE TIME CONTINUUM!!  YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME!!