How did this happen?
I still feel 23.
It was surely only a couple of minutes ago that I was clubbing until the wee hours (without any negative effects the next day), just beginning my career, and spending all of my money on takeout food and wine.
The looming milestone has me analyzing my life so far.
I’ve always had a plan to learn how to wear real makeup before I turn 40, but now I’m running out of time and I still don’t care enough to try.
I had a panic attack the other day that I’m going to get too old to be attractive to employers soon! I mean, I love my job and have no plans to leave, but what if I decide to leave in 10 years but am suddenly out of options because I’m 50 years old and no longer competitive? HOW IS THAT SOMETHING THAT COULD HAPPEN SOON? I WAS AN FRESH-FACED INTERN FIVE MINUTES AGO!
Retirement planning has taken on a more realistic presence in my life. When I was in my late 20s/early 30s, then I felt smug that I was doing anything towards saving for retirement. Now it feels like the countdown has already begun to actually needing that money, and I probably need to start paying more attention (and dollars!) to it! And speaking of money, weren’t we supposed to have more disposable income by now?
In other news, my husband and I recently got excited over buying a certain brand of heavy cream because it has a more satisfying “dollop” when you pour it.
Let that sink in for a moment. If you’re still in your 20s, you have this to look forward to.
Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly happy with my life. Hard work, brave decisions, and some luck have led us to be where we are now – living exactly where we want to live with two small amazing (and insane) children – but I just don’t understand how so much time has passed in the meantime.
This year has been a significant one for me. I’ve been a mom for 4.5 years now and I was starting to feel like I’d really lost myself. I had my job (which I enjoy), but nothing else that was just for me. I used to paint, but that no longer holds the same appeal, and I still read a LOT, but that doesn’t feel like a true hobby. I have also been meaning to start exercising again, but could never quite find the time.
So in January, I decided to start running. I have never been a runner, but it felt like something that I could do with minimal investment in equipment, and it was something with goals. I function well with goals! So step one – run a 5K. I immediately signed up for the most ridiculous 5K possible, running up Menan Butte for the Ultra Spitfire Trail Challenge. I couldn’t sleep the night before and almost threw up on the initial climb, but not only did I make it, I was the 3rd woman to finish! IT FELT AMAZING. Through this ridiculousness, I discovered that trail running is a thing, it’s a thing that I love, and there’s a women’s trail running group in Idaho Falls. I’ve never been one for group activities and I’ve struggled to find/make friends here, but 10 minutes into the first group run, I knew I had found a place for me.
So I’m looking forward to 40. The past four decades have been amazing, and I feel ready for some new adventures that involve more than just extra heavy heavy cream. Oh, and I want to run a marathon before I turn 50.
You’re so cute Georgina! You’re awesome! What I’ve learned lately, is it’s never too late to try something new, find yourself, or reach for the stars. You will kill that marathon!