The Today Show was on as I was getting ready for work a couple of weeks ago, and Valerie Bertinelli was appearing in the next segment, which they were plugging by announcing, "Valerie Bertinelli turns 50!"
When she came on, however, it turned out that she wouldn't be 50 until April. I felt her indignation deeply.
February, March, April. Three months.
Here they were celebrating her half-century mark when she still had a whole quarter of a year left to be 49. How dare they.
Sure, back in the day I was quick to speed up the clock for myself. Weren't we all?
No sooner had I turned 13, than I looked forward to the half-year mark when I could legitimately start claiming I was almost 14.
I believe this habit came to an abrupt end at age 21.
These days, I take every single day the year has to offer before going on to the next one. Hours even.
I was born on the afternoon of August 20th. So don't go wishing me a Happy Birthday this year in the morning, or I'll be likely to tell you that I'm still 48 for a little while longer.
Daughter #2's birthday isn't until May, but already she says things like, "Of course I can stay out late...drive the car...make my own rules. I'm going to be 16."
"Not for a long time," I tell her. "You're 15."
"Close enough," she mumbles.
Oh, honey, I want to say, hold onto every second of 15 for as long as you can.
But I keep my mouth shut.
She'll find out soon enough.
*I'm having surgery on my sinuses tomorrow. And, while I've got some posts scheduled to run this week and next, I'm not sure if I'll be around to everyone's blogs, or commenting, with my usual frequency. I hope to be up to speed as soon as possible.
For the last three years, I keep catching myself saying that I am a year older than I am...what the hell is wrong with me?! Hope all goes well with your sinus surgery.
Posted by: SuziCate | January 25, 2010 at 08:16 AM
I coldn't wait to get older when I was young. But I am finding that I sure do like myself more the older I get. But I do cherish the days more...
Good luck with your surgery.
Posted by: Erin@TheLocalsLoveIt | January 25, 2010 at 08:38 AM
I'd be mighty upset if someone prematurely aged me.
Usually what happens, however, is that people think I'm younger than I am -- usually by about five years. I'll take whatever I can get.
Good luck with your nose job! ;-) (I'm kidding. Good luck with your sinus surgery.)
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | January 25, 2010 at 08:38 AM
I wish you a speedy recovery so that you can go back to enjoying everyday as it comes!
Most of the time, I forget how old I am. I used to know down to the months, and now, it just doesn't seem to matter much anymore.
Posted by: WickedStepMom | January 25, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Beloved insists he is 38 and will never be any older. He refuses to let us celebrate his 48th birthday on Wednesday (The Young One will be 15 the same day) - we have to observe his UnBirthday or we can't recognize it at all.
Oh, sinus surgery - the very thought makes me cringe. Here's to a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Jan | January 25, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Good luck with the surgery. If it is the same one that I had 20 years ago, where they take our polyps and such, you'll be glad you had it done in a couple of weeks. I think it was 15 years before I had another sinus infection.
Notice I didn't mention birthdays?
Posted by: Michele | January 25, 2010 at 09:49 AM
Ouch! I hope you feel better soon!
Posted by: Twenty Four At Heart | January 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM
We should have a sinus surgery conversation and compare notes! I had a cyst in my nasal passages when I was 13...
I'll be thinking about you!
I'm going to be 40 forever...but I've also started telling people that I'm 52...just to see their reaction.
Posted by: Jill | January 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM
P.S. You do know I'm eternally 24, don't you?
Posted by: Twenty Four At Heart | January 25, 2010 at 10:43 AM
I selfishly want your recovery to be quick and easy so we will all be reading your thoughtful posts again soon. May they give you lots of good drugs that have no side effects. :)
Posted by: The gold digger | January 25, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Good luck tomorrow. As for age... a lot of the time it's a state of mind and mood. Somedays I feel my 60+ and other days I feel 14. :)
Posted by: Joan | January 25, 2010 at 11:02 AM
best of luck with the surgery. May it be a quick recovery and accomplish what is intended.... sinuses don't always seem to co-operate ... my sweetie has polyps growing back again after his surgery....
Posted by: BumbleVee | January 25, 2010 at 12:21 PM
My 10 year old nephew will tell everyone in listening distance that he's a pre-teen. Oy.
Hope everything goes well with your surgery and you're back to smelling the roses quick!
Posted by: Sprite's Keeper | January 25, 2010 at 12:28 PM
As long as my sister is older than me, I really don't care what age I am.
Best of luck with your surgery! Ouch!
Posted by: PLRH | January 25, 2010 at 12:37 PM
I have a friend who claims to be "29 forever". Bull to that! I look horrible for 29, but I look great for 35! I want credit for every year I've lived through, but you're right, don't rush them anymore.
Good luck with the surgery. We'll miss you, but rest up and get better soon!
Posted by: Mama Badger | January 25, 2010 at 12:47 PM
I understand completely. I remember those days of almost-18-close-enough. When you're young you're in such a hurry to be old enough, then you get to a certain age where you wish things would just s.l.o.w. d.o.w.n.
Good luck with the surgery. Hope you're feeling well soon.
Posted by: Mrsbear | January 25, 2010 at 01:04 PM
Wishing you best of luck with your surgery!
And as someone who is 29 days short of her 40th birthday, I raise my fist with you and shout--"not YET!!"
Posted by: TheKitchenWitch | January 25, 2010 at 01:05 PM
best wishes with those old sinuses of yours - I mean young sinuses - you know we never think about the age of sinuses like we do knees and ankles and other parts.
well take care.
Posted by: lisleman | January 25, 2010 at 01:31 PM
oh I forgot to ask - were you trying to clear your sinuses in that picture?
Posted by: lisleman | January 25, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Good luck tomorrow, Maureen!
Your post is so resonant. I was always the youngest kid in my class growing up and so was the last one to be able to drive, be able to drink. I wished away so much time as a youth. And now I would like the clock to freeze, thank you very much.
Posted by: Kristen @ Motherese | January 25, 2010 at 01:58 PM
Yep, you're so right. The older we get, the faster time flies. I still can't believe I've been 50 for two years already. Especially since I still feel 21.
Posted by: Ginger | January 25, 2010 at 02:36 PM
I will never understand the rush....well not now I won't but still...
There are some days when I have to ask my husband how old I am. Crazy, I only focus on my age when someone younger is staring me in the face giving me the Ma'am look (-:
Posted by: mrsblogalot | January 25, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Good luck with the surgery. Will be thinking of you. xo
I plan on hanging on to 44 til the last possible minute.
Posted by: Erin | January 25, 2010 at 04:22 PM
Take care & get well soon!
Posted by: Diane | January 25, 2010 at 05:25 PM
And have you seen Valerie on those Jenny Craig commercials lately??? She looks pretty damn good for 49 and 3/4!!!
Hope the surgery and recovery go well for you!
Posted by: A Mom on Spin | January 25, 2010 at 05:41 PM
I was always pushing that next year till I hit 40. I refuse to claim a higher number. I will be 40 forever! (sinister laugh).
I will be thinking of you tomorrow, wishing you well with your surgery. Maybe you'll get lucky and not get migraines anymore, that would be nice!
Take all the time that's needed, just remember we will be missing you.
Posted by: Heather | January 25, 2010 at 06:12 PM
Love this. How once upon a time we couldn't wait for time to flit by, for the years to pile up, and now we are all engaged in a silent prayer for the clock to slow or stop...
Best of luck tomorrow with your surgery. Hope all goes well and you are back bouncing around these bloggy woods soon!
Posted by: Aidan Donnelley Rowley @ Ivy League Insecurities | January 25, 2010 at 07:33 PM
Wonderful post - and so very, very true!
Sending hugs and wishes for an easy surgery and a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Jane | January 25, 2010 at 10:08 PM
This post is sooo true! The young-uns...they can't wait to be older. And no amount of pleading from us telling them to slow down will ever change that.
Be well tomorrow, sweetie. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery. I hope the fam babies YOU for a change!
Posted by: kathryn | January 25, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Hope your surgery goes VERY well and you are back HERE in no time!
I always thought I was too young for things, and then suddenly when life started speeding up in my 20s I got too old as in others had accomplished more,,,,, so I said fuggedaboutit I'm me and I'm alive.
Posted by: TC | January 25, 2010 at 10:50 PM
As you've probably heard me say before, my dad said, "Time is your most valuable commodity."
I didn't get it until I was older. And then I wished I had listened to him years before.
:-)
Best wishes on your surgery and a fast recovery!
Posted by: Nancy McDonnell | January 26, 2010 at 08:14 AM
I remember well how I couldn't wait to be a year older... until I WAS... Now I'm THRILLED if someone cards me even if I DI know that legally they HAVE to. Shut up! I know they just can't fathom that I'm 21 yet. :-)
Hope your sinus surgery goes well. Here's to a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Peggy | January 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM
you know what's funny?
i can't even remember how old i am anymore. when someone asks me, i inevitably subtract a year, or two. 41? 40? no, it's 42.
Posted by: slouchy | January 26, 2010 at 01:51 PM
I remember being thrilled that I got carded going into bars until I was 27 or so! Now I sometimes get senior citizen admission to the movies! Hey! If they think I'm old enough to get $4 off a movie ticket, who am I to tell them they're wrong?
Good luck with your surgery. that sounds yucky and panful!
Posted by: Joanie M | January 26, 2010 at 04:24 PM
I age myself, because I keep thinking I am older than I am! I need hormone replacement :).
Good luck on the surgery!
Posted by: She Writes | January 26, 2010 at 05:30 PM
I just turned 24, and im starting to feel it. You are so right.
Hope the surgery goes well!
Posted by: Constructive Attitude | January 26, 2010 at 05:51 PM
Hope the surgery goes well and prayers for a speedy recovery for you! I'll miss your comments.
The age thing is so true. I figured 21 would be my last birthday I was excited about, so I figured I would just go back down after that. So this year I will be celebrating my 15th birthday!!
Posted by: Kate | January 26, 2010 at 08:06 PM
I hope your surgery went well and that it helps your sinus problems. I can relate to that.
When it comes to age, when I have to provide my age somewhere, I literally say "What year is this?". Then I have to subtract my birth year because I really can never remember how old I am. I think it has something to do with the fact I can't accept how old I am. And that's the truth!
Posted by: Jersey Girl | January 27, 2010 at 06:25 AM
I'm 40 something for a long time.
I hope the surgery and recovery is well Maureen.
Posted by: Ocean Girl | January 27, 2010 at 08:50 AM
So weird because two nights ago I dreamed that I had sinus surgery again! Psychic connection. Love it!
I'll be thinking of you. Recovery is rough, especially debriding. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use that sinus spray every ten minutes like they tell you to do, drink lots and lots of water, avoid salty foods to keep from dehydrating and eat something before you go and get debrided.
In ten days time your life will change and it will all be worth it!
Love to you!
Posted by: Lora | January 27, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Good luck with your surgery! And age is such a funny thing.
Posted by: Kristina P. | January 27, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Oh, I'm sorry I'm so late in getting here! I hope surgery goes well, and even though I'm only 32, I am 32 until the exact moment that I was born. Then and only then am I another year older. I do wish that I had known then what I know now- hold on to every minute. Cherish them. You never get them back.
Posted by: ~The South Dakota Cowgirl~ | January 28, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Ugh! I would have sued. :)
Hope all is well with the surgery.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 28, 2010 at 01:35 AM
I think we all need to go back to telling our age in fractions, I'm 32 and 3/4 myself.
Posted by: Casey | January 29, 2010 at 10:49 AM
I've been so crazy-busy I haven't been to anyone's blog.
I'm assuming your surgery went well and you're on the mend--I hope I'm right!
Posted by: Jenn @ Juggling Life | February 04, 2010 at 01:28 AM