Yesterday, I was talking to someone about how I’m an “old” mum. We’d previously been talking about how my daughter was 12. The lady said “How old were you when you had your youngest?”. I said “39”. She replied “Oh! You only look about 46 or 47!”. She seemed quite pleased with herself for the compliment. My youngest is 5. I’m only 43. I died a little inside.
Thinking that she clearly got confused and had bad eyesight, I thought I’d rectify my feelings by telling this story to Mr CTBE. He didn’t dive in with a “How silly of her!” or “But you only look 41!” or anything like that. After a little pushing, he finally said “Well if I met you today and didn’t know how old you were then I would guess mid-40s”. Seeing the look of horror on my face he tried to add that mid 40’s is between 43-47. I disagree. Even if I do look my age of 43 then he still should have told a fib and said I looked 42! Surely that isn’t much to expect?
I have very old skin on my hands due to years and years of eczema. If I was to judge my age on my hands then I would put me in my 60’s. However, I’ve always been told that in my face I look a lot younger than I am. I was getting asked for my ID in my 20s to buy a lottery ticket. I was still asked for my ID to buy some alcohol in my late twenties. I have always loved saying my age because people respond with this wonderful look of surprise. Admittedly that hasn’t happened for a couple of years. Maybe stress has aged me? Divorce, a child late in life and several house moves?
If I’m truthful with myself then I would say it is down to my diet. I eat way too much sugar and it turns out sugar is aging. I probably already knew that but it isn’t a convenient truth so I clearly buried it. I need to lose a couple of stone. I don’t get more than 4-5 hours solid sleep a night due to having a child with additional needs. My second child gets me up several times a night and Mr CTBE isn’t exactly a solid sleeper. On top of that I have spent the last 2 years in a state of nagging when it comes to the children. One or the other is hating me on a regular basis. I have also cried far too many tears in my lifetime. So I guess there are things I can work on?
Anyway, reeling from this revelation that I no longer look younger than I am, I figure I can’t turn back time but maybe I can pause it?
So here I am, in my studio writing a blog post to you after shopping on Amazon for anti-wrinkle cream. It is a minefield! Any recommendations would be appreciated.
