On Being Another year Older...

Another birthday has come and gone. No big celebrations this year. Saving it all up for the big one next year, although the thought of that doesn't excite me like it used to.
Why do we celebrate getting older?What is there to celebrate? Bits of our body stop working or hurt more. Our prescription bill increases. The children wear us out more. We need more sleep. We can't stay out partying to the early hours of the morning anymore. A good night out is now a night in. TV programme, take away if you're lucky and maybe a cuddle on the sofa or if you're really lucky you get a babysitter and you bundle round someone elses house who can't get a babysitter and have your take away with them.

I'm in no rush to go out and spend my birthday money. In fact it has been used to pay for the take away, kids cinema tickets and my Dad's birthday present. It might even stretch to a new battery for the laptop. The trouble is for the first time in as long as I can remember, which obviously isn't far as I'm so old now, my birthday has fallen at the start of half term. Opportunities to shop are limited with 2 boys under 10 at home with me. The word "shop" is mentioned and they go into overdrive, so it really isn't worth the hassle.

Next year will be a challenge. Not only will I turn 40, but I'll need to find a job too. My degree will be completed this October and after 10 years of being a Mum and not working I will have to take the plunge back into the world of work. Will all that change in one go be good for me, or will it just push me over the edge, knowing that the boys are growing up and I am growing old?

We'll find out next year I guess.


SLEEPY