Friday, November 4, 2011

Reflections on 39

So, I turned 39 a couple of weeks ago. Really, it was no big deal. I don't FEEL 39, whatever that means. I feel like I look pretty good for my age. I'm probably in the best shape of my life (cardio-wise anyway) due to my awesome KG Ladies Running Club (that's the cheesy name we gave ourselves) and the 3.5 miles we run 2-3 times a week.

I wasn't freaking out about turning nearly 40, is what I'm saying.

But then. Then I started getting what I would call "wild hairs." And no, I'm not talking about chin whiskers or anything like that. I'm talking about crazy ideas.

Like getting my nose pierced.

Or having hot pink hair.

See, I've always wanted to do those things and now I feel like it's too late. For one, I can't really have either at my job. I could probably swing the nose stud, but should I? Really?

For Halloween this year I did a modified Goth girl costume. I spiked my hair and put fake studs in my lip and nose and ears. Several people who saw me said "Wow, you really pull that off. I bet you've got a little bit of rocker girl down inside." And you know what, I DO!

There are so many things I wish I'd done when I was younger that now I feel like I'm too old for. Don't get me wrong -- I'm not saying I'm OLD, just too old for these particular things.

I feel like I want to do SOMETHING to prove that I'm still young, still wild at heart if not so much in action. I just don't know what that SOMETHING is.

9 comments:

pave said...

Girl, please.

I promised my mom when I was in high school that I wouldn't pierce my face or colour my hair a colour not naturally found on humans. I decided when I was 30-something: hang that!

On the other hand: there's something about women our age doing these things that ends up looking like we're "trying too hard." I'm pretty sure it's our version of a mid-life crisis - we don't care about younger men (too much upkeep!) or faster cars (also: too much upkeep! *laugh*), but, dang, when did I turn into a "grown up"?

I have plans to go back to bright pink and blue hair when I'm 55 and up (hopefully, by then, I'll have enough grey that I won't have to bleach everything QUITE so much! ;)

Miss you, miss.

// liz

Leandra said...

ACK! Send me your email address, girly! I want to know what's up with you!

I think you hit the nail on the head -- I don't want to seem like I'm trying too hard.

Lauren said...

I say go for it...there are a lot of people who couldn't pull it off, but you give off that confident vibe that it takes to do so. As long as you know that you look fabulous with pink hair and a nose stud then people will totally buy it.

Also, I'm pretty sure they can't fire you for pink hair at your job...I've definitely seen more extreme in the area ;).

I always wanted to try out a short pixie cut...but alas my face has too much chub (especially as I get older..my chins seem to be multiplying!) Maybe one of these days I'll do it anyway...

AndreAnna said...

Ha, thats so funny you posted this!! I just had a birthday and what am I doing to commemorate it? Piercing my nose this weekend! LOL

I'll let you know if I survive.

maggiegracecreates said...

Ok - I went the piercing route - which we will not discuss in a publc forum. _ i have feathers in my hair as we speak - and my midlife crisis hair was coke can red spikes - yup - I sure did.

Yes my friend you can pull it all off.

Hello!!! -- I am trying way to hard to get old -- will not give into it in any way - shape - or form.

love.

for a different kind of girl said...

I'll be 44 next week (but don't feel like it!), and ever since I turned 40, I've been obsessed with getting a nose piercing. I want a tiny little gem, and have friend who works at a tattoo parlor who has been willing to do it for me for about as long...but here I sit, without it. One of these days, I'm just going to come home after having gotten one and see if anyone notices.

I've also been thinking about running lately, but I feel like I'll end up with the pierced nose before I ever get up the nerve to start running!

Queen Mother said...

So...why don't you post a photo of your modified response to the process of growin OLD?

You look great...if I do say so myself and I'm not the least bit prejudiced.

Sherri said...

I will totally go with you if you get your nose pierced. I had mine pierced several years ago, but took it out for a job. I'm to the point where I want it back...

Crissy said...

I kind of want to pierce my nose, too. I'm 37 and a stay at home mom who homeschools my kids. I don't know if I could pull it off, but my husband thinks it's super sexy. :)