My birthday was yesterday. I was too busy/sleepy to visit and post, so I apologize for not being timely. Not to mention, this has been a strange birthday. At least for me.

I usually associate birthday wierdness with specific years…

  • 18 – adult
  • 21 – drinking
  • 30 – so long youth
  • 40 – insert wierdness
  • 50 – etc.
  • 60 – etc.

So imagine my confusion when, at 42, I appear to be having a mid-life crisis, albeit a “light” version. Shouldn’t I have had this at 40? Or waited until 50? What’s so magical about 42? There are, of course, the anxious thoughts of “What have I done with my life?” or “Why didn’t I ever…?” But this is different.

I call it a “light” version because it’s not like I want a $150,000 car or to run away with a cabana boy or the circus. I just want a new tattoo, and/or to pierce my nose, and/or to put a few little dreadlocks in my hair and change the color. Nothing major or earth shattering, but I can’t take my mind off it.

Luckily, I work in a creative profession where I “could” do these things as long as I keep them tasteful. But I’ve always been the girl who is safe. I never acted out when I was younger (which is probably why I want to now.) And hubby has all but forbidden me to get my nose pierced, so that’s the one I really want to do. He feels it’s unprofessional.

I don’t know. I keep thinking, “I’m 42. Too old to do these things. Need to act mature and grown up and “proper” (whatever that is). I’m not in my 20’s anymore. Act my age.” But who’s to say you can’t do these things at 42? Am I too old? Age is only a number after all. And some days I don’t feel my age. Most days I don’t. I often feel 25. I sometimes feel 80. But I’m not dead. And I like to think I’m still a little cool, though it may be in a geeky way. So why not have a little fun? It doesn’t hurt anyone. And all of the things I want to do are reversable if needed (the tattoo would be a little painful to remove, but still).

So, here I am. Still feeling like I did when I was a kid. And will probably ignore my wants as usual. But, hey! at least everyone else will be happy. Right?