Nearing 38...

I'll be 38 in 9 days. Getting older has never phased me. Until now. I just went to my 20th high school reunion after months of waffling. It wasn't my age that was the detterent. It was my butt. And thighs. And many other places that didn't used to look like this.

But then my parents came to town. It was late summer and they were here for their usual month long visit. Which truly is never long enough. I am blessed with the world's greatest parents and Eric would tell you he is blessed with the world's greatest inlaws. Really.

Back to the reunion, vanity, and my parents. So here I was on the fence with the reunion trip. But then I put on a fashion show. Some of my garb was "fancy"--old bridesmaid gowns, dresses I wore to various holiday gatherings, the cocktail dress I wore to our engagement party. And then I put on my Friendly's waitress uniform from when I was 18. And it fit. And I looked good. Polyester cling and all. And my parents said I had nothing to worry about. I booked the flight. And it was one of the best weekends of my life.

I was mostly pleased that I would not have to explain to my kids that I was too vain to not attend my 20th reunion. Same reason I don't think I'll ever invest in fake boobs. I don't want my girls to ever think what God gave them isn't enough. Even though I know and they will learn--it isn't. But I don't want to be the messenger so I will continue to jack up what little I've got and envy my friends who are sporting perky new breasts.

OK, here's why getting old is starting to phase me. Smile lines. I've got them and they're deep. Before they got so deep and before I got near 40 I used to pass them off as a window into my disposition. I am happy. I am a smiler. I love to laugh. Giant belly laughs.

I forwarded the shutterfly slide show from my reunion to anyone I thought would care. And they all told me how old we all looked. Oh, not all of us. Everyone but me. Really. This is clearly why I love all those people and why I chose them to send the pics to. But, I am not naive either. Clearly just loved by great people. So there you have it. Smile lines and a birthday around the bend and I officially feel old. Yet in the same way I bucked up and hit the reunion and continue to boost my small bosom all in the name of authenticity for my children, I will do the same with my attitude toward my age..celebrate it for what it is. Here's to smile lines and enjoying the anniversary of my 38th year of life!