Another year cataloged to memory...

There are some birthdays that are milestones. For me the first one was 8. I was old enough to get my ears pierced. I remember very clearly, we had driven in from our country home in Royse City, Texas to Mesquite. We had gone to Town East Mall. I had to make a choice regarding my birthday wish. Did I want my ears pierced (I was a bit afraid of the pain issue) or did I want a pair of overalls? Not that that isn't funny enough, but I struggled with the decision! I ended up piercing my ears (good choice). I still remember the inner tug-o-war of trying to make that so important decision.

Next up, 13. I was officially a teenager. This meant I could start wearing make-up everyday if I wanted. Boy, did I. I went through a scary phase. The excitement finally settled down. If only I could go back to that pristine complexion and not need the make-up, and face cream and wrinkle protection, and on and on and on...

There are of course the biggies for everyone...16...21...for obvious reasons. I struggled with 28 and leaving my 20's behind. I spent my twenties in two bad marriages and felt I had not used those years to their potential. I felt I could have lived much more, and in a better way. Life lessons, I learned much! I made changes.

Now, here I am are at 35. This is a big one for me. I know it is supposed to be at 40 and I may feel so at that time. But 35 has been sitting out there, staring me down for some time. In medicine it is a turning point (especially in OB/GYN). I officially have a geriatric uterus. It's time for mammograms, colonoscopies, and wrinkle maintenance. Occasionally, after exercise, my joints ache. What's up with that? I know about muscle pain, but my knees and shoulders. Yuck!

Someone brilliant said you have to trade your youth for wisdom. I'm not so sure it is a fair trade.