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| Wednesday, October 18, 2006 |
| Turning 40 |
Today is my birthday, a time to reflect. I’ve heard so many people say they cried when they turned 40. I know one of my sisters didn’t get out of bed and spent the entire day in tears. I’m not sure why. Although I did enjoy saying, I’m in my thirties, I don’t think being 40 is going to be so bad. I think back to 20 years ago and a conversation with my parents. I remember thinking 40 was so old! LOL, my how my thinking has changed.
I also think back 20 years ago and look at my goals.
Did I think I would be a writer? Not at all. I was in university working toward a business degree majoring in accounting and economics.
Did I think I’d be married? This is a tough question for me. I was very driven when I was younger. I was never one to dream of weddings and Prince Charming. I was a realist. I was going to get a degree. I was going to get a great job. I was going to drive a Mercedes. And I was never, ever going to rely on a man for anything.
Did I think I would have two children? Not in a million years. This might surprise some of you who know me well, but when I was growing up, and in my early 20’s I did NOT want kids. I didn’t tell people this, of course, but apparently I put that image out to the world. I remember when I got pregnant. I was working in the finance department for Environment Canada and after I told my co-workers I was pregnant they looked ghastly. They were asking, are you happy? Are you okay? Finally I asked someone why people were acting that way. She told me that I was so driven in my career and that I wasn’t the nurturing, motherly type at all. I guess I can understand the reaction seeing as the image I put out there. I also remember running into friends from high school after I had two children and was a stay at home mom. They were just as shocked. Especially the stay-at-home mom part. In high school I used to adamantly say. “I will never, ever rely on a man for anything.” Geez, I was jaded at such a young age wasn’t I.
My how things have changed over the years. And you know what. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. I have two fabulous children and a wonderful husband and couldn’t be happier.
I crawled out of bed this morning and both kids screamed Happy Birthday. My son made me a card, (I love homemade cards) It says to the #1 mom…you know you’re a soccer mom whey you’re at your kids tryouts on your 40th birthday.
I love it.
So am I doing anything special for my birthday, you wonder?
Here’s my schedule.
Two critiques for friends.
Write 6 pages of my own work
At 3 o’clock, pick my son up and take him to a soccer game.
At 5 o’clock pick my daughter up from volley ball.
5:10 Feed my hungry kids.
At 6:30 take my son to his last try out for the tier one game. Get home about 9:45
10:00 have a glass of wine with hubby (who is working a 12 hour shift today)
10:30 fall into bed.
Ahhh, the perfect way to spend my 40th birthday!! |
posted by Cathryn Fox @ 5:35 AM  |
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| 8 Comments: |
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Hey, baby!
Happy birthday!
I'd sing to you, but you wouldn't want that.
No, I mean it. You wouldn't.
Aww, sheesh, okay then...
HaPpY BiRtHdAy tooo yoouuu!!!
Hey, wait, no, don't leave!
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Happy birthday! Wow. For a sec there, I thought I was reading about me in my twenties. Weird.
Anyway, hope you enjoy your day. Being surrounded by those you love -- it doesn't get any better than that. :-)
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Happy Birthday!!! You're right, it's not the end, only the beginning. :D It is amazing how much changes from your twenties. Enjoy, celebrate, and embrace. :)
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Yay! Happy Birthday! And you not nurturing? Crazy.
My big 4-0 hits 3 months after yours and I've started looking back over the past 20 years and having a good laugh too. Funny the things we thought we knew...
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Happy Birthday Cathryn!
I just turned 40 last month on Sept 3rd. So I know what you're talking about. I think how people handle it all depends on where they are in their lives. I feel I know myself better now than I did 20 yrs ago.
Enjoy, hopefully it just gets better from here! :)
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OMG!! I just emailed you and I had no idea your birthday just happened!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
I'm so glad you've had the life you have. You a re a wonderful person, and a great friend. *hugs*
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I turned 47 a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit bizarre. 40 was miserable, 30 amazing....47 was retrospective. I think I am heading for some kind of awakening....hmm.....a belated happy day to you.
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Hey, baby!
Happy birthday!
I'd sing to you, but you wouldn't want that.
No, I mean it. You wouldn't.
Aww, sheesh, okay then...
HaPpY BiRtHdAy tooo yoouuu!!!
Hey, wait, no, don't leave!