I was going for a run at the beach last week, and I stopped to chat to a couple of mums. They had those incredible jogging strollers, two kids in each. The mums were super-fit, energetic, and looked fantastic. (Aussie beach babes, truly.)
'Those strollers are great,' I said. 'I wish we had something similar when I had my kids.'
The blonde one with a perky ponytail said, 'I can only imagine. It must have been REALLY HARD BACK THEN.'
Dead silence. Ahem.
I don't think of myself as middle-aged, even if I am -- and even if I look it. Around a decade ago, I was in the delivery room having my second baby. And I'm starting a brand new career now.
I'm like the headmaster at my son's school who tells the boys, 'You don't want to peak at 16. I haven't peaked yet, and I'm 70.' There's something FUN about being a late bloomer...and not giving a toss that you are.
When my Mum turned 80, I asked her, 'How old do you feel?'
She said, 'About 35. I'm always shocked when I look at my own face in the mirror.'
Me too, Mum. I'm energetic and healthy and I don't feel older.
I wonder if all of us hit 35 and stop? I wonder if we all stay there? Maybe the person on the scooter or in the walking frame is really only 35 inside.
(By the way, I had to chase down this Scooter Dog to take the photo and -- when I caught them -- the owner said, 'If I could pop a wheelie I would, but all I can do is speed...')
However old you are, here's hoping you have some FUN today.
Sending big hugs from Sydney.