There comes a time in every woman's life when she's forced to face the inevitable fact that she's growing older. Every day. It happens to the best of us, and it's something we simply can't escape. We can approach it grudgingly and with massive amounts of glycolic acid or we can approach it with a lacksadaisical attitude -- laissez-faire and aloof and unshakeable. I am of the glycolic variety. I prefer to color my hair obsessively, tear off the outer layer of my face with Retin-A compounds, and apply massive amounts of creams and lotions and, after that, makeup, until I resemble a still somewhat wrinkled circus clown. Or maybe a cross between Phyllis Diller (definitely showing my age now) and Tammy Faye Baker.
Why am I telling you about this now?
I went to the grocery store the other day and as I was checking out, the clerk -- a young girl of about TWELVE -- asked if I qualified for the senior citizen discount.
I know.
You're stunned.
How could this have happened? I am only a mere 45 years old! I feel wiser than those young thirtysomethings. (and I remember the television show, Thirtysomething, too!) I wasn't wearing makeup and had been sorting through stuff for Goodwill so I must have looked a bit tired and grungy, but that's no excuse. I am affronted, first of all, that the store required her to ask people if they're old. And I'm doubly affronted that she thought she had to ask ME!
I went home and immediately colored my hair, put on makeup, and went out to a cookout with my husband, convinced no one there would want to talk to me, an elderly woman in a vast sea of youngsters. I ended up having a great conversation with someone who looked like she was about as used up by her kids as I am. None of the twentysomethings -- or even the thirtysomethings -- said a word to me, but that's okay. They'll BE me one day. And when that day comes, I will be there to reassure them that life does, indeed, continue. At least I hope I will be. Better go apply more creams and lotions and take some vitamins just in case!
: )
Megan Elizabeth
7 comments:
No way! that check out person must've been a teen or someone clueless about senior citizens. There's no way you look even close to being a senior. You have a youthful, appearance. based on your blog photo's I would've guessed you in your 30's. Maybe even late 20's.
Christy
I've been there - people have been asking moi (who's still 30 in my mind) if I qualify for seniors discount. YOu are not alone!!!
My dear friend! When I was in my MERE 20's, someone asked me if I was my baby-faced hubby's MOTHER.
I kid you not.
Had I not been so stunned, I'm sure I would have walked right out of that Corn Maze field and never looked back. As it turned out, I couldn't FIND my way out and wandered around the maze for a few hours.
Sad, but true. Maybe I should have worn my glasses? :)
Hugs,
Donna
You are a hoot! You look 30 something to me. Of course, I just went to the salon myself. It took a whopping 3 hours for that man to update my look...and he only worked on my hair :).
Yea! I love you guys!!!! Donna, that is unbelievable. And how ironic that you couldn't even escape! It's so funny -- every night since this happened, I have been using a Queen Helene mint julep green mask on my face. I look like the green goblin or something. I forgot I was using it one night and answered the door with it on. It was the tree guy from next door asking if he could back his truck down our driveway to clear the debris, but what if it was my husband's boss or something. I'm so crazy! : )
your picture looks great--I at (aheam 50 something) would definitely not take you for a senior! Carol
Carol, I wouldn't take you for a fifty-something either! But isn't it impolite to ask? What is the protocol?!?
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