Thursday, February 4, 2010

That Awkward Age

So there a slew of things I probably should talk about it, but don’t feel like it right now. I don’t want to talk about how Thomas has an ENT appointment for his slew of ear infections and persistent fluid in his ears. I don’t want to talk about the clique that is forming in Marie’s 3 year old preschool class. I don’t want to talk about my conflicting feelings about whether or not to have a third child. And I don’t want to talk about my internal struggle of being a good mom and making sure my non-mommy needs are being fulfilled.

No, what I want to talk about is that “awkward” age. You know, the one where you are in your 30’s and still using acne medicine, yet have discovered your need for a good under eye cream for all those fine lines. I canNOT believe that I am STILL going to the dermatologist for acne (I still see the same doctor or one of his kids who practice in the same office) and need prescription acne medicine. However, this is the first time I have ever needed a good moisturizer for dry skin and an under eye cream for all those fine lines. What is up with that?! I was feeling all down about it . . . until last week when I was at JoAnn Fabrics. I went there after the gym so I was all sweaty with scant traces of makeup. I was waiting in line to pay for my stuff, and two teenage boys were standing behind me complaining about how crabby the old ladies are who work there (which is true because they are about 108 years old and ALWAYS crabby). So here’s a summary of our conversation:

Teenage Boy 1: Wow! That lady was crabby!

Me: Yes, they are always crabby!

Teenage Boy 1: I am going to give her shit about being crabby.

Teenage Boy 2: No, you’re not.

Me: I’m sure your Mom didn’t raise you to be rude.

Teenage Boy 2: You need to be extra nice to her so she doesn’t have a reason to be rude to you.

Me: (Take my baby boy themed scrapbook paper out of my bag) Now, your Mom raised you right.

Teenage Boy 1: Wow! You don’t look like you are old enough to be a mom.

Me: I have two little ones at home.

Teenage Boy 2: What school do they go to?

Me: One is only 10 months old, and the other goes to preschool.

Teenage Boy 2: You have a long way to go.

Me: I used to teach Junior High. I know what is coming down the pipeline for me.

Teenage Boy 1: Where did you used to teach?

Me: (I state the name of the school)

Teenage Boy 1: Wow! I go to a high school in that same district.


And then it got weird. I felt like a little Mrs. Robinson-ish. Teenage Boy 1 wanted to continue the conversation and discuss why I was using my own bags and not opting for plastic, but I was kind of tuning out. I was happy to think, that to these two teenagers, I didn’t look like a mom that was at that “awkward” age of requiring both acne medicine and under eye cream for fine lines. (Did I mention that I was all post-workout gross?!) After the initial good feeling of being mistaken for a young(er) girl, I felt bad about why it should matter that I look young. I like getting older because that means I am getting wiser. And then I thought that it doesn’t hurt to be young -looking AND wise, now does it? I’ll ride that train as long as I can.

Now, some of you may think that this story is a fabrication because what teenagers hang out at JoAnn Fabrics? (Smart ones that think I look younger than I am, that’s who)! However, as strange as the story it, it is all completely true, (and yet totally random).

Anything random that made you feel good about yourself happen lately and like to share? I’d love to hear it!


7 comments:

New York Mama said...

Random Happening: I've never minded admitting my age. Now when I do (54 years) "people" are shocked saying I couldn't possibly be that age. Whether these various "people" are being sincere or not ... I just LOVE it.
Mommy on The Spot, take it from one who knows ... You've ALWAYS been way wise beyond your years. Also the facts are, you are one hot Mama! Those boys were probably wishing they could date you and then found out you were a Mom!

~Laura said...

I say take any feel good, feel younger moments you can get! And here's to being stuck in the middle (of life and aging)...

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

Thanks, New York Mama!

~Laura, I'll toast to that!

Amy said...

UGH...the fine lines!!! We are in this weird in between stage aren't we?? I can't decide if I like it because I still appear to be young (hell, I got carded the other day! I'm almost 32...that's just stupid!) or if I hate it because I feel old.

Like, if I run into teenage boys at the grocery store or something, I suddenly feel sooo old! Ah well, just part of life I guess!

And I would no way ever wish to be a teenager again;)

Erin Janda Rawlings said...

Amy, I am right there with you! (BTW, I think we must be living on parallel paths: both 32, met our husbands around the same time, married for about the same time, kids around the same age)!

Wendi said...

I got carded for buying wine at Costco until I pointed out the wrinkle cream that I'd put next to it. Ahh. Wrinkles and pimples.

Anonymous said...

I'm 54 and still need acne medicine and fine line cream! I like to think it keeps my skin more resiliant! hahaha! I feel better each time my students don't believe me when I tell them how old I am AND that I'm the same age as their grandmother...YIKES! Those child brides....