The last time we had an overnight plan like this, halfway there, we both developed the worst case of stomach flu known to man and proceeded to vomit and other things that aren't romantic for a night away from the kids (I'll spare you the particulars) in possibly one of the nicest bathrooms I've ever been in. All. night. long.
Since I have been sick this past week, followed by both sons and now B. I hope that we will all be in the clear by Sunday. This is a belated celebration for our friend Alex and myself and an early one for my husband, who turns forty the 23rd of this month. Alex's wife is a spring chick of thirty-two or some such nonsense.
At any rate, it has me thinking again about this auspicious year of my life. And now that I have a permanent from this year forward PMA (again, I first typed PMS, still working on this folks) I have been pondering all the goodness forty brings.
Here's the list.
1. The "I deserve it" attitude. Ex. I've always wanted a really large round brush for blowdrying, but I've considered it a tad indulgent, not to mention girly (yikes). The other day at Target. I took the plunge. I think it was over six dollars (cuh-raaaazy I know), but because I'm forty I just heard in my mind, "Sherri, you DESERVE that brush. Go on, treat yourself. Who else is going to buy it for you?"People, I dryed my hair before this post with my new brush and I indeed, feel like a damn Ann Margaret as I type.
2. The "Oh shit, half of your life may be over, you better make the other half fun" Outlook AKA don't sweat the small stuff and get cracking on saying yes to yourself more often. This falls under my socialize more, craft or do artistic endeavors more, etc. goals for the year.
3. Dress Your Age. An offshoot of the "I deserve it" This also works well with my inability to dress like an adult. I used to be a helluva lot more fashionable back in the day. I feel like somewhere after I turned thirty I just felt silly in my thrift store, cool chick clothes and never bothered to learn how to dress like an adult but still with an edge. Really, this is my pitch for getting on What Not To Wear one day - it isn't that I think I dress awful, I'm just lazy, and a little clueless on how to pair more flattering, adult-type clothes with my personality. Good stores to shop at would help, Stacy - Clinton - you hear me? And a new wardrobe for free really works for me, I like that part of the deal a lot. I would follow the rules, I promise.) This year I plan on shopping in more adult (read - more pricy) stores. Really, I am using my age as an excuse to spend more on clothing.
These are but a few, but basically turning forty is my scapegoat for doing as I damn well please, guilt free and with a smile on my face. I think we could all be a lot kinder to ourselves, don't you?
Scapegoat, or not, what gifts will you be treating yourself with this new year?
11 comments:
A great post, and not because I'll be writing a similar one May 6th.
What I'm working on:
1. I'm with you on the dressing better thing. I used to rock it, owning a clothing store and all. But ever since giving birth, it's been tees and yoga pants. No one knows me here, so I don't even try. I'll have to try harder once we return Stateside.
2. I've always been the person to give and do (chalk it up to a career in retail), but that's stopping this year. No more neglecting my needs.
3. Finally settle in a house I will live in for more than 2 years and make it my own.
Unrelated comment - I'm watching The Wiggles and want to know what's up with the narcoleptic off-hours drag queen named "Jeff." Does he really think he's fooling anyone? Also, Anthony is a little cute.
I think we were just commenting on each other's blogs at the same time. But I digress. Yes, Jeff is flamin' yes Anthony is cute. I watched the other day and the main guy was replaced? Hmmmm. Perhaps he and Jeff had something going on and it ended badly and he left? Can't wait to see "Wiggles, Behind the Music."
AH, so this is 40. I have just over 2 years to go and I have no fear at all. Actually, I take pride in it mainly because I'm still trying to convince people that I'm over 30.
ps- I totally dig Ann-Margaret so what you are telling me is a $6.00 bruish can help me look like her? I don't regularly treat myself, but that $6.00 well spent!
uh oh. was I supposed to wait till 40 before the "I deserve it" kicked in? Whoops.
I am still working on the being nice to myself thing. I recently spent more than $5 on a bottle of shampoo, which is something I hadn't done in years, so the round brush example - hits home. I am also with you on the clothing... I am ok shopping in thrift stores, but I could take some risks. I lost 20 pounds in 08, so I plan on only buying clothes that I'll be really psyched to wear.
good for you Nerf, I know I wish I'd gotten onto this idea sooner. Erin - 20 lbs! Congrats, lady, that is quite the accomplishment. Go buy yourself some fancy shampoo!
Thirft store + TJ Maxx = my wardrobe, with the occasional American Apparel yoga pants, dress or t-shirt thrown in. Cheap and easy, that's how I roll.
Especially since I am getting a new kitchen and baby for the new year, and both of those things will be hard on my wallet and uncomfortable on the old body.
I got two remodeled bathrooms with my baby. Funny that.
This is my present to myself this year: http://www.hawaiicoffeeco.com/
I joined their monthly club. Mmmm. . .coconut coffee.
Congrats, claw!! In all honesty, 40 was the year (decade) where I've had the most creativity AND energy to carry out my creative endeavors. I had a lot of creativity in my 20s, but the energy just wasn't there, nor the wherewithal to finish what I started.
Anyhow, I hope it's a good year and a good decade for you. The celebration night sounds great. Hope you stay healthy for it. (Vomiting all night sounds so gross!!)
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