Growing up and growing old: New Years Eve as a 30-year-old
I got an email from my buddy Anne on Tuesday night. “What time do you get off work tomorrow night?”
“Five ‘o clock,” I said. “Just come over anytime after that.”
“Will that give you enough time to get pretty?”
Suddenly it hit me – I’ve grown old and I’ve grown frumpy.
Just a few years ago, I remember buying a beautiful shirt from Lane Bryant – it was a cranberry colored shirt, silky material, kind of baby-doll cut with a rosette up on the right shoulder. I wore that with the dark jeans I had bought a couple weeks before that and forgive my arrogance, but I looked smokin’ hot. And I think I paid $60 for that shirt. I did pay for that out of pocket, that was after I had gone cold turkey off my credit cards, but man … that chick from a couple of years ago would be pretty horrified by her 30-year-old self.
The girl from a couple years ago spent time doing her makeup and hair. I remember trying on that shirt and just falling in love with it – there was really no reason to buy it. It was definitely a party shirt that was to be worn for one purpose: Clubbing. I wouldn’t be able to wear that shirt to work or to church or even to the grocery store. That shirt was built for dancing.
I have no clue what I’m wearing this year and since I invited my friends over for a couple of pre-festivity cocktails, I’ll be lucky if I manage to swipe a comb through my hair, let alone change from work clothes to civilian wear.
I don’t know – I’m lucky to be in the relationship that I’m in. Future Husband and I knew each other in college and if there was a frumpy time in my existence, the flannel shirts and sweatpants I lived in during senior year would probably qualify.
But still – I’m also patting myself on the back though. This 30-year-old frump has her priorities straight.
Posted: December 31st, 2008 under Everyday Living.
Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Denise
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:25 am
I am 3 and realize I am going through the same thing. I look like hell most of the time when I used to be smokin. Ugh. I am going to try to be more presentable in 2009!
Comment from Carol
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:47 am
I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself. It’s called a “natural progression” as we grow up. Wait until you hit 50!
I find that I buy some snappy outfits that don’t look frumpy and keep them dry cleaned and ready for special occasions. You can look smokin’ hot at the drop of a dime.
A quick transformation from “frumpy” to “hot” in one hour. We just get more practical as we age (hopefully)
Carol
Comment from Fern
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:55 pm
It seems that my neighbors always come up to talk to me when i’m looking my absolute worst, when i’m working in my yard wearing baggy clothes, working up a sweat, hair pulled back and no makeup. Ugh.
Comment from Deb
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:29 pm
My special treat today was not a new shirt – it was a shower. Yes, the years change you.
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