I don’t usually mention anything of a political nature here on the blog, so forgive me just this once.
Last week, I saw on the news that Australia’s opposition leader, Bill Shorten, turned 50.
And do you know what that means?
He. Is. Younger. Than. ME!
Yes folks, it was a reality check moment!
Whatever happened to political leaders being ELDER statesmen? They always used to seem incredibly old and boring. They’re still boring 😉 , but have morphed from being people of my grandparents’ peer group – to being around MY age!
It was one of those moments when I realised that I am definitely getting older.
It’s not the first time though; in fact I was barely in my twenties when these “moments” started happening.
- Like when I was grocery shopping, and looked up to see that the checkout operator was somebody I had taught at primary school (I’m sure plenty of other teachers know this feeling!).
- Or when the flower girl from our wedding, got married herself (and her son is now older than she was in this pic!).
- In my last office job, one of my co-workers and friends was only a few years older than my own daughter (it did rather put Miss 20’s nose out of joint!);
- These days, I’m used to the male reporters on TV looking barely old enough to shave;
- And the famous sports people are practically in nappies!
- Then there was the time I went to a Bloggers United Event, and met one of the extremely professional and inspiring presenters afterwards – only to learn that she went to school with my daughter (Mackayla is on the right) …
- Even my doctor is just a snip of a thing!
The only comfort is that I look young for my age so people are usually shocked when they learn that a. I’m 50; and b. I have two grown children.
Or, I just reassure myself that it’s not that I’m getting older – it’s that everybody else is getting younger!
Have you ever had any of those reality check moments?!
Kez @ Awesomely Unprepared says
Haha I’m only 33 and I’m already having some similar moments! I realise today’s pop stars are all younger than me. I’m watching great throwback teen shows from the 90s on Netflix and realising that the cast and I are all super old now, even though when I watch them I think we’re the same age – still in high school haha.
Doctors are my age, AFL/sporting stars are babies (even though I often think most of the guys are my age – I’m wrong).
“little” brothers and sisters of my childhood friends are now fully fledged adults!
It’s just going to get weirder and weirder, isn’t it!
Janet Camilleri says
The 90’s feel like yesterday and yet … 20 years ago now!
Liz says
This is totally happening to me a lot lately. Depending on the company I’m in, I occasionally get away with being the “baby” (I’m 37), but usually I’m finding that I’m old enough to be people’s mother! And the way my body is not quite as fabulous and fit as in my twenties is annoying : ) And my kids are no longer little. Oh my! How did that all happen so quickly?
Janet Camilleri says
These days I find myself looking at women of 60 and think they look great! Whereas once I would have thought they were old!
Jo Tracey says
Oh. My. God. yes. Bill Shorten is 50???? The one’s that get me are when footballers or cricketers that I used to lust after have sons playing football or cricket & my daughter can lust after them.
Janet Camilleri says
LOL yes that too!!!!
Donna Dunn says
I am in this bracket too ladies. When I turned 40 I thought this is great but when I turned 50 … well its been a Woohoo time. The polititions where always this age so now that I am here too, yes it is a shock to know they are of ‘simular age’ or younger. With kids in their 30’s, 20’s and teens everybody is looking wonderfully young. Love your posts, its a refreshing treat to know there are other older girls out there enjoying the journey.
Janet Camilleri says
Welcome Donna, lovely to have you hanging here with us “more mature” mamas!