Kids Keep It Real

You never have to actually ask a kid for the truth:  they just tell it like it is, pretty or not.

 Case in point, my eldest Abby, the other day, pulls me in close and says to me in a hushed tone, "Mom, you're looking kind of O-L-D,"  Trying not to laugh, and gearing up to hear the whole truth, and nothen but the truth, I said, "Abby, what part of me exactly looks O-L-D?"  "Well Mom, you know how young women's boobs are perky and way up here?" she said, motioning to her collarbone.  "Well, your boobs are smooshed and sagging way down here," she finished up her explanation, pointing to her belly button.  I couldn't argue with her.  I mean, it's TRUE.  I just can't WAIT to hear what she will say about my boobs when I'm not pregnant anymore and done nursing....YIKES.

In my mind, I guess I don't equate myself with my age.  I mean, who says a 38 year old can't wear glitter and rock a push up bra?!  I will fight for my right to sparkle and stay perky, god dammit! 

In fact, just the other day while hiking up Harwood, I saw a young girl, with a bounce in her step coming towards me, wearing of ALL things:  a Chico State shirt.  The shirt, in and of itself, immediately bonded us to each other.  Well, maybe she didn't feel exactly bonded to ME. Perhaps, stalked would be a better descriptive verb.  But you know that feeling you get, when a cute young thang is wearing proof of where you spent the best days of your life? 

I blurted out, "You go to Chico?" practically accosting her. She replied, "Yeah."  I still can't believe I had this slip of the tongue, but I said, "I GO to Chico State."  HELLO, Michelle?  You WENT to Chico State... 15 years ago!  But it was such a great, free, and independent time in my life, in my mind, I'm still living in Chico.  Going to the Bear.  Swimming at one mile.  Drinking Coors lite on the porch. 

If you would have told me 15 years ago, at this point in my life, I would have 4 kids and pregnant with my 5th, I would have told you to jump off a bridge, as I took a hit off my bong.

Indeed, my girls, constantly remind me, that I am aging.  Thank goodness, I am confident enough to not the truth totally crush me.  Just this morning at the breakfast table, Bella asked, "Mom, are you getting your hair colored, like soon?"  My other 3 girls, just looked at me, their heads sympathetically nodding sideways, silently agreeing with Bella.  "Why, am I turning gray up here in my temples?" (the first place to show).  "Oh Mom, you're turning gray EVERYwhere!"  I mean, what can I say to that?  It's true!