Memory loss

So today I was driving three little pickles home from school, vaguely listening to their conversation in the back of the gas-guzzler, vaguely listening to the radio and mostly, of course, watching out for kamikaze trucks and dodgy BMWs on Emirates Rd, when I heard one of them say something quite funny. Another retorted with something even more hilarious. I chuckled to myself and thought, “Blog!”

In my head, I wrote the blog entry – a short, witty piece; a snapshot of six-year-old conversation at its best. I patted myself on the back for a job well done – and promptly forgot the episode.

Now all I have with me is a memory that a blog-worthy conversation took place in the car but, for the life, of me, I can’t remember what it was about.

Is this what being 40’s going to be like? Is it?

Facing 40

So, here it is. Within days, I’ll be 40 years old. A friend who knew me in my wilder days summed it up nicely: “How did that happen?” she asked. I know exactly what she means.

There I was, two minutes ago, aged 19 with the world at my gawky feet. Then I was married (26) and still thought I was 19. I enjoyed turning 30; thanks to six months in the gym, I was fit, slim and happy, and I was going places with my career (but I still felt as if I was 19). I didn’t take the milestone very seriously.

A lot’s happened between 30 and 40. My career went from strength to strength. I had two babies, gave up full-time employment and settled into life as a housewife and mother.  It took some adjusting but, now, if anyone asks me if I’ll go back to work, I shudder, quite literally, at the thought and laugh like a loon.

These days, I’ve learned not to take sh*t from anyone. I still have crummy posture but I’ve grown into my face. My body’s healthy and it’s not in bad shape (I just have to stop comparing it with the 20-year-olds in the celebrity magazines). I’ve learned, through my children, the qualities of patience, selflessness and unconditional love.

Yeah, generally, I’m happy about turning 40. The fact that the transition will take place in a luxury pool villa on a tropical island in the Maldives is the icing on the cake: No more, no less. Mwa!