Growing Older
Sometime this month, I will turn 37.
After much deliberation, I decided to avoid disclosing the exact date, since a person’s date of birth is one of the pieces of info used by identity thieves to perform identity theft. So there. I may be a bit on the paranoid side here, but I am exercising some out-of-character internet caution.
Back to being 37.
You know, I could take the gray hairs and crow’s feet. Really. It’s not that. I’m just as vain as anyone else, if not more so, but this is a deeper issue. These are just symptoms of a scary process that’s going on inside of me.
I am growing older.
You know how in your twenties you feel invincible, like you will be forever young and maybe even live forever? Well, you won’t. And your thirties are when you start to realize that, because you see the warning signs.
So, it turns out I am NOT invincible and I AM going to die.
GREAT.
Prior to dying, I do have something nice planned out for my birthday: a delicious dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, possibly followed by a glass or two of champagne at The Bubble Lounge. Once the birthday festivities are over, I plan to take a cab back home, where I will kiss my sleeping kids on the forehead and silently count my blessings.
I survived another year. Happy birthday to me. 
In the photo: this guy seems to be determined to grow old with me. The whinier I get, the more patient he becomes. So, in case I haven’t said it publicly yet: I love you Ido. Thank you for growing old with me.
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Alik | PracticeThis.com responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 4:13 am →
Congrats!!
I wish you well – well spirit, well body, and well mind.
All the rest you can download from the Internet.
Alik | PracticeThis.com’s last blog post..Climb John Wooden’s Pyramid Of Success – Take An Assessment.
Robin responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 4:21 am →
Hello Vered – It’s my birthday next Monday! We are having a party with a big fire in the backyard.
Yas look like a lovely couple – so HAPPY BIRTHDAY (fellow Gemini?)
love from Robin
Robin’s last blog post..Paul’s letter to the Corinthians
Emily responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 5:00 am →
What a gorgeous couple you are.
Happy birthday!!!
Enjoy!
Emily’s last blog post..What Living Well Means To Me
Missy responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 5:39 am →
Happy Birthday!
Missy’s last blog post..What I Want To Do Weekends, Part 4: Los Angeles
Joel Falconer responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 5:51 am →
Hey, happy birthday Vered! And it sounds like Ido is a far more patient husband than I… well done, man
Joel Falconer’s last blog post..How an Editorial Policy Can Help You Build Credibility and Readership
Raymond White responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 7:48 am →
Hey Vered,
A subject close to my heart. I thought once I hit 30 life would be over as I knew it. Then I was busy hitting 40 and I thought I’d be more dead then alive. Now next year I’ll be FIFTY ouch! Actually it’s not at all bad. It’s just a fact a life. I’m at peace with ageing and am actually appreciating life more now and savouring it. Enjoying the quiet moments. I’m not chasing so hard after life anymore, taking more time to ’smell the roses’. Beautiful photograph and a big CONGRATS!!! Have a great birthday celebration enjoy each other. I’m also blessed with a partner who puts up with all my nonsense and seems set to go the course however long or where ever that course goes.
LoCTY!!!!!
Hunter Nuttall responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 7:51 am →
In Steve & Erin Pavlina’s latest podcast, Steve says something like “With all the thousands of people listening to this podcast, odds are that some of them will die soon. It may be you!”
I turned 33 recently, and didn’t really notice. Once I got over the invincibility thing, each additional year didn’t seem to matter so much. I’m not going to live forever, and that’s OK. Let’s enjoy what we can, while we can. Happy Birthday.
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..I’m In “The Last Lecture,” Page 184
RJ responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 8:32 am →
“You know how in your twenties you feel invincible, like you will be forever young and maybe even live forever? Well, you won’t. And your thirties are when you start to realize that, because you see the warning signs”
If not sooner. Being in the tail end of my 20’s, I’m starting to feel the aches and pains associated with getting older. Taking the stairs at work takes longer now and gets me out of breath a little bit. Oh wait, I’m not old – I’m just out of shape ^_^
Happy Birthday Vered
RJ’s last blog post..Beat the Sunday Paper Addiction.
ironman responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 8:44 am →
Hey, if this is a recent photo, you look 27, not 37, so stop worrying about wrinkles.
Like Raymond said, it’s just a fact of life. We are all getting older, so no point dwelling on it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Marelisa responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 8:51 am →
Vered: I turned 37 in May, so I’m a month older than you. As someone older and wiser, I’d like to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. Everyone thinks I’m 25, and my mother, who is 57, looks like she’s 40 (really, she does, and thank God she doesn’t read blogs because she would kill me if she knew I was publicizing her age). I actually feel better and am more satisfied with myself with every year that goes by. You and your husband look alike (I’ve heard that happens)
Plant a tree on your birthday and invest $25.00 in a third world country entrepreneur thrugh http://www.kiva.com. Happy Birthday Vered!
Marelisa’s last blog post..Become a Peacemaker – Learn How to Mediate and End Disagreements
crunchy domestic goddess responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am →
happy birthday! you look fabulous! oh and getting older sure beats the alternative.
hope you have a great birthday.
crunchy domestic goddess’s last blog post..My backyard – where the wild things are (BSM)
Sarah responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am →
a) You do not look 37. Or even 36! I was surprised.
b) Reading your post this morning caused me to edit MY post from this morning – I had accidentally posted my birthday. Although, now I’m curious to know if we might possibly have the same birthday. Stranger things have happened.
Sarah’s last blog post..8 Inexpensive Ways to Get off Your Butt
ido responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:01 am →
You are funny, smart and beautiful. I am a lucky man. Happy birthday.
crunchy carpets responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:04 am →
Happy B-day…yeah I remember when each consecutive 30 number started sounding worse and worse…and now that I am turning 39!!! and have friends hitting 40 and 41….sigh..MIDDLE AGE.what the heck!??
Jill responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:11 am →
What Ido said.
You just made me remember my twenties. Interesting. There’s a huge difference between being in your twenties and being in your thirties, and you pinpointed it really well: in your 20s you still feel invincible, in your 30s – not anymore.
Happy birthday.
MizFit responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am →
I shall be joining you in the thisclose to 40 (ok Im more nearly there) next month and was chatting with my husband about this today.
I know it is SO TRITE but I really thought Id feel older by now.
achier.
mature.
all that.
I am tired as a mutha but that’s courtesy of my toddler more than anything and I keep telling myself Id be just as tired 10 years ago.
happy early bday to you!
M.
MizFit’s last blog post..Monday Facetime
mark responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:25 am →
Happy Birthday! And I am not sure I am ready to be 40…
mark’s last blog post..39 Things I Have Learned As I Prepare to Turn 40
Tim Brownson responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:30 am →
I suppose at 46 next month, I’m toast then?
C’mon people, age is as much a state of mind. Scientifically speaking there is no reason why the human body can not live to be 150. God knows what it will look like by then but that’s another matter.
Have a great birthday safe in the knowledge that you’re not an old fart just yet even if you are starting to think like one
Tim Brownson’s last blog post..The Maverick Mindset
Jan responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 10:09 am →
Happy Birthday. You didn’t mentions, but are your parents getting smarter, as you age? That’s something that happened with my kids, who will be 38 & 40 this year.
Jan’s last blog post..Fun Monday
zoe responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am →
Happy Birthday! I also turn 37 this month. This Saturday to be exact. I hope you have a fantastic birthday.
zoe’s last blog post..Free Spirited
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am →
@ Alik: lol @ “All the rest you can download from the Internet.”.
Thank you!
@ Robin: Yup, a fellow Gemini.
@ Emily: thank you!
@ Joel: thank you… yes, he’s doing a pretty good job so far.
@ Raymond: it’s very encouraging to read about people who feel they enjoy life more as they grow older. Thank you.
@ Hunter: “Once I got over the invincibility thing, each additional year didn’t seem to matter so much.” I think this is a very good point.
@ RJ: “I’m starting to feel the aches and pains associated with getting older. Taking the stairs at work takes longer now and gets me out of breath a little bit. Oh wait, I’m not old – I’m just out of shape” – sounds like you are! I don’t feel any physical change and that’s one of the things that bother me – being labeled as “older” a few short years from now, even though I feel so young.
@ ironman: I knew I could count on you for some flattery.
Yes, this photo was taken a few months ago.
@ Marelisa: well, you’re not really older AS YOU KNOW but I tend to think of you as wiser. I think it’s a great idea to make a worthwhile donation on my birthday. Thank you for the idea!
@ Crunchy: thank you! “getting older sure beats the alternative” – up to a certain point, it sure does.
@ Sarah: I may just be paranoid. It takes more than a birth date to steal your identity. I
I’ll email you.
@ Ido: smooch.
@ Crunchy carpets: “MIDDLE AGE.what the heck!??” EXACTLY!!!
@ Jill: it makes me curious to know how we are going to feel in our forties.
@ MizFit: That’s exactly how I feel. I don’t feel physically older/ more tired/ more achy, yet I know I AM growing older. Maybe it doesn’t really matter? Maybe all that matters is how you FEEL.
@ mark: ha. I expect to have a nervous breakdown when I’m 40.
@ Tim: “Have a great birthday safe in the knowledge that you’re not an old fart just yet even if you are starting to think like one” – thank you, I guess.
“Scientifically speaking there is no reason why the human body can not live to be 150. God knows what it will look like by then but that’s another matter.” – yeah, not sure I would want to be that old even if I could, unless I could stay YOUNG forever. That would be good.
@ Jan: YES! It’s like magic.
@ Zoe: no internet paranoia for you.
But you are blogging anonymously, so maybe it’s different.
Happy birthday to you too.
theramblinghousewife responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 11:29 am →
That is EXACTLY how I feel. You describe it so well. Something REALLY happened to me, last year when I turned 30?
It’s like, “My God, Where has my life gone?”
theramblinghousewife’s last blog post..Possibilities
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am →
Happy Birthday Vered,
You know what they say, “you’re not getting older, you’re getting better”. And don’t they also say wine improves with age? I think we do too.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..It’s All About Me, It’s All About You
Belém responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am →
Happy Birthday
Have the most happy day whenever it is.
You both make a very nice couple, I am not surprised that you want to grow old together
Belém’s last blog post..weekend
Ann responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 1:08 pm →
Happy Birthday, Vered!
I wish I could share a long list of things that get better as you get older, but I’m short on inspiration there!
Ann’s last blog post..Clutter & All or Nothing Thinking
Andre Kibbe responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm →
Funny how that “I’m getting old” feeling sneaks up and hits you when you least expect it. I thought it would be a milestone year like 40.
Then again, MomGrind is only a few months old, so you could measure your age by your “rebirth” as a blogger. 36/37 is a great age to start blogging. You won’t write anywhere near as many posts that you’ll regret later in life due to being authored in immaturity.
Happy Birthday, Vered!
Andre Kibbe’s last blog post..Questioning My Assumptions: Switching to Paper-Based Task Management
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 3:12 pm →
@ The Rambling Housewife: technically, at 30, you still have two thirds of your life ahead of you.
But I know what you mean.
@ Barbara: Thank you.
I do think I am getting better in many ways. But I still worry about the physical aspects of aging.
@ Belem: Thank you!
@ Ann: I think many people find that they are happier as they get older, more at peace with themselves, more accepting of themselves and more forgiving towards their own – and others’ – shortcomings. See? I made that list for you.
@ Andre: OMG you are just so… WISE. You know it, don’t you? Of course you know it.
nottryingforaboy responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 6:50 pm →
Happy Birthday! I was 38 in April and there are days I still feel 12 and then days I feel older than old.
Jonathan B. responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 7:11 pm →
Congrats on lasting this long.
Here’s looking forward to the next 37 years.
Jonathan B.’s last blog post..Tips on productivity
Pinay Jade responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:15 pm →
Vered , you look amazing and the man next to you is a winner to be able to grow old with you.
And you are also a winner to have him grow old with you. Happy happy birthday, you are wise now and definitely would grow wiser each year.
Counting our blessings is very important. I do that too as much as I can.
I do wish I could have those nice arms of yours when I am your age;)
Pinay Jade’s last blog post..New Armani model ?
San Diego Momma responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:29 pm →
I’m staring 40 down, and things have definitely taken a turn. My back hurt for the first time ever last week and my hip is cracking. Also, there’s a brow furrow I swear just appeared.
Whatever 40.
You, by the way, look early 30s.
And congrats! Have fun on your day. That restaurant sounds dreamy.
Deb
San Diego Momma’s last blog post..Would You Mind?….
Shamelle responds:
Posted: June 9th, 2008 at 9:52 pm →
Hi,
I came across your blog for the first time. You really have a wonderful blog with worth content.
Happy birthday! You are only as old as you let yourself be
I will be back for more…
Shamelle
Shamelle’s last blog post..8 Ways To Ease Yourself Out Of Nosy Questions Without Being Rude
think responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am →
Advanced happy birthday !!!
think’s last blog post..Your Life: Comedy or Tragedy
Chris responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 8:23 am →
How poignant. I turn 37 in September. Like you I’m happy to have someone to grow old with. I’m still invincible because I know through my children, I will live on…
Dot H. responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 8:26 am →
Happy Birthday! I know exactly how you feel (I think — don’t want to assume too much). When that realization that one is not immortal first hits, it’s quite a blow. Reading all the comments of people who want to help you gloss over that feeling, I’m reminded that our society doesn’t deal well with death or even admit the possibility until one is quite old. As a friend recently said, “Everything has an expiration date, even us,” so we might as well come to terms with it, if we can.
I remember 37 as being a very rough age for me, because I was experiencing early the feeling of turning 40. 40 felt “no longer young.” In hindsight, the 40s and 50s did feel young, especially since so many other people in their 40s and 50s look and act young. 60, however, was VERY rough. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t made such a big deal at age 37 about turning 40 and at age 48 about turning 50. Those ages seem plenty young enough now, and 37 seems totally peachy. Too bad I can’t export some of that feeling to you. If you’re healthy and fit, age isn’t that big a deal for a long time.
Still, the body goes on aging no matter what we do. The best I can figure, if we can keep adding to our wisdom and contentment, it will have been worth it.
Becky responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 9:28 am →
Happy Birthday, whenever it may fall. I am so not looking forward to my birthday this year, either.
Becky’s last blog post..Drama Queen Of The Sausages
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am →
@ not trying for a boy: I can’t say I feel 12… but I definitely don’t feel older than I did 10 years ago.
@ Jonathan: 74? I can’t imagine being that age. Scary.
@ Pinay Jade: thank you.
I do try to count my blessings and stop whining so much. 
@ San Diego Momma: thanks! I am determined to have fun on my birthday and avoid dark thoughts.
@ Shamelle: thank you. I agree that a lot of it is your mindset, but there IS a physical aspect to aging that is out of our control.
@ think: thank you.
@ Chris: that’s a good point about continuing to exist through our children. I can’t believe we are the same age yet my kids are 6 and 8 and you have teens. You started really young!
@ Dot: “Too bad I can’t export some of that feeling to you.” You actually put things in perspective for me. Thank you.
@ Becky: dark thoughts aside, I do like birthdays. I like being the center of attention and that restaurant really is very good. We only go there for special occasions so I am kind of looking forward to it. See? I can be positive too.
CharlesP responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 11:43 am →
Wow, your nerd quotient here is down from internet norms, I don’t see anybody quoting Monty Python’s Holy Grail yet (”I’m 37, I’m not old!”).
I’m only 32 and already feel old (I blame that on starting out as a dad at 21, and being out of shape doesn’t help) with bursitis and tendinitis in my shoulder and elbows, crick in my neck and back, and other various “not young”ness.
I may identify too well with “Getting Old Sucks” by Sudden Death: http://suddendeath.org/ ( I believe it’s on the youtubes somewhere).
Oh… and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
CharlesP’s last blog post..Smoltz
JustPeachyBaby responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm →
Happy Bday! What a great way to celebrate at Restaurant Gray Danko. I’ve not been there before, but it’s now on my list of places to try out. Yeah, the closer I get to 40, the more cynical I think I’m becoming. To be sure, I’ve got a lot of idealism still left in me, but it’s definitely getting balanced by a healthy dose of cynicism. Not the bitter kind, but the kind that makes me enjoy the good times more fully. ‘Cuz I know life can hurt sometimes. Anyways, hope that your birthday is healthy, happy and full of friends’ hugs and well wishes!
JustPeachyBaby’s last blog post..I Want a Wii Fit Now.. Uh-Oh
Chris responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 5:49 pm →
I’m prolific…LOL
Chris’s last blog post..The Best of Times and The Worst of Times
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 10th, 2008 at 8:43 pm →
@ Charles: well, this is NOT a geeky blog.
@ Just Peachy: thanks! You MUST try Gary Danko. It is PERFECTION.
@ Chris: you sure are!!!
Mark Salinas responds:
Posted: June 11th, 2008 at 11:39 am →
37? Kids now a days! I just turned forty June 10th!
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..Hip Flexor and Fitness
Tanya responds:
Posted: June 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm →
Vered, happy birthday! It’s like you read my thoughts. It’s much worse with me though, even I am only 35. I say only, but I can’t get over the thought that I am growing older, and I am severely depressed over it. I know it’s stupid, but this is the way I am, and I can’t get over the depression. I am glad that I am not the only one who has these thoughts, and I hope you are not as depressed as I am. I, like you, have a great husband who supports me and is trying to be helpful. It’s a blessing. You look great, so don’t try to think about your age too much.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm →
@ Mark: happy birthday.
@ Tanya: don’t be depressed! Oh honey, it’s not THAT bad! I am ranting and whining because it’s what I do, and yes, getting older sucks and I wish I could stay physically young forever (though I wouldn’t want to give up the spiritual self-improvement that happens as you age). But depression? No, no, no. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. I know you in real life and I know that you have a WONDERFUL family. You are smart and capable and ONLY 35 (though I swear you look 30 AT MOST). Come on, you have AT LEAST 45 more years to live and feel and love and have fun – make the most of them.
I can’t believe I am being so positive about aging but you gave me no choice!
Natural responds:
Posted: June 12th, 2008 at 12:38 pm →
I’m 36 now and will be 37th next month. It’s not bad and always better than the alternative. I have gray hair too….I had my hair colored yesterday. I actually think gray hair is kind of nice, makes me feel wise. So why did I color mine? Because it didn’t match anything. lol.
We’re still young, don’t you feel 25?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 12th, 2008 at 8:07 pm →
@ Natural: I do feel 25. I guess we’re lucky – we may show signs of aging, but we feel young. Better than feeling old and achy.
Zandria responds:
Posted: June 15th, 2008 at 1:28 pm →
I guess that’s a smart idea not to give out your real birthdate (too late for me!). But I wanted to say that you look GREAT! 37 or 27 or 47, whatever you are — who cares? You look awesome!
Zandria’s last blog post..Random Friday, Ver. 52
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 15th, 2008 at 8:11 pm →
@ Zan: thanks.
hank responds:
Posted: June 15th, 2008 at 10:45 pm →
37 is the new 27!
My old man keeps referring to each birthday as the “anniversary of his 29th” – going on about 30 of those so far… 
MomGrind responds:
Posted: June 16th, 2008 at 12:16 pm →
@ hank: so I’m 27, huh? That was actually a fun time for me. Wouldn’t mind going back in time, if I could hold on to my newfound wisdom THAT ONLY COMES AFTER THE AGE OF 35.
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