I turn 31 today, which for some reason is scarier to me than when I turned 30. I’m not sure why it’s scary, but it is. (95% of my friends are older than me, and they’re probably all scoffing while reading this, but you know you felt this way too once upon a time!)I know things don’t always work out the way you plan (Hello! My job!), but I still feel like I’m behind in the grand scheme of life. I’m 31 and have no kids, no job, and no house (technically, since we’re just renting). I know it’s not a competition or a race, but it still feels like I’m missing out.
The funny part is that despite the fact that I feel like I’m behind, and that I’m unemployed, I have never been happier. I have awesome friends and family, and an amazing man who loves me more than I ever thought anyone could. I have the time to do the things I want to do, like learning to cook, planting flowers, and line dancing. I am just plain happy.
I was taking a FREE line dancing class at a nearby senior center every Monday for the past month and a half. A little over a week ago I got an e-mail from the instructor informing me that someone had actually complained that I was not old enough to be in the class, and therefore I was not allowed to come back. Apparently, you need to be 50 to enter the senior center. (Might I point out that 50 isn’t even technically a senior citizen? Oh, sorry. Logic need not apply here.) I was angry at first, because it’s just a stupid rule. If the class was full, and I was taking a spot from an actual senior, then I might understand it a little. But the class isn’t even half full, and while I’m a large woman, I’m not so big that I take up more than my share of space. I wonder if it were a fee-based class would I still be kicked out? In that case I’d be providing money to the center, so I’m actually helping them, rather than using up their precious air for free. Now, I think it’s funny. I got kicked out of a line dance class because I’m not old enough. At 31.
I have years and years to buy a house, find a job, and have kids. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Because while I feel like I’m getting old, I guess I’m still not old enough for some things.
You are hilarious!!!!! We must make a standing dinner date…because trying to schedule on the fly surely isn’t working. I think it is funny you got kicked out of the class – were you showing off some extra moves that the other seniors were jealous of or was it your boots and white tank top (with a black bra, of course)?