The Miss Elaine-ous Life

random acts of life, family and photos

So, This is What 35 Looks Like

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I’m sort of emotional today. I’m officially 35 years old.

The other night Tim mentioned something to me about my birthday and I must’ve given him a “look” because then he said, “You don’t really want this one, do you?”

He knows me too well.

I’ve always loved my birthday. Always.

And I still do. Don’t get me wrong. But for some CUH-RAZY reason, THIRTY-FIVE just isn’t sitting well with me.

I’m trying to put it into words.

Maybe it’s because I know I’m done having children and menopause is up next on my biological clock.

Or perhaps it’s because I’m kinda stuck in a rut right now with the weight loss thing.

Or maybe it’s because this year I don’t get to see my friends back home for a birthday celebration (our annual girls dinner to celebrate a few of our birthdays).

Or it could be the thought that just a week AFTER I turn 35, I’ll be closer to 40 than 30. Yeah, maybe that’s it.

Whatever it is, I’m trying to be better about it all. I do want to celebrate my life and those in it. And I’m generally a really positive and happy person. And I know I’m not “OLD” at all. Thinking that would be ridiculous.

I believe that #3 on the list is one of the primary reasons I’m feeling as I am. My birthday is making me a little homesick again (I’ve been doing SO well!). {hey girls, I miss you!}

And I promised myself after I hit “publish” on this one, I’m going to change my attitude. For myself and for my sons, daughter and husband. This weekend is going to be fun as we celebrate The B Man’s birth, mine and even another friend here.

Maybe I’m not as ready now (that it’s here!) to take on 35 as I claimed last week. But, it’s here and there’s not a darn thing I can do about it but eat cake and celebrate, right?

So anyWHO. Here’s what 35 looks like for me.

Most days it’s something akin to this…


And some days I wear my contacts and put on make-up and it’s more like this.


And please, pay no attention to all the misplaced hairs. Perhaps it’s a metaphor for my life right now. Most things in place, but just a few little things askew.

I hope everyone has a great Spring day today. And please, if you are near some cake go ahead and eat some in my honor! XOXO

elaine

Comments

  4. Oh my goodness, you look beautiful in both pictures. Happy birthday! I am a year ahead of you (or a bit more I guess… since I’ll be 37 *ack* this year).

    Hope your weekend is fantastic!

  5. Happy Birthday!! I have to say, you look great for 35! I admire you for trying to change your attitude about this birthday even though you’re not too excited about it. Way to go! I hope you have a great birthday! 🙂

  6. You’re gorgeous!

    I know what you mean… 34 is rapidly approaching and we haven’t had a child yet, I feel the passage of time so keenly.

  9. I’m a year into 35 and I gotta say, aside from the fact that I’ve realized I really do need to start using make up remover at night and lotion in the mornings, it’s ain’t half bad. I fill out my skin and my heart and my home. 35 is starting to feel comfy.

  10. 35 was a hard week for me, too, but now I’m taking it all in stride.

    You’re really pretty, lady. 🙂

    Happy Birthday!

  11. You look smashing for 35! I had the same feeling about by 30th but I think it was because just several months prior, I had become a mom and I was frazzled and still not feeling like me physically. So hang in there and embrace it you look amazing! And if it makes you feel better, I will be 38 this year!

  14. Ooohh, I wish I was near cake. Happy Birthday lovely! Just think, you’re friends with me, and I have six kids (well, almost) and I may be only 30, but I might as well be 40. I say age doesn’t matter once you have similar lifestyles. 😉

  15. Oh! You are so lovely! Inside and out. Mine is next month and I too am feeling a bit meh about it. Maybe I should start planning a big bash now….
    Have an amazing birthday, I have a feeling that 35+ will hold some lovely surprises for us!

  17. Happy Birthday!!!
    I found your blog through thru @HeatheroftheEO but I have to tell you, as someone on the other side of 35 (and closer to 40–aaaaa(ack!) that 35 is awesome. You’re wiser (really), more confident (which equates to feeling more attractive), the kids start getting more independent as they get older and you finally get to start refocusing on yourself a bit. I’m only a few years ahead of you, but can see from your kids’ pics that my 3 are spaced out pretty much the same way. Enjoy your birthday!
    And anyway, 35 is the new 25. 🙂 (don’t mind me in my state of denial)

  20. Happy, happy birthday!

    You look fabulous! I didn’t see a single hair that looked out of place (maybe I should show you mine, then you would understand).

    I hope you have a great celebration.

  21. Elaine,

    I think we all waffle back and forth on issues like this, and that is okay.

    FOr whatever it’s worth, you are GORGEOUS, and to think that you’ve just had your third baby…you look phenomenal (with or without makeup). Be proud.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

  22. You are only as old as you feel so don’t get too worked up about it. If you feel older than 35 than sorry. As you know I am closer to 40 than 35 and it’s no big deal. Happy Birthday!! Looking forward to seeing you guys in June.

  24. Happy Birthday Elaine! You look great dressed down and dressed up 🙂 Hope you enjoy your day…and I think I will make a cake in your honor!

  25. You make 35 look more like 25, Laney! You are beautiful! 🙂

    Listen, eventually we are going to be 75 years old (if we are lucky) looking at 35 year old women and LONGING to have those years back.
    It reminds me of a book I read (Open House) when a 40 year old woman is talking to her 70 year old friend about a 20 year old girl. She says, “I just want to tell her, enjoy your body now, ‘cuz it ain’t gonna last!” And the 70 year old woman looks at her and says, “I want to say the same thing to you!” HA! When will we ever appreciate ourselves as we are? Probably never. 😉

    I think you are right though. I am sure this makes you miss your friends and family even more than usual. Just remember you have friends all over the country now (ME!) wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy it, hon! 🙂

  27. Happy Birthday Pretty Mama!!! You look amazing and are doing pretty darn amazing things in your life — toast to YOU 🙂 Hope you have a special day even if you can’t get out with your girls…you’ve got a lot of love all around you xo

  32. Happy Birthday, Elaine! You make 35 look GOOD … I am only 3 years behind you but I hope I look as awesome as you do when I hit 35. I hope you have a lovely day, despite your mixed feelings about the number.

    Hannah xx

  34. Happy belated birthday! You look great…hang in there! Homesick is the worst!

    And yes, I had some cake in your honor! = )

  36. *whistles*

    You looking fine girl, both ways!
    I know how you feel a bit and it will pass. You have a great attitude overall and it will prevail.

    I hope you have a really great weekend. Happy Birthday to you and your Bman!

    xoxoxoxo

  39. that last photo is gorgeous! how’d you get the light so right – i can never take decent self portrait in the mirror shots! hey! you’re exactly the same age as angie from 7 clown circus!

    3 desserts? wonderful, so deserved and enjoy your spa day when it happens!

  40. Happy Belated Birthday Elaine! If it makes you feel any better, I am closer to 40 than 35, I’ll be 38 effing years old in May!!!!!!!!