Saturday, May 23, 2009

Somewhere Between C-SPAN and the Backseat

I am officially old.

The moment of realization came when I was sitting on the couch. Hubby and I were watching TV, which isn't necessarily an 'old people' thing to do, when suddenly it occurred to me-I was watching C-SPAN, and I liked it. Even worse...I was watching C-SPAN because I had Ti-Vo'd the House Appropriations Committee meeting. On purpose.

I'm pretty sure that we have been automatically enrolled in AARP.

The icing on the cake? We finished our night off with a 5 part History International documentary on The Presidents (also taking up room on our Ti-Vo next to Star Trek and Ni Hao Ki-Lan). I tried to convince myself that this was just research for homeschooling the kids, but even I didn't buy that.

It was time to face it-I am old...and a giant nerd. I should be wearing orthopedic shoes, or at the very least bifocals or a pocket protector or something.

After our highly educational (and I'll admit it, totally enjoyable) 5 hour lecture on the history of our nation's executive branch, Hubby and I decided to call it a night. That's when my youth snuck up on me.

It came from out of the sky and fell on my graying head (seriously, I have gray hair)-my husband is a smokin' hottie. Even though he is obsessed with Star Trek and he Ti-Vos the History Channel, it can't over shadow the fact that the man is gorgeous. Totally not your average old person/nerd (thanks in large part, I believe, to the fact that his geekdom is rooted in being a mechanical genius/car buff which doesn't scream 'nerd' quite as loud as say collecting argyle socks).

Since The Bean is only a week old I have my medically ordered limitations, but the doctor didn't say that we couldn't make out like teenagers in the back of a '78 Chevy. [It's okay, we're allowed to do that, we're married.] It was actually very nice. Especially after an afternoon of C-SPAN and an evening of Presidential trivia, I felt like I was in one of those commercials where the old lady throws her cane and starts dancing! Of course I would never wish to actually be 16 again, but spending some quality face time with Hubby was a nice little reminder of the good times had nearly 7 years ago when we first got together. Not mention it was also a fabulous relationship kudo-it's nice to know that after three kids and the better part of a decade we're still crazy teenagers when it comes to each other.

So, at heart, what am I-young or old? 16 or 60? Maybe a little bit of both. I won't ask Monkey for his opinion on the subject-he just told Hubby today that he thinks "Daddy is really really really old, like 15 or something".

When I watch C-SPAN I can just feel the osteoporosis coming on. I don't think that's where I really am in my life, but it's a nice place to visit and wander around-sometimes it's relaxing to sink into an aging moment.

When I look at my babies I feel old, but in a good way. Looking into the rear view mirror and seeing three little babies back there-and knowing that they're all mine-I feel pleasantly maternal, but sometimes strangely like I'm older than I am.

When I look at Hubby-really look at him, not just glance in his direction to swap information like busy parents do-I feel like I've been frozen in the moment that we met. I still get butterflies and I still find myself sighing wistfully at the thought of his kisses. If I didn't have such good control over myself, I might even write "MrsM *heart* MrM" on our grocery list.

Sometimes.

I know that I won't feel like that every moment of every day-just like I won't have endless days of senior moments, and I won't always feel pleasantly maternal-but I hope that I get to feel each of those things as often as possible because I'm beginning to think from my own experiences that it is the joy of youthful memories, the blessings of present happiness, and the comfort of a stable future that blends together to make a wonderful life.

47 comments:

Jen said...

Nice post. I feel older everyday physically but mentally I still feel like I'm 25. Frustrating as I still want to do everything I used to. Only 40 and feeling old. Not a good thing.
Anyway, over from SITS.

The Joynes Girls said...

I'm a total history nerd (I work at the Smithsonian)... so I find absolutely nothing odd about watching C-Span and playing Presidential Trivia. Congratulations on the Little Bean!

Kirsty said...

LOL your intellectulism is impressive! Really! What a great post. You guys are blessed to have each other, and your kids are blessed to have you both :)

Muthering Heights said...

The documentary I understand, because I watch that sort of thing all the time! LOL!

Two Pretty Little Skirts said...

woohoo for Ni Hao! I'm a mommy of 3 myself and my girls love that show!
Congrats on your new little one.

oh and P.S. I found you over on SITS and thought I'd stop in and say hey!
I love your blog so if you dont mind...I'm putting you on my follow list ;)
Have a great weekend and hope you are getting some sleep!

Dawn

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could say you are just cultural? That sounds kind of mysterious and interesting..

definately not old

Laura Marchant said...

All of a sudden I am that crazy neighbor complaining about loud music, when did this happen, lol

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

Hi, just stopping over from SITS! How about that second place? I love your blog. Come visit me. I post marital secrets for young wives and mothers.

MrsM said...

Jen-Thank you for stopping by! I'm not yet 40 and obviously I have my moments too. I think age is all a state of mind-it can make people who are "old" young again. Unfortunately it also works in the opposite fashion.

Sadiebug and her Mom-At the Smithsonian? How cool is that! Thank you for visiting me, and for following me!

Kirsty-Thank you. I think we'll all keep each other...since we already lost the receipts and everything. [See, I'm not always as intellectual as I'd like.]

Muthering Heights-I completely would have guessed that about you! You seem to have the same kind of "cool" as I do (the classic lit loving kind)...only more of it. And cooler.

TwoPrettyLittleSkirts-Thank you for adding me and for visiting. I am always happy when people become a follower or like my blog! And yes, we love Ki-Lan. Although I do NOT love it when Monkey tries to quiz me on my Mandarin...I don't pay as much attention as he does.

Rocksee-Cultural. Hmmm. I like that!

Midwest Mommy-I have always been that neighbor. I moved into my first place when I was 16 and I was the one telling my roommates to quiet down because they were giving me a migraine. Sometimes I think I was just born boring-er, cultural.

Robbie S.Redmon, LPC-Nice to meet you! I'll definitely have to check your blog out :)

Robin said...

funny....

Jenny said...

LOL! I feel so old sometimes too. I'll be 30 in December and it feels kind of creepy!

Unknown said...

I loved this entry and I could relate. (Love the History channel and find my nerdy Star Trek husband is a hottie too.)

MrsM said...

Robin-Thank you.

Jenny-Hubby is freaked about turning 30 too. I think there is just something about it...

Jaime-YAY! I think we will become good friends ;)

mub said...

I really enjoyed reading this post! Especially about the really really old age of 15 ;)

cat said...

Some days I feel 18 and some 80 - that's just the way it is.

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

I realized I was old when I had to start taking pills every day! Very sad, and yes I am turning gray and wear bifocals! I am OLD! (only 55 actually)

Congrats on your SITS day!

Jennifer C. Valerie said...

That is so cute. I enjoyed my visit here on your SITS Day. Have fun!

Sharon said...

Yeah for maturity, intelligence and Hot Husbands!

mommakin said...

Bifocals and graying hair make you old? Crap.

I know what you mean - I feel so much younger on some days and so much older on others.

Nicole @ WhenDidIBecomeMyMom.com said...

This is such a sweet post! I'm stopping by from SITS. :-)

Elizabeth D. said...

Nothing wrong with some good History Channel programming - I saw The Presidents and really liked it! Admittedly, I've never watched or taped C-SPAN yet, though. I'm sure that day will come. But maybe it's more about nerd-dom than about being old. That's wonderful that you and your husband share that together, and that you guys still have sparks after three kids. Awww! :) Happy SITS Day to you, again!

Tam and John said...

Congrats on your SITs day! Your blog is fantastic - fresh and upbeat - I love it. The CSPAN story is classic! I'll definitely be back for more!

Michelle said...

Watching CSPAN does not make you old. I have a political science degree and love to talk politics. There are plenty of college students who can't get enough of this stuff too. I think it does make us nerds though :-)

MsTypo said...

First, there's nothing wrong with Star Trek. Or using ST quotes and references in your everyday life. None at all. *innocent* As for CSPAN... Tell people you're a political type who likes to be kept informed. :p

Congrats on yoru SITS day! :)

sweetjeanette said...

Awwwww... I love that! I feel the same way.

sweetjeanette.blogspot.com

JudyH329 said...

I'm like everyone else, some days I fill 61 to 90 and others I feel like a kid. Good post! Hope You have a Happy SITS day!

Anonymous said...

I watch a lot of grown-up TV too. Actually it's a mix of young and old. The only thing I swear off is Reality TV shows. I dunno why, but I never got into them.
Think of it this way, you are just broadening your horizons and your taste is eclectic:)

Disney said...

Rolling on the floor!! What a hilarious post. I think I'd rather be 60 than 16 though!

Crystalin Dunn said...

Awesome! I know just what you mean about those little butterflies. I love how it seems better 4 kids later, like it really REALLY means something when it happens. You express it so well. Thanks for fabulous posts, and Happy SITS day!

Michelle said...

Very sweet. I love to read sweet posts about husbands.

Unknown said...

Love this! I turn 40 in 6 months and though I've been a mom for a while I've just recently swapped my heels for nice comfortable flats that don't squish my toes.

Does that make me old?

Jenn Erickson said...

I hear ya! My husband made this realization when we switched from music on the radio to TALK RADIO! It's wonderful though, that your hormones didn't completely shrivel up your sex drive and your affection for your husband. It's wonderful to have the combination of the wisdom, maturity, and good taste of a 'grown-up' and the libido of a teenager.

Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

Tanyia said...

lol on the Tivo...my dh was calling me a craft nerd because I actually DVRed an infomercial on the Cricut system cause I wanted to see how it worked lol.

Enjoy your hubby...I do mine, this morning I left him an I heart you message on the shower door so he would see it when it steamed up hehe.

In this day and age it is wonderful to see people in love and making their families work!

strokeofliving said...

Talk about getting or feeling old, finding gray pubic hair ain't fun but whatchagonna do? I loved this post, great job on your Seinfeld observations on your own life, really fun stuff to read.

Danae Hudson said...

I absolutely love this post! I think it's so wonderful to cherish those moments the way that you do :)

And don't worry. I love a good documentary about the Civil War every now and again.

Jen said...

Man, I totally get this post. My kids make me feel old too. What is up with that?

brokenteepee said...

I am 50.
I have been married to the love of my life for 28 years.
In my mind I think I am 22 - which ironically is when I got married.

Hmmmm.

And yes, the magic is still there.

Good for you

Meg said...

Sounds to me like you live an incredible life!

My fiance is a CSPAN kind of guy...maybe it will grow on me?

I Wonder Wye said...

Stopping by from SITS -- just wait 'till you have a (gasp) grandchild!! My step daughter had her baby on OUR wedding anniversary! (Most thoughtful of her!) I am 51 -- I love my gray * ahem* silver head of hair, my husband is a total hottie at 62, and every day -- well, most every day -- I am enjoying something more about aging ... beats the alternative anyway...

Unknown said...

I can so realte, the hubby is a huge CSPAN type. great posts, stopping by from SITS! Congrats and Cheers!
C

Leah Rubin said...

Geez, you said that so perfectly! I think we're going to get along just great! Glad I found you-- happy SITS day!

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

Happy SITS! Uh, so impressed you want to a. watch tv and b. make out with anyone when only 1 week removed from childbirth! All I wanted to do was sleep! You, I must say, are a way better woman than I!

Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner?

Anonymous said...

Very nice read. A lot of can relate to what you have to say...

Laurel said...

Recently got "multifocal" contacts to avoid reading glasses. I didn't know they existed. Come to think of it I didn't know the whole "why can't I read anymore" thing was universal. Congrats on your sits day Mrs. M!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Visiting from SITS!

Sorry I missed your day of celebrity! I am trying to make up this week and made it a point (yes, in my calendar) to visit all the blogs I missed this week. There's been a lot going on in my little world, but I loved this post. I read it mainly because you mentioned it was a good laugh and I needed that this morning. I am a total old foagie. I love watching HGTV with my husband and guess which house is going to be picked. That for us is a sexy time evening. Hilarious post.

:-) Cristina

Meagan and John said...

stopping over from SITS

Great post, and don't worry your only as old as you feel--wait, maybe I should worry cause I feel a lot older than I am, I am only 25 and yet I feel as if I am in my 60s somedays

www.mommysdashboardconfessions.blogspot.com/

Sandra Wilkes said...

I think I am the one who is officially old as I just filed for Soc Security!!! OMGosh!!!!!!