How old do I look?

My mother once told me (jokingly) "you should wear a sign that says 'hey! I'm over 30". She said men probably see me and think I'm too young and that's why they won't approach me. I kind of laughed it off. But later got to thinking..."Do I really look that young?"

I remember being younger and people always telling me when I was in high school they thought I was still in middle school. Then when I went to college, I looked like a high school senior (I was 22 by that time). I took it all in stride and thought "thank God for my good genes"! I also remember a time when my mother's pastor held a great conversation with me and then asked me "so when do you return to school?" I looked at him with utter confusion and said "what do you mean?". He then proceeded to ask what year in college I was (I was 30 at the time). At the time, I laughed at the thought, and again, thanked God for my blessed genes. But as I am getting older, I am starting to wonder if looking younger is really a good thing.

Sometimes there is the downside. For some reason older people think since I look like one of the kids, they can treat me like one of the kids. That is a NEGATIVE! Sometimes I've had really OLD men try to hit a smile. I just smile back and keep it moving. UGH!!! Then there are the middle school kids I teach. I guess now I am their "best friend"! I get called that a lot.

Being 35 and being told I look 26 has been surprising at times. I'm learning to take it in stride. Believe me I go out of my way not to look so young, but there is no getting around it. I guess that is my blessing. It will serve my benefit in the future.

I'm still "in like" with you!

I still remember how it began. It was a simple text "So, we like each other don't we?" From that point on, I knew he would be in my life for awhile. For 8 months, our friendship grew and it was the most amazing thing to ever happen to me. I really had never experienced that feeling before. I sometimes pinch myself to make sure that what I am feeling/seeing is real. This man really enjoys my quirkiness!!! LOL

But in everything, changes come. The everyday toils of life and work come into play so that the things that brought you so close together aren't there anymore. So when those things are not as blatant as they were do you say, "well I guess this is the end?" Five years ago, I probably would have said that. But through growth and maturity I have learned to trust in the things I don't see everyday. Today, I'm still "in like" with him.

I pray every night and the morning when I wake. Mostly for sanity and serenity as deal with the the everyday pressure of what goes on in this crazy career I have chosen. But at the same time, I pray for him. I pray that he is safe. I pray that the pressures that surround him don't take him to the point where he is about to "spaz out"! I pray that he knows that even though we are not in close proximity he is still one of the "best friends" I could ever ask for and I think of him often. But mostly I wonder does he still think of me.

In some way, shape or form, we find the way to communicate. Maybe its a text just saying "good morning". Maybe it is a phone call just to vent. Maybe its a chat here and there. Those little things mean so much beyond measure. It lets me know the thought is still there. A year ago things were very different. But in everything there must be change. Sometimes change can be a scary thing and make you think things that are few and far between. However, I am ecstatic to say that even though there is change, I'm not running away from it. I want to stay. I am eager to see where this journey will lead. They say those who endure grow stronger.

I'm still "in like" with him!!! I can't wait 'til our schedules permit and we can go on our next "date". I think I was just want to give him a big hug and not let go. He is one of the best things to come into my life and I'm proud to call him my "special" friend. :-)