Me and Ashton Kutcher Got It Goin’ On

Feb 24, 2009 | This Life | 15 comments

So today is my birthday. For years, I’ve lied about my age and told people that I’m 42. I’ve always believed that if people were rude enough to inquire, it was license to stretch the truth. Lying up gives the added benefit of making you appear younger—since there are certain perceptions about what 40 or 50 or 60 looks like–and unless you’ve been smoking 2 packs a day you’re not likely to meet those expectations. Jaws drop and eyes widened with envy. They WISH they looked as good as you do at 42. It’s your little secret that you’re actually 36. 

But I’ve decided to come clean. In truth, it’s because I actually feel good about being 39. It’s the last year before 40–a decade I’m looking forward to entering–and I have plans to make the most of it! In fact, I even have  “theme” for this year of being “lighter–emotionally, spiritually, and physically” by 40.  

IZ, bless his heart, took me quite literally and got me a sweet, yet TINY Coolpix camera for my birthday. I promptly shot this self-portrait.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my Nikon D50 and all my assorted lenses. I’m actually looking to upgrade next year. But it’s heavy. Really heavy. And I’m starting to feel that weight in my joints after lugging it around in my bag. Two years ago leaving the house without a camera would have been sacrilege. But today I’m valuing my connective tissue more and more as it gets thinner and thinner. It’s the choice between the potential of a photo opportunity and the certainty that my neck will regret taking my camera. There’s only so much Naproxin a girl should take, you know?

IZ knows I’m brand loyal when it comes to cameras; and really, how can you argue with Ashton Kutcher–a man who clearly knows the value of a woman over 30. 

So, today I’m 39 and I’m shooting pictures with my tiny “lighter” camera and all is well with the world. Me and Ashton Kutcher, we got it goin’ on.

 

15 Comments

  1. IZ on 24 February, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    I hope you don’t get tired of me saying Happy Birthday. You look mahhhvelous by the way. 😉 Glad you like your camera – and your Zojirushi. I love you!

  2. HG on 24 February, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Love the new picture and I covet your hair. Happy Birthday!

  3. tricia on 24 February, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Happy Birthday gorgeous! ( I was going to say mahhvelous, but IZ beat me to it!)

  4. Margaret on 24 February, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Happy Birthday to the lovely woman with the hair-to-die-for!(yes, I’m still jealous) So, the camera is cool? I’ll have to check it out. My husband never uses his D-80 though; I might take that one over!

  5. Connie on 24 February, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    WOW you look great! Happy birthday and you are right a lot of us wish we looked as wonderful as you do, your hair is really loooovely. YOU take the best photos, the camera loves your look!

  6. Shelley on 24 February, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    Happy Birthday Cousin. 39 looks great on you.

  7. Miz S on 25 February, 2009 at 2:23 am

    Such a babe, you are! And I mean that in both senses of the word: young AND adorable.

  9. katie on 25 February, 2009 at 5:31 am

    Happy Birthday (again and a day later)…

    and you let me know if I need to take that big heavy camera off your hands.

    39 never looked so good…

  10. Liza Lee Miller on 25 February, 2009 at 6:40 am

    Love the idea of lying up about your age. As I am staring 45 in the face, I’m wondering that means I should add a decade to impress people! Of course, just taking time for daily makeup might help too. And, there’s always the risk that they’ll believe me . . . “Hmmm, 55, huh? You should probably wear makeup!” 🙂

    I covet your camera (both actually). I hope you get many years of enjoyable pictures with it.

  11. sadira on 25 February, 2009 at 8:29 am

    Happy Birthday!! Hey we’re the same age this year…where oh where has the time gone? I love the new lighter camera (and goal for yourself) and I often carry my Canon Elph with me so that I can hand it off to other people just in case I want someone else to document me…have a wonderful time with it!

  12. sulu-design on 25 February, 2009 at 9:18 am

    Happy birthday! Here’s to lightness on the path to 40.

  13. Karan on 25 February, 2009 at 11:51 am

    I thought about you yesterday and sent a silent Happy Birthday! Today I’ll send you a cyber HB!

    I’m with you about camera weight. I have a Nikon D70s and hauled it all over Italy with much regret and very few pictures that justified the mighty-fineness of the instrument. I now have a Coolpix myself and love it just as much, maybe more when you factor in the lightness of it’s being.

  14. ECStewart on 26 February, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    Hey! Happy belated birthday!! Oh, and I’ve been 42 for at least a year… think I’ll keep it. 😉

  15. kalurah on 4 March, 2009 at 8:34 am

    You look INCREDIBLE, honey! I hope I look that good in 8 years. 🙂
    I have to force myself to stay out of the sun EVERY summer!!!