You Know You're Getting Old.....

I had a slightly awkward conversation with my Mum this week (well - awkward for me). It all began when I won tickets to Mark Wahlbergs new film: Contraband. I phoned to see if she and my Dad would like to go in my absence. She'd never heard of it and when I told her who was in it she said 'Phroar that'll be tough to watch won't it?' <insert pause>. 'Yes.... yes it will be' I replied.

When the heck did my Mum and I start lusting after the same movie stars?

Ok - for a few years now; I'll admit that we've both drooled over George Clooney: but there is an unspoken understanding that should the opportunity arise Mum gets first dibs as the matriarch of the family. (Now that's some old-school respect!).

Now that 'Marky Mark' has been added to the list I'm forced to make a mental decision that either my Mum is young and hip (oh god I'm probably NOT young and hip for just writing that sentence) OR I'm getting old myself. Eeeeek! I've decided it's probably the latter because in the last few years I've taken a liking to a few things that I would have once considered 'fuddy-duddy'.

I KNOW I'M GETTING OLD BECAUSE:

• I  read the 'Dear Editor' sections of newspapers FIRST. My absolute favourite is when regular contributors reply to each others letters scathingly! <GULP> I've even written in to them and been published. And..... when they're published I scan and email them to my Mum and Grandma in pride *hanging head in shame*.
• I read the 'Hatched, Matched and Dispatched' sections of the local newspaper to see if I know any of them.
• When someone is talking about someone local and using their first name - I ask for their surname just in case I know them, their family or have heard of them. This is a very recent occurrence; and I think it's because we now live in a small town and 'everyone knows everyone'.
• I regularly start sentences with 'Ha! Back in my day.....' when responding to DSS (13yo's) 'It's not fair' whines. I blame Mum for this one; it didn't work on me then and doesn't work now - but dammit I can't stop!
• I am seriously considering getting a radio for our kitchen so I can listen to ABC talkback radio. So far I have fought the urge; but it is a battle I'm losing.
• When dear hubby and I finally get a night out for dinner on our own all we talk about is the kids (despite banning ourselves) and whingeing at the ridiculous prices. (ie: We could have  made dinner AND bought a carton of beer  at home for this price!) Both of us regularly check the clock (disappointed it's so early and time is going slow).
• Going to work now actually means 'doing work' not catching up on friends weekends, who did what Friday night, who slept with who, and who is shunned this week as the outcast (so bloody high-school schoolyard)..... I really don't give a crap anymore for that bullshit!
• A 'lazy dinner' means making and eating an omelette; not getting takeaway.
• After being asked 20 times 'Why' from Master 2 - my final answer is 'Because I said so.... that's why'!
• Everytime an 'expose' on ACA or Today Tonight appears; I'm immediately suspicious - they usually only show one side of the story and the dramatic music and lighting sways viewers opinions..... in my opinion at least.
• I know most expensive doesn't necessarily mean best and vice versa; cheapest isn't always the crappest (yes a new word - I'm a trendsetter!) Brand names mean squat to me.
• When I finally stopped being blamed for shit my little sister has done and instead get asked/ told.... "Have you seen what she's done?"...."Did you hear what she's up to now?'
• When I'm having a really crap day with the kids; I reflect and remember all the torturous moments I gave my parents (and physically cringe at quite a few) so I email/ skpe/ text/ phone them with a sincere apology (not to mention whinge)..... saying I now understand and empathise! It may have taken 20 years but hearing 'You were right' never goes out of fashion!!

Sorry Mum; you're youthful looking and modern but if I'm not cool - then you can't be either! ha!