Wednesday, October 27, 2010

At 40, I'm quoting Jessica Simpson

lovin' my lilac 'unhoodie'!
I celebrated my 40th birthday last week. The big landmark birthday, right?  Well, maybe after 19 (legal drinking age for most provinces in Canada), and I guess 21 if you're in the US... and, 30 is a big year too.  Really, I guess any start of a 'new decade' is somewhat of a big deal!

I find myself quoting Jessica Simpson now that I'm 40.  I know, scary, right?!!  I heard her in an interview about turning 30 and she said "I'm ready, I'd rather be a young looking 30-something than an old looking 20-something".  Indeed, that's how I'm rolling these days, I'm happier to be a young looking 40-something than an older looking 30-something! ;)

But, to be serious, it's odd, because I remember at 20 thinking that forty was "ancient", and now that I've actually reached forty, I feel anything but!   Sure, I have the odd day when I feel drained or pooped, but mostly that's because of how much I might have had to take on that particular day, or the day before.  No, most days I feel very vibrant, and with enough energy to start the day with some exercise, then get on with the day's activities and routines with the girls, not to mention errands, household chores, and any cooking and baking I have mapped out.  In fact, many days I feel better than I did when I was in my early twenties.  I have clear memories of days when I felt ancient in my 20-something body...  back in the good ol' dairy-days!

It is also somewhat of a relief to have reached this age, rather than have the anticipation of "becoming 40".  Anyone that is over forty, or approaching forty, knows that feeling because it is such a topic of conversation with family and friends.  You wonder if your self-image will somehow change with one birthday, just because you are in a new decade!  So, yeah, it's kinda' good to be here, rather than thinking about being here!

At forty, I am grateful to be living a healthy, vibrant life, and to have the love of my children, husband, family and friends. And, I had a fabulous time my loved ones on my bday, I shall fill you in!  First, though, must mention that hubby gave me a new lulu hoodie, which I mentioned on fb.  I call it an 'unhoodie' (lulu, why didn't you do the same)!?!  Most of you know their signature hoodies.  I have always liked them, but I'm not one for having a heavy hood behind my neck/shoulder.  Bothersome, and also if you want to throw a vest or something over top, the hood gets in the way!  Well, lulu has very recently released this new "cuddle-up jacket" (aka, unhoodie).  It has a bunchy, cozy collar instead of the hood, thumb-holes and a more tapered fit.  Hubby bought me the lilac color, and I love it, love it, love it!  The pic above doesn't show off the collar very well - the blurry photo to the right shows it better! Though lulu gear is pricey, if you get a few basic pieces, they will last you years.  I have pants and jackets that I've had 5+ years that are still in great shape.  He knows I'm always happy with a new lulu goodie. And, the girls treated me with handmade cards, two magazines (a real treat as I never buy them for myself), and some dark chocolate goodies.  Our 9 year old drew a picture of the Canucks symbol with a photo of me in the middle, writing "you're the same age as the Canucks, mom".  Uh-huh.  I don't follow hockey, but she plays hockey and so I try to go with the flow.  Our 5 1/2 yr old told me I was "the best mommy she's ever had", to which I replied "I'm glad to be ahead of the first couple of mommies".  hee.  And, of course, lil' babe, whose not so little anymore, gifted me with her sweet kisses and hugs, what could be better than that?

On to the celebrations!  One of my dear friends started planning with my husband months ago (smooches to you Vicki).  Eight of us (friends and my sis and bil) headed out for the evening.  First we had dinner at Nuba, at their new funky restaurant.  Here I am with hubby at Nuba.  It was dimly-light, I'm surprised my camera got a half-decent shot!  And, whoops, I didn't get any food pics... didn't even think about it once the food arrived, we just dove in!

After dinner we took in the Bite Me Improv show by the Vancouver TheatreSports League.  What a blast!  We had such a great laugh.  Hubby, however, mentioned it was my bday in advance, so I was called up on to the stage - eek!  I just got my butt up straight away and took what I was in for!  I was part of a skit where you have to move the actors' body parts as they work through a scene, you've probably seen/heard this type of skit.  Let's just say I channeled my deceased grandmother's (raunchy) spirit.  Okay, well, it wasn't that bad, but I did place the female actor's hands on her chest, and had another actor's hands on his ass.  Yes, Greta, you came through loud and proud... I hope you laughed as much as we did!

This is not one of my typical food posts, but I guess I just felt like sharing a little bit of what's been going on lately.  And, in short I want to say that I believe you can live vibrantly at any age, so let's embrace our age, whatever it might be, and enjoy living healthfully and compassionately.  That's a good prescription at any age! 
However, while concentrations of some contaminants may be decreased, switching to organic meat does nothing to decrease the risk for the diseases that remain the biggest killers of Americans. Cholesterol, fat (especially saturated fat), and animal protein are the major culprits in meat that are associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. They are also associated with the development of the many risk factors that lead to these diseases, including obesity and hypertension.  Animal products, however they are produced, increase the risk of many diseases. (Source: PCRM)

21 comments:

Suzana said...

Sounds like a great birthday! I LOVE lebanese food :)

Ingredients for Life said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. What's a birthday if isn't surrounded by family and friends?
Love the Jessica Simpson quote. I once caught myself quoting Judge Judy.
You look fab at 40.

Stefania

Lauren said...

Happy belated bday! Sounds like a great time and I love your outlook! 40 looks great on you! :)

aimee said...

As all of my friends and i have been saying this entire year "40 IS the new 20!" I wouldn't be 20 again for anything! Happy belated birthday!
p.s. my security word verification word below is "spells". spooky!

Vic Robinson said...

Happy Belated Birthday! I love birthdays. They are so much fun, no matter how old I am!

Lauren M said...

What a wonderful bday for you! Also, 40 is fabulous, possibly a quote from Sex and the City? I'm not sure, but I know what you mean about the anticipation. I've been anticipating 30 for a while and sometimes I can't even believe I'm not there yet! Not a jab, but I had kids young and finished college afterwards and started a career late... long story short, I've been living the life that while a child/teen I predicted happening at an older age. Well, cheers to starting a new decade and here's to more great recipes from a vibrant Dreena!

celyn said...

Happy happy birthday!

carpensm said...

Well Happy Birthday!! I think that the Jessica Simpson quote (no matter how strange it might feel to quote her) is a great way to look at the aging process! Btw, love the blog and love the lilac non-hoodie! Super cute!

carpensm said...

Well Happy Birthday!! I think that the Jessica Simpson quote (no matter how strange it might feel to quote her) is a great way to look at the aging process! Btw, love the blog and love the lilac non-hoodie! Super cute!

Andrea said...

Happy birthday! It sounds like a wonderful celebration of family, friends and life. 40 is young.

Babette said...

Happy birthday Dreena!

Marianne (frenchfriestoflaxseeds) said...

Happy Birthday!

I wonder if that "unhoodie" was the one I was looking at last time I was in Lululemon. I saw a really nice, non-hoodie teal jacket that I kinda loved, but didn't actually check to see what it was called. Oops!

Catherine Weber said...

Happy Birthday, Dreena!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! LOVE the unhoodie! Thanks for making the 40s sound awesome; they're coming up for me!

Angela (Oh She Glows) said...

Happy Birthday! You look so beautiful and at peace with life.
I love this post so much and I couldn't agree more. It is very inspiring to hear how amazing you feel. I have never felt better eating a vegan diet myself and I hope that it continues.

Janae @ Bring-Joy said...

Happy birthday! It's a lot of fun to get to know the other side of you--we all know you're a cooking/baking goddess, but now we know you're ALSO human too :)

Thanks for sharing, and at 40 you are a beautiful, radiant example to us younger ones who can only hope we can look and feel as great as you do when we hit that supposed 4-0 milestone.

urban vegan said...

Happy belated, Dreena. You look fabulous....much younger than 30, I mean 40. Take it from an old lady like me! XO

PS: So excited to hear about your new cookbook. I can't wait to add it to my already worn trinity.

heather said...

Happy Birthday! You are a gorgeously young-looking 40! I love the unhoodie and the sweet cards from your kiddos.

Lindsay said...

Animal products do increase disease, depending on how often you eat and what kinds you are eating. Eat fish once a week? You're probably not going to die of a heart attack. In fact, countries such as Japan have some of the lowest heart attack rates in the world (notice that their diet also includes lots of NON ANIMAL products such as tofu). Eat hamburgers 3 times a week and you are putting yourself at serious risk.

That quote makes it sound like animal products themselves are the problem, and that isn't the whole story. In fact, the 'obesity epidemic' in America can be directly correlated with processed food, high fruitose corn syrup, ALONG with fattening animal products. Combining simple carbs, sugar, and fat together is a recipe for weight gain (you can do that as a vegan too, just sayin'). Nevermind the nutritional deficiencies and lack of fiber.

I think the best goal is healthy eating overall. Of course there is lot of discussion among what constitutes healthy eating, but for me it's a wide variety of plants, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, (and in small doses, some animal products). I do cheat sometimes and eat french fries though. I can't help myself.

Lindsay said...

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I'm 2 years off turning 30, I have three kids...it's freaking me out. When did I become a grown up? I can hardly remember.

The Full Plate Blog said...

having just turned 40, and making a real effort to take the best care I can of myself, and my family, I love this post. keep up the great writing!