Celeste Bradley | When I Grow Up

Why is there no period of perfection between zits and gray hair? Why can't I ever be at the beginning of a trend instead of two years behind it? When exactly do I get to feel like a grown-up?

When I grow up, I want to be that confident woman who smiles more than she worries and who is happy with her body because it is strong and healthy. I want to be the woman who gets dressed only once, who can wear a scarf with flair, who puts on paisley without ever considering if it makes her look just a bit like an overstuffed sofa. When I grow up I want to meet new people and remember their names and their jobs and what makes them laugh--and never ever stare at them the next year without any fragment of recognition.

When I grow up I want to be on time for all appointments, wash my hair before it needs it and be on first name basis with everyone at the gym instead of the ice cream parlor. When I grow up I want to never be late with the light bill or lose a check or forget to give my kids lunch money. I want to listen to people talk about investments without my eyes glazing over or feeling faint. I want to start my taxes on January 1st and start my Christmas shopping in August.

When I grow up I want to be always patient and kind and generous and never make grumpy, envious snap judgements about other women because they wear scarves and wash their hair before it needs it and make regular appearances at the gym.

When I grow up I want to be just like me--only completely different.

Hmm...my forty-mumble birthday is coming. I'd better hurry up.

Celeste Bradley
celestebradley.com

"The Heiress Brides" are racing to the altar!
DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUKE (March 2008)
THE DUKE NEXT DOOR (April 2008)
DUKE MOST WANTED (May 2008)