Aging…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the passage of time. Everyone gets older, and there’s not a thing any of us can do about it. Yet. I can only hope that I will be fortunate enough to age gracefully, but you can never tell, I suppose.

People talk a lot about the signs of aging- wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots (usually in an unflattering shade of brown). Brown spots?? I have brown spots all over. Always have. But thinking about it made me really self-conscious, so I spent a little time evaluating.

I think as far as brown spots go, I’m in the clear. Frankly, without them, I’d just be some bizarre yellow dinosaur-looking thing, and that would definitely upset me more than most of the other things that come with age. I fear my neck is genetically pre-disposed for having saggy skin. With a neck as long and graceful as mine, it would be difficult to keep such firm, taught elasticity without the aid of a cosmetic surgeon. Although, I hear there are at-home exercises one can do? Note to self: start those this afternoon. Prevention is the best remedy. No giraffe should ever have to say no to a fabulous fashion opportunity just because it happens to have a low decolletage.

In the quest for eternal youth, we all toy with the idea of quick fixes. I’ll reluctantly admit to having almost scheduled myself for a Botox injection after I noticed a few fine lines forming above my brow. I wonder if the other giraffes in my herd underwent these same social pressures? Did they, too, allow themselves to succumb to the wiles of the beauty industry, either falling victim to the knife, or becoming a junkie of age-defying potions? I consulted our family photo album to find out, and found this photo of my grandparents:

Granted, they’re not exactly ancient in this picture, but certainly not in the prime of their youths. I don’t detect any tampering with mother nature, and I think they look great! Perhaps it’s all in the genes after all? Looks like I can pride myself on having come from some good stock. There’s quite a resemblance!

Phew. I think I’ll be alright. I feel a little silly being vain, but it is important for a city giraffe to keep herself up, especially when she has so many social engagements. One doesn’t want others whispering in dark corners…

I think I’ll give myself a spa day just to make sure. Although, there is something to be said about a face that has character. And mine certainly has a lot of character.