Just a couple of compliments

Gotta couple compliments last week. That's a pretty big deal when you're my age, and something you sorta treasure and want to hold onto for a while cause who knows when you'll get another one.

I haven't been feeling too hot-to-trot these days so it was good timing. I'll just admit that my exercise routine is collecting a lot of dust on the back of my to-do shelf and my eating habits have sorta resembled a college kid's, if I'm being honest.

I'm not proud of any of it and I know I'll get back in the swing of things, but the last couple months have been leaning on the crazy side so my personal health has been severely neglected.

Anyway, that being said, I haven't felt like I looked like much more than an old, busy, tired, ragged mama. Well, last week I was sitting in the bleachers, part of my weekly routine, waiting for my daughter's volleyball game to start and I received a text. My sister-in-law was in town coaching the opposing team and she said she pointed me out to her assistant from across the gym.

Her assistant coach told her that I looked young and was shocked when my sister-in-law told her I was over 40 years old. She replied to my real age saying, and I quote, "No Way!" (I saved the text, cause ya never know when I might need a pick-me-up.)

So, I looked around, thinking she must be looking at another woman in the stands, because last time I checked, I legitimately look over 40 and pushing 50 some days. No offense to those over 50. 50 is the new 30!

But, the bleachers were pretty bare, just me and some junior high kids and a few sets of grandparents. Then, yep! She's referring to me. Now, I know it was easily a full volleyball court's distance away, but still ... If I apparently lose 10 years in 60 feet, then so be it! I'll take what I can get.

And thank you, young assistant volleyball coach, for your sincere and complimentary statement! It made my crappy day, a happy day!

Then, only a couple days later, I took my girls into get their flu shots at the local health clinic, each of them a separate trip over their school lunch break. It was another nutty day in my world.

I wasn't happy with my outfit choice that morning, I hadn't eaten since 6 a.m. and I had 32 irons in the fire with work, home and the kids. By the time I went back with my daughter to finally get my vaccine, I was famished, pooped and I'm sure my forehead and brow were as wrinkly as a Shar Pei dog.

When my oldest and I walked in together, the oh so sweet nurse smiled and asked whose first, the mama or the daughter. But then ... she was quick to also say, "Except you two could pass as sisters, ya know."

Jackpot! I could have hugged that lovely nurse and probably should have. As a huge smile came across my face, all my daughter could do was roll her eyes and smirk. Someday she'll understand that, to a 43 year old busy mother of 3, that compliment means the world! Plus, she's only 15! So what does that say for me?! To the charming nurse, who admitted to being a few years older than me, I apparently looked WAY younger than 43 and her "sister" statement was all I needed to make my hectic day seem worth it!

So anyway, I think I'm set for a while with two youthful compliments in one week. I still don't feel too pageant worthy but am walking with a little more pep in my step and I admit I feel a tad cooler than I did a few weeks ago. I don't know how long that'll sustain my lazy, junk food eating self, but for now it's working. So, again, thank you young assistant volleyball coach and thank you, sweet health center nurse. Your compliments made my day!