You're HOW old??

Email conversation between M (fellow rider) and me:

M: blah blah blah . . . We fly to Anchorage on 7/7 and our first full day is 7/9 (my 50th b-day… holds some symbolism, I figure).

Me: You are NOT going to be 50.

M: *kiss kiss*

Me: blah blah blah . . . I don't think I've spent much time thinking about your age, but I wouldn't have put you a day over 39 or so. Really. Them's good genes and a healthy life you've got there!

M: blah blah blah . . .We all better age gracefully the way we’re working out!! I’ll take a guess that you’re the one around 40. Close?

M (a few minutes later):

OH MY GOSH, YOU’RE 30!!! After I sent the email I got scared and looked you up. YIKES! NO OFFENSE MEANT, HEATHER!!! It’s just that I can relate to you so easily and you’re a lawyer and spin instructor and all that spells MATURE!!!!! (am I back pedaling out of this alright??)

Heather, truly, I hope I didn’t offend you. Yikes…

Me (apparently too many minutes later): I just laughed out loud! I'm sure the guy in the office next to mine thinks I'm nuts!

I guess I should give thanks for my maturity, and invest in some good sunscreen!

No offense taken -- but I'm still laughing.

Me (a few minutes later): And don't think I'm not going to tell that story of age-guessing over and over!! :)

M: Now you’ve got me laughing out loud.

I’ve been sitting here sweating waiting for your response. Would’ve already reached for my cell phone if I hadn’t left the damn thing at home.

My husband’s going to say something like “you haven’t learned you NEVER guess someone’s age”???

Me: I'm reminded of the man who hit on me one night and first asked my age (a certain no-no in the come-on world, I'd say) and then guessed it -- and he added about 10 years or so. I told him that for future reference, always guess low when trying to pick up a woman.

*****

Maybe I should take a little offense, but I do still get carded occasionally. . .