Stop. Nana Time!

As we get older our priorities change, our wants and needs change. As I flew past 30, and rushed downhill towards 40 I realised that a lot of times the mind was willing, but the body said "not likely, buddy!". That's kind of hard to cope with sometimes, since I still feel about 25 in my head.

I love being social. I love meeting people for a meal or a drink. I can still cope with that. It's the big nights out that I struggle with. The night clubs and overly noisy pubs aren't as appealing as they used to be. Makes no difference whether I'm drinking or not. I discovered I'm truly a Nana a few weeks back when I met friends for a drink at a popular nightspot. We managed to find a comfy couch to sit, then realised that it would take a week to wade through the crowds of people to get a drink. So we sat and chatted. Or tried to, over the noise of the crowd and the pumping dance tunes. That was a big night, we headed home by about 9.30pm. Yes, pathetic!

So this leads me to my Top Ten Ways You Know You're A Nana (in no particular order):

Gone are the days where the kids eat early then you enjoy a quiet meal with your partner after the kids are in bed. Instead you eat with the kids. At 5.30pm.

You count down the minutes until the kids are in bed. Only so that you can go to bed too. And not for Extreme Cuddles, for sleep.

At 9pm, when you used to be heading out, you're sitting on the couch with a cup of tea.

And a blanket over your knees.

If you do head out for a big night, you're home by 11pm. Any later and it takes you 2 days to recover.

You find yourself watching more ABC.

You watch SBS for the fascinating insights into different cultures. Instead of the soft porn.

You watch controversial programs just so you have an excuse to yell at the TV.

You listen to Classic Hits radio stations, or talk-back, because current music is awful.

You can't get through the day without a mid-afternoon nap. But you're still considering bed by 9pm.

Are you a Nana? When and how did you realise that your youthful ways were long gone?