I was talking about age with some of my classmates the other day and mentioned that going to culinary school makes me feel old. Ancient even. They all poo pooed the idea of me being old and went on their merry ways for the afternoon. But I still thought about it. Why do I feel SO old some days. Then the answer hit me.

I am the only parent in the class. I don't even think any of the other students are married.

So, I think I feel so old because even though I am not the oldest, the people who are near my age or older are still not responsible for/to another person. (And it doesn't help that most of the classmates are a full decade younger than me) If they want to go get a drink after class they don't have to worry about who is going to pick up the small child from daycare. If they want to take a job that pays $10 and hour for the experience and fun atmosphere and work until 2 am they can and only they will have to deal with the results of that decision. Now that I am a mother I have to take my kid's needs and desires into account. And I have to do it doubly so, because I know I am the only one who will.

Normally this doesn't even register. Especially when I am around other mothers. It is what a parent does. But when you are surrounded by twenty-somethings who don't have the same frame of reference, and do silly early twenties things, it makes you feel old.

But I wouldn't change it. Mostly.