to want to be 25YO again?

[boeing]

I have been invited to a friend's 40th birthday party. I (and some old friends) are going to go. I have been looking forward to it.

The venue has just been announced and it's JUST around the corner from where I lived in my mid - late 20s.

I am feeling utterly overjoyed at going back there. Have been looking at google maps and just remembering where I used to go, what I used to do, how free life was, how happy I was.

I'm not that person anymore - far far far far from it - and I miss it

I miss the body I had

god I looked great then!

I was skint and had a two year old. I'll pass.

Nostalgia is ok but don't let it stop living your life right now :)

Yep. Im with you. Its bittersweet though, isnt it? I went out with an old friend tonight, I havent seen him in years. There were five of us in the same city, a miracle really. All of us childless and, all come to terms with it in our own ways. We laughed, we never cried. We are all healthy and wise.

It makes you look back. I remember, at 24, poppers on the dancefloor I had lots of gay friens been slim and attractive. Having fun!! I miss it but, I accept it. Onwards and upwards!!

Sorry, Rhonda - hope things improved!

It was my first indepedant home (after uni) and where I met (now) DH. City centre. Possibly a bit down market, but SOOOO cool.

So looking forward to going back it hurts.

where is it you are going?

It's not actually the people (though I love them, they have been friends for years) it's the area and how I felt at that time that makes me feel so happy to be there.

It was the time of my life where I was utterly independant that makes me love it.

BEfore then, I was at the mercy of my overly strict parents and since then, my never happy DH. But, right then, for that year, it was just me. And I loved it.

I'm not saying I don't love my life now, I have two fab kids and lovely DH etc., just I'm everyone elses housekeeper, IYSWIM.

MANCHESTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm 25 now. As much as I love this time in my life I am looking forward to being 40 when the Dds will be all grown up and I can do all the things my friends are doing now but with the benefit of wisdom and a bit more money. That's what I like to tell myself to get through days like today anyway!

i wouldnt swap what i have now for what i had then.

except

my (dishy) boss in an all male environment turned 40 one week before i did. for his birthday he got a photo of him and his mates when they were 21. he was dead emotional because his xp had cut up all the pictures in the separation.

anyway we made a pact to bring in photos to compare.

i brought one of me, in what can only be described as a clingfilm dress (it was cool in the 80's) and in his one he was wearing an arron handknitted cardi

I sqawked '' Ohh....... Boss....... I wouldnt have fancied you then'
and he said ' what happened to you, you used to be a 10!'
'what you you mean, i am still a 10!'

Please dont depress me. The people I met in London said to me tonight "we always thought you would end up in Manchester" I love that bastard place. I was there in 94 and always wanted to stay there for the rest of my life but, it never ended up that way.

I was there late 90s to early 00s.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the place. It's my spritual home

enjoy but the danger is all will have changed. I remember going back to old haunts with girlfriends and finding the music and atmosphere had changed. we ended up leaving and going onto a place we would never have stepped foot in during our 20s and had a great night. i think we just felt nostalgic and were strangely surprised that life and people had moved on although a few regulars were still there propping up the bar. Just go to have fun for that night not to relive your 20´s and have a great night.

Overall I am much happier now than I was then. But today I was looking at some old photos, and I want that body back! Dead flat belly, little toned waist.

I'm realistic. Not staying where I would have then. Booked into the Lowry I know my limits ! haha!

I don't want to go back. I'm not looking to escape.

Just looking forward to being there and how it makes me feel (I go back reasonably often, so up to date with Manc. changes)

I just love the place.

and i would like to live there

I love Manchester too. Would love to move back there but am stuck in DH's rubbish home town forever.

YANBU. I loved being 25...wouldn't swap DD for the world but, despite being only 28 now, I was so...FREE!

Revel in the trip down memory lane and take heart that you're not still doing the same.

I miss certain times and places, but I'd be more depressed if I was doing the same thing now.

Have fun.

Its a good thing you miss the golden years, they'd be worthless otherwise.

Oh, you are staying in the Lowry!! have you checked to see if any bands are playing that night?

Its my spiritual home too. The Hacienda and getting touched up by Mick Hucknall

Have a fab night!

EUGH @ Mick Huckhall. We used to go to the bar he owned there a lot. Was under one on the railway arches and leaked like buggery when it rained (Which in Manc is ALOT) . Can't remember what it was called. something a bit spanish as I recall.

This will be one of the first times I'm back there sans DH and DC(plural) and am looking forward to reminding myself who I was / am.

Ah 25! Make it 18 and I will give you my actual right arm...

Apparently we are all 25 forever in our minds' eye :)