we can remember at least 30…

Pleasant weather has had Across the Bored seeking out old haunts and new neighbourhoods in some spontaneous outings these past few weeks. As much an opportunity to build up the photo library for some post-summer editing as they are  exercise in disguise, such sorties are also the perfect excuse for an ice-cold drink and a bit of people-watching from a shady terrace.  With time on our hands and no particular place to go, a few hours spent wandering around usually leaves us feeling invigorated.

Such was definitely not the case last Friday when my usual walking companion was otherwise occupied: itching to get out and get something done we headed off to a department store downtown with a focus on replacing some badly needed unmentionables. Now most men will just shake their heads and wonder how difficult could that be for it seems a simple matter of going to the underwear department, finding size and favourite brand, paying and going home (or just getting whoever puts them in the drawer to seek and replace) but certain ladies will more fully understand the torture that ranks on a par with the old pre-season swimsuit try-on debacles.

It’s not for lack of styles or sizes, stretch satin or spandex, balconette or push-up, may-I-help-yous or sorry, they don’t make those anymore. It’s not because of the awful lighting in the tired changing rooms with the fun-house mirrors that make one feel pastily like all the things we swore we’d never become. It may be that we don’t approach this kind of thing with the same zeal or excitement of youthful folly: it has come to the point where we want comfortable and reassuring, a little confidence-builder that doesn’t squeeze in the wrong place or cause unsightly bulges where they don’t belong. We don’t want to be reminded of the past, we want something for us now – if it comes in hot-pink lace then all the better. On our way out we met a lovely lady who looked just as bedraggled, put-upon and exasperated as we felt. “I hate doing this – it gets worse every year” she sighed as we flipped through the racks yet again for the one size we needed in the perfect style that was not there. She had been through the same ordeal: we were not alone, we are legion and as she pointed out, this type of battle deserved a rejuvenating reward – name your poison and swallow it with gusto!

The Big 5 Challenge puts forth that it definitely depends on the situation to make us 5 or 50. “How old do you feel?” – like a kid in a candy shoppe or drudge with a mop, like you could run a mile, need to rest a while, could change your style or rule the world…

We would love to know how you are reeling in the years.

For all those who are new readers to Across the Bored, here are some guidelines for the challenge: HOW DOES THIS WORK?

1.  I will post some commentary such as the above on one of the five Ws (WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN or WHY and sometimes HOW) and then ask you to respond on the same.
2. Your point of view on the current week’s challenge can take any form: a reply in the comment box, in a new post with a quote, a motto or saying, an essay, poem or opinion of yours or attributed to someone else, a piece of music, a song, a video, a work of art, photograph, graffiti, drawing or scribble – but it has to be about the topic!
3. Challenge yourself to dig deep for an answer.
4. The Challenge will be open for 14 days (there will be a reminder post at the 7 day mark) after which I will post another.
5. ENJOY, have FUN and TELL your friends and fellow bloggers.

SO – Create your Big 5 Challenge post

1. Then add a link to your blog in my comment box.
2. To make it easy for others to check out your post, title your blog post “The Big 5 Challenge” and add the same as a tag.
3. If you would like your reader to see what others are presenting for the same challenge, add a link to the “Big 5” challenge on your own blog.
4. Feel free to pick up your badge on The Big 5 Challenge page.
5. Remember to Follow to get your weekly (hopefully) reminders.