JUST recently I celebrated my birthday, no major milestone or anything - just another year further into my thirties.
The day was spent with family and friends, including afternoon tea with pals. As we sipped tea and devoured the scones and traybakes, the conversation turned to the age I was celebrating and a friend asked if I wished I was a teenager again, with no commitments or responsibilities.
Some people believe being a teenager is the best time of your life, while others say they're glad to emerge at the other end of those years unscathed, never wanting to look back.
I'm not one of those people who whines on about 'where has my youth gone', partly because I feel like I'm still young.
I've never had a breakdown about my age, it's inevitable as far as I'm concerned. We can't stop it and as much as we all might like to get off the ageing roundabout, it's just not possible.
But as age creeps up on you, you do find yourself reminiscing about the 'good old days' of being young.
A lot happens during those formative teenage years, and like most people I embarked on new levels of education, countless exams and the start of my career. There was also that first holiday away without the family, moving out of home and finding love.
Many of us look back fondly on our teenage years - in particular the books, music and films we enjoyed and grew up with.
I do occasionally reminisce about being 17 and wonder whether I would want to be that age again.
Part of me believes it could be far more fun being that age in 2016, but deep down I know it's probably a case of the grass is greener on the other side. Would I really want to go back to those years of my life?
From choosing the most impressive formal dress to public speaking in the morning school assembly, constantly worrying that any wrong move could make you the class laughing stock for the rest of your time with your peers - there was a lot to worry about as a teen.
Everything is major when you are a teenager - from getting left out, being rejected from a job interview or having a massive meltdown about something trivial.
A teenager today has a very different type of life to the one I experienced, one that is constantly on show via social media, in view of all your schoolmates and your parents - could I handle this added pressure on top of being just a regular teen?
I do feel somewhat mournful of the days when nothing mattered, only my friends and going out to have fun. Everyone pines for their younger lives, indulging in nostalgia, reliving the good old days.
But in fact, I think many people if given the chance to relive those teenage years again would leap in the other direction.
In reality, if I could be 17 again I'd probably run a mile from all that angst.
What you don't realise at the time is that youth isn't all it's cracked up to be. You lack the maturity, wisdom and perspective that can only come with age. Leaving your teenage years behind means gaining a measure of privacy and being able to do as you please.
Looking back though, I wish I'd realised it might be a bumpy ride through that period, as you come to terms with adulthood and figuring out your place in the world.
But what is important it to recognise you should enjoy the wonderful milestones and new experiences along the way.
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Competition
An adventure that children up to 12 will never forget, World of Wonder is one of Northern Ireland's largest and most innovative children’s play centre.
Located at The Lough Shore Hotel in Carrickfergus and spread over 12,000 square feet, World of Wonder will keep kids fit as well as giving little ones the opportunity to learn about different cultures and countries at every turn.
Kids will feel the adrenaline rush as they race down the massive four-lane Mount Everest themed slide as well as enjoy a snowball fight in the North Pole, with impressive air cannons.
Some of the greatest sights on earth such as the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and even a Carrick a Rede rope bridge are waiting to be explored and toddlers are well catered for too with a fairy-castle area available exclusively for knights and princesses under 4.
It is open Monday to Thursday 9.30am-6pm and Friday to Sunday 9.30am-7pm, with 90 minute play sessions starting from just £4.95.
Vouchers are also available to purchase over the phone or on site. For more information visit www.wowni.co.uk
I have a £50 voucher for World of Wonder to give away. To enter simply email your name, address and telephone number - along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday November 15 at noon.
(Q) Where is World of Wonder located?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot!
Elemis - A limited edition collection has been launched by Elemis and includes favourites plus a full size nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil enriched with Pomegranate Oil to soothe and soften the skin as well as luxurious cashmere socks. Available on www.elemis.com
Sippy Fest - The North West's largest celebration of crafted beers and spirits, Sippy Fest returns to Derry on November 25 and 26. Returning to the Guildhall it will feature over 15 brewers, combined with locally distilled spirits and cocktails. There's also local music and food dishes. Visit www.sippyfest.co.uk for further information.
What's Not!
Shamed - Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston says she has 'worked too hard' to be 'whittled down to a sad, childless human'. The 47-year-old actress told the US edition of Marie Claire magazine she was tired of being 'shamed' for her divorce to Brad Pitt, for her changing body and for not having children.
Cut - Soap viewers were left with an unexpected cliffhanger this week when an ITV announcer told them Coronation Street had finished just 15 minutes into the show. The voice-over blunder came during the first of Monday's two episodes of the programme, when fans were told the show was over as it cut to an ad break.
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Competition winners
The winner of last week's competition to win a copy of The Crockett Tales for Children are Ronan McDonald from Dungannon, Imelda Camplisson
from Belfast, Des McKey from Newry, Siobhan Cullen from Coalisland and Bernadette McAleer from Glengormley.
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week's Easy Peasy Recipe is mushroom and stilton tarts.
You will need:
1 sheet ready rolled shortcrust pastry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
125g mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 to 2 tablespoons white wine
125ml single cream
2 small eggs
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
125g Stilton, crumbled
To make:
Pre-heat your oven to 200 C/Gas mark 6.
Roll out the pastry about to about 5mm thick and use to line 6 mini fluted tart tins (approximately about 6x2cm).
Chill the pastry-lined tins in the fridge for about half an hour.
Then cover each one with greaseproof paper and blind bake by weighing them down well with some dried beans. Cook for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic, mushrooms and wine; turn up the heat to medium high. Fry for a few more minutes until they're looking golden, then leave the mixture to cool a little.
Lightly whisk the cream with the eggs and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Stir in the crumbled stilton and the mushroom mixture.
Pour into the pastry cases, leave a little space so they don't overflow while they cook and bake them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they're golden on top and solid.
Serve warm on a bed of lightly dressed rocket.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Suzanne McGonagle,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com
