Commencement

Facts and Fiction by Ivy Dillinger



Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer turns 59 today, and Heather Donahue, star of 1999's The Blair Witch Project, turns 30. I can't help but wonder if Diane's really in her sixties and pulling that whole "I'm only 59" thing. I wonder how the big three-oh is affecting Ms. Donahue. Aging does different things to different people.

Me? My name is Maryann Castellano. I'm 44. I think about 60 and I feel really young. I think about 25 and I feel ancient. So I like thinking about 60. But I hate thinking about being out of the coveted demographic - the 18-35 peeps. That hurts the most. Now I'm well past that group; almost 10 years. How did this happen?



Whoops, I misspoke. What really hurts most is watching a young girl enjoying her youth and beauty and energy and power. I resent the advantages and savvyness of today's youth. Me? Maryann Castellano? I was studious. I was cautious. I was conservative and timid and passive.



I've joined a gym. I'm taking dance lessons. It's a start.