Still playing, 3 out of 5 balls down.

Somehow the photo session with the second model (a 17-year old junior college student), combined with some really terrible news from an ex-boyfriend, has managed to get me a little bit down. Smootie - now with 50% less cheer.

If I could compare my life to a pinball game, I'd be 3 balls down, with 2 more balls to go but still in the heat of play.

The second model looked very mature for a 17-year old. Got me reminiscing about the time when I was 17, clueless and the only thing on my mind was boys, school and private tuition 5 times a week. I did not tie up my long curly hair, did not wear my school badge or any socks. I routinely showed up late for school with light makeup (foundation, powder, lipstick and blusher) and lots of jewellery. There was not a single minor rule I did not break with impunity. My civics tutor who was the school disciplinary master received no end of flak from his colleagues.

I had my whole life ahead of me. New pinball game. And I thought I was so mature. A good day was when my favourite school skirt (a little shorter than the rest!) was ready to wear. A bad day was when a classmate broke my nail buffer while buffing his nails. It's been a while since I felt so carefree.

Now I sit at home watching yet another episode of High Five (Animal Adventures!) and I wonder if my son's life will be as carefree, and if I will be able to make his life as comfortable as mine has been.