Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.<\/p>\n
At least that\u2019s what I told myself when I heard recently that Mariah Carey<\/a> is refusing to age. I don\u2019t need a global superstar to impress upon me the importance of refusing to get older. I\u2019ve been watching other people get older for some time now, and I, like Mariah, refuse to have any part of it.<\/p>\n In spite of claims to the contrary, it looks like far less craic than people make out. Of course, it\u2018s much better than the alternative, as people are at pains to remind us, but that\u2019s a bar set low. And being endlessly grateful for a healthy life and refusing to get older are not mutually exclusive.<\/p>\n So, when I heard what the Queen of Christmas thought about the whole ageing thing, I put it down to great minds thinking alike and had a little warble to myself while hanging out the washing.<\/p>\n A few days later, as I precariously teetered from the bus to The Irish Times offices in extremely uncomfortable but also fabulous stilettos, runners in the backpack, I resisted the urge to change into my flats. Yes, I could have been there in half the time, and with some feeling still in my toes. But also, that sounds like the sort of choice someone who\u2019s okay with getting older might make.<\/p>\n So, I took a deep breath, braved the cracked pavements and dodgy looking kerbs, and thought \u2018what would Mariah do?\u2019<\/p>\n And life continued as normal in Tara Street. Until, that is, my phone started pinging repeatedly with urgent updates, some from journalists at rival publications, and even the odd phone call from the radio.<\/p>\n It had happened again. There was a would-be bandwagon hopper in our midst. <\/p>\n When I say in our midst, strictly speaking I don\u2019t move in all of the same circles as this person. The Kardashians are probably best known for having names that start with a K, being incredibly good looking, and having an impressive social media presence.<\/p>\n So a lot like me, I suppose, albeit Jen starts with a J.<\/p>\n But also, we\u2019re quite different. And so I never anticipated that one day, Kim Kardashian<\/a> and I might take a similar stance on educational issues.<\/p>\n Yes, you\u2019ve guessed it, just like me, she doesn\u2019t believe in homework. <\/p>\n