This column was written ten years ago and what a difference a decade can make! Now that I'm in my 55 th year (is that possible?) I still consider myself "middle aged" - although at last I'm finally seeing some benefits to aging, (like discounted hotel rooms for "mature (50+) travelers"). I think I still have a few years to go before I can really reap the senior discounts, but considering the cost (in years) I'll be patient. Last month, in this very column, I made the declaration, “I am middle-aged.” Not that I became middle-aged last month... or even that I just realized it at that time... but that I first became willing to admit my status. Denial can offer great comfort, especially when referring to a woman’s age. Ever since I was old enough to do simple arithmetic, I knew I would turn 46 years old three days into the new century. And I had always considered the 45 th year to mark the beginning of mid life. Some may think that age 40 is a better med...