50 years

I am 50 years old. And I'm real glad! I'm not afraid or angry or worried that I'm 'over the hill' or just plain old. I'm 50. I have lived for half a century. I've seen music change from the Beatles to Lady Gaga; from records to mp3 players. My country has gone from Kennedy to Obama and survived just fine, thank you.

I'm the aunt to one wonderful young lady of a niece and three young nephews who show me what 'different' means. I have two brothers who made my life fun, weird, and wonderful. My mother is still hale and hardy at 80. My father died 20 years ago- and I miss him every day. The best decision I ever made was to adopt my dog, Nanna, the best friend a single woman could ask for.

I have a career instead of a job. This is my 20th year of teaching English and the important things in life to my students. Sometimes I think I actually teach a few of them.

I have old friends and new friends and several cities where I feel at home. I have travelled and I'm not done yet. I still plan to retire in Paris. I still think I may get married some day.

I never know what's next and that's a good thing. I like surprises. Life has more good to it than bad.

Fifty means I've had a lot of time, so far. It means I need to see what I've done and what I want to do next. It is hope and optimism.

I'm 50 and I'm real glad!

Happy Birthday to me

Today is my birthday. And today is Mardi Gras. So I could really celebrate. However, I rarely drink and do not like to 'party.' Instead, I take this as a time to look inside and evaluate the changes I've been through so far. I am ready to move on. It is time for the next chapter, the next adventure, the next new thing.

The next thing is Lent and how to use it. Learning to control impulses and do what is right and necessary will be of the most benefit to my health and welfare. Every day I will remember 'I have a choice. I can be in control.'

And that's a Fat Tuesday if ever there was one.