WooHoo!!

I'm 50! Wow - a few years ago, I wouldn't have admitted that. Approaching 50 put a little scare in me. Well, who doesn't get a little wierd??? Like so many, I grieved the loss of youth - the tight(er) body, the drive and energy, the ability to take off extra pounds at will . . .

These days I wake up with pain in my back, my fingers stiff, a little more tired that usual. But I wake up. My legs work; my fingers bend - sort of. I make my beloved morning coffee. And I start my day which begins and ends at break-neck speed - once my coffee kicks in.

Everyday I hear about someone who has died, someone who has gone on disability, someone whose quality of life is compromised. I'm grateful for getting out of bed. I'm so glad my personal cheering section doesn't see me at 4:45 when my alarm clock goes off. It's not too pretty. By 6:15 - coffee time at the YMCA - the guys - gentlemen, all - remind me that being a woman is a good thing.

I work with teens - the toughest crowd there is. They're incredible fun (sometimes an incredible pain in the ass). Even they are very complimentary. It's wonderful that a teen thinks you're cool, still "got it", still "rocks".

Wow!! How could 50 be so bad???

What do I like about 50? Some things just don't matter - really. Beds made everyday, four course meals every night, a perfect coif, the latest in make-up, a little dirt on the floor, a few weeds in the garden. I'm not saying that I've given up total perfection! I just save up my energy for the stuff that I really enjoy or that really matters.

Naps are good. Getting lost in a great book - priceless. A card game with a child - can't be replaced. A lost,lazy afternoon with your loved one - to be repeated over and over.

I think I'm getting in right - just in time.