It’s been over a year and a half since I’ve written, but life has been incredibly busy. Yes, it is for all of us, I know. Our homeschooling stint only lasted for a year, before Miles and Ruth decided that even though they hated public school, they hated homeschooling more. So, back to the public school for them. Nathan is still working double-duty, farming to feed his soul and traveling on the road welding to afford to farm. Rebecca is home for a while, regrouping to sort through where she wants to be for her next quarter-life, and Addison is marrying his soul mate and moving to Chicago, where a phenomenal job awaits post-residency. Dustin and his partner live a ¼ mile up the road and we get to enjoy them often. Although we don’t see Grace as much as we’d like, she made it over for the holidays, which was wonderful.

But the big news – the big shift – is I turned 50. I didn’t have a big party. It wasn’t because I don’t have a score of people who love me and were well-wishing, but just because I was recovering from my hip replacement (my 2^nd) and have shoulder surgery next week (rotator cuff, with a pretty bad tear I’ve been struggling with for 9 months). Although I wasn’t partying physically, I am absolutely rejoicing in this phase of life.

I’m healthier than I’ve been, possibly ever, in my adulthood. I’m becoming stronger and fitter. I’m able to keep up with our demanding schedule without too much drag. I’m mentally stimulating myself regularly with self-help and “me time” reading for fun. My marriage is better than it’s ever been, and Nathan and I are celebrating 16 years married (18 years together) this May. I’ve got amazing relationships with my girlfriends, and plenty of time with my adult children. I’ve got nieces fulfilling any “grandchild” urges I may experience (which, truth be told, are not lasting nor frequent). But it’s nice to hold a newborn when I want to get a good baby sniff, then pass the child back to their parents. I’m planning a trip out to visit Dad this fall, and we’re all looking forward to that time. I’m blessed with a solid relationship with my sister, and my brother is my biggest supporter and closest confidant. My career is fulfilling, financially and emotionally. When I experienced a supervisor I don’t enjoy working with, I just prioritize my mental health and quit that department. My ability to set and enforce boundaries is well-honed, and I’m glad I emphasized developing that skill over the last decade.

Life is so good. I’ve no desire to live to 100. Nathan and I talk about this a lot (because he wants to, and I vehemently do not). However, I think I’m solidly set for the next 25 years, and looking forward to what comes next. The 50s are going to be my jam!