turning 50.

We celebrated my husband’s 50th with a party – a fun night on our apartment building’s rooftop patio with all of his favorite people.  As my 50th approached, I decided that I really just wanted to be sitting on a beach somewhere to reflect and rejuvenate! So here I am, soaking up a little sunshine in Miami Beach. (yikes – that hair though?) And Breelynn joins me here tomorrow night!

I also thought I’d make the most of this birthday by celebrating with my people all month long – in smaller groups which is what I prefer – sadly the spring snowstorm delayed a few of those gatherings – and in some cases the conversation and food was just so great we did not get a photo.  I really do have some amazing folks living life with me – so grateful!

A friend encouraged me to jot down FIFTY essential things in my life as I pause and reflect today…so here’s the list…in no particular order:

1. travel – solo – family trips – with friends
2. date nights & double dates
3. daily city walks with Bob
4. coffee with cream
5. lazy mornings
6. massages
7. work that matters
8. work friends
9. church community
10. books – library – book club – Good Reads app
11. rich & authentic conversations
12. workouts – cardio & strength
13. yoga
14. good fitting jeans
15. boots – tall/leather-rain-snow
16. sandals – leather-wedges-flip flops
17. burger nights & Sunday brunch
18. chips & dip
19. wine – Chardonnay
20. Amazon Prime
21. water – all day – in a cup with a straw
22. committed, competent & kind Haitian staff
23. generous donors
24. seafood
25. salads with protein-flavor-crunch
26. laughter
27. movies & tv shows that make me think/feel/laugh
28. podcasts that make me think/feel/laugh
29. popcorn & oj
30. sleep – comfy bed & “my pillow”
31. hugs – hand holding – foot rubs
32. music – pop-acoustic-worship
33. comfy sneakers & socks that stay up
34. cell phone – access to info-calendar-family/friend group texts & snapchats
35. glasses – trifocals & sunglasses
36. hats – baseball, beach, stocking caps
37. naps
38. manicures/pedicures
39. being a “regular” – being known (Kim at nail salon, Larry/Chuck at apt, Ray J’s staff)
40. local sports teams – Vikings, Wild, Twins, Gophers, Saints, Royals, Warriors
41. organized & simplified home – everything in its place
42. cooking & baking
43. Dr. Q & Dr. Ash
44. bonfires & s’mores
45. beach time – lounging/reading/walking
46. farmer’s market
47. walking to local spots – restaurants, library, Wild games, Ordway concerts
48. outdoor living space – patio to grill on – deck for drinking coffee/wine
49. musicals & concerts
50. shared experiences with the people I love.

And that’s a wrap.  50 things I love on my 50th birthday.