The Next Fifty

I survived the big 50! Yes, my 50th birthday came and went on Saturday and I'm still here. Now that it's over, I'm wondering why it ever bothered me at all. I'm no different now than I was on Friday. I still have a husband who I love, I still have a son who makes me proud, I still have three of the greatest grandchildren ever, I still have a home that makes me comfortable, and a job that I don't hate. Add to that my extended family and what more could a person ask for. Of course, there's always room for more money or a bigger house, or any list of "things"---but in the end, that can't make you happy, more comfortable maybe, but not happier. Only a person can do that for themselves. Enough with the psycho, mumble jumble, now for the fun.

A couple of Saturdays ago Doyle and I made a trip to Springfield and he got my present then. A Nook color from Barnes & Noble. I've wanted one for months and was thrilled when it was finally in my hands. I've enjoyed it A LOT since I've had it. Seems like all I want to do is sit and read once I get settled for the evening. My other interests ( cross-stitching, scrap booking, etc...) have suffered but, I can't help it, I just love the Nook. The grand kids spent the night on Friday night so when I got up on Saturday my favorite little people were in the house. Sadly, Doyle had to work, but when he got home he brought with him a dozen cupcakes with the cutest little sunglasses on top of them. Needless to say the kids loved them! Later, after Brad and the kids left Doyle and I just hung out around the house, not really doing anything. We didn't even feel like going out to eat, I just wanted to be where I feel the best---at home with my best friend, (and my Nook)!!

So, all in all, I must say that life on this side of 50 looks great. I had so many well wishes posted on my facebook page and this was one my favorites-- it was from a classmate at Woodward High:

Happy Birthday, Jessie! Welcome to the Fab at 50 club!!

I'm thrilled to be a member with so many other fabulous people that I know and respect. It sounds so corny when I type it out BUT....The best is definitely yet to come.

My Mother, My Friend

I have a new appreciation for my mother these days. About a month ago our lives were kinda turned upside down when Brad moved back in with us. Since then it's been hard for us to get into a routine. Not only is Brad here but most weekends we have the kids here also. We were used to having them spend the night, but not with their Dad here. That changes the game a bit. No longer are Nana and Papa in charge of what the kids can do, what they can eat, etc... So, needless to say it;s been a big adjustment for all of us. Last weekend it just really hit me, and I kinda had a little melt down (not in front of the kids or Brad), poor Doyle got the brunt of it. All of the sudden I needed to talk to my Mom and she was kind enough to drive to my house at midnight and stay with me and just talk about things. Her being willing and able to do that for me has allowed me to see her in a much different light. Now we speak almost everyday where before I might go weeks without talking to her. I've always had a "strained" relationship with her, but as I get older I do understand more about how her life has been. I've not always agreed with her choices (just as she has not always agreed with mine), but I do respect the choices that she has made in her life. Bottom line, they were hers to make (and mine were mine to make), and who am I to question that. I love my Mom and I don't want to keep her at bay any longer. At our ages now we can be more than Mother and daughter, we can be really good friends and that's hard to find these days.