Thoughts at 49.99

Wow, where did this come from?

I was just trotting merrily through life and here it is . . . the big birthday! Birthday's do not normally catch my attention, but I must say that this one really has made me pause and think about where I am at in life.

No matter which way you look at it I am most certain that my life is more than half over. Although I have always viewed life like a great novel joyfully moving to the next chapter however this time has been more difficult.

A few things have been weighing heavily on my mind like recent health issues and the letter from the health insurance company telling me that my premium will go up now that I am approaching a "significant" birthday.

Life is a series of choices and I have taken a different path on many occasions, but it has made for an exciting life. Some highlights are:
at age 11 traveled to Scotland alone and stayed with family for a year
at age 12 travelled on a train from Edmonton to Vancouver with my younger sister
at age 13 tried out for the swim club (a major trauma but that is another story)
at age 16 travelled to Edmonton with an girlfriend (hitch hiking some of the way)
at age 30 moving to Mexico to build a new life
at age 42 moving to the U.S. to build a new life

I have been to Europe and major international cities such as London, New York, Paris, Rome and Mexico City. I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building!

I have skied, snorkeled, swam with dolphins and yes, I did the canopy ride!

I have seen the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac (twice), Rod Stewart (twice), Elton John (twice) Yanni and the Gypsy Kings.

I have seen, Cats, Les Miserables, Phantom (twice), Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Super Star, Mama Mia, Miss Saigon, South Pacific, Lion King, Stomp and Lord of the Dance (twice).

I have owned a '71 Datsun 510, '89 Honda Accord, Nissan 300z, '90 Ford Thunderbird and a '2000 Ford Expedition.

I cannot play a musical instrument or sing. I have taken windsurfing lessons. I have worked in an operating room and as a waitress. I love to ride my bike. I have been on a road trip from San Diego to Canada and from San Diego to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Favorite food: Presidio Pastsa - Favorite drink: Cosmo

Accomplishments:
Competed in a speech contest at age 11 and won
Member of the Victoria Figure Skating Club and got all badges in one year!
I learned a second language
Was President of the PTO (twice)
Opened my own business
Competed in an on road bicycle race!
Skied Whistler at age 44 with my kids and kept up!

I have many wonderful friends; some I have known forever like Terry, Susan, Daphne, Rolie, Jennifer and some more recently like Julie, Lisa and Gloria.

I would be nothing without the love of my family; Mother, Father, Sister and Cliff. My happiest times are with my loving husband and two wonderful sons. P.S. I love my dog Baxter.