why did I wait so long?

Am I the only woman on earth who has never had a professional massage? It's just another thing I never got around to.

So thanks to dear friends Donna and Pam (missed you Nancy) the appointment was made. I tried not to think about it. I was afraid that if I did I would start to obsess. We arrived the morning of and it was perfectly lovely.

It's an exercise in surrender. Stepping off the gerbil wheel and surrendering the never ceasing thoughts and obsessions to pure sensation. I needed to constantly remind myself to stop ruminating, thinking, obsessing so that I could be in the moment. And in the end, what was left was "Why did I wait so long?"

so far...

To be fair, project50 began this past summer with some gastronomic exploits. Can you believe I reached my 49th year and had never enjoyed sushi? It's true. I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food. I guess I figured that since we didn't eat out all that frequently, I might as well spend money on food I knew I would enjoy. I was in a culinary rut. But with the assistance of my foodie friend Julia, I took a leap and widened my horizons.

My sampling included a tuna roll, a California roll, a salmon roll and a spicy tuna roll. I liked the spicy tuna. I could have passed on the uncooked rolls. I just couldn't get past the texture. Will I have it again? Yes, but I didn't fall in love, I didn't become obsessed.

One thing crossed off the list. What will be next?

the countdown begins

It's a year away. Fifty--half of 100. mid-life. It's just a number and yet it can have such power over us.

Life is changing and I'm a pessi-optimist or opti-pessimist. I struggle to remain in the light and not be dragged to the dark side. I'm moving from one phase into another and I have a choice. I can dread it. I can dwell on all that has passed and moments that will never be again. Or I can celebrate all that is and all that can be. I am choosing to celebrate and I invite you to come along for the ride.

I'm challenging myself to do things I've never done. I will not skydive. But I will break out of my comfort zone and do things that I've never done or put off. It's a pseudo bucket list. It includes the very simple-- try sushi and the more complex-- walk a red carpet. I'll need help. Some days my imagination can abandon me. So share your ideas. Give me suggestions. I reserve the right to modify or reject but I will consider your ideas. And I'll share with you my adventures as I celebrate this wonderful life, broaden my horizons and forge forward into the next fifty.