The Countdown Has Begun

If you're anything like me, it's not the Big-0 birthdays that seem to matter the most. It's the nines. The last gasp of a decade, the last chance to make changes to take into the 0. Well, another nine is upon me.

What have I done with my 40's? Am I where I planned to be? 

Am I happy with the choices I've made in my life? Am I content with my progress so far? 

What do I plan to accomplish in the last year of them to start my 50's in a better place? 

-----All great pondering thoughts, if I dare say so myself. 

So, some big life changes since my last blog (and the reason it's been a lengthy silence).

1. I divorced the grumpy spouse after 20 years. It was a good thing, long overdue. No hard feelings on my part. We had grown apart in every sense and we weren't happy. I wish him all the best. 

2. The youngest chose to go to public high school, so my homeschooling days are over. It hasn't been easy, some serious changes in his life too. With the help of dedicated tutors, he is adjusting. 

3. I got my real estate license! It's a new career, but in a field I was very familiar with from my days as a closing paralegal. [I had contemplated going back to work for closing attorneys, but the hours aren't conducive to being a single parent.] Being a realtor allows me a lot more flexibility and I love it! 

4. I've met someone new and fantastic. We are proceeding very gently into a new relationship. He adores me, and that's a refreshing change I am enjoying far more than I ever thought I could. 

With new love, comes extended family to blend. More to love, I say. This particular birthday has come with some unhappy losses. My boyfriend has lost both his mother and stepfather within a day of each other, the last on my 49th birthday. It's hard to feel celebratory while picking out urns. We'll get through this, but it is a bitter reminder to live each day to the fullest and to seek the happiest people to spend them with. 

The holidays are upon us. There is much strength in gathering with our loved ones and remembering the good times with those who have left us. There is peace in knowing they are reunited. 

I'm working on being my best self at 50, so there will be posts going forward to keep me accountable and to reconnect with my love of writing. I hope you all had a terrific Thanksgiving.