I’m having one of “those” birthdays in January, 2017.
You know – one that ends in a zero. I’m about to turn the big 5-oh!
Like any middle aged woman, I have mixed feelings about reaching such a milestone. Thoughts like:
- Truly, I only feel 40!
- How can it be 50 years already?
- Should I admit to being 50 or pretend it’s not happening?
- If only I could stay at about 37 … or maybe 42, tops …
- What will the next few years hold?
- Remember that surprise party we threw for my mother-in-law’s 50th? Now I’m the one turning 50!
- Please tell me I don’t look 50!
- When I was a kid, 50 was unthinkable – it seemed so OLD!
- and; How on earth did I get here?!
Ever the optimist, I refuse to dread turning fifty, or sweep it under the carpet. Instead, I’m gonna be loud and proud – and party all year long!
Announcing: My Own Festival of 50
In 2017 I will be celebrating throughout the year, with my own Festival of 50!
And of course I will be documenting it here on the blog.
The hubster and I will be on holiday in Bali when the momentous day arrives. (My dream destination was actually Hawaii, because then I could call it “Hawaii 5-oh!” coz I’m lame like that haha … but it’s hella expensive at that time of year … just one of the reasons I hate having a January birthday!).
I’m working on a list of 50 things I want to do as part of the Festival of 50 but am stuck on about number 34.
So I could really use your help – any suggestions of things I should do for my own Festival of 50?! How did you celebrate – or what are your plans – for your own 50th birthday?!
(PS To read the list I came up with, head on over to 50 Things for the Festival of 50!)
Joining up with some of my fave bloggers for:
I didn’t celebrate my 50th when it came around. I was too busy driving out to Grantham twice a week taking out donations to the Floodies. Our home had been turned into a warehouse and distribution centre.
Seeing so much tragedy and destruction out there and in many other suburbs and towns between my place and Grantham. There was no way I felt like having any celebration.
I have friends I have known for more than a decade who were displaced from the floods. It just didn’t feel right to have a party.
Turning 50 didn’t seem as daunting to me as turning 40 I have to admit. However I was so preoccupied with flood relief that I really didn’t have time to worry about turning half a century.
I will be turning 56 in March. Perhaps I might have a big 60th. Which in its own rite is a huge celebration as I was told I would never make it to turning 40…..:)
Be safe in Bali. xxx
I can understand you not wanting to make a fuss at the time of your 50th … you are an amazing lady Suzie. Miss Fleur says hello, she has cemented her position as top cat in our household and she makes sure Seth respects that. At the same time though she is starting to love having a new bruvver, this morning I found her lying perpendicular to him with her head on his tummy xxx
I was much the same as you as I approached 50. Could not believe it! Remembered throwing a party for my mother’s 50th like only … yesterday!! How could I now be turning 50? I had a big party for my 40th and I didn’t want a party for my 50th. I wanted a quaint cottage in the mountains and loads of nature to wander and photograph. So we went to Montville and stayed in a cottage overlooking Lake Baroon. The outlook was simply stunning! It was gorgeous with a lovely verandah and cosy fireplace and lots of special little touches. Being 50 is just fine. You will survive the transition! LOL Merry Christmas Janet to you and your family! Best wishes for a fabulous 2017! Min xo #TeamLovinLife
That sounds lovely Min. I must confess the thing I am looking forward to most is just being with my Bear for a week’s holiday in Bali together x
Oh Janet I can’t help cos I’m supposedly working on my own list. I wrote about it and hoped for some suggestions and didn’t get any.
I’m stuck at 4-5 so I think that’s all I’m going to come up with. I did – however – recently buy a bucket list book so am putting some other bits and pieces in that.
Bali sounds great and your plans sound wonderful. (And I too feel about 40. Or even 30 – mentally!)
The list is coming along nicely Deb. Not sure I’ll achieve everything on it but I can dream/try!
When I turned 40, I decided to train and run a marathon to prove I wasn’t dead! Lol. I think you have to do something to remember it by. Congratulations and happy birthday!
Thank you! And I can’t imagine running a marathon at any age, let alone in my 40s or beyond! Well done you 🙂
Turning 50 wasn’t a big deal for me – I wasn’t even going to celebrate, then I read a post about creating memories – so I had some OLLLLLDDD friends over for lunch and we had a great time. But in retrospect 50 was the beginning of a huge epiphany for me – my kids both got married, my husband had a midlife crisis, I finally left the job I hated and everything imploded. Then I got my s**t together and figured out that this is the time to grab life and start living it – and I haven’t stopped since. I think you figured this out earlier than me Janet – so I know your Festival of Fifty will be an absolute blast and I’m looking forward to it – enjoy Bali xx
That’s me Leanne, I want to grab life and really live it!
It’s just a number Janet so just accept it and move on. I’m actually turning a big ?0 in February so I will be a whole 10 years older than you. I suggest for your Festival of 50 that you keep fit and healthy because this is the best thing we can do for ourselves as we get older. It’s strange but I don’t think 50 is at all old now!!
Wow! You are looking good Kathy1
I still can’t believe I’m 50 either, and I’ll be 52 in March! 🙂 I certainly don’t feel any older, although I think I’m starting to look it. Those damn grey hairs are SO persistent! Personally, I believe you’re as old as your thoughts and actions. Age is definitely a state of mind. Enjoy your celebrations – life is what you make it! #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Lyndall, that’s pretty much my philosophy too 🙂
I absolutely loved turning 50 and next year I’m turning 60! I’m not really sure where the last 10 years went but I’m still having fun. At 50 I started running and ran first half marathon at 55 I ran a full marathon. I wanted to make sure that I was healthy and happy enough to enjoy my grandchildren and still be active and having fun in the years to come. Your life is just beginning, take it from me turning 50 was the best thing that happened to me. Enjoy your celebrations and do something special for you.
Wow! I can’t even begin to imagine running a marathon at any age, let alone now I’m 50! I just want to enjoy every minute of life 🙂
I wanted a celebration but only with family. My mum and dad came to our daughters house and Mum cooked me a baked dinner as requested. My family gave me my personal numberplates (they are based on Sydney Olympics which were coming the following year and are a special memento) that are still on my car 16 years later. At school the staff gave me and one of my executive staff a cake each because would you believe it, we were twins! Janet, forget the 50 things and the lists..just have fun and make wonderful memories. Denyse xx
Thanks Denyse – I want to enjoy every minute of it 🙂
Hello, I liked being 50 and did the gorgeous Bay of Fires Lodge Walk to celebrate, fantastic. My birthday is the 17th Jan, are we twins ?? 53 this year, amazing… and so much better than the alternative.
I think birthdays are well worth celebrating but might be eclipsed this year IF son number 2 passes his driving test that same day.
Three years and 10 days apart Seana! Mine is the 7th
I hope your having the best time!
You’re!
Thanks Ashleigh, hubster and I agree, one of our best holidays ever!