My 49th year

It hit me today that in three months I will be 50. It is really starting to hit me but I'm not sure how I feel about it .  I think fifty would be cool but we'll see. I did end up going ahead and making reservations for my trip so I at least have a place to stay. I'm still looking for cheaper flights, but I haven't been able to find anything cheaper than $850. I will keep looking. But as I start to reflect upon the last 50 years, I keep thinking what else do I want to add to my list of things that I want to do before 60. But, I guess I need to get to 50 First. Who knows what the future may bring.

Yep, Jan. 29-31, 2019... Hell froze over.  I'm trying to survive the coldest temperatures in over 20 years, while trying to maintain my 10k steps a day streak.  I have been running the stairs, walking around the house and having a private dance party.  One my day and it will warm up a bit.  Thank God for heat, my house and a job where I can work from home. 

I going to do things differently in 2019.  First of all I have 6 months till I turn 50.  I am still trying to figure out what I want to do, but it will b epic for me.  I want to start traveling for me.  Not for a conference or convention, but just to travel and see the world. I used to do that when I was younger.  I going to start back up again.. Also I plan on doing things for me.  Saying no and keep it moving.  If anything this year has taught me to keep reaching for my goals and keep moving.  Now on to 2019

Less than 6 months to go to the end of my 49th year.  I have a lot planned this year.  It can be veey frustrating as a planner, whne I have to wait for better prices, wait to book things.. Wait, wait wait.. Patience has never been my best virtue.  And Lord know, I would never pray for patience.  I will continue to work on me.

I keep wondering what do for my 50th birthday.  I am looking into a trip to Alaska after my cousin's wedding in the Bay area.  Might as well go while I'm out that way, but that's not until Labor day weekend... So what to do in June to mark this occasion... Stay tuned.

In addition to my sorority, I belong to the wonderful Catholic sisterhood called the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.  It has been a joy to serve as the Grand Lady of Court #256 for the past 4 years.  I also serve as the Northern States District parliamentarian.  Now that's an interesting job.  I pray everyone I go into a meeting.  I have met so many wonderful Clavers along the way. 

You all have heard me talk about my Aunt Mary.  She live two blocks from my house.  Growing up I spent a lot of time with her.  Most Saturdays she would press my hair and I would help her snap beans and prepare for Sunday dinner.  I would ride my bike over to visit and I even drove over to rescue my Cousin Rose on her wedding day, because my Aunt Mary called and said come and get her.  You see my Aunt Mary is the best.  She is the most kind, loving, generous and God loving person you would ever meet.  She always called me "little one".  Tonight we celebrated her 80th birthday.  It was a wonderful celebration of love, family and friends.  I got to see most my village.  My day care provider, who taught us that we are special and unique, Mrs. Slaughter.  Mrs. Shelton who taught me how to skate and who made the best cakes ever.  Mrs. Wilson, who let us cut through her yard to get to my Aunta house.  The McDaniels who worr...

It been 34 years since I have been to LA.  The last time is was there was in 1984.  I was 15 years old.  I was a rising sophomore and just started to wear glasses.  I was starting really become who I am today.  I had just spent several weeks in the big horn mountains of Wyoming at girl scouts of America national center west.  It was an awesome experience of survival, leadership and learning.  I admit I was totally in my feelings as we landed.  Most of my LA relatives have gone home to God.  But I have fond memories of the times I was in LA.

Had a dream last night that the country was divided again .   In some states people of color were able to move freely, able to speak their mind and fight for what was right.  In other states, it was segregation  all over again, we couldn't even walk on the same side of the street as "white " person.  I was educating a group of tourist before we traveled the US on what to expect.  And how to stay safe and make it back alive.  I woke up feeling frustrated by the racial hatred, the sin of  institutional racism, and all the ills that still plague the US.  I don't understand those leaders that continue to call themselves Catholic / christian/or religious, but their actions and legislation completely go against Social Justice teaching.  That will be an interesting pearly gates conversation.

Had a Sunday off and visited Westminster Presbyterian church.  The music was a wonderful mix of traditional anthems and Swedish folk music.  The sermon was very thought provoking.  It was center's around the fact the Sarah laughed when the messenger told Abraham that she would bare a son.  It was  a mix of joy yet sadness because she had waited so long.  God will do things in God's time.  I kept thinking how many time I have told people my name is not Sarah.  Anyway, did 9.2 miles today.  I really felt it.  My feet hurt.  I really need to get new shoes.  But I made it.