Last year, I turned 60 years old. Sixty! I can remember a time, not so long ago, when that number sounded ancient, like a number that an explorer might find scrawled on the wall of an unexplored cave. Yet here I sit, typing and telling you all with unabashed honesty that I’m north of the magic “6-0.”
Before I divulge any more deep secrets about myself, I suppose I’d better share some of the better-known facts first. I’ve been a journalist for nearly 20 years (newspaper and columnist). Since 2010, I’ve also added “author” to my list of loves and in 2021, my books five and six hit stands. I still pinch myself sometimes when I think of that.
I’m also married to a wonderful man; we’ve been married 21 years this year. In many ways, I suppose we’ve grown up together. We each brought two children to the union; he, two girls, and me, a son and a daughter. Now that we’re officially empty-nesters, we look forward to learning each other, in many ways for the first time. I’m excited about it!
Oh! We also have two dogs, whom we adore. They are truly now our children.
So now, the reason for my starting this blog: I feel that this dawning age is one of discovery, and one of re-discovery. It’s been a very long time since I, as a woman, mom and wife, have been able to consider myself, my likes, my plans and dreams, without putting someone else’s first. I’ll be honest; it took me a while to remember how to do that. What do I like to do? What things did I used to enjoy? My gosh, what did I even like to eat before our home was invaded by a tribe of demanding little people? Both my husband and I are determined to find out!
So there you have it – Week 1 of what it’s like to go sliding headfirst into my sixties having no idea what’s coming. I plan to cover everything from the hair color revolution to travel, from choosing a retirement site to traveling on a budget, from the skyrocketing costs of healthcare to downsizing our home in an insane housing market. I’d love to hear from you, too, regarding topics you’d like to see addressed!