Just a quickie today as I’m off to the gym and then to the beach. Yes, I’m actually taking a Monday off.
So today…I turn 50. I’m officially on the back nine. I may not look 50. And lord knows I don’t act 50. But I’m here.
And blessed to be here.
In an 18 month stretch in 2003, I was diagnoses with bladder cancer, celiac disease and pulmonary embolisms (blood clots). I remember one night soon after telling my Aunt Carol that I honestly don’t expect to be here when I’m 50. I wasn’t being dramatic. I was just facing reality. I figured my body was in the process of breaking down.
Yet, here I am 7 years later and feeling groovy.
And I’m not going anywhere. I wish I could say I’ve accomplished all I’ve wanted to accomplish and now I can sit back and reap the rewards of my journey up to this point.
Not. Even. Close.
So much I want to do professionally still. And so much Mrs. Dude and I want to do personally.
For those in your 20’s and 30’s who look at 50 as being OLD. I did the same thing. And before you know it…here I am and you will be too. Enjoy the journey as much as humanly possible. Strike a balance in your life. Find things that give you pleasure and make sure you fit them into your life. It goes by quick. Real, real quick.
I will leave you today with a few gems:
The Birthday Video
I have posted this video every birthday on my blog. I cannot watch this enough.
Video by the Dudettes
My amazing girls put this together for me. Photographs and memories…and of course a little Bruce.
Many thanks to all for the birthday wishes the past few days. May the next 50 be just as adventurous.
I turned 54 this year (I’m at the point now that I have to ask what year is it and subtract to figure out how old I am). I was meeting with a health coach today and at one point she asked me how old I was. I told her and her mouth dropped open. She said, “You’re kidding! I would have guessed you were a lot younger than that!” Made me feel good. I have to thank my dad for my youthful looks. He was the same way. Once he was interviewed for a newspaper article and the person listed him as 35 (he was actually 50 at the time). Congrats on reaching the big 5-0.
Thanks Janet.
Happy Birthday Dude & many more!!!
Hope you enjoy your day at the beach.
Your girls did a Great job on the montage –
can never go wrong with Bruce & Stevie!
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I’m planning on Double Nickles before Labor Day.
This side of The 50 Hill may be bumpier but on the bright side it’s “downhill” from here on out!
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“Lucky I’m sane after all I’ve been through
(Everybody sing) Dude’s cool (He’s cool)
I can’t complain but sometimes I still do
Life’s been good to me so far…
— “Life’s Been Good” – Joe Walsh
Thanks Hap.
Happy Birthday Dude!! Wishing you an amazing year filled with joy and good health : )
Fantastic! Happy Birthday Gluten Dude! Hope your day was great!
Happy Official Birthday! Funny what you say about the 20 and 30 year olds. Was just thinking of this the other day and how we used to look at people in our age group that don’t party all night any more, are fascinated with weather, and would rather walk in the woods than go to a rave. We thought they were boring and don’t know how to have fun anymore. Ahhh… but grasshopper, the thing is that as you grow and change, your definition of “fun” is redefined and you appreciate different things.
Fifty?! You are just getting started! Kick some butt! 🙂
Thanks. In my defense, we kept our kids up by partying too loud last weekend 😉
Congrats! Welcome to the fifty-something club. It’s a blast.
Happy birthday! Welcome to the world of AARP eligibility. From my perspective at 75, you’re still pretty young. So enjoy your relative youth while you can– it slips away all too fast. (Be ready to see the years slip by at ever-increasing speed.)
As one of the local radio commentators used to say, “Take it easy, but take it.”
Thanks Dick. Believe me…I’ll take it.
Happiest of (belated) birthdays to you! Thank you for sharing the sweet video from your dudettes; what an awesome gift from them.
As my grandmother used to say: Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter!
Cheers!
Exactly. Thanks.
It’s your time to do something crazy, Dude. Not pizza crazy, but crazy.
Happy Birthday
The big 50. This is when life starts!
That’s what I’m counting on 😉
Happy Birthday Gluten Dude!
Keep on keepin on!
Wishing you good health and a great year!
Happy Birthday!!
Welcome to the other side – it beats the alternative! (though I am starting to wonder who that woman in the mirror with all those “character lines” and sun spots is!). I enjoyed watching your daughters’ video, since I’m not quite 2 years older than you.