December Randoms

I have a colleague who posts Sunday Randoms, randomly on Sundays on their social media. I enjoy reading them and always wanted to carry this into my blog. So here I am attempting the idea of writing monthly randoms. They are basically thoughts, feelings, statements that are on my mind. Feel free to add in the comments your thoughts or responses to the randoms.

1. Do we really need to give our opinion on when everyone begins their Christmas decorating? Can we just share our Christmas decorating to bring joy to this time of year? 
2. I was told over and over that you will love your grandchildren more than your own children. That didn’t happen. I love my children so much! I have a different love for my granddaughter. She’s my child’s child. My heart just grew even greater when she was born.
3. Growing old can be scary especially when you feel symptoms you never felt before out of no where. Stay in touch with your doctor.
4. The Texans are looking good again. Glad we scheduled to go see a game early on and will hope to see a great one. Texans vs. Titans
5. Drink your water. It does the body good.
6. Spend your time with who and where you want. Life is too short to get permission for your decisions.
7. Take the picture. The memories last longer. 
8. Marriage can be as strong as you let it. Learn when to pick your battles. Learn when to enjoy the moments.
9. Take care of your mental health as you would take care of your physical health. It matters more than you know. It also has an impact on your physical. 
10. Know when to turn off work. The work isn’t going anywhere. It will be there when you get back. 

I’ll begin with this list for December. 

Almost Fifty

 In 2012, I made a list of 101 things to do or complete in 1001 days. This was a blog challenge that was popular at the time. I managed to almost complete the entire list - proof that when you write it down, it carries weight and is more likely to happen.

I’m around the corner to hit the big 5-0. Oddly, I remember being more anxious when I was turning 40 than I currently am turning 50. Turning 40, I remember having another child was heavily on my mind. The thought of closing a chapter in life I will never have again such as bearing a child frightened me. I was at a loss as to whether I was truly done growing my family. Then I turned 40 and all the anxiety just went away. I was pleased with where we were with our family of 4 and I was appreciative of all that was around me. 

Here I am a year and a half away until I make the next milestone. All I want to do now is celebrate where I’ve been and what is to come. This made me think of the 101 challenge I did a while back. Interestingly, I made that list 10 years ago and a couple of years before my 40th birthday. 

So, here I am back to making a new list I want to accomplish and document as I journey to my next milestone. I have learned a lot in these past 10 years. I hope to share these lessons along the way as I capture the moments. 

Let’s begin with the list.

1. Travel for my 50th birthday using my passport. (Location to be determined)
2. Prioritize my physical health by following a more health-filled eating plan
3. Develop a fitness routine to maintain my energy and well-being
4. Make time to journal
5. Use my prayer journal
6. Complete my doctoral program
7. Publish literature - preferably a children’s book
8. Get a full physical completed
9. Teach a lesson in class
10. Return to water or water-based drinks only
11. Paint a picture
12. Read novels for enjoyment
13. Create a vision board
14. Go to the theater
15. Mentor a child
16. Take a road trip (or several)
17. Lunch date with girlfriends
18. Send a care package to family/girlfriends
19. Determine my game plan after retirement - small business thinking!
20. Attend a concert
21. Go camping
22. Enter a 5K
23. Throw a themed shower 
24. Recreate a new recipe
25. Declutter all rooms
26. Declutter/organize all closets
27. Write a letter to my husband
28. Write a letter to my daughter
29. Write a letter to my son
30. Create a poem for my grandchild
31. Eat cake
32. Take a day from work 
33. Take in the beach
34. Sit around a campfire
35. Play board/card games with the family
36. Watch the sunrise
37. Watch the sunset
38. Try a new restaurant
39. Write a gratitude list
40. Volunteer for a cause
41. Donate blood
42. Guest speak at an event
43. Blog 
44. Start a podcast 
45. Take a boat ride
46. Give to a charity
47. Take a class for fun
48. Take a staycation 
49. Catch up with Grey’s Anatomy
50. Do a family photo session - at a location

Let's get this party started!