49 things I didn’t know I’d LOVE about being Forty-nine

I’ve been writing every day of my forty-ninth year (shout out to Brandon of the “M-Inklings” for his inspiration) as a way of being mindful and present to each new sunrise and the events that follow in those finite 24 hours against the back drop of a particular place, with amazing people whose signatures and stories are written on each page of that measured space.

While walking this year out, I’ve been surprised at some of my favorite discoveries. When thinking back to my earlier perceptions of women my age now, I had no idea that they were having (or were capable of having) such a fabulous time!

There’s the typical things we anticipate loving at the mid-life mark: delicious food, coffee, sleeping babies, puppies, springtime, romance, wine and a good book, in front of a crackling fire, or diving into a clear pool naked…

As well, we hope to attain wisdom and kindness, patience and character that comes with maturity, such as learning to be more  gentle with ourselves and others, more appreciative, less driven, to arrive at a deepened faith–all wonderful things; but still, I wanted to be more lively with some of the memorable, less important, surprising things of being my age.

In no particular order, the following are happy surprises that I didn’t know I’d LOVE about being forty-nine:

  1. being sexier and more fit than when I was 19, 29 or 39
  2. hearing my mom and granny tell stories…with new twists
  3. our daughter-in-law!
  4. chasing little children and big dogs
  5. sleepovers with my daughter
  6. parties and dancing with dear ones
  7. getting the back story, secrets that we never knew
  8. life at the Baxter
  9. engaging in the present rather than escaping
  10. SEX
  11. the sweet, vintage comfort of long friendships
  12. being a little rebellious
  13. wine tasting in Sonoma/Napa valleys–paired w/ good friends cheese and nuts
  14. quality makeup brushes
  15. quiet moments all to myself
  16. stomping through mud puddles
  17. sleepovers with my sisters
  18. sledding
  19. recognizing and using my voice
  20. trail running…in all seasons…especially in 40 degrees
  21. being and having enough
  22. running in vineyards with Ali
  23. photos of me
  24. sipping mimosas on a lazy morning
  25. forgiving the past – no, I mean really letting it go
  26. being greeted by happy dogs of all shapes and sizes while hiking
  27. tanning booths in February and March
  28. awesome technology
  29. church bells ringing on Sunday morning
  30. fun fashion
  31. simplicity – freedom
  32. learning new things
  33. scary challenges
  34. Korean food…in Korea
  35. the sky/the ocean/the desert/the mountains
  36. poetry
  37. writing snapshots
  38. firsts!
  39. international friendships – Brazillians
  40. skinny jeans and tall boots
  41. spa treatments
  42. making new traditions w/ James and our kids
  43. cashmere
  44. mastering my craft
  45. Asiana Airlines
  46. indie films
  47. Marvel comics
  48. being found attractive by men of all ages
  49. trading “comfortable” for “interesting”

If you are 49 or above, what are some of your favorite surprises that you never expected? If you are younger, what do you hope will be on your list?