Monthly Archives: January 2014

This Princess Is F-ing 50!

Hey! Welcome to 52 weeks until I’m 50 years old! It’s finally here! Friday, January 31st, I’m officially the big 5-0! I have absolutely had a blast writing my way from 49 to 50 over the past 52 weeks. Thank you for sharing the way with me. Let’s get to it! So, what’s 50 look like for me?

50 glasses fing 50 reaper

 

 

 

 

The pressure for an extreme celebration has been huge! My response is consistent when asked about a big blow out…Hello! This chick has been celebrating turning 50 for the last 51 weeks counting herself down…focusing on life, making scrapbook memories with all kinds of folks and just freaking enjoying life! That’s a party within itself!

I want to share this thought with you. I have always felt that my birthday belonged to my mother. That mindset came to me once I had my own children. Mom often shares how I continue to enrich her life. Every year, there’s a multitude of ways she shows me how important I am to her. She’s an amazing woman filled with integrity, kindness, grace, love and is consistently selfless. She has played so many critical roles in my life; cheerleader, guidance counselor, nurse, babysitter, shrink and most of all, friend. Thank you Mom for never judging me and allowing me to share myself openly. You’ve shown me that wherever I go, I can leave a little sparkle and for that, I am forever grateful! I dedicate today’s blog to you, my Marathon Mom! So, what’s this girl planning to get her birthday started? I’m laughing while typing this! Here’s the plan.

1.Tonight, Karaoke Kick-Off with friends who will embarrass themselves and me! It’s priceless and never fails to completely meet my expectations! Sparklee tiara on head, birthday princess sash on, attitude of a wacko 50-year-old in check! Yup. Bring it on!

2.Go to sleep tonight the 30th and pray as always, “Thank You God for my life, my family and their healthy lives, my friends and their healthy lives, for all the beauty in this world and for the opportunity to be a part of it. Thank you for my continued health and for all the joy that I find in everyday. Thank you for allowing me to love deeply, give freely and leave a little sparkle wherever I go. I am so grateful. Amen. Sometimes I change it up but that’s the main message.

3. Hopefully wake up tomorrow am. That’s the most important part! Waking up! Open my sleepy eyes covered in face oil, swing my legs around, put my flip-flops on and, rise! Yeh. Not a pretty picture! Yup. I’m old and I’m the tin girl in the am. I need a few moments to get oiled up! XXBold Starbucks Sumatra Coffee IV (mud) pumping through my veins and a glance out my kitchen window to see the sun come up. This is the moment I set my “intention” for the day. That practice comes from my commitment to Ashtanga (Vinyasa-Power) Yoga. You want to become strong? This style will quickly have you realizing you are not as powerful or as fit as you once believed!

4. Enjoy the singing birthday calls I receive from my awesome friends and family, texts, emails, posts and wishes. Rest of day…allow myself moments to reflect during a long run. I like the idea of a free-flowing day. Dinner at my favorite restaurant because I am a big foodie! And, a big ass piece of death by chocolate! Yeh. This is the one day even the doctor tells you it’s OK to eat cake! Crap! I’m already referring to the doctor!

Ever thought to yourself, if I could only have a do-over? I know there are none. So I’m not leaving any room for chance. I’m reminding myself today, tomorrow and going forward, there is still time for a bunch of ”hell-yeh” moments and “reinvention” for all of us! We are like onions. I’m peeling back the outer covering I’ve built over time that occasionally keeps me from being vulnerable. Don’t you want to turn up the volume just a bit? Not fade away? I’m not ready to start talking about what’s creaking, stiff or what meds I’m on! Or, eating my dinner at 5 pm after walking the mall for exercise! I’m suggesting being just a little more bold. I like bold. Take another road, a different one. Reconnect with yourself and if you lost your smile, give yourself permission to go find it. I love the movie City Slickers with Billy Crystal. His wife in the movie tells him to go find his smile. There’s a whole dialogue with Mitch about looking back on life and how he kind of “paused.” I chat with friends and share that I don’t want to ever feel as though I’m just “passing through.” At 50, I dig the idea of reinvention.

Reinvent Yourself and consider making a “must have” list. What would mine look like? Maybe these:      - I must have more time for peace in my life     - I must have abandonment of anything that keeps holding me back from being a “better version of myself.”      - I must have more control and tolerance when I see something I find absurd.     – I must have a way to use another word other than the f-bomb!     – I must have time to read books that I have had on my list like Qaddafi’s Point Guard.     – I must have faith in my skiing ability to approach a black diamond. On a lighter note,  - I must have a willingness to run up close to the stage to get closer to my favorite musicians even though I’m short and may not see a thing!    - I must have unlimited storage from iTunes for all my music.   – I must have some idea or find one for what I want to drive in the next year when my truck hits 200,000 miles!

Leave sparkle wherever you go. Sing loud with the windows open. Pretend once in a while. Act out your fantasy as long as you won’t be arrested or hurt another? Laugh a lot and never let yourself forget what it feels like to reach for something. It’s still about the “hell-yeh” moments!

I hope you had a chuckle. You can subscribe to be notified when I blog below by signing up, follow me on Twitter @GatorgirlPress or Twitter @Diningduchess, follow me on Facebook @RandiAileenPress or Facebook@DiningDuchess. Or if you’d like to write me directly, my email is randi@52TO50.com.

 

Over The Hill? 50?

Welcome to 52 weeks until I’m 50 years old! What a fun year it has been counting down the 52 weeks until I will turn 50! I am down to 1 week left of 49! I’m grateful for all my readers/followers! Thank you for hanging in for the ride with me! So here are my thoughts with 1 to count down!

141--Over-the-Hill-Banner

Is there really a hill at 50? Hill? What hill? I didn’t see any hill. Did you see any hill? Why am I picking up such speed? LOL! If you are over 50, what’s it look like on that side? Is is the stone age? Kidney, bladder and gall stones? Are you only as old as you feel? In which case definitely feel someone young! I hear that forty is the old age of youth and fifty is the youth of old age. Ouch! Looking fifty is great–if you’re sixty said once by Joan Rivers. I’ve never really thought much about being gifted like when you were tested in school, but recently I heard someone say they were “chronologically gifted” and that made me chuckle!

Heading toward 50, I’ve been on a 15 day diet, and yes, I’ve lost 15 days! I’m eating what I choose these days and I’m acutely aware that I will eat right and exercise consistently and die anyway! That’s inevitable. But I’m sure going to work hard at having a blast all the way there! Skid and slam into my next life if there is one! And, as I head next week to 50, I need to continue pleasing me because finally, I can put myself first! I believe this in my own head but it’s probably not true! Like I say to my friends occasionally in jest…I can please only one person a day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn’t looking too good either! Ha!

Last year a friend of mine turned 50 and I sent these words as the card: If there is a hill, you’ve planned the mileage and have weathered the distance. If there is a hill, you’ve hiked it and arrived a better version of yourself. If you are now considered over the hill, then what’s on the other side should be magnificent for you to explore, And, if you are over the hill, won’t you please keep the other side bright and manicured with my favorite flower, the tulip, because I will be hiking over in a matter of weeks….So, with a week until 50, I’m thinking there are cool things to experience on that side. Man, I really hope it’s manicured over there because what if the hokey pokey is really all it’s about!!! 

I hope you had a chuckle. You can subscribe to be notified when I blog below by signing up, follow me on Twitter @GatorgirlPress or Twitter @Diningduchess, follow me on Facebook @RandiAileenPress or Facebook@DiningDuchess. Or if you’d like to write me directly, my email is randi@52TO50.com.

Heading Towards Courage…

 

 

cowboy 1Run hatdor and me 

gator hat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey! Welcome to 52 weeks until I’m 50 years old! Actually it’s now 2 weeks until I’m 50! If you are new to my blog, to the right are other subjects I’ve written about. Some may resonate with you or at least give you a chuckle. If you are counting down with me…I started last January 2013 and have counted down 50 weeks!!! I can’t believe it’s almost here! Holy crap!!!!

Ever need some help with courage? Sometimes we need a little more of a nudge to get us to execute. Some use mantras, some prayers, some wear special shorts or glasses, some have items they carry that they believe bestow luck. I have hats. Yup, hats. It’s amazing how a hat can provide assistance when I need additional courage. I have a few that when I put them on, something changes. A kind of transformation power or maybe the faith to make me believe a bit more in myself. Sounds a little ridiculous but I’m thinking you get me on this.

At two weeks before turning 50, I find myself saying “step into it, the rest will happen.” And, sometimes, I need to muster up additional courage when I’m not completely committed. If you know me, indecision drives me nuts. I can come to terms with a choice pretty quickly if I have the information I need. And, once I make it, no turning back baby! I am in! So, when this chick needs to find courage, I guess I call upon one of my other egos. I think…”What’s the worse that can happen? You will figure out you need to work harder, do more or hey…I’m not cut out for this one?” Yup. Don’t be a wussy, you’re almost 50 and that in itself has courage written all over it from the battles I decided to step up to.

I want to believe I am “heading towards courage” and my many hats may be my symbol of this work in progress. I collect them.There could be worse things to collect; shoes, signed autographs, jewelry or art. All of those are great but hats are easy to purchase, don’t take up a lot of space and are easily accessible for when you need their power. Each has a specific meaning. I know if you get me you have a special one (hat) stored where you can easily access it just in case. All my hats have history and a story. Yep. Stetson. Yup. Fedora. Of course the baseball cap, the GATOR, and the ever so cool ski woolly.

But the Stetson, this one has super powers! What a beauty. She’s remarkable. I don’t know what it is but anyone who tries her own feels some immediate courage. Maybe it’s because of the story that goes with her. It took me six trips to Colorado and a ridiculous amount of visits to Kemo Sabe before I could talk myself into buying her. Why? It’s a process to purchase a Stetson. Not just a throw it on kind of thing. She was calling my name from the moment my eyes set upon her. She wasn’t negotiable. Nor was the band of beautiful beads that sits upon her. But, I did it. Pulled the trigger. What a rare beauty. She’s distressed. She’s black, branded with my initials and she provides some serious courage when on my head. Case in point, took her to karaoke the other night. She, Stetson, was passed around the table and pictures started clicking, behavior started changing and courage was found! The same happens when I put on my Minnie Mouse Paris fedora. It’s my concert hat. Never been washed because I’m too spooked something will change. Disinfected yes. Washed no. Saw 3 Widespread Panic shows in it, a Wanee Festival, a Sunshine Blues Festival, Bob Dylan, Big Head Todd and so many other favorites in it! Throw in my Gator baseball hat and you have memories and courage that would take a seriously long time to list. Yeh…eccentric. That’s me. And I’m two weeks away from 50. What the?

Sometimes I find myself clicking my running shoes for courage instead of my Stetson but I think it may just be from all the practice I’ve had at trying to “step into it” over my lifetime. I think that’s one of the things I’ve learned this year through the blog. If I don’t step up now, then when? Really Randi…almost 50, whatcha waiting for woman?

I hope you had a chuckle. You can subscribe to be notified when I blog below by signing up, follow me on Twitter @GatorgirlPress or Twitter @Diningduchess, follow me on Facebook @RandiAileenPress or Facebook@DiningDuchess. Or if you’d like to write me directly, my email is randi@52TO50.com.

Sweat Equity and Group Love…Want Some?

slide2

 

 

 

 

Hey! Welcome to 52 weeks until I’m 50 years old! Actually it’s now 3 weeks until I’m 50! If you are new to my blog, to the right are other subjects I’ve written about. Some may resonate with you or at least give you a chuckle. If you are counting down with me…I started last January 2013 and have counted down 49 weeks!!! I can’t believe it’s almost here! Crazy!!!

Hugs, sweat & cheers! Yeh, that’s what I’m blogging about this week with only three weeks left until I turn 50! I’m looking to “rise with the tribe.” Most of you are thinking, what is this chick talking about? I’m talking about the November Project based in Boston. People serious about working out and about loving their fellow perspiree. It’s a new social movement and I want in!

I loved learning about this project. The founders aren’t only hard-core about fitness but about community. Read the article. http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/hugs-sweat-cheers.

Turning 50 doesn’t mean I’m scared of my limits. It has me thinking about what I’m willing to still take on. Yup. Bring it. I’m into seeing what’s left in my tank. Not for a medal to prove to the outside world I’m still strong and athletic, but to little old me. I’m interested in sweat equity on a weekly basis. Some may describe these different groups as cult-like but there’s nothing better than having like-minded people help me “strive to be a better version of myself.” I want more love. Love in my friendships and more joy in my life. When people ask me what I want, that’s the “more” I’m talking about. Not more stuff. I want more doing the things I love. And I want more of that with the people I dig! Don’t you? I’m almost 50! Time is fleeting!

2014 is going to be the year of my “Happiness Project.” I read a book recently called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Inspiring book. Love the way she structured it. For example, she mentions to “spend money to make exercising more pleasant.” Lululemon or Athleta to the rescue! Love this gear! And, “give yourself credit for the smallest effort.” I believe in that mantra wholeheartedly. It takes a lot of effort sometimes to show up and be consistent for some folks. It’s OK to celebrate the small gains! They are part of the big gains!

So what about this November Project? I’m so in if it were only in South Florida. I read the pledge to see if I could start one in Boca Raton. I actually can commit to all but one bullet. Hmmmm. One bullet. Randi….really? Is this one bullet under attendance commitment really enough to hold you back? At three weeks from turning 50, I find myself thinking I may still have a “hell yeh” left in me. Ever find yourself sitting on the edge of a “hell yeh” moment? It’s not pretty for me. This moment is torture. Knowing that the one bullet that will hold me back is the bullet on attendance because of my love to travel. This limitation isn’t a physical choice, it’s knowing that I’m committed to my goal of seeing more of the world in person. So, now I’ve owned it. I have to give up a future “hell yeh” moment in belief that someone with a strong commitment to “sweat equity and group love” will bring it to South Florida! And, when they do, I will be the first one lining up to commit to being part of the tribe! Are you in it with me? Want some sweat equity and group love? Check it out. November Project. Two amazing guys. And, one crazy old chick in South Florida totally in awe of how they motivated me to want more hugs and cheers! http://november-project.com/

I hope you had a chuckle. You can subscribe to be notified when I blog below by signing up, follow me on Twitter @GatorgirlPress or Twitter @Diningduchess, follow me on Facebook @RandiAileenPress or Facebook@DiningDuchess. Or if you’d like to write me directly, my email is randi@52TO50.com.

Now Is The Time…Now Is The Best Time…

progress_act1

 

randi pic with glasses

Hey! Welcome to 52 weeks until I’m 50 years old! Actually it’s now 4 weeks until I’m 50! If you are new to my blog, to the right are other subjects I’ve written about. Some may resonate with you or at least give you a chuckle. If you are counting down with me…I started last January 2013 and have counted down 48 weeks!!! I can’t believe it’s almost here! Crazy!!!

“NOW IS THE TIME”

A favorite designer of mine, Prada says…”Women always try to tame themselves as they get older… But the ones that look best are often a bit wilder.” Lets face it…Aging ain’t for sissies…And I want to follow Prada’s advice with 4 weeks left of being 49! I keep thinking…”Dear God Randi, don’t take yourself too seriously! Forget what “they” say about wanting to go back to the teenage years. No way! There’s something about maturity that allows one freedom to grow without fear of reprisal or criticism. Well…not saying I’m mature nor do I want to grow up but I like the idea of the freedom part. If you know me at all, you are aware that I still act like a weirdo most days. I dance in the line at Publix. I wear a baseball hat with my hair braided when I don’t have to dress up and I still pretend I’m Pat Benatar in concert when I’m belting out my anthem “Invincible.” Sometimes I even pretend I am a southern chick and speak with an accent to strangers.Yup. I’m eccentric. But, for me, normal is totally over-rated and turning 50 doesn’t make me want to act any different.

Do you ever have a ridiculous song stuck in your head? This week I remembered something from when I was a kid sitting on a boring ride at Disney. But, as boring as it was, it must have made an impression because this song kept popping in my head. Do…do…do…

Now is the time…Remember that ditty from the “Carousel of Progress: The Best Time of Your Life?” You moved around the GE carousel at Disney World. They created the carousel to encourage people to buy appliances “now” instead of waiting for tomorrow. The concept has value. Google the Carousel and you’ll hear the song! LOL! Then you’ll also have it stuck in your head like me!

Thinking this 50 thing is like the second half. Like a football game, the first half is complete and you are at halftime. The only thing is, who knows if there’s actually another full half to play? Maybe I only have the third quarter. So,if you know me…passive in the third quarter is not a play option. Hmmm. So, “Now is the time.” What do I mean by that?

Now is the time to show and tell the best of you if you haven’t put it out already. Don’t be scared to expose yourself. It’s liberating and you’re fantastic!

Now is the time to be aware of what stirs inside you…even if only one person knows it and it’s you…

Now is the time to shed the armor you may have been carrying and be the real you…really, being you, the unique, original you is a beautiful thing.

And, now is the time to realize that some moments are still waiting to be experienced and to take them. Life and love isn’t passive. It’s an active experience…I remind myself of this daily. Give your love away to the people you want to have it.

 

And for me…with four weeks left of 49 and “almost 50,” “now is the time” for me to keep working the mantra I wrote for myself…”strive to be a better version of myself everyday.” Some days aren’t pretty but I’m workin it!

“Now is the time, now is the best time…now is the best time of your life!” Go get it! Step into in.

I hope you had a chuckle. You can subscribe to be notified when I blog below by signing up, follow me on Twitter @GatorgirlPress or Twitter @Diningduchess, follow me on Facebook @RandiAileenPress or Facebook@DiningDuchess. Or if you’d like to write me directly, my email is randi@52TO50.com.