Tomorrow I turn 50 – where has the time gone?
I’m surprised, but I’m actually OK with it.
If I had an opportunity to be 25 again, I don’t think I would take it.
I like where I am in my life. And maybe that’s one of the secrets to happiness.
On Monday night I was talking to my uncle from Germany and he told me that turning 50 is a big deal in Germany, like the ‘no turning back’ point or the pinnacle of life, the half-way milestone so to speak.
Well my friends, on the eve of the end of my 40’s, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who shared the ways they give or pledged to give in honour of my birthday on my post here.
Some of you made a donation to the cause you believe in and some even donated to the place I work!
It really does mean the world to me. I learned a lot about you.
You also pointed out that there are many other ways to give as well and I whole-heartedly agree!
Thank you for the lovely gift of “YOU”
In an effort to take away the sting of my ‘no turning back now’ milestone, here’s a birthday poem I found online – with my responses in brackets. It is one of many that won a contest about turning 50.
Happy Half 100
by Kayla Metoxen (Green Bay, WI, USA)
Turning 5-0 is nothing to fear! (I bet a 25 year old wrote this)
It all goes downhill from here. (going downhill is easier than trudging uphill right?)
You’ll soak your teeth next to your bed (I’m hanging on to my teeth – thank you very much!)
You’ll thin out atop your head (luckily I’m blessed with lots of hair)
You’ll slow down and hate loud things. (except when I’m cranking Santana while doing housework)
Your underarms will look like wings. (Yeah, that happened a while ago)
You’ll never have to wait in line. (In what universe?)
You’ll even make a Tom Jones shrine! (I don’t think so!)
Happy half a hundred! (Thank you!)
Happy Half a lifetime! (Oh Shut Up!)
click here to read the other birthday poems that won.
~ THE HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Totally unrelated, I saw this video on facebook the other day and it really moved me, I just had to share it with you.
It’s well worth the 10 minutes it takes to watch.
The Water Bearer said:
Hope you had a great birthday Diana. Blessings to you!
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dianasschwenk said:
I had an awesome birthday – thank you very much. 🙂
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Happy Birthday (a day late)!!
A Valentine’s baby! So you’re a little love gift to the world, then! That explains much!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Smitty!
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Dave said:
Congratulations! I’m only 15+, 4th childhood, and certainly appreciate where you’re at! Congratulations!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you very much Dave! I appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you again soon.
🙂
Diana
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thoughtsfromanamericanwoman said:
Happy Birthday! Being over 50 now (51) I can tell you it is not as bad as I thought it would be. Like you I am not sure if I would want to be 25 again, although at times I thought I would like to be. I am more mature in my faith and my love for God grows deeper each day, and I would not wish that away for anything. I still have goals and plans for the future, the only difference is I may not be a spry as I used to be but my heart is still young and isn’t that what matters?
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dianasschwenk said:
Amen Sister! You have a beautiful heart! Thank you for your birthday greeting and encouragement.
blessings…
Diana
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Patty B said:
Just think another good thing about getting old we can say what we want and get away with it! LOL That is what my grandmother used to say.
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dianasschwenk said:
and she’s right!
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Patty B said:
😉
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keiththegreen said:
Happy Birthday Diana,
You do know the 50’s are the new 20’s right. With so many people in their 50’s going back to school, starting new careers, new relationships, and using new technology. So welcome to a whole new world my friend.
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dianasschwenk said:
I was calling it the new 30, but I’ll buy your theory! Thank you Keith for your good wishes and Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
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elizabeth2560 said:
“The years between 50 and 70 are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, but you are not yet decrepit enough to turn them down”. T S Elliot
You will find this to be true, yet I am sure in your graceful style, you will rise to the challenge as you find many of those “things” are both rewarding and fulfilling, in this exciting new phase of your life.
Happy 50th Birthday. Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
haha, well I’ve never had trouble saying no! I love TS Elliot and have never come across this quote – it’s precious!
Thank you for your good wishes Elizabeth. You know me…I’ll be turning that corner expecting to run into a unicorn and marching band to lead me up a mountain and I am sure I will see everything with brand new eyes. I am excited!
xo
Diana
ps. here’s a quote for you to try on:
“To me, it’s always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, ‘Hey, can you give me a hand,’ you can say, ‘Sorry, got these sacks.'”
— Jack Handey
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elizabeth2560 said:
I like it, I like it.
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The Presents of Presence said:
Happy Valentine’s Day to YOU! Please accept the Lovely Liebster Award! http://misifusa.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/lovely-valentine-liebsters/
Hugs to you!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much!
xo
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Our Life In 3D said:
Happy Birthday Diane! Older and wiser! How many times have you heard the phrase, “like fine wine” this week? I hope you have a great one, and a great birthday week. Make it a great one!
Oh, and a wonderful, warm, heart-shaped hug for my blogging buddy for Valentines Day! (Big HUG and Mmmmwah!) Valentine’s dinner reservations are at 5:30. Our job is to find the best tasting chocolate dessert in town. 🙂
I hope your day is a great one!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much! Chocolate? Where??!!
xo
Diana
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Our Life In 3D said:
All over the place. And you won’t need your heavy coat and gloves down here. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
But I just bought a beautiful white downe-filled coat! 😉
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this is lemonade said:
Happy Half Century Birthday and Happy Valentines Day! Hope you have a wonderful day. I can imagine there are a lot of people in your life who are so glad and thankful that you were born 🙂 What you are doing is so worthwhile and important. Here’s to the new half century of life Diana! Keep up the good work xx
(Re above comment thread, at first I read wings and then chicken ….go figure, lol!)
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dianasschwenk said:
thank you so much for your good wishes and friendship!
xo
Diana
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this is lemonade said:
And thank you too – hope you had a special day! x
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artsifrtsy said:
Happy Birthday Diana – Turning 50 has its challenges – your doctor will want to poke and prod everything over the course of the next year. I realized that I don’t look like I think I do anymore, but I’m growing accustomed to the effects of gravity – and those wings – if you tattoo them they look pretty awesome. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
<—— too chicken to get tattoos!
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artsifrtsy said:
LOL
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stuffitellmysister said:
Turning 50….I dreaded it….then embraced it. (But I shall protest when 60 gets close! 😉 ) Love and hugs…..HaPPy BiRtHdAy, Friend!!! ♥♥♥
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! We 50, even 60 is better than the alternative! 🙂
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stuffitellmysister said:
Amen, sister!!!
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dianasschwenk said:
of course by we, I meant well 😉
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stuffitellmysister said:
certainly!
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mindfuldiary said:
Happy Birthday! It’s already 00:12 here, so hurrrraaaaaa for you Diana! big hugs and hope you’ll have a fab day with your loved ones.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks, I’m starting the day with a dentist appointment! 🙂
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joannerambling said:
I am already 50 and I do not feel old in any way shape or form despite what hubby says, he is 52 and always calls himself old, me I am just middle aged and still have a lot of living to do…………….lol Anyway Happy Birthday to you my friend you have many more awesome years ahead of you.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Joanne! Same to you – many more years!
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Bonnie said:
I am not that far behind you..and your joyous approach is contagious! Happy Happy Birthday!
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! I let you know if there are any speed bumps you need to watch for!
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Bonnie said:
Awesome..thank you! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure – I had a few people scouting that question for me and from all reports it should go well!
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cyclingrandma said:
Happy Birthday!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Lisa!
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jmgoyder said:
You’re finally catching up to me – hurray and happy birthday, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha – thank you Julie
xo
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The Presents of Presence said:
Happy 1/2 Century! Cheers to the next 50 being happy and wonderful!
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) thank you very much my dear!
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bulldog said:
I wish you all the best for tomorrow.. 50 .. still a spring chicken, but a very special one…
Your underarms will look like wings. (Yeah, that happened a while ago).. you do know these are “grandma angel wings” wear them with pride…
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m not quite ready to be a grandma – someone tell my daughter that!!!
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bulldog said:
It will be the greatest day of your life…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Sir!
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