Obligatory 50 List

Hello Everyone. I’m Laura. I will be fifty in a week.

I know nothing for sure.

This is a list of things that I’m pretty sure about as I turn a half a century old.

1. Diversity is good.
2. If shoes are uncomfortable in the store, they will be uncomfortable at home.
3. Some people are worth the extra effort. Some are not.
4. Go for a walk.
5. Don’t forget the music – there’s always time for music.
6. Computers are great. Manual typewriters are also excellent.
7. Don’t buy clothes with the idea you will diet into them. Bodies change.
8. The movies are never as good as the books.
9. The beach. Enough said.
10. Go to a museum even if you think you’ll hate it. You probably won’t.
11. Learning a language is a good idea.
12. The banjo is a grossly underrated instrument.
13. Exercise is a good idea.
14. Wine is a nice way to end a long day.
15. Find books you love and buy them in hardcover.
16. When in doubt – make a bowl of spaghetti and listen to music.
17. Find the person who makes you smile when he kisses you. Kiss him. Often.
18. Complaining doesn’t help.
19. Loyalty may not be valued by everyone.
20. Surprises can be wonderful. Stay open to them.
21. It doesn’t matter what Oprah says to read; choose your own books. Just read.
22. We have to take care of each other.
23. Dogs should be trained; I’m not super at this.
24. Go to happy hour.
25. Open the windows as often as possible.
26. Being part of a good couple is better than being alone.
27. Being alone is better than being part of a bad couple.
28. Call back. That person might not be there tomorrow.
29. Drag shows do not start on time.
30. Keep an on-going list of gifts to get people; when an occasion arises – you’re all set.
31. Do not buy ill-fitting bras.
32. The mountains are calling to you. Go there.
33. It’s important to value yourself.
34. Plan but stay flexible. Stay flexible but plan.
35. Listen to people’s hearts.
36. There is tragedy in the world. Do not get used to it.
37. Nobody knows what happens when we die. Not for sure.
38. Treating those you love is not a mistake.
39. Playing cards with children is an exercise in patience.
40. Expectations create divides that can be hard to bridge.
41. Go out to eat. Somewhere good. Don’t go to bad restaurants.
42. Get up early and stay up late to see the meteor showers.
43. Beauty can be found everywhere if we look hard enough.
44. High school show choir is fantastic.
45. Children are valuable.
46. Birthdays are a privilege. We will always want one more.
47. Most days are tuna fish and corn chips – and, that’s okay.
48. It is okay to feel sad.
49. Doing something artistic opens up your soul to the universe.
50. You know – you just never know.

Peace.

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Choices.

There is a dark at the end of the tunnel of this week for many of us. The looming transition of power worries or horrifies many people in our country. I have read real news; I have seen the memes; I have watched some speeches. I’m among the scared and horrified. There is a scarcity of joy in much of this country; even for much of the world as January 20 approaches.

There isn’t anything I can do to stop January 20 from coming, but I can do things in real life. I can engage in purposeful activities to manifest joy for others and for myself. I can make a difference for my community; I can be a source of comfort for friends and neighbors. I can make choices.

I am part of groups: a writing group and an activism group. Both address equality, creativity, social justice, understanding, and the power of voice. By conversing with and learning from others, I can check my perspective, broaden my horizon, engage with others in social justice. I can also support others in their creative lives.

I have signed up to get training (not sure a 20 year teaching vet needs it, but…it’s required, so okay) to teach English and assist with cultural information for refugee populations in my community. I have lived abroad, and it’s not easy when you choose do this, much less when you flee for your life to a country where some neighbors may not want you to be there. I choose to help marginalized families.

Poverty is everywhere, and I can’t solve that problem; but years ago my sister and I gave my parents a Kiva loan as a present, and I continue to reinvest it in women’s businesses.  Our measly contribution has been reloaned in five different countries to support five different businesses, including a bar and a sewing shop. I have a friend who sponsors and visits two children in other countries. Choices to support others in our world.

From an early age, I learned that love is love. It doesn’t matter who you love. People are damn lucky to find someone to love who loves them back –  gender, shape, color, geography, culture – none of that matters. I celebrate your love with you, and I will fight for your love with you.

At any given moment, I can make a choice to make someone’s life better. I can make a choice to speak out. I can make a choice to support others. I can make a choice to love.

Can I let someone with two items go in front of me at the grocery store and then pay for my 23 things? Yes. Would I make a road trip snack pack for a friend who is traveling to take care of an ill parent? Sure. Will I support my friends’ successes and happinesses without envy? Yep. Might I sit in the hospital room while you doze and recover from surgery? Absolutely. Should we hold hands and talk earnestly about what matters to us? Always. Little things perhaps, in light of the world’s precarious situation, but every bit of good helps.

As David Foster Wallace suggested, the day-in and day-out of adult life is filled with frustrating crap  – regardless of and sometimes because of who is in Washington – but, we can choose what we do.

What are you going to do?

Choose.

 

 

 

 

The Five Decade List: Update #1

Well, it is the third day of 2017, and I have completed two items from my list. I’ve also started two others (but, I’ll talk about those another time.)

One of my list items was to attend a University of Iowa men’s basketball game. Done. January first, I was excited to attend the Hawkeyes-Wolverine basketball game with my new dear friend who graduated from Michigan. So, we couldn’t lose. Someone would win.

The people who won were us: great seats;  fantastic company; a close game throughout; and, an overtime victory for my Hawkeyes.

Then, on the second of January, youngest son and I went bowling. I bowled 299 – in three games. Youngest son bowled somewhat less than that. We had snacks and drinks, and enjoyed hanging out together.

So, who cares? Why write about this?

The reflection is this: it doesn’t matter who wins. It’s all about the people you do things with and the memories that you make.

Sure, it was great that Iowa won. But, I applauded when Michigan made a good play. And, new dear friend gamely joined in being the “O” in the I-O-W-A chant that the pep squad led. We were enjoying the time, each other, and the experience. No need to be a rabid fan; no need for trash talk.

On the other hand, trash talk is totally appropriate when one bowls with a 15 year-old male. He deserves it, and he dishes it right back, and it’s all in good fun. Youngest son is incapable of bowling without root beer and french fries, and that’s fine with me. When he thinks back to his middle school days, I want him to think of these times fondly.

Building memories: we all do it. And, this year, I’m striving to do it more purposefully and more joyfully with friends and family.

 

 

The Five Decade List

2017 is here. That means I will turn fifty this year. I was not, as youngest son suggested, born in 1953. Still, where has the time gone? What have I been doing all these years?

Oh, playing with dolls; learning to drive; being with friends; getting married; getting unmarried; sleeping; working; listening to music; changing diapers; making supper; taking showers; exercising; mourning loss; working some more; listening to people; avoiding responsibility; scooping the cat box; admitting defeat; walking the dog; embracing love; wondering about the future.

As I look at this looming milestone, I am alternately proud of myself and embarrassed. I think of the different iterations I have effected in my life, and I think, “Wow, I’m pretty resilient and great. ” Other days I look back, and think, “What the fuck was I thinking?” Some days I feel like I’m 92 and other days, I am certain I can’t be older than 10. It’s life.

A few years ago, I was feeling very old. Very sad. Washed up. Dark. I even began wondering how soon is too soon to move into an old folks’ home. Many people bemoan milestone birthdays and seek to hide from well wishes and the inevitable comments about how much older or younger they are than their interlocutor. Some people even hide from cake!

Not me. I’m taking a different approach.

I am currently brainstorming 50 things to do this year. These activities range in scope, and may or may not include other people. A few samples: go on a Habitat for Humanity build; see a musical; go parasailing; visit my aunt and uncle; be open to a relationship; read a book a month; write fifty new poems.

A friend messaged me this morning, sharing her intention for the new year. She has chosen a word to define her intentions in multiple areas of her life. I like it.

My approach is to intentionally experience at least fifty different, familiar and unfamiliar facets of life through my list, and to reflect meaningfully on them through the year. I want to grow, learn, and become.

Oh, and I want cake.