"Big-O" Birthday Celebrations

Many of my friends have been celebrating milestone birthdays recently. In general, most people tend to loathe even thinking about turning 30,40, 50, etc.... I have been impressed with the careful planning and reflection that my friends have dedicated to their upcoming transitions into another phase of their lives.


For instance three of my friends who were turning 30, 40 and 50 respectively, all went to California for a special trip together this last week. My brilliant friend Amy (and she does literally sparkle with enthusiasm and love) completed a half marathon on the Great Wall of China this past spring for her 50th birthday. Jackie (who I've known since we met in Lamaze class about 20 years ago), spent a beautiful evening with friends from every walk of her life, at the Blue Horse Wine Bar. We celebrated her 50th 'Jackie-style' with amazing food, much laughter and dancing! Currently my very good friend and fellow teaching buddy, Marca, is exploring Hawaiian volcanoes and finding her inner fire whilst turning 50.


Finally, I took a break from weeding in my garden this afternoon, to visit with my neighborhood friend Shirley. She will be turning 90 on the first of July. We walked around her yard admiring her view of Mt. Baker, smelling the flowers, reminiscing about the good times, and fondly remembering her husband and others friends who had passed on. Most of all I loved her sentiment about turning 90. She really couldn't believe she was going to be that old, yet stated matter-of-factly: "We definitely do not have control over getting older, but we can enjoy all those we love and make each day count". Smiling brightly she clasped her hands together and invited me to join her for a nice cocktail on her patio!


I'm sure I will find an amazing and authentic way to enjoy my 50th. Yet maybe the best small adjustment I can make is to follow Shirley's advice, and enjoy the incredible people I have in my life and of course make my life count each and every day.

The pricey excursion to the gas station...

I am completely impressed with my friend Scout. She lives in town and often walks, bikes or carpools everywhere she goes. I am trying to adjust to the huge amount of money I spend each month on gas. Even though I am trying to drive less, it is difficult living in the county and working in town. Some small adjustments are definitely in order! I plan my excursions more effectively these days, and always try to make the most of my outings. I've even tried all the tips I've read about: buying gas in the morning when it is cooler (apparently more gas for the money), filling your gas tank slowly (rather than trying to fill it as quickly as possible) and driving on average about 60 mph rather than going the full speed limit on the freeways. Of course new tires and clean filters are supposed to help, though also cost money as well!

I've finally come across a small adjustment that may not actually save money, but definitely helps me cope with price shock every time I re-fill. I've realized I can travel a little over 100 miles for 20 dollars. So I only purchase 20 dollars worth of gas at a time and play this game with myself where I try to make it last as long as possible between fill-ups. There's something extremely gratifying about purchasing gas in small amounts. At least I do not leave the gas station feeling as if I've spent a large percentage of my pay check all at once now!

Defining Adjustments

Modifications to one's own life fall within a range of sizes and levels of importance. Your only daughter moving out for the first time into her own apartment... now that is an impressive adjustment. Shifting an acupuncture appointment or parting your hair on the other side... that would be a bit of a mundane adjustment. Which brings me to Small Adjustments. Slight yet effective changes that bring about spiritual, physical, emotional or world change.


The possibilities are endless, and yet where to begin? I have to admit clutter has been on my mind lately. I am absolutely enamored with the "A Thing a Day (ATAD)" concept. The challenge is to give one thing away each day. Apparently cheating is allowed (giving 7 things away on Monday would constitute a week's worth of ATAD). In theory this will be a life-changing small adjustment. Of course I'm a bit concerned about the whole black hole void that will begin to establish itself once I begin ridding myself of clutter. The enemies: garage sales, consignment shops and sale tables of every sort. Of course this summer will bring my worst weaknesses, the outdoor arts and crafts festivals and farmer's markets.


I'm hoping acceptance will blaze the trail for my first steps of un-cluttering recovery. Well and also keeping an official ATAD ticker update. So what things will you be releasing?

Celebrating Adjustments

So my birthday is approaching and I am reflecting on past celebrations and such. This year I wanted to do something very out of character, something a little at a time.

One small adjustment each day for 365 days. I promise to keep it simple. Please join me by sharing your own personal adjustment ideas and experiences. I know we can inspire each other.

I am prefunctioning right now, the actual fun begins in two weeks. A year of small adjustments might just be the best birthday gift I could ever give myself!