Goals and lists and inventories.

Everyone needs goals as they approach their big 5-0, don't they? Or maybe a bucket list.  I mean, it is mid-life and there isn't too much time left!  Better get crackin'.  The crisis is right around the corner!

The funny thing is, I am feeling pretty fortunate in life. Don't get me wrong, things have not always been easy, and there's been both good and bad, but I really can't complain (of course that doesn't stop me from doing it from time to time, just ask Paul).

So maybe before developing this long list of goals and aspirations, I should stop to take inventory of all that is good in my life.

I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful dog and a nice home. I have been fortunate enough to have, and succeed at, two very different careers in my life.  The second bringing me to California, with breathtaking coastal views and unbeatable weather.  Every morning, I begrudgingly drag myself out of bed to start my day. Oh, I used to be a morning person, but that was in my 30s :-)  I share turns with my husband to take our yellow lab, Lexi, out for her morning walk. This is one of my favorite times of the day.  The other dog owners are out for their morning walk, we nod as we pass one another. The sun is just rising over Mt. Hamilton to the east and shining on the tips of the foothills by our home. These days, there is a nice crispness to the air.  I use this quiet time to drift into thought and enjoy the company of the happiest animal on the planet - our Labrador Retriever. Life is good. (oops, is that a copyright infringement??).

My family, although far away now, remembered to call me to wish me a happy birthday :-)   My 16 year old niece was my maid-of-honor in my wedding.

And, I have close friends around me.  I may not have ever been the most popular kid in school or more recently in adult social circles, but the friends that I do have I cherish very much. These are deep friendships, the kind that when you haven't seen someone for years, you can pick up where you left off, with a nice, easy, comfortable conversation. Some friendships have become more remote as our lives have changed, but that doesn't make them any less important. Others are still very active in my life.  And ALL have influenced me in so many ways.

Not a bad inventory to have :-)
Now, where did I put that pen so I can make my bucket list for the next 363 days!

Write-on,
Faith