starrsville

Everything is a decision. I'm deciding to make little decisions that change every day - and taking that attitude on the road with me on two trips before the end of the year. Here are 5 of my favorites from the list -

1- Get lost
2- Use the good china
3- Visit the wonder window
9- Get spontaneous
10- Laugh more

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20031208a1.asp

FilmNoir

I rather like no. 6 on the list - "upgrade your vices" (suggestions such as read great books, drink better wines and spend more time with people who make you laugh.)

trippinkpj

I like 6 also. I find myself focusing on quality rather than quantity, when it comes to my vices.
9 is a good one for me too. I am finding myself more spontaneous, now that my kids are almost grown.

toedtoes

I like no. 8. But I'm interpreting "scare yourself" a bit differently. For me, it means "face a fear". If you've never dined alone - try it. If you're afraid of heights - rappel.

I started facing my fear of heights at 40. By the time I'm 50, I hope to move on to my claustrophobia. It feels really good to accomplish something that you've avoided your entire life.

LoveItaly

Hi there Starrs..I like No 9..Get spontaneous. I have been doing that but think this week I should be less spontaneous and catch up on everything I am behind with, lol!

Neopolitan

I love that "use the good china" one. I have friends who always arrive for a dinner party and comment "wow we must be special -- the good china is out". Every now and then I grab one of my Baccaratt glasses for my scotch even when I'm all alone. Hey what the heck am I saving it for?

My favorite thing I managed to do before 50? Retire! Yep, a whole year and two months before. I've never looked back, but it's changed my outlook in so many ways of what is important in life.

Budman

I'm already over that hill.

ilovetotravel29

This is something I should be thinking of and tailoring it for the big 30...

1. Take better care of my health by eating better, exercising at least 4x a week, and taking yoga, using sunscreen, and drinking tons of water

2. Own a home before I hit 50

3. Visit Macchu Picchu or any other archeological wonder

4. Have children

5. Go to a spiritual retreat of some sort

happytrailstoyou

Wink at an ugly person.
Eat broccoli.
Have a shot of Scotch before breakfast.
Be nonjudgmental for at least 24 hours.
Stop being superstitious.
Graduate from junior high.

bear900

Oh HTYOU,

I laugh at the weirdest stuff! Loved the last one, thanks!

singing: "....if I only had a brain..."

dfrostnh

Dang, I'm a little late for this list so I'll just have to adapt it to 10 things to do before I turn 60. Got to visit the wonder window recently. I didn't remember how newborns like to stay scrunched up and it's very interest and rewarding to see what kind of parents our son and DIL are. I've gotten lost more than a few times but I'm amazed at how some people are afraid to get lost. Twice I have taught traveling buddies how to navigate mass transit systems in large cities. One group was reluctant to visit downtown Chicago simply because they had never been on a train before. Ok, so sometimes we forget which stop to get off and ride to the end of the line. We get a second chance on the way back.
I don't know where the years have gone because I certainly don't feel old. Fortunately I still have a few friends who remember things about me I've forgotten. And every so often I grieve a little for those who didn't make it this far. And, looking back to age 20, I am shocked at how unimaginative I was and how little faith I had in myself and the future. Thank goodness that changed!

starrsville

<And, looking back to age 20, I am shocked at how unimaginative I was and how little faith I had in myself and the future. Thank goodness that changed!>

Bravo! I'm going to save that and put it in my "Turning 50" scrapbook!

LoveItaly

Interesting because this thread and the deleted one reminded me how adventerous I was at age 20! I have become more conservative over the years..and this thead reminds me to be the way I was at age 20. Thanks starrsville.

2tired2night

somebody's list makes me glad he's not living in the continental united states and is not in charge of anything important. does anyone else find the concept of "nuking when appropriate" just . . . insane?

my personal list would include spending more time outdoors on a daily basis, and finishing the novel begun in college.

bill_boy

Well, I have a lot more years before my 50th. I guess I have plenty of time to canvas for some nukes - anybody know whether Amazon has free shipping on these?

matnikstym

happytrails,
liked your #1 and #4. excellent advice!

daydreamin

Starsy....what a wonderful post!

I loved every item from your link, but will add one more, which I think is not only true, but also has played itself out in my life...and it's this:

Before you turn 50, get in the best shape you want to be in because it's very true that after 50, it's very, VERY hard to get there!

Thanks, darling Starsy! You seem to ask the best questions!!

RedRock

When you turn 50 you are but a few years away from your second childhood.

2tired2night

so, does that mean an afternoon nap, or no hogging the sand toys?