So my best friend's turning 50.

[Madrone]

She's never been married, or had any children. She's a little weirded out by turning "middle aged". I'm sad I can't be with her (since I moved across the country a number of years ago), so I'm trying to put together an AWESOME package to mail her.

I want to put together a portfolio/notebook type thing with stories/poetry/quotes/etc about women turning 50, or just getting older in general. POSITIVE things - of course. I've searched all over the internet, and haven't found much at all.

Anyone have anything to share?

We just talked tonight, and I had to laugh because she determined that when I turn 50, she'll be 67! I told her not to worry - she'll still be able to drink me under the table ;)

[Lorien]

1. There's a great book on women turning 50

I can't remember the exact title-might try Amazon. It had quotes and stories from various famous and inspiring women. one of my best friends-who is 18 years older than me-got it when she turned 50 a few years ago.

[Madrone]

4. Thanks! I think I saw some reference to this book

when I was searching for stuff online. I didn't dig into it, because I'd just placed an order for another couple of books for her from Amazon - and I want what I'm talking about to be hand done - more personal. HOWEVER - since you mentioned it I realize I can find the book and at least look into it for inspiration. Thanks!

[joefree1]

2. I'm turning fifty this year too!

So your best friend was also born in 1955. Try searching on the internet for famous people who were born in 1955. We're still looking pretty good. Here's some:

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Kevin Costner, Eddie Van Halen, Arsenio Hall, Nina Hagenl, Bruce Willis
more ...

But then I've got a Grandfather who turns 101 in August so I'm not even half way. I promise to start acting my age when I get to my eighties (somewhere around 2035). But then I might look younger and feel better in my eighties then I do now.

Old really is a matter of perception.


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[Madrone]

3. My friend doesn't "act her age" either...

But she's probably more than halfway - no remaining grandparents, and only one remaining parent!

Anyway, I agree that age is a matter of perception. That's what's weirding her out! She's not old enough to be 50!!! I understand how she feels a little - when I turned 30 (I'll be 33 in August) I was weirded out a little too. Not because I'm some chick overly concerned with age (most of my friends are old enough to be my parents, or older - and I look forward to getting older) - but because - Holy shit! How'd I get to be 30? I'm not responsible enough to be 30!!! lol

It gets weirder still when you've never been married or had children - and are just plain non-traditional. At some point in the past you'd imagined you'd be living the "american dream" well before you hit that pivotal age - so when you get there and you haven't it just seems... well, weird!

[joefree1]

5. I remember when I couldn't get into a youth club

... because I was over 18 (at the ripe old age of 20). As you noted someone or something is always going to make you feel old.

I always think about next year or five years from now when I will wish I was as young as I am now.

This mental trick will work right up until it's bye bye time.

[Madrone]

6. self-serving kick

n/t

[n2mark]

7. A suggestion

how about a copy of the headlines news for that day. I kept the newspapers for the day my son was born, he really enjoys it.