59 Candles, 59 Things – part fifty & end of this series

As I finish up the final two entries in this series, I’d like to thank those of you who’ve followed along. Your interest and comments on 59 Candles, 59 Things has been so appreciated and it’s made me happy to share it with you.  It’s reminded me that there are many things to be grateful for every day and that life provides moments large and small that offer happiness.  

Fifty eighth thing: The next thing that makes me happy will come as no surprise – retirement!  A few months ago, I passed the two year mark of my retirement and it has gone fast.  I knew I’d enjoy it but never would have expected to have accomplished so many things that I’d wanted to do nor would I have guessed how busy I would be.  The biggest bonus is getting to hang out with Spence every day.  That time together is a gift and something I longed for when I was working full-time. I’ve picked up new hobbies, traveled, read tons of books, tended my garden and cooked my way through these last two years. There is still much more to come (God willing) and I look forward to embracing every moment and smelling all the roses!

Fifty ninth thing: For the final entry in this series, I’m choosing to be happy about getting older – and here’s 10 reasons why:

1. I’ve recently marked my 60th birthday and 60 is the new 50!
2. I have everything I need (and more)
3. I’m pretty darn healthy and am taking steps to be healthier.
4. I’m happily married.
5. I can and do travel frequently.
6. I’m able to garden vigorously.
7. I still dance – mostly in the kitchen.
8. I have many interests and hobbies that I’m exploring.
9. I can snuggle with the cats in my pj’s till noon if I want.
10. My alarm clock rarely is set.

Okay, I’m sure you were expecting something more profound in that list or for the final post for this series.  But truly, getting older does make me happy.  I’m wiser now but still feel like a kid most days.  Yeah, there are aches and pains, surgical scars and a pacemaker that I’ve picked up along the way but I’m still here.

Thank you for following this series, I’ve had a blast blogging about these things that make me happy!