Birthday Eve

Today is my Birthday eve, tomorrow I will be 69 years old. As we all know the number that follows 69 is 70. That means in 366 days I will be entering a new decade, and this is my last year in my 60s. I don't think I am looking at my "best before date", but I am thinking about how old I have become and what little effort it took to get there.   

I am assuming that turning 70 is going to have an impact on me, and I will need a year to prepare for it. When I say impact, that means I have no clue how it will affect me, but I know how I roll and I'm pretty sure it will be impactful. There is no "age is just a number" in Faye world. When I look at my mom at 91, I think I have a fighting chance. There is longevity in my family as my grandmas were 98 and 96 when they passed away. They also had sound minds for their age, which I am very hopeful I will as well. 

Growing up important birthdays are far and few between. Of course, the first birthday is exciting, then the next important one is 16 followed by 21. Being 40 seems to have a punch and 50 for sure. There is then a dry spell until you get to 65. Turning 65 is a big deal because it is your retirement year and you are now eligible for old age security. After that every 5 years is a time to celebrate. I feel milestone birthdays should be celebrated in a way the birthday person wants to celebrate. In my mind a plan is already in place, in my 69th year I will prepare for becoming 70. One cannot simply roll into being 70 without preparation. It is not going to be just about the day; it will be about the year. I realize I am already saying, "I can't believe I am nearly 70". I thought only old people made themselves a year older when it came to being close to a milestone birthday. I realize now it is part of the preparation. It is somewhat unbelievable how someone can get to be almost 70 and not really realize it. It is like it just crept up on a person. Next year I will be saying, "I'm 70". Then it will be "I'm over 70". I am beginning to understand this whole announcing your age process.   

I was part of my cousin's "70 things to do in my 70th year" list. She had put tremendous thought into each item. She had it on her phone for quick reference. She was devoted to her "70 List" and was very successful in completing it. I don't carry lists on my phone; I don't know where my list thingy is on my phone. For me, it is nice journal time. I have developed a plan; it goes like this: on the 27th of every month I will put 6 items on the 70 list. I foresee this not going as smoothly as I plan. I often have no clue what date it is, so I should say around the 27th. I have made a list of "things to do that year" every 5 years since I was 50, so I am well practiced. I could reflect back on those journals and put the things I haven't done on my 70 list and that would be a great start. I do know most of my "things" will be simple, easy to do. It is all about checking them off, which means don't get in too deep Faye! 

My dear friends have already remembered me with gifts and visits. I have also enjoyed a James Barker Band concert. I have lunch dates planned and an assortment of other wonderful activities. I have gifts from family just waiting to be opened tomorrow. I love how social media comes through in a big way when it is my birthday. Facebook never forgets and therefore no one else does!!! 

I seriously can't believe I am turning "69". Somehow, I thought 69 was an old person age, but I am rethinking that thought. I am ready to take on my last year in this decade, let's face it, I have no control over it. Tomorrow on my birthday, my wish will be that if you are reading this, you will do something special for yourself. Just knowing my readers are taking care of themselves will make it a great birthday for me.