Sandi Meets The Big 5-0

Tim thought he would help ease Sandi into her meeting with The Big 5-0 by cooking her a delicious dinner the night before.

So far, so good. She's looking relaxed and thinking it's not going to be that bad after all.

The 20th arrives, the sun is shining and it's toasty warm so we strap on our skis and head up the mountain for a few runs. The meeting is going better than expected.

We want to look good for The Big 5-0 so we gussy ourselves up for a night on the town.

If you can still walk in these at 50 you're either doing something right or a bit crazy.

Celebrating over dinner at the Barefoot Bistro Restaurant in Whistler Village.

Gifts in small packages (especially from France) always help when meeting The Big 5-0.

SANDI'S THOUGHTS ON THE MEETING

It’s finally here. The mother of all birthdays. The half-century mark. People were asking, “How was I celebrating? What did I want?” For me turning 50 is like turning 49 or 51. It didn’t and won’t feel much different. Not that 50th birthdays aren’t important. All birthdays are special. Did I want a big party my sweet husband asked? No. I think big parties are too... well, big. They cost too much. They aren’t long enough to give each guest quality time. Better to have lots of small parties spread out over the year and do special things with special friends. As for gifts, I already have much of what I want, most of what I need, and way more than I deserve (that's not to say a gift won't be warmly received and greatly appreciated). One of the things my years have taught me is that it’s more fun to give than to receive. We all have much more than we need materially, much less emotionally and spiritually. Better to give away some compassion, some encouragement, some hope. So many people my age are too busy trying to prove themselves and are thus too anxious, too driven. You can’t earn God’s love and acceptance. They’re gifts. The same is true with people. So, I’m just going to relax into my 50s and accept and be myself. And eat lots of chocolate cake.