On Turning 50

Next month I turn 50.   Half a Century.  

The Big FIVE -O.

For some reason this is really bothering me, I know it's "just a number" and "you're only as old as you feel" but I'm not looking forward to this Birthday.  Maybe it's the new age group?  Maybe that in some races I'll now be racing in the "Grand Masters" catagory.  I know I don't look my age but just the same this is going to be a tough one. 

You would think that moving into a new age group would mean easier competition.  But unfortunately my main competition - Kari, Sharon, Rebecca - are all "aging up" this year too.  Great.  Plus there is a woman from Kure Beach who is already in the age group that consistently kicks my you know what whenever we race together, her name is Karen.  I do get to get away from Carol, Cheryl and another Rebecca though, at least for a few years!  This means that maybe my friend Carol won't be gunning for me at every race.  Not!  She's already planning revenge at the Kure Beach Triathlon in June.  I told her to keep dreaming!

I'm not sure what I'm doing to celebrate my Birthday - we talked about going to Disney World, or maybe New Orleans.  Either would be good for me, what better place to act like a kid? 

Growing Older But Not Up

I rounded first never thought of the worst
As I studied the shortstop's position
Then crack went my leg like the shell of an egg
Someone call a decent physician
I'm no Pete Rose, I can't pretend
While my mind is quite flexible
these brittle bones don't bend

I'm growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
So let the winds of change blow over my head
I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead 

Sometimes I see me as an old manatee

Heading south as the waters grow colder

He tries to steer clear of the hum drum so near

It cuts prop scars deep in his shoulders

That's how it flows right to the end

His body's still flexible but that

Barnacle brain don't bend

So now don't get me wrong
This is not a sad song
Just events that I have happened to witness
And time takes it's toll as we head for the poll
And no one dies from physical fitness
That's how it goes, right to the end
As the days grow more complicated the night life still wins

Let the winds of change blow over my head
I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead.

-Jimmy Buffett