Hard to believe, because I've always been the 'baby' of the family but as they say, 'it is what it is'.



A mother of a seven-year-old, I truly enjoy G-rated movies, roller-skating and am just as excited as my daughter for the latest Hard-Rock Theme Park's inception due in our area next April. In fact I can hardly wait.

I still love 70s rock, walking in the rain and holidays.

I still laugh with 'I Love Lucy', 'The Munsters' and 'The Honeymooners'.

In fact, in the past thirty years, I've hardly changed. True, there are a few more lines around my eyes, some grey hair that is covered for the sake of vanity and an additional fifteen pounds that I promise to get rid of'...starting tomorrow.

Well, actually, as I further reflect, there have been a few more changes....

I am no longer indecisive. Experience has taught me to trust my decisions and to trust myself.

Where I was insecure, I am now secure. I no longer compare myself to others and have learned to truly love the woman I have become. I know both my strengths and weaknesses and celebrate both.

I have learned to benevolently hold onto my own core values even if others disagree. A hotheaded gal in the past, I now have learned how to disagree agreeably. I have also learned when it's time to walk away; there is no sense tying to prove a point to those who disagree.

I no longer loose sleep over those who do not like me. I have learned that not everyone is going to like me and that relationships cannot be forced. I have also learned, throughout the years, to respect myself more, and not be a doormat for the sake of peace.

I have learned to take more risks and not be afraid of failure. I have learned the art of waiting and that patience really is a virtue. I have learned to enjoy life more fully and more freely. I have learned it is not what I do that is important but who I am that matters.

Middle age has equipped me to be a better person. I now have the wisdom and selflessness that I lacked in my youth which has enabled me to be a better parent.

I have read somewhere that the '50s' represent everything that you are meant to be. That excites me and I am ready. I rejoice and thank God as I approach this milestone of my life and...as Oprah once said, 'bring it on!'