WHAT 63 LOOKS LIKE...

Mother's Day at the Park

Son Nick, Grandson Jax, Husband Chip, planter with Jax's face, and ME!

For the last few years, I've been praying for BALANCE. Over the past couple weeks, I feel like I might be getting there.

Here's what age 63 looks like TODAY (no guarantee what it will look like tomorrow!):

GOD: About a year ago, my husband and I found a new church that we love. We agree with the teachings and a bonus -- it's close to home! We've joined a class called Living on Target that's helping us 'aim' for God's will in our lives and grow in faith, fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and serving.

FAMILY: My HUSBAND retired and eats lunch with me every day. l cook dinner and he does dishes. (Yay!) He works on his project car while I write. All is well!

My GRANDKIDS visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jax spends the night on Thursday, so I have him Friday morning as well. Ellie isn't ready for overnight yet, but one day, she and Jax will have to take turns. We often do family things on weekends too.

My MOM has Alzheimers and lives with my brother in Ohio. I take care of her finances, medical scheduling, care giver issues, prescription renewals, etc. I'm grateful for my brother and the caregivers handling the hands-on, because some days dealing with social security and medicare snafus are about enough to tear my hair out. My heart goes out to those who do it all.



OTHER:

WRITING: Mondays and Wednesdays are writing days. I do laundry, household tasks, and miscellaneous admin stuff (like my newsletter), but I try to stay home and write. I also write in between kiddos in the mornings, Fridays, and weekends whenever I can. On many Saturdays, I have book signings or writers meetings. I'm chapter president of my local writers group and also a member of the group in Charleston. I love writing and don't plan to retire any time soon!

FINANCES: What a WEIRD feeling to get social security! But in a good way! How nice to finally get back a portion of all those dollars we paid in. However, there are some budget restrictions. ;-)

FUN: Despite the budget, we're saving for a BUCKET LIST ROAD TRIP later this year. We want to see the Grand Canyon with our own eyes (not on tv) and visit Chip's brother in San Diego. Yep, coast to coast road trip! Good thing we're getting accustomed to so much time together NOW. (I'm looking for good audio books if you know of any husband-approved ones.)

PRIORITIES: I try to put God first, family second, and others third. This doesn't always happen, so while AIMING for that elusive balance, I'm also striving for flexibility. Let's be real. Some days are better than others.

So TODAY, that's what 63 looks like!