"Life is like a field of newly fallen snow. Where I choose to walk every step will show."

Denis Waitley

It has come to my attention recently that I am no longer a spring chicken. My hands sometimes hurt on cold damp mornings. My knees creak and moan when I get out of bed in the morning. I can't read the fine print anymore without the aid of reading glasses and every time I look in the mirror I gasp a little at that (ahem) "mature" woman looking back at me.

I have to admit, it's taken me a bit by surprise. Seems like only yesterday I was young and naive, now I'm older and wiser. I am at the point where one starts asking oneself questions like, "What do I want to accomplish in my time here on earth?" "When can I retire" and "Will these children ever leave home?"

I had some time to think recently (read: my peeps actually acknowledged the fact that the bathroom door was closed) and I thought a bit about what I want to do with my life now that I am approaching a major milestone birthday. Granted I have a few years before the big 5-0 arrives, but I rarely get the luxury of 10 minutes of uninterrupted thought so I went for it. I can't say that I had some major revelation and now have the next 50 years or so mapped out. In reality, I wouldn't want to. This Mama Hen don't roll that way. I kinda like the adventure of not knowing what's around the next corner. That said, I do have a few goals (guideposts if you will) for the journey that lies ahead.

1. Grow old gracefully.

I have earned each and everyone of those wrinkles and laugh-lines I see in the mirror. I am not going to waste money and time trying to recapture my youth. I am going to embrace who I am right here, and right now.

2. Leave my mark.

I may just be a little ol' housewife from the Midwest, but I can still blaze a few trails. At the very least, three little people call me Mama and I can make a difference in their lives. God-willing, I would like to do something with my writing. I haven't quite figured out what just yet, but I'm working on a few things.

3. Have some fun.

I spend a lot of time being busy. Taking care of my mom, homeschooling, housekeeping and laundry fill up most of my days, leaving little time for spontaneous fun. I've decided to make a conscious decision to make more time for fun. While I am not sure how to make housekeeping and laundry fun, I can seek out opportunities to laugh and reminisce with my mom and plan fun active leaning activities for my chicklets.

That's all I've come up with for now. If time allows I might think up a few more, but I think these are a pretty good start. Embrace the wrinkles, touch some lives and enjoy the ride --- sounds like a pretty good plan to me:)