Wow, if that’s not the most boring title ever. I would never ever read an article with that title. But I am going to write one. I turned 50 in March of 2017. I have not given it much thought, not the deep thought one assumes you would.

I have been purging through dreams and that’s not so pleasant. Everything I regret has been coming up in dreams. Mainly bad people I allowed in my life. To be more specific, ex-boyfriends. In my dreams, they are causing me stress and guilt and I can’t seem to get away from the situation. Dreams should be fun or even scary, but not a replica of real life.

I did decide I would do an activity each month that I haven’t done before or something I want to do. So far, it’s been spot on.

January – I walked in the D.C. Women’s March. It was crowded and not much walking was done, but the action of standing with that many people to prove a point – I am so glad I did it. And what I love is that it was deemed a ‘one-day protest’ but it’s turned into action huddle groups around the U.S. – and the world – that are making a huge difference.

February – I met one of my idols. And no, the person wasn’t a rock star. Shane and I spent the night in Americus, GA at a historic hotel and woke up at 5:00 am to drive the 15 minutes it takes to get to former President Jimmy Carter’s small Baptist church for Sunday School service. It is a two-hour process from car to sitting in the church, but worth it. Yes, he teaches and he calls on you! To get a picture with him, you stay for church service also and after, that’s when he and Rosslyn are available for pictures. We also visited his boyhood home and had fried chicken at the local cafeteria.

March – I threw my own hoe-down birthday party with the help of Shane, family and friends. I got to dance to ‘Dixieland Delight’ with my 94-year old great uncle. I had a lot of fun and got to see many cousins I never really get to hang out with. Someone threw up as we saw it the next day when we went back to clean up. Yesss, always the sign of a good party.

What’s next? Wait and see! But for my walking advice? As I did build this story around going for a walk!

I woke up on the most beautiful Sunday morning with cramps. YES, ‘those’ cramps. Doesn’t it seem like there should be a cut-off date for that? Especially when you have only one ovary left? Nope. Going strong!

I really try to not show PMS, you know – keep it inside like a bad, evil secret. Why lash out at the only other person that lives in my home that is not only a very nice and fun person but cooks my meals? That would be…not nice. I was all set up on the couch with coffee, cozy with dogs and the paper. What do I possibly have to ‘PMS’ about?

The dogs were barking at every new movement in the yard. I decided I wanted to have brunch instead of lunch and Shane didn’t read my mind. My coffee was cold and I had already reheated twice. So, I thought – I am 50. Instead of the crankiness against the family, I made myself step it off the couch, put on workout clothes and go for a walk. Without the guilt of walking by myself. No pulling of the leash by dogs, no pressure of a workout – just a steady pace and listening to the birds and looking at the sky and flowers. I said hi to neighbors walking their dogs. Nice.

Then finally, I did think: Shane and the dogs would enjoy this walk. I would like to be on this walk with them. So I cut it short and walked back to get them. They were waiting and we all four went together. Sometimes alone is good and sometimes, you need your family. And at 50, I can tell you that you can have both on the same day, back to back. No need to choose or compromise.

And maybe this is my April new experience – giving advice as a 50-year-old.