52 for 52 -- Part I

To celebrate my 52nd birthday  I decided to make a list of 52 great things about being  52.  This is the first installment.  Since my birthday isn't until later in the month, I will take the luxury of time to ponder on those things that make me the happiest and do this in installments.

1. I never, ever, ever have to buy another freakishly stupid, ugly bridesmaid dress for as long as I live.


2. Ditto for shoes.   I now wear what feels good and looks a little sassy  - or lumberjack-like, if I feel like it.


3. I am  more passionate about art, color, textiles and hand-made crafts than I could ever have believed possible.


4. I still have my wool couture Channel going-away suit from my wedding, and it still looks stunning.  (I cut up the gown ages ago. Meh.)


5. When I start looking at better lingerie and feeling uncertain about my old stuff, my husband always says,  "Oh honey, just be naked - that's all I want!" and he means it.


6. I get to listen (and laugh) when my sisters talk to their children and they channel my mother. It's awesome funny.


7. I never have to sing at another wedding. Ever.


8. I have started letting go of my wedding issues - of which, obviously, I have a LOT.


9. I can still speak a pretty passable Italian - which comes in handy at the shop when Italian tourists come in and plot to get a discount and get all shaken up when I respond to them in their native language that the "Signora does not give discounts."  (BTW -  it happens more often than you'd think. )


10. I've finally stopped having that reoccurring dream where I'm on a college campus and I can't find the building or room of my next class and it is the day of the  final exam. Oh yes - and I've never been to one class.  Talk about performance anxiety - I always woke up a little nauseous after that dream.