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Just turned 50 in August.
Professionally, I am starting to really come into my own. I received a promotion a few weeks ago and now I have two administrative appointments -- one academic and one in research. So I rub elbows with everyone from undergraduate students to the chancellor. This opens a whole new chapter on my career. I worked really hard in my 40s (maybe too hard) and I'm now getting some great opportunities as a result.
Not to mention Sandbox Simulations, which is a very cool side project. It's a lot of fun, is intellectually stimulating, and harbors some dreams of the young man still inside me.
Physically, things aren't what they used to be. Sometimes I'm shocked to see a picture of myself, because I'm starting to look like an old man. I have to really work at keeping the weight off. I tore a tendon in my finger in a pick up basketball game a couple years ago and I realize it will never be the same. I've got a few aches and pains every morning. My ass is starting to disappear. I pop a couple of pills every morning (one for cholesterol and one for heartburn) and probably will for the rest of my life.
My family life is way better than it was a few years ago. Our daughter is 21 and has been clean from drugs for almost 2 years. She is taking steps toward independence and our relationship with her is 1000 times better. I'm glad the child raising years are behind me.
If I could change one thing, I'd make each day last 30 hours. Just too much good things going on to cram into one day.
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