Sandra (when I grow up I will learn how to write and use punctuation correctly like she does) my esteemed co-blogger wrote in her bio that she is convinced 50 is the new 30. Being almost 50 I have found that I have a vested interest in the truth of this phrase, but I struggle with its meaning.

My best friend of 30 years, Jackie, and I have some pretty mixed feelings about this 50 is the new 30 thing. On the one hand, we understand how it is communicates a bold and positive statement with a slightly humorous bent. On the other hand, for some silly reason, we resist its intended message.

Why does 50 have to be the new anything? Why can't 50 just be... 50? Can't we just be 50 and fabulous? Or, 50 and feisty? Hell. Can't we be 50 and frumpy if we wanna?

I seem to recall Gloria Stienem telling a story in an interview once that goes to the heart of this question. She relayed how someone meeting her in person for the first time remarked, "Gee! You don't look like you're fifty." To which she replied, "But, this is what 50 looks like."

My mother died when she was only 55 years old. I've never thought of myself as having a problem with getting older. It is not something I sit around wringing my hands about. I am truly thankful for each and every passing year. But, don't get me wrong. There have been many times when someone has expressed surprise that I am almost 50 with a comment similar to that mentioned above. "You're almost 50? Really? You don't look like it!" Or even better, "You don't act like you're 50!" I have to admit that I am flattered when someone says that to me. But, why is that?

As a psychologist I am prone to running around inside my own head far more than is healthy. When I find myself flattered that someone perceives me to be something other than what I truly am--I think that's a problem. But, where "the 50 thing" is concerned, I am flattered more than I would like when someone thinks I do not look or act 50.

Personally, I'd like to evolve to a point where I embrace 50, 60 and beyond in the same way that my grandmothers did. I've got a ways to go, but, I think I'll start today.

Yes! I am 50. Yes, I had my first child at 37. Yes, I adopted two more children at 43. Yes, my hair is thinner now. Yes, my hair would be completely gray were it not for the lucscious golden brown applied from a bottle every eight weeks or so. Yes, I am constantly trying to lose weight. Yes, my husband is younger than me. Yes, when my children are 21, 22, and 23 I will be...60! The million dollar question is, what color will my hair be and how much will I weigh then?