Welcome to my pursuit of happiness at 50.
Candice Moore here...and as someone who doesn't use social media and rarely knows where my phone is, this will either be a beautiful way to document this chapter of my life or a horrible experiment in digital media. Let's see where it takes us!
What is this all about, anyway?
I wasn't going to be that girl. I was going to glide gracefully into aging like a badge of honor...with an air of indifference that screamed, "I'm above the noise of the anti-aging mania!". But then 49 hit, and the reality that I was only a year away from 50 started to sink in. What? How is that possible...I still see the world through 36-year-old eyes. I'm still LIVING, damn it. I'm still cool and beautiful and relevant. My age only means I've learned some things and encountered, captured, and created a few amazing individuals along the way. You're thinking one of three things: 1) Shut up, you're a baby. 2) I totally get it, and I'm right there with you. 3) I'm never going to be that old. For those in the last category…I get it. When I was twenty-something…I remember knowing/meeting people who were 50 and thinking…dang, that's old. But I do think that's changing. We at 50 are not our parents at 50 (no offense, Mom and Dad). I know people 50 and older doing a pretty decent job of pulling off "still cool" vibes. Clearly… I've been thinking a lot about this and, at the same time, trying to figure out a way to channel all these what-the-f*ck feelings as I recognize and honor arriving at this chapter (I mean, I'm at least halfway through the journey, right?). I knew I didn't want a party… I'm not a "center-of-attention" kind of girl. I did want to go somewhere exotic…the sort of place you can only justify the expense when it's a milestone birthday like 50 (Tahiti it is!). I also knew there were people I wanted to connect with…celebrate with…let them know they've left their imprint on me, and I'm better for it. But they all can't (or won't) go on a lesbian cruise to Tahiti. So, alas, 50 for 50 was born.
About Me & This Blog
I officially turn 50 on September 4, 2024. To celebrate this milestone, I've compiled a list of 50 cool things I want to do over the next year (or so). Some I'll do solo (buying sexy lingerie) and others with just my family (trip to Boise to visit the grandparents), but many are intended to serve as an opportunity to spend time celebrating with those who have been part of my life's story. What does success look like? Creating some really great memories with some really cool people. And at the very least, keeping myself distracted from the unnecessary chatter in my head about how fast it's all going by now. This blog is mainly for me. I've always strived to be "present" in the moment; the downside is that I often fail to capture life's moments in photos or social media posts. As a result, the last 50 years are a bit of a blur (a total blast, but nonetheless, a blur). I want this year to be different, so I plan to use this blog to document the 50 activities as they unfold. That way, I can at least look back and remember this time in my life. Disclaimer: I can be irreverent and crass. My wife said that now that I'm a mother, I can't use the f-word in my blog posts. But I want this to be written in my voice - unfiltered. So, if you are easily offended, you may not want to check back in. But if you don't mind the occasional f-bomb, I invite you to return and read along as the year (or so) progresses. And I hope you'll see yourself included in one of these adventures.
2024
JUNE
Status: DONE
2. Go on a family trip to visit my parents in Boise.
Status: We did it! Read about our 3 week Idaho adventures.
3. Learn to make Grandma Pierce’s peach cobbler.
Status: Hit a little snag...working on it.
JULY
4. Spend the night outside in a tent with the kiddos.
Status: We survived!
Status: Attempted...need a do-over.
Status: Despite our efforts...the hybrid wasn't in the cards...but we did buy a new car that we love.
AUGUST
7. Have a tarot card reading done.
Status: Complete - insightful experience from Jenn Cook. Blog post coming soon.
8. Commission a piece of jewelry.
Status: Beautiful piece of jewelry made by Jenn Cook! Blog post coming soon!
9. Redecorate our living room & basement.
Status: We love our new sectional sofa! Blog post coming soon!
10. Purchase some sexy lingerie.
Status: Couldn't fit this one in quite yet. Soon!
11. Indulge in facial treatments at a medical spa.
Status: Round 1 of 3 complete.
SEPTEMBER
12. Cruise around the Tahitian islands
Status: We did it...heaven on earth!!! Blog post with photos coming soon.
13. Take an exotic cooking class.
Status: We couldn't manage to find a class on our Tahiti trip, so planning to do this in New Orleans.
14. Try paddle boarding.
Status: Done - finally got to try this on a weekend trip to visit friends at their lake house in Blue Ridge.
15. Learn how to play chess.
Status: Austin has volunteered to teach/host this one. It's set for Nov. 10 at 3pm at Thinking Man Tavern - reaching out to those who expressed interested in joining.
OCTOBER
16. Balloon ride at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, NM.
Status: Our private balloon ride took flight on Oct 5 and it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. Blog post coming soon!
17. Learn how to make a mosaic table.
Status: Jennifer B. has volunteered to plan/host this one. Moving to early next year...the busy holiday season snuck up on us!
18. Hike Providence Canyon State Park of Georgia.
Status: Planning to make this a family overnight trip. Moving to next spring (too cold now!). Email me if you're interested in joining us!
NOVEMBER
19. Family movie night at the drive-in theater.
Status: Starlight drive-in movie theater did not provide great options...so moving to next spring. Thanks to Ginger & Joni for taking the lead on this one. Email me if you're interested in joining.
20. Host a tarot card reading / gemstone bracelet-making party.
Status: I'm hosting at my house on Saturday, Nov 16, at 3 p.m. We have 15 people coming...that's a wrap. Looking forward to see you all.
21. Get a nose piercing.
Status: Ashley has volunteered to accompany me to her fave spot, Piercing Experience (Candler Park). Now, we just need to make an appointment.
DECEMBER
22. Spend the weekend in New Orleans.
Status: Missy is leading the planning on this adventure taking place the first weekend in December (Dec. 6-8). The house we booked is full (11 ppl) and a few folks are staying nearby and joining in throughout the weekend. Can't wait!
23. Master making five class cocktails.
Status: The Reddings have volunteered to host this one at their house in Atlanta scheduled for December 20 with 4 fun couples (who all appreciate a well made cocktail). Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Class will be a great way to kick off the holiday break.
2025
FEBRUARY
27. Family trip to Cancun.
Status: Trip booked for Feb. 14 – 21.
28. Learn to restore a piece of furniture.
Status: My friend Lisa has volunteered to teach this one. We need to choose a piece and a date to get started.
MARCH
29. Go on a new challenging day hike.
Status: My sisters and I plan to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia.
30. Get a tattoo.
Status: My sisters and I will be getting matching tattoos (simple, sweet, and very discreet).
31. Plan an Atlanta iconic bar crawl.
Status: The list has been made and includes Manuel's Tavern, Ladybird, Trader Vic's, Northside Tavern, Johnny's Hideaway and Clermont Lounge. I’ll contact those interested with details.
APRIL
32. Guided spiritual ceremony with Shonali.
Status: Planning this for a Sunday, April 27 (afternoon) at Woodlands Garden (Decatur) for up to 12 people. I’ll reach out to those interested with details.
33. Take a flower arranging class and buy fresh flowers regularly.
Status: My friend Whitney has offered to help plan, and I think we may have someone who can teach it. We'll reach out to those interest to schedule.
34. Plant an herb garden.
Status: My friend, Lisa has offered to help me knock this one out!
MAY
35. Attend the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade.
Status: We are waiting for the 2025 date to be announced.
36. Go on a spa retreat.
Status: This has been planned for June 5-8 at Civana Wellness Retreat in Carefree, Arizona with 8 people confirmed so far. Can't wait for spa bliss!
37. Soak in natural hot springs.
Status: Still searching...
JUNE
38. Host a small dinner party with a private chef.
Status: Misty has offered to host this at her house for 10-12 people with a sushi chef in mind. This one may be on the pricier side...but well worth the experience. Email me if you're interested as we are working on scheduling the date.
39. Take a knife skills for cooking class.
Status: My friend, Alison, has offered to help plan, so for those who have expressed interest, we’ll be in touch with more details soon.
JULY
40. Feng Shui our home.
Status: If anyone knows someone who is certified in Feng Shui, I'm open to recommendations.
41. Host a 90s hip-hop dance party.
Status: More details to come once the location and date have been set.
AUGUST
42. Host a game night.
Status: Unless someone would love to host this at their house, I'll plan to host at mine. I'll reach out to all those interested to schedule the date.
43. Learn how to two-step.
Status: If anyone knows a studio or dance instructor that provides private lessons, let me know.
SEPTEMBER
44. Dress and attend a fancy event.
Status: Tentatively planning to attend the Dream Gala event in Dallas to benefit the Nancy Lieberman Charities.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NOT YET SCHEDULED
45. Have a hot tub installed.
46. Host a hot tub party.
47. Get a Henna tattoo.
48. Attend a concert of an iconic performer/band.
49. Go to a live event to hear an inspirational speaker (Brene Brown, Deepak Chopra, etc.).
50. Purchase a piece of art that speaks to me.
Follow the Journey...
