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.
THE 50 THINGS
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.
JULY
3. Spend the night outside in a tent with the kiddos.
Status: We survived!
Status: Despite our efforts...the hybrid wasn't in the cards...but we did buy a new vehicle we love.
AUGUST
5. Have a tarot card reading done.
Status: Complete - insightful experience from Jenn Cook.
6. Commission a piece of jewelry.
Status: Beautiful piece of jewelry made by Jenn Cook!
7. Redecorate our living room & basement.
Status: We love our new sectional sofa! Check out the before and after photos in the post.
8. Indulge in facial treatments at a medical spa.
Status: Finally completed all three rounds! Check out the post.
SEPTEMBER
9. Cruise around the Tahitian islands
Status: We did it...heaven on earth!!! Read about our adventures.
10. Try paddle boarding.
Status: Done - finally got to try this on a weekend trip to visit friends at their lake house in Blue Ridge.
OCTOBER
11. 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!
NOVEMBER
12. Learn how to play chess.
Status: Done - I got to spend the afternoon at Thinking Man Tavern with my friend, Austin, who was kind enough to teach me the basics. Now I just need to practice.
13. Host a tarot card reading / gemstone bracelet-making party.
Status: Done! I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a dozen of my favorite gal pals for a personal tarot reading and bracelet making. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Blog post coming!
DECEMBER
22. Spend the weekend in New Orleans.
Status: Done. I was joined by 11 friends (thanks, Missy, for taking the lead) the first weekend in December. We had so much fun! Blog post coming soon!
23. Master making five class cocktails.
Status: Done. The Reddings hosted Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Class for 4 couples at their home on Dec. 20. Aaron was our mixologist and did an amazing job! I discovered a new favorite cocktail Blog post coming soon!
2025
JANUARY
16. Take the kids for a snow day.
Status: Done! We received a surprise snow storm in Atlanta and the kids were blessed with a snow day...giving us a full day to play.
17. Get a nose piercing.
Status: Done. My friend, Cristina, joined me to get her nose re-pierced and Ashley joined for moral support at the Piercing Experience (Candler Park). I love it! Blog post coming soon!
FEBRUARY
18. Family trip to Cancun.
Status: Done! We spent the kids' winter break (Feb. 14 – 21) at a mega-resort on the beach sunning ourselves. It was blissful. Blog post coming soon.
MARCH
19. Learn how to make a mosaic table.
Status: Done - spent a couple artistically inspiring days with my friend, Jennifer Bateman, who helped me complete my first mosaic table. Post coming soon!
20. Plan an Atlanta iconic bar crawl.
Status: Done. Twenty-five people, two party busses and five iconic Atlanta bars made for one super fun memorable night. Blog post coming soon!
APRIL
21. Hike Providence Canyon State Park of Georgia.
Status: Done - we took a family trip over Spring Break down to Columbus and took a day hike here. Blog post coming soon!
22. Plant an herb garden.
Status: Done. My friend, Lisa, helped me with this one. It took two attempts but I think I've finally seeing the fruits of my labor.
MAY
23. Get a tattoo.
Status: Done! After struggling for inspiration on what I wanted permanently imprinted on my body, the universe lead me to a spiritual tattoo artist and the results are exactly what was meant for me. Blog post coming soon!
24. Hike a challenging trail I've never done before.
Status: Done. Seven fellow female nature warriors joined me in conquering the Yonah Mountain Trail. Views were spectacular and the visit to the winery afterwards was a perfect ending. Post coming soon!
JUNE
25. Go on a spa retreat.
Status: Done. I was joined by seven amazing women for a blissful few days of self-care at Civana Wellness Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Blog post coming soon!
26. Take an exotic cooking class.
Status: Done. Lorraine and I took a Mediterranean cooking class at Cook's Warehouse. Post coming soon!
27. Host a small dinner party with a private chef.
Status: My friend, Misty, graciously hosted this one in her home. Eight of us got to experience the unique taste sensation created by a uniquely talented sushi chef. Post coming soon!
28. See a psychic.
Status: Done! It was a very insightful hour session. Blog post coming soon.
29. Learn how to two-step.
Status: Done! We discovered a local gay bar that provides free lessons several nights a week and made it a fun double date with our friends, Jennifer and Kaitlin. Post coming soon!
30. Take a flower arranging class.
Status: Done! Three friends joined me at my house on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for an intimate flower arranging class. Post coming soon.
JULY
31. Learn to restore a piece of furniture.
Status: In progress! My friend Lisa has been helping me start refinishing a bedside table. I'm in my final steps to completion.
AUGUST
32. Learn to make Grandma Pierce’s peach cobbler.
Status: Done - but not quite like I had envisioned. Maybe even better.
33. Host a 90s Hip Hop House Party.
Status: Done. A well-vetted DJ, a properly-equipped bartender, a house turned night club and thirty friends who share my love for this music genre and I was finally able to scratch my dancing itch. Post coming soon!
34. Guided spiritual ceremony with Shonali.
Status: Done. Nine Atlanta-based friends who share a similar spiritual wavelength and just plain make me a better person joined me at the Intown Retreat in Decatur for this very special afternoon. Blog post coming soon!
35. Have a hot tub installed.
Status: Done. This one was a long shot, but somehow my wife got on board and made it happen. Post coming soon!
SEPTEMBER
35. Host a game night.
Status: I'm planning to host a game night at my house with a small group of friends to celebrate my 51st birthday. Yes...the year of 50 is finally coming to an end...but the remaining items on my 50th list will now become my bucket list...giving me until the end of my life to complete (phew!).
36. Host a hot tub party.
Status: I can't think of a better way to end a game night than a soak with friends in our new hot tub. Way to kill two birds with one stone.
37. Dress and attend a fancy event.
Status: Lorraine and I will be attending the Dream Gala event in Dallas to benefit the Nancy Lieberman Charities on September 20.
THE REST, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
39. Take a knife skills for cooking class.
Status: Lorraine and I had to reshedule this to November 11, but very much looking forward to it.
40. Attend the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade.
Status: Had a conflict with the 2025 date, so planning to go in 2026.
41. Attend a concert of an iconic performer/band.
Status: No one of intrigue really crossed my path, but hoping someone will.
42. Learn to speak Spanish.
Status: I've been doing Duolingo off an on for about 8 months and while I kill it in the app, I'm still clueless if anyone tries to speak Spanish to me...so this might be a long road.
43. Go to a live event to hear an inspirational speaker (Brene Brown, Deepak Chopra, etc.).
Status: Same as the iconic performer/band.
44. Purchase a piece of art that speaks to me.
Status: I discovered the artist / art piece I want to buy, but made other financial priorities.
45. Take a Digital DJ class.
46.Feng Shui our home.
Status: I got the book. I got the stones. And now I just need to implement. Maybe by year end.
Status: Attempted...need a do-over.
48. Purchase some sexy lingerie.
Status: Couldn't fit this one in quite yet. Soon!
49. Family movie night at the drive-in theater.
Status: Starlight drive-in movie theater did not provide great options...still on the list!
50. Soak in natural hot springs.
Status: Still searching...
Follow the Journey...
