And just like that...

It's funny how in the blink of an eye, everything changes.

You may have noticed my absence from writing lately (or perhaps not). I could provide a few reasonable explanations...

1) I am back to working crazy hours

2) I only write when I'm experiencing anxiety (as previously noted by a dear friend of mine) and of late, that is not my life. Happily.

3) No reason. Just no reason to write (although I think true writers would argue there's always a reason to write).

But today? Today there is most certainly a reason to write.

Today, I am able to formally, publicly, loudly announce that I am going to be a grandmother.

Me.

The person who is still coming to terms with being the mother of three adult boys.

The person who is still deciding what she wants to do when she grows up.

The person who does NOT feel like she it turning 50 in two weeks.

But that is exactly what is happening. All of the above.

There seems to be a cosmic message coming my way... My eldest turning 30. Me turning 50. Becoming a grandmother (albeit not for another 7 months). And person after person asking me "how am I dealing with all of this?" "Am I panicked?" I should be panicked according to all contributors.

My thoughts thus far?

This is my opportunity to redefine what it means to be a 50 year old mother of three and grandmother of one. Just as I redefined (for me if no one else) what it meant to be a teenage mother or a female in a male dominated field. The way I see it, grandparents get all of the benefit without any of the cost. Baby fun without the sleepless nights. Spoiling without the entitled brat behavior. Giving drum kits without the endless pounding. Ha.

This grandma (and to be clear, the official "grandma" name is, as of yet, undetermined) will be all love, fun and relaxation but she will also be the grandma in heels, a cocktail in hand and passport not far from reach. Her lessons will include the perfect macaroni and cheese as well as how to maximize your god-given assets (whatever they may be) and how to see all the important stuff in the Louvre without having to walk all those endless halls of exhibits. There will be no cardigans, knitting or reading glasses with the chain on them so you don't lose them. There is no reason to comply with stereotypes at this stage of life, in my humble opinion.

Baby, we're both in for a fun ride!!