This is the beginning of my last year in my 50s. One look in the mirror tells me I’m not 18 anymore, but there are better ways to measure our lives. I’m gonna make this opportunity count. I’m not dead yet. Every decade has had its share of trials, but not without a side of JOY. This one is no exception. This is the decade I took pride down to the mat. I’ve always described myself as a perfectionist. I told myself and others that I didn’t want to do something unless I could “do it with excellence.” You know what they say about humble brag…actually is that a thing…

My husband is a championship-level professional drag racer and licensed in three classes. Here’s a picture of his current ride, a Nostalgia Front Engine “slingshot” Dragster.   These race cars push three and a half g’s when they leave the starting line, and push him hard into the seat! They’re so fast that he needs a parachute to stop them. When the parachute blossoms, it causes three and a half g’s and throws his body forward. This force is one reason why very tight seatbelts are necessary. The Science of Parachutes Just like you feel resistance when walking through a pool filled with water, a similar effect can be felt…