My 60th Year Adventures

By Ann Harper

2 min read

This year I turned 60 and on my birthday I made a pledge to try 60 new things. It has been 6 months and I have been very busy working on my pledge. A couple of people have asked me for an update, so I thought it was time.

Retirement

One of the biggest things I did so far was to retire. After COVID-19, working from home to stay safe, getting vaccinated, and listening to all the news, I was reminded how short life can be. Anything could happen. Right now, I have the ability to leave my job and enjoy whatever time I have left. I decided that was what I needed to do and retired from my job. So far, it’s been wonderful and I have no regrets. The best part is that I will have the time to try all those new things I said I’d do!

Before I retired, I got to try out a few really fun activities. One was snowshoeing. This was challenging and my daughter and I got a little lost, but we had such a good day. I also tried cross country skiing and I liked it, but I was scared to go down or up little, and I do mean little, hills. If I could do it more often, I think I would get the hang of it and really like it.

The next really cool thing I tried was kayaking. My daughter bought two of them and we get to go a lot. I didn’t think I would like kayaking, but I love it.

My list has been started!

Here are a few other things I tried so far:

10K - I won for being the fastest woman walker!
Half Marathon - This was so difficult and I don’t think I’ll do another one
Ate in a themed bubble restaurant - our theme was under the sea
Moved out of our house and into our motorhome to start traveling. We will leave soon to see different sights around the country
Rented out our home of 30 years to my daughter
Went snow tubing
Ate catfish
Read a few new books
Tried cryotherapy - I didn’t like it at all, but my daughter, Amy, who tried it with me, really liked it
Was interviewed by Ronni Gordon

I plan to try zip lining, spelunking, travel to new states, do a few long bike journeys, and a few long hikes. If you have any ideas for me I’d love to hear them.

Life is short

The biggest thing that I got to be part of was - Crystal got married! I was so happy for her. After all she’s gone through and all of the work she has put into her jobs and having to move all over, at least she now has a partner to travel through her life’s path with her. There is so much more to share, and I will soon.

I want to thank you, Ramae Hamrin, for giving me this idea. I am looking forward to all the new adventures I will be having and all the things I will be trying. Life is short, so I have to try and fit everything I can in now before it’s too late. None of us know what tomorrow will bring, but we have today to enjoy, and enjoy we should!

Wishing you all health & happiness.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Blood-Cancer.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
Wow. you are doing a lot of high energy activities. Good for you! I suppose even tackling 5 new things would be a start. Maybe you've inspired me! Best of luck finishing your list. Susan (Blood-Cancer.com Team Member)
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Susan Gonsalves" user-id="3653135"/> Thanks! Right now I am feeling great. When I return home in May I might have to be part of a trial, but for now, I'm just going to have as much fun as I can. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
Ooo! I said go to Switzerland 🇨🇭 The scenery is so beautiful ! I love Love love this! 💥 You’re so right tomorrow is promised. 
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> I would love to travel overseas, but the truth is, I just went on a plane for the first time ever. I wouldn't have, but there was a death in the family and I had to go back home quickly. Needless to say, traveling that far is not on my plan just yet, but maybe one day. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
2. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> 💜
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
This is awesome Ann!! It really is about living the full spectrum of life despite the negatives! I absolutely love your openness to explore. Bravo!
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo" user-id="3647991"/> Thank you!! Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Matt Goldman Contributor
Love it! Keep us posted!
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Matt Goldman" user-id="3648536"/> My birthday was actually earlier this month and I did get to do 60+ new things. Maybe for March I will write an update. This year has been wonderful and I can't wait to see what 61 brings. Thanks for reading. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Maria Valente Moderator
Some wonderful experiences there! Spelunking is on my list too! Here's to thinking outside the box and finding the joy in life. Cheers!
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Maria Valente" user-id="3654780"/> I haven't gotten to do Spelunking just yet, but it's still on the list! Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Katelynn Bauer Moderator & Contributor
I'm so happy for you! That sounds like so much fun. 😀 
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Katelynn Bauer" user-id="3653385"/> Thank you! Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> I'm so happy to hear this! Isn't it fun keeping your mind and heart open to new things? I highly recommended zip lining. I only did it once, and that was enough, but it's an amazing feeling to careening at high speeds above the treetops! Have you gone white water rafting? Another super fun thing. And you are living my dream of living in a motorhome. Wow does that ever sound amazing! I still plan on it when the stars align for me. I am just so happy for you and was so happy to read this. I can hear the excitement in your (written) voice and it inspires me to do more new things and live today to the fullest. ❤️ -- Ramae (<a href='http://Blood-Cancer.com' target='_blank'>Blood-Cancer.com</a>, team member)
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ramae Hamrin" user-id="3651272"/> Thank you so much. I will keep your suggestions in mind. I love them all! And I love that you will also be trying new things!! Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Leya Elijah-Lyle Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> You have inspired me!!! I have been talking about accomplishing some things but I really need to make time for them and keep track of what I have done. Even the little things! Thank you!! ~Leya Elijah - Blood Cancer Team Member~
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> Yes, start small and let it bloom from there. Best!
2. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leya Elijah" user-id="3654201"/> Yes, make a plan to have some fun everyday. And, when you have time and feel up to it, try something new and exciting! It will be worth it. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Ronni Gordon Contributor
<inline-mention username="Ann Harper" user-id="3637920"/> Wow, all very impressive, especially the part about being interviewed by me! (I'd put a laughing smiley face if I could find one but I don't think we have them.) Where did you do the half marathon? I did mine in Hartford and got sick not too long after and never did another. And I am also a "chicken" when it comes to cross country skiing but am always glad when i do it. (Or maybe it's the hot chocolate... )Sounds like you really enjoyed all these adventures. Congratulations and looking forward to your next update. – Ronni (blood-cancer.com team member)

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