Turning 50, Becoming a Grandma, and Starting Something New

I turn 50 next week.

That number feels...

Last photo in my 40's 😲

different than I expected. Not bad, just noticeable. Like a shift. A pause. A moment to look around and realize low much life can change all at once.

And honestly, this past month has been one of the biggest shifts I've had in a long time.

I just finished a full month of training in the OR. Early mornings, long days, learning something completely new. It's been a lot - but now I am transitioning to part-time, which already feels like I can finally exhale a little and find a better rhythm again.

And right in the middle of all of that... my granddaughter was born

April 11, 2026

I was there for the whole thing. Start to finish.

Watching my daughter go through labor, seeing her become a mom--it's hard to even put into words. She came about a month early, but you wouldn't know it. 7 lbs 10 oz, 21.5 inches long.

She did have a little bilirubin issue at first, which is always a little nerve-wracking, but she is doing great now.

There is something about holding a brand new life that really puts everything into perspective.

What matters.

What doesn't.

And maybe that's why, even with everything going on, I keep coming back to the same thing when it comes to food...

Keeping it simple.

I'm not making complicated meals right now. I'm not chasing perfection.

I'm sticking with basics:

• simple soups

• smoothies

• beans, potatoes, greens

• meals I can through together without thinking too hard

  Because life is full right now, and that's a good thing!

In one week, I start my Food for Life classes.

And it feels like the right next step in all of this.

Not something overwhelming, not something complicated.

Just an extension of what I already believe:

That food doesn't have to be fancy to be powerful.

That simple, consistent choices matter.

And that taking care of yourself doesn't have to feel like another job on your list.

I'll be sharing more as I start teaching Food for Life classes soon. If you want to follow along, or join when they open, send me a message, or email direct: urplantstory@gmail.com