Comments on: Fear of Flying: Or if not that, fear of lots of other stuff that’s happening in 2010

By: scj

scj — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:53:23 +0000

Aaryn,

I will be joining you in Sirenland and can’t wait to make your acquaintance. I’ve loved reading your blog.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:22:37 +0000

Bravo Aaryn! I am thrilled for you. I can’t imagine a more perfect 2010 for you – all 3 events.

By: JCK

JCK — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:52:09 +0000

I promise your 40s will be great! Exciting things ahead for you. Italy sounds divine. And decadent. Happy New Year!

By: Amelia

Amelia — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:15:01 +0000

Turning 40 was a breeze. Not knowing what you’re going to do for the rest of your life sucks. With 42 only a week away, and having spent almost 3 years of my life thinking “what now” as I sat on the couch wondering if the pain would ever go away, I think I can sympathize.
But you are stronger and gutsier than I am. I’m a “play by the rules” type and you’re the type to jump into a display bed at a department store for a self portrait. You’ll be just fine. Walk through the fear with your head held high and your camera pointed at what’s sure to be a wild ride through life.
A few hugs for comfort and a gentle slap on the rear to get you moving.

By: Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy

Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:40:03 +0000

I think you’ll have the time of your life. I can see 40 over the horizon. I told my husband that I can. not. turn 40 never having been out of the country. We’re making a game plan to go to Europe for out 15th anniversary/my 40th birthday. I’ll eagerly await seeing the Amalfi coast through your camera lens.

By: aaryn b.

aaryn b. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:27:18 +0000

Thanks you guys, for reading and for all of your support and info. I have been to Italy before but I went with Sam and we went north after spending time in Rome. This will obviously be different since I’m headed south and this time, I won’t have anyone to hold hands with when I get frustrated or scared. Well…except you all. I’ll be holding tight.

Middle-Aged-Woman: I’m all over those sites this weekend. Can’t wait. Thank you!

And expateek: No way am I ageist. I mentioned societal irrelevance as a said-through-gritted-teeth kind of way because it’s true. Of course, *I* hardly think women over the age of 40 (or 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 and so on) are irrelevant, our culture here in the states sure as hell does. But you can take me to task any time you like. You never know, I just might learn something.

Thank again for all your great suggestions.

By: MissM

MissM — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:19:21 +0000

I second what expateek said. Italy is pretty easy. And the Amalfi coast is completely stunning. My only trip out of this country included a few days there with my (now) husband. I stood where the photo you included was taken. Be prepared to eat. The Best. Food. Ever.

The men are absolutely gorgeous to look at, and they will certainly love you as well… They were not the most discreet bunch.

The roads are pretty scary and if you will be driving, do some research on the “road rules” before you go. Otherwise put your head between your knees while on the bus. The roads are on the Amalfi coast are on really steep cliffs, and you are expected to go at the same pace as everyone else. Which is pretty fucking fast.

Sorry for the info overload. I am dying to go back!!

You will have an amazing time. We expect phenomenal photos, of course

By: expateek

expateek — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:39:37 +0000

Oh, please. You’ll be fine. Italy is easy. They’ll love you there. Everyone’s dying to practice their English, the Amalfi coast is designed for foreign visitors, and bank cards are accepted worldwide. Besides, you’re a brunette, and fairly fashionable by the looks of it, so you’ll blend right in. Just remember to talk more quietly in public places, (especially on your mobile phone!!) and no one will know you’re an American.

As for societal irrelevance, come back and talk to me when you’re 50. I can guarantee this — I’m not bloody irrelevant — and no one who knows me would dare to suggest it. Maybe you need to hang with a different crowd, darling? Or can we take you to task for being ageist? No, I daren’t. You’re too ferocious!!

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:54:59 +0000

It’s going to be a piece of cake for you and you’re going to enjoy the hell out of every tasty crumb and morsel. You’re the kind of woman made for exactly this kind of adventure, and you’re totally coming into your own. You’ll see, promise. I can’t wait to read the updates and commentary, along the way. You’re gonna knock ‘em dead, sistah.

By: MidLifeMama

MidLifeMama — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:12:14 +0000

I loved turning 40. I embraced it. I have been waiting to be in my 40s since I was in my teens. It helps that I don’t particularly give a rats ass what society thinks of me. I got married (for the second and hopefully last time) at 41, had my one and only baby at 42. I feel more in charge and secure even with my husband being unemployed – hello sucky economy – than ever in any other part of my life. You strike me as a grab life by the balls and take no prisoners kind of person, so I think you will rock your 40s just fine.