David and I have one chick left in the nest. He graduates from high school on June 8, 2008. And I am marking the days. I keep a gigantic calendar and mark a red X each day. For my son's sake (and to avoid horrified looks from house guests), I keep the calendar between the mattresses of my bed. »more»

You're a writer in an industry that worships the young and shuns the old. Your calls stop being returned. You feel alone and question what you'll do with the many decades you still have left. Some would call it a crisis of confidence, others a midlife crisis, but you call it the "narrows." »more»

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Jane Ganahl is a 50 year old single mom who has penned the "Single-Minded" column for the San Francisco Chronicle for the past five years. She is also a "determined romantic" in search of her perfect soul mate, one that is "enlightened, not crazy, creative guy who is not about money, but successful enough to be able to afford a weekend in Mendocino." Her column was a frank account of her often frustrating social life and formed the basis of her book, "Naked on the Page: The Misadventures of My Unmarried Midlife". »more»

LifeTwo encourages its readers to challenge themselves by setting goals that require dedication and self-improvement. No one has set harder goals or improved themselves more than Jeanne Stawiecki who entered middle age a smoking, non-exerciser and then set the goal to run a marathon and climb the tallest mountain on every continent. She is now just one mountain (granted it's Mount Everest we are talking about) away from achieving her goal. [Read LifeTwo's interview with Jeanne which explains her motivation by clicking here.] »more»

Poetic justice was in the air last night at Sara Davidson's book signing at Dutton’s Bookstore in Brentwood, California. Davidson thoughtfully chronicled her years of age-related abandonment by the "Hollywood" establishment and much of the publishing world. An appreciative audience included friends, fans and family (including the father of her children, and her mother) -- the people in her life who never deserted her. »more»

I compare my philosophy of dating to visiting Baskin-Robbins where I ordered vanilla for 20 years (maybe it was Rocky Road at the end!). While I enjoyed vanilla, I want to try new flavors. And I didn’t want to jump from vanilla and make a commitment to butter pecan without having tasted a little pistachio, chocolate, mint chip, and more. »more»

Your date is pleasant and cordial, not a jerk. But there are signs that there won’t be a second date. »more»

I’m dismayed that I even have to write this post. After all, I date midlife (37-64 year-old), successful, educated men. You would think they’d have enough common sense and common courtesy to know what to do — and not do — with their cell phones on a date. But some apparently don’t, as I’ve been tempted to educate them with the following. So if the guy you’re dating (or dated) has had cell phone lapses, send him this and tell him he needs to shape (and hang) up. Or if you see some of your own habits listed here, take heed. »more»

Often men say they are romantic in their online dating profiles. I’ve learned this means different things to different people. One may think that calling every day is romantic, while the other is expecting regular cards, letters, and candle-lit dinners. »more»