The Mid-Life Livin' Story
Hello Friends!
Welcome to Mid-Life Livin’!
I am Connie Johnston, a 50-something happy wife, proud momma, and a life-long resident of central and rural West Virginia (as if parts of West Virginia aren’t rural). I am happily married to “the perfect husband” and my very bestest friend ever, Ernie, and we have made the joint decision to enjoy livin’ life to its fullest – wherever and whatever that might entail. Notice I didn’t say “whenever” – I’m talking about NOW, before it’s too late!
How many people do you know who waited until just the right time, when they had enough money (whatever that means), when they retire, when when when… and then it was too late? While waiting, they developed bad health, or worse. You know, the ones whose life revolves around their career and saving it all for retirement, then suddenly their life ends unexpectedly, just as their retirement dreams begin. We don’t want to be one of those people, and I hope I can convince you that you don’t have to be either.
A little bit about us:
With two adult daughters, one son, and two grandchildren who do their own things nowadays, we have the flexibility to do our own things as well. As you know, adult children tend to make their own plans. Ernie and I are livin’ our own lives – and if the kids want to tag along or catch up with us, that’s perfect!
And we can’t forget about our faithful companion, Braxton. You know…the one who is ALWAYS happy to see you when you get home. The one who never complains about what you make for dinner. The one who never…well, you get the point. Braxton is our miniature schnauzer, and he is Ernie’s baby…even though he will never admit it. Braxton often vacations with “grandma” where he gets pampered with doggy spa days, lots of outside time, and popcorn snacks.
I recently retired from my professional career as a Chief Finance Officer at one of West Virginia’s largest healthcare non-profits. I am currently enjoying pursuing my hobbies and fueling my direct sales addiction – I’ve sold AVON, Origami Owl, and In A Pikle. Now, I am enjoying being a Mary Kay Senior Beauty Consultant and a Scentsy Independent Consultant. The direct sales gig feeds my addiction to office supplies (no joke) and also provides a discount on the skincare and smell-good products I LOVE.
I’m also a music addict – I’m not completely stuck in the 80’s, but I land anywhere between Price and Amazing Grace. My playlist is long and about as varied as it gets. Ernie plays mandolin in a bluegrass gospel group – Soldiers of the Cross. His station is always turned to Sirius Bluegrass.
Ernie is the true “jack-of-all-trades”. He has done a whole lot of everything in his work career – such as operating heavy equipment, being a truck driver, owning a small construction company, working in outside sales for a hardware/lumber company, and recently retiring as the Facilities Manager for the same healthcare nonprofit where I also worked. He is a master of many trades skills, and our family is blessed to have his expertise for our home projects. It is especially helpful for ticking off my honey-do list and has saved us thousands of dollars in labor costs.
We have garages and a She-Shed full of “toys” and “tools” to support our hobbies, and we enjoy them fully. We camp, kayak, do woodworking, and crafting (Cricut, paints, and other fun stuff), go to car shows and bluegrass festivals, and enjoy traveling with the top down on our Miata. I’m sure I’ve left something out.
When we’re home, Ernie enjoys playing in the garage with his toys and tools (sometimes I can’t tell the difference).
He has restored antique cars for years. His current project is a frame off restoration of his ’33 Ford pickup. A couple years ago he restored his ’51 Ford F100 and a ’69 Cougar convertible for me!
During my fun-time at home, I’m enjoying my “She-Shed”, thanks to “the perfect husband” :).
FUN FACT: I want to be a weatherman when I grow up – zero expectations of being accurate –
about ANYTHING! Am I right?
My dream job: being a bed-and-breakfast hostess
Every chance we get, you’ll find us at our vacation rental home (Asbury Cottage) in downtown Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains are our happy place. I don’t think I’ve ever truly been homesick, but I frequently long for the peace and beauty found in the Smokies – those trips rejuvenate me.
