Fiftieth Firsts Project Explained

On April 2, 2026, I am turning 50! 

In a time when many of us are hooked into our phones and social apps (myself definitely included) absorbing scary news or getting quick video fixes, I love the idea of getting out into the world and getting actual facetime. I’m asking friends to participate in a sort of fiftieth firsts project by getting together and teaching me something new, or sharing a new experience with me.

Although I have mentioned this “project” in other blog entries, I thought I’d elaborate a bit here in case it inspires you to do the same for yourself!

Guidelines;

• Our get-together can take place anytime in 2026
• It can be something as simple as teaching me a magic trick, or something more involved like a day-long field trip.
• If your suggested activity costs something, you pay only for yourself
• The activity should be something I’ve never done before or don’t know how to do. It would be even better if it’s new to you too (aside from the teaching part. If you teach me something you should probably have some knowledge about it )
• This activity can be just the two of us, or in a small group if you want. Ideally, I am friends with other people if it’s a group.
• One activity with each friend is great, but if you want to do more than one thing with me, awesome!
• Will I not see you in 2026? That’s very sad, but it’s OK. We can do something together when I do see you next, or
• very importantly, you are under no any obligation to participate in this. Truly. I hope this idea sparks some excitement for you too. It’s not designed to create Planner’s Anxiety (Yes, I just made that up but I do think it’s a thing).
• If you’re not going to see me soon but have an activity in mind, let me know and I’ll save it for you!

For inspiration, here are some ideas;; 

• food tour (in Boston or elsewhere, really). 
• tree walking
• ziplining
• geocaching
• tour of a new city or town
• new cuisine
• museum I’ve never been to
• this weird Flip this Dollhouse place that looks super weird but I may have to go see it
• a mystery box discount store (a place where you buy stuff that never got delivered but you don’t know what’s in the shipping package)
• smash/ rage room
• designed and printed something on a 3d printer
• ax throwing
• paintball
• laser tag
• ride merry-go-rounds or ferris wheels
• walked a shelter dog
• in person murder mystery dinner (is this a thing? IDK)
• one of those places that does dinner in the pitch black 
• scavenger hunt in a city other than Boston
• visited a spa other than standard american or thai
• karaoke