What's on your list?

I recently had a conversation with someone about our bucket lists. It seems that having a bucket list, as it is now called, is a must if you are a living, breathing human being. This idea is nothing new. While I'm not making fun of the concept, I find calling it a bucket list makes it kind of depressing. So once your bucket list is complete or your bucket is empty are you done-no more goals, no more plans, nothing else to work for? You just wait for your last day. Honestly I think we all have an ongoing list of things we want to accomplish, either in the next hour, by the end of the day, week, month, year, five years or the end of your life. What you do with that list is more important then what is on that list.

I kind of felt like an under achiever when I started to think about what is on my bucket list. Some people have grand things on their list, traveling, eating exotic food or doing daredevil things. The few things that I can come up with on my list are pretty simple, tame and not impressive. But that's okay. I'm okay with that. I'm sure I'll come up with a lot more things for my list, impressive or not they are my things, my list. 

One of my bucket list items was to have children in time so they would know their grandparents. I missed out on the grandparent experience and I really wanted my kids to have that, learn from their grandparents and make some great memories. Well that one worked out and there was time spent with all four grandparents and memories made. This bucket list item was more for my kids than me. But it was fun to watch and witness and it made me realize what I missed out on. Take that one off my list.

Another bucket list item that would be on my list if I had not achieved it when in high school was to fly in a hot air balloon. It was an opportunity that just fell into my life and I took advantage of it. If you ever get the chance -do it. It is such a peaceful experience and a whole new way to see the world. We all need to look at the world from a different angle occasionally.

Climbing the Flat Irons out in Boulder, Colorado was another item recently taken off my list. Yes I struggled with the altitude for a while and I ran out of energy sooner than I would have liked due to just getting over a virus. But it was such a cool experience. I'd do it again, if I had the chance. The views and the experience were breath taking. And the best part was the people who were with me to do this. So cool.

A bucket list item that is approaching quickly is a three-fold one and that is being part and attending the wedding of all three of my kids. What an exciting time! And having the opportunity to do this is exciting. This is my main bucket list item from July through next January!

I'm sure there are other things that I've had on a list that could or would be considered bucket list material but I can't think of anything great right this instance. But my whole point in all of this is your bucket list does not have be grand or impressive. It can be as simple as finishing a book you've been reading or going to France. Or making it through a tough day or time in your life. Like I said at the start of this blog-what you do with that list is more important than what is on that list. I don't want to be one of those people who are "someday people" they are always looking ahead to "someday, I'll do this or go here". The list can be as simple as can be but doing what is on that list is the most important thing. Living life and making the most of the opportunities and moments, making memories.

I had a mom who loved china and dishes and having dinner guests and cooking. She took pride in her meals and fine looking table settings. It was fun and I got to help. But one of the things I remember is the pretty soaps and towels we would save and put out in the bathroom for these occasions. When we emptied mom's house before she passed away I found these special guest towels and soaps in the bathroom drawer. The towels were like new, hardly used. The soaps had lost their scent and were a bit dusty and faded from sitting out and not being used. The soap got tossed out, never used and the towels are now in my collection of bathroom towels. And you know what-I use them! They get put out for use on a weekly basis, they are everyday towels not because they are no longer pretty or special but because they are towels, every day is special and a special occasion. I think of my mom and how she liked fine things but didn't always use them, she'd save them. We all have those items we are saving, keeping for some day. If it wears out that's okay. That's what it is there for. So rather than perfecting your bucket list, live and it-do it! And don't let anyone make you feel foolish or like a failure for what is on your bucket list. Use up life, live the moments. Make memories. Do what makes you happy. Because no one knows when our expiration date is. Make everyday a collection of things on your bucket list that you do and check off and if you don't get them checked off there is always tomorrow!

Positive thought of the day: Do what makes you happy and makes you feel fulfilled-even if it is going for a walk or making cookies. This is your life-live it, don't watch it pass you by.

Some things never change

Lack of being prepared is part of life. I get that. I know some people are over the top when it comes to being prepared. I picture uptight, always organized, everything in it's place kind of people when I think of the over prepared type. They get their panties in a wad if life does not go just as planned or if they are not prepared. These are the women with huge purses and if you ask for the most obscure thing they have it in their hot little hands before you finish asking for it! I both laugh and am in awe of these people. How do they know, much less prepare for a day, life or even an hour of their life? Lots and lots of time! I am not one of these people. I've tried but not happening-life does not seem like much fun when always trying to be one step ahead.

Then there is the complete opposite grouping-they are always running late, always flying by the seat of their pants. These people drive me nuts-I am NOT one of these people either. I don't want to be but there are a few moments here and there where I wonder I am one of these discombobulated people. Man I hope not.

And I'd like to think I'm a happy medium to both sides of this coin, not overly prepared nor a slob flying in with toilet paper stuck to my shoe and a disheveled mess. I try to fly right but under the radar is how I like to put it.

Being back working with kids is always an adventure. Why would I expect the first day of a new semester to be anything different than before-it never goes as planned, just like most days. But it's not the kids who don't have their heads screwed on right today, okay maybe one young lady who wanted lunch time to run according to her own little world and schedule and had zero regard to me-think again sister. But it's the adults who think working in education is only an 8-3:50 job. If anything education is anything but that. You have to come in early, stay late and put in the time. People are depending on you. Unless you a.) don't care b.) are oblivious to those around you (then you need to find a new line of work-"does not play well with others" comes to mind) c.) WAKE UP! Really!

And sadly this is what seems to be the norm now - those who do the bare minimum and/or do a lousy job at their job get less responsibility while those who work their ass off get more and more heaped on them with the same pay. I think this theory is in every line of work, or at least most. Buy why? Why do things always go the way of the lazy piles who freeload through life. We all were put in those groups in school where you had the brain, the worker(s) and then the lazy good for nothing. And everyone but that "one" would work their tail off on a group project and the lazy good for nothing would either get a free ride and get a good grade or bring everyone in the group down. That's the story of our workforce now and life quite often.

But my whole point today is being prepared in life, not over the top but a happy medium. Be responsible, do your part and show up (on time would be nice). And life goes a lot better for all concerned-think about someone other than yourself would be a start.

I was honestly looking forward to school today. To being back in a routine and having structor to my life. Yes, this is going to be a great year. And then it all went to hell in a hand basket when someone, an adult, who is supposed to do her job and be responsible, dropped the ball yet again. Come on. I know I should not let it ruin my day and I'm righting that ship that went down quickly this a.m. while I was trying to get stuff done with what I thought was my free time. All I'm asking is TWO lousy days of the year that this person DO her job and not half assed which is what it has been.

Okay, I'm done with my rant. Life is looking better and I'm learning to do what I need to prevent people like this who don't do their job so that it does not affect me like it did this a.m. Being overly prepared is annoying at times but not as bad as those drop the ball. Nothing every goes as planned....

Where does the time go?

Two weeks ago tonight I was reluctantly going to practice, frantically planning meals and grocery lists and what I had to buy yet, what needed to be wrapped and dreading three long days of school until Christmas break...and here we are, two weeks later.

Christmas 2015 is in the books. I will admit it was a bit different, good, but different. I had to adjust to the fact that for the first time in 28 years child #1 was not going to be coming home. It was an adjustment, yes I missed him. But we celebrated back in November and that was great. We got to see everyone via google hangout so it was the next best thing.

Spending Christmas eve eve with one of my best friends was just what I needed. We finished last minute shopping and took our selves out to eat! It was fun and I laughed a lot. This helped not only for the fact that I felt ready for Christmas but the next day Mother Nature blessed us with 9" of fluffy white snow. It was a picture perfect Christmas.

A lot happened over the past two weeks: gift were exchanged-early as a matter of fact because it was snowing, we were all together and could not get any place until the snow stopped, and everything was wrapped and ready and even the dang stockings were filled! It was a strange feeling to open presents in the daylight!

-We had lots of great food-I'm not bragging, just saying. But I will admit I'm kind of cooked out and out of meal ideas.
-We had lots of fun. Games and puzzles were played and put together. Books were read. Movies were watched. Naps were taken!
-Lots of wedding plans were discussed, made and finalized!! YAY!!

It was just plain fun to be together! I loved every minute of all of us being under the same roof and missed those who were not or could no longer be here. Life goes on. Having memories is a blessing.

New Year's eve was quiet. Frozen pizza, football and reading. I missed midnight by five minutes. But that is okay, 2015 was a good year. We had a lot of excitement-3 engagements, 3 graduations and lots of fun! We are all healthy and moving forward, which is a good thing.

But I can't help but look back on these past two weeks...I love to have my family home. And I hate to be left at home after they leave. I usually try to leave or get out of the house as they or after they leave. It is a sad feeling walking into the house, quiet, and empty after they have left, one by one. But yes this is life. I'm blessed that they can all be on their own. And that they do come home and bring great people with them to visit. Time seems to drag as you are preparing for something, and fly when everyone is all together. As we all head back to our normal lives I am thankful for the three wonderful children I have and their soon to be spouses. The family and friends I got to see and spend time with over the holiday.

I now know what my mom meant and how she felt after I would leave with all of us in the car, heading down the street. I'd look back down to the house as I'd turn the corner and she'd still be standing there waving, watching. I miss her everyday. And I now know how she felt...

Positive thought....it's a new and exciting year. Make the best of it. The best days of our lives are ahead.