While I was in college, and feeling like life was a little out of control, I sat down one sunny afternoon and wrote out my bucket list. I listed anything and everything I wanted to do in my life. I remember thinking at the time, that the stage of life I was in wasn't all that fun. 15+ credits in college, 40+ hour work week, internships and everything else that life holds was extremely stressful. I remember sitting at our kitchen table one too many times crying, wondering how I would do it all and feeling like I was drowning. I made a vow to myself that life would never be like that again. I would take time to stop and enjoy the simple things in life. I didn't want to ever feel like that again. I love to make lists and when it came to making a list for my life, I went a little crazy. I'm so glad I wrote down every thing I want to do. I feel inspired when I look at it, and it reaffirms that there is much more to life than dishes and laundry (which I feel far too often). Life is about adventure and not getting stuck in the everydayness of life. Today I'm linking up with Andrea over at Momfessionals to share my reverse bucket list. My hope is that this list inspires you to create a bucket list and celebrate the everyday events in life.
Graduate from college.
May 2010
I graduated with a degree in Human Services.
Buy a house.
September 2009 & June 2014
I bought my first house in 2009 and J.D. and I bought our house in 2014.
Get married.
September 2011
6 years ago I married my best friend, and promised to walk hand in hand together through life. You can see all the details of our white chapel wedding here.
Have children.
June 2013 & October 2015
I could go on and on about these two nuggets, but I think 3 words sum it up beautifully.
Best.Decision.Ever
Visit every state.
This is ongoing, but so far I have visited.
Texas
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Kentucky
California
Washington
Hawaii
Wyoming
South Dakota
Montana
Idaho
Utah
I have drove through many more states, but I don't want to count those. I want to experience something the state is known for before I check it off my list!
Buy a stranger dinner without them knowing.
2015
When Kona was a few months old J.D's parents took us out to dinner. While we were waiting for our food a World War II veteran came over to us and was in love with Kona. He was the sweetest man and really touched me with the admiration he showed for Kona and our new family. He gave us some great words of wisdom that I continue to carry close to my heart. After we were done eating we paid for their meal and never let him or his family know. I will never forget this gentleman and the impact he had on my life, even though I only spoke to him for a short period of time.
Make wine.
December 2011
For my bridal shower a few girls went in and got me a wine making kit. I made my first batch of wine that December and bottled it on New Year's Eve. We had some friends over that evening for appetizers, wine and to watch the ball drop. It was so much fun and one of my favorite New Year's.
See a Broadway play.
August 2017
Sandy and I saw The Lion King during our trip to New York. You can read all about my thoughts on the Broadway play here.
Learn to knit.
2009
One of my coworkers at my last job was an amazing quilter and knitter. The pieces that she would make were beautiful. I asked her one day if she would teach me how to knit and out of the goodness of her heart she taught 3 of us during her lunch break. Now we weren't the best knitters, but I had the best time learning and spending time with these ladies. I have knitted hats, scarves and baby booties. I did get pretty good at making baby booties and made them for all of my pregnant friends.
Host Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Many, many times.
I LOVE hosing Thanksgiving and Christmas. Planning, prepping, decorating, and spending time with family gets me so excited. It truly is the best time of the year!
Volunteer at Hospice.
September 2009
While I was in college I volunteered for Hospice. I would sit with patients in the hospice house or nursing home, who didn't have any family close by to be with them during their final days. I urge everybody to volunteer for Hospice. Your life will be enriched in ways you can't imagine.
Try vegetarianism for 30 days.
2012
Before I got pregnant with Kona, I decided I would try vegetarianism for 30 days. I had done a lot of research and read several books about being vegetarian and wanted to try it for myself. I went into it with an open mind, but didn't know how much I would love it. The 30 days was surprisingly easy for me (I figured it would be difficult since I had grown up eating meat) and while I don't fully have this lifestyle anymore (it's a little difficult with kids) I still try to eat as many vegetarian meals as I can, and cook them for my family. Maybe after my kids have gown, I will adopt this lifestyle once again.
Buy a stranger a drink.
August 2017
While in New York Sandy and I went a stood on the plaza for the Today Show. The sweetest couple standing next to us announced their pregnancy with a sign they were holding. It was really cute and their excitement radiated off of them. I felt so lucky to be standing next to them as they shared their big news. After the show was over several of us headed over to Starbucks and they were in line right behind me. I wanted to do something for them to say congratulations and a coffee did just the trick!
Truly experience a sunrise.
November 2015
When I wrote this one down on my bucket list I had this vision of sitting on a beach or mountain top, in silence, watching the sky go from black to gorgeous swirling colors. But the truth is, the sunrises I truly experienced were while sitting on my couch nursing Kai. Even though I was extremely sleep deprived (Kai never slept) I secretly looked forward to these mornings. Watching the sun rise over the trees, while sitting on my couch in silence, and nursing Kai are some of the best morning's of my life.
Truly experience a sunset.
Seeing a sunset through Kona's eyes and having him tell me, "Wow, that is beautiful" is the best sunset I've ever seen.
Go to a pro baseball game.
August 2017
Sandy and I also went to a Yankees game during our trip to New York. We had a blast and I loved my first experience at a pro game.
Write a blog.
February 2017
When I put this on my bucket list way back in the day I had no idea what I would write about. I was reading a few blogs at the time and loved that it was their journal and a way to express themselves. Fast forward several years, and I'm incredibly happy I took the plunge and started this dream of mine. I can't thank you all enough for reading, commenting and making me feel comfortable to share some personal and heart felt posts. I love to blog and I hope you love it here too.
You can read more about why I finally started a blog and my hope for this space here.
I would love to hear what you have on your bucket list! What all have you checked off?
XOXO
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What a fun, full life!! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Cheers to you too!
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