So you’ve just finished your associates degree what are you going to do next?
“I’m going to Sesame Place!”
What? I can hear you thinking it. Why on earth would a person celebrate earning their associate’s degree in social sciences by driving five hours to a theme park for preschoolers?
Well hello I am the proud mommy of a caveman and alien! This happened by chance because Busch Gardens Williamsburg is adding a whole Sesame Street section to its park. For those who do not know many of my favorite memories involve going to Busch Gardens, riding roller coasters in the theme of old world Europe (of course without serfs, wars, and the plague). While on the website for Busch Gardens to check out this new area as I am realizing the Caveman is getting old enough to enjoy some of these things, I notice a link to the actual Sesame Place. Located in Pennsylvania, it is an entire theme park based on the famous sunny days, thinking the clouds away show.
This was just curious looking as being a full time student on Pell grant and student loans with two kids and a Big Papi could never afford this type of trip. Well first we would need hotel rooms and the tickets at $50.00 plus a day. And this being a theme park for preschoolers – the Caveman’s entrance would also require a ticket, the Alien being under 24 months would get in for free. Still my curiosity kept me looking further and then I found it- the buy 2 get 1 night free- and upgraded tickets to Sesame Place season passes deal. Okay, yeah the first packages started at 800.00! (If I’m spending that much money I might as well go for the big bang and do Disney World). I scrolled down and saw a package starting at $350.00- wait what? Seriously a family of four vacation for under $400.00 dollars? Impossible! It must be a mistake!
It isn’t! So now Big Papi and I are checking the site everyday to see if the deal is there- but here is the good thing- the prices are really there. Now there are two hotels that are around that price.
So Big Papi and I had a conference- if we cut our eating out and grocery shopping down for a month and along with some savings we can afford this trip. And we can even have breakfast with Elmo! The Caveman is all about some Elmo.
This is actually really doable because I have a freezer full of chicken breast that I can use for meals. So for a few weeks the only things I am buying at the grocery store are perishables, milk, eggs, and formula if the Alien runs out. We are breaking out the crock pot and clearing out the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Even with Easter coming up I am going to use what we have for side dishes and desserts (other than the ham because what is Easter without ham?).
For my family this is a big deal because when I quit my very well paying job at Lotion Land our income was cut in half. Then when I became a real estate agent we were paying more that we were bringing in. And the medical bills from having two kids aren’t cheap. Plus the economy is a scary thing right now. Yet, we only live once and the Caveman and Alien are getting older by the day. If we wait too long the opportunity to go to a place where you can believe brownstones are filled with furry brightly colored monsters will be gone.
More updates to follow but come this August I’ll be able to “tell you how to get, how to get to Sesame Street.”
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Oh the golden joys of family life
So this morning Big Papi, with the Caveman’s help, decide to give me an experience: the Caveman urinated all of my school stuff. Now we are currently potty training the Caveman but this event was not because the Caveman wanted to no the real reason is the lack of consideration from the other parent in my life.
I realize this was an accident but I am mad beyond belief- not at the Caveman but at Big Papi who basically lost his mind this morning. The typical morning routine for the Caveman and Alien house is the following.
I realize this was an accident but I am mad beyond belief- not at the Caveman but at Big Papi who basically lost his mind this morning. The typical morning routine for the Caveman and Alien house is the following.
- The Caveman and Big Papi share a shower together- this is great because baths use a lot of water and the Caveman seems to enjoy the showers. And before some crazy reader goes, “parents shouldn’t be naked in front of their kids,” starts on me until the Caveman and Alien realize what naked really means.
- The Caveman gets wrapped in a towel and he and Big Papi go into his room to at least get a pull-up on so the Caveman can run around like cavemen do.
- At this point I am awake and work on getting the Alien ready for the babysitter and then work with Big Papi to get the Caveman ready for school.
- Everyone is dressed and ready to go- Big Papi packs up the kids and they all leave for work and school. The mommy then usually goes to the gym before getting ready in the wonderful and rare silence of the household.
This morning, however, Big Papi decided instead of putting the pull-up on the Caveman right away Big Papi chose to brush his teeth and sets the now naked Caveman loose and shows up at my bedside where the biology textbook and notes I was working on into the wee hours of the morning still remained. The other problem with this is that I notice the Caveman is naked and tell Big Papi, “um yeah please put a pull-up on him. Why are you brushing your teeth right now?”
Big Papi responds, “I’ll get to it in a minute.” I again ask and get irritated “Honey, seriously get a pull-up on him what are you doing that is so important that can’t wait five minutes?” Big Papi rolls his eyes (and that is always pleasant) and just at that moment the Caveman goes potty all over my school materials.
“Big Papi! Quick he’s peeing all over my stuff!” I exclaim jumping out of the bed. Big Papi quickly jumps and tried to grab the delighted Caveman. Was there an apology right away? NO! Instead Big Papi says nothing about the fact my very expensive school materials are now covered in two-year old toddler pee-pee.
Now I get I could have gotten my butt out of bed immediately and grabbed the Caveman before he went potty. I’ll be honest I was trying to get just a few more hours of sleep since the Caveman spent yet another night with his feet pressing into mommy’s kidneys. Also I was up studying for a biology lab quiz I have this evening. I didn’t go to sleep until one and being almost 30 that is really late.
I am not mad at the Caveman; he didn’t know what he did. Yet Big Papi, who finally said that he was sorry but also added that if the Caveman had done this to his stuff that he wouldn’t have been upset.
Bull!
I can give you an endless list of Big Papi being upset because the Caveman has messed with the computer, or climbed into the entertainment center. The Caveman and Big Papi have gone to battle over the DVDs being pulled out. The funniest is when the Caveman, with mommy’s permission, pulls out every pot and pan (with matching lids). Big Papi hates this!
But, according to Big Papi’s words this morning he would be okay because this was an accident. This wasn’t an accident- unless I find a thirty year old male brain around. Obviously Big Papi has lost his. So now instead of going to the gym I will be washing toddler pee off of my stuff.
Oh the joys of family life.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tying Up Loose Ends
So being a college student in my late 20s is interesting. The first thing is the constant comparisons to my former college experience that wasn’t fulfilling other than my internship in Disney World and my work in school council and on the newspaper. I think the biggest difference is that the motivator for me going to school is to tie up loose ends.
I have a habit of starting things and not finishing them. College is one of those things. I wanted to go away to school for many reasons that don’t seem that important at this stage in my life. When I attended my first college I felt lost. I didn’t find my way and I was very unhappy. I messed up a few semesters and failed quite a few classes. The school year before the internship I was doing well, working for the school paper. I had actually made a group of friends on campus and was finding my spot. Then I lost my job with Lotion Land the first time (another story for another time) and the opportunity to go away seemed really appealing. I was 21 in a bad relationship (again another story) and wanted to be my own person somewhere else. I actually was accepted byDisney and in the field I wanted to work in, which I couldn’t believe because the competition is strong.
Orlando changed who I was. I dumped the bad boyfriend. Single for the first time in five years I was at first lonely and once again felt lost. Quickly it suddenly became routine to see Mickey everyday or watch a family come in from an afternoon storm and stock up on oversize lollipops and mouse ears. Even in the country’s darkest time (I was one of the cast members who helped close the Magic Kingdom on September 11th) I still felt comfort when an international guest said “we’re with you.” I learned who I was without my parents, a boyfriend, or even my group of friends. For the first time in my life I was truly myself, loud, opinionated without shame. I didn’t have the baggage of having a past. The experience was liberating.
Then I came back and everything on campus had changed. The friends I had made the year before had either graduated or were different. Even my position on campus had changed within the newspaper. All the progress I made the year before was gone and I had to start at square one. I didn’t like my classes and I was just over the whole thing. I quit.
Looking back I realized that I didn’t ask for help from the college when I needed it. I jumped into 300 level English courses without waiting to take the basic freshman-sophomore courses. Not using the resources on campus was a disadvantage of being a commuter student.
This time I am doing everything right and it shows in my happiness and success so far. The first thing I did when deciding to go back to school was consult with people who actually knew about college. Then I actually talked to the counseling department about what direction should I go and what classes should I take. These small steps have made all the difference.
The other thing I am noticing is the practical application of the knowledge I am soaking in. Just the other day I was in a debate over government involvement over the smoking ban pasted by the Virginia Assembly I was able to quote Abigail Adams. Or today when a client was on the phone and said he last name was “Krebs” and I said “oh like the Krebs’ cycle” and the guy said “wow, hardly anyone knows about that.” (The Krebs cycle is a part of photosynthesis you should Wikipedia it).
Yet, the main reason that I am excited about the prospect of finishing my degree is that it gives me a paper saying that I am able to complete something. It shows to others that I am able to set a goal, follow the steps and finish.
My challenge is for everyone to find one loose end, no matter how small and tie it up. I think that loose ends are really the regrets of our lives. The things we wish we could change. It could be something as simple as finally reading War and Peace or learning how to knit. Or maybe it is a bigger goal- like a college education. My hope is that by finishing my college experience the way I want I will stay out of the way of the Caveman and Alien when it is their time at bat.
I have a habit of starting things and not finishing them. College is one of those things. I wanted to go away to school for many reasons that don’t seem that important at this stage in my life. When I attended my first college I felt lost. I didn’t find my way and I was very unhappy. I messed up a few semesters and failed quite a few classes. The school year before the internship I was doing well, working for the school paper. I had actually made a group of friends on campus and was finding my spot. Then I lost my job with Lotion Land the first time (another story for another time) and the opportunity to go away seemed really appealing. I was 21 in a bad relationship (again another story) and wanted to be my own person somewhere else. I actually was accepted byDisney and in the field I wanted to work in, which I couldn’t believe because the competition is strong.
Orlando changed who I was. I dumped the bad boyfriend. Single for the first time in five years I was at first lonely and once again felt lost. Quickly it suddenly became routine to see Mickey everyday or watch a family come in from an afternoon storm and stock up on oversize lollipops and mouse ears. Even in the country’s darkest time (I was one of the cast members who helped close the Magic Kingdom on September 11th) I still felt comfort when an international guest said “we’re with you.” I learned who I was without my parents, a boyfriend, or even my group of friends. For the first time in my life I was truly myself, loud, opinionated without shame. I didn’t have the baggage of having a past. The experience was liberating.
Then I came back and everything on campus had changed. The friends I had made the year before had either graduated or were different. Even my position on campus had changed within the newspaper. All the progress I made the year before was gone and I had to start at square one. I didn’t like my classes and I was just over the whole thing. I quit.
Looking back I realized that I didn’t ask for help from the college when I needed it. I jumped into 300 level English courses without waiting to take the basic freshman-sophomore courses. Not using the resources on campus was a disadvantage of being a commuter student.
This time I am doing everything right and it shows in my happiness and success so far. The first thing I did when deciding to go back to school was consult with people who actually knew about college. Then I actually talked to the counseling department about what direction should I go and what classes should I take. These small steps have made all the difference.
The other thing I am noticing is the practical application of the knowledge I am soaking in. Just the other day I was in a debate over government involvement over the smoking ban pasted by the Virginia Assembly I was able to quote Abigail Adams. Or today when a client was on the phone and said he last name was “Krebs” and I said “oh like the Krebs’ cycle” and the guy said “wow, hardly anyone knows about that.” (The Krebs cycle is a part of photosynthesis you should Wikipedia it).
Yet, the main reason that I am excited about the prospect of finishing my degree is that it gives me a paper saying that I am able to complete something. It shows to others that I am able to set a goal, follow the steps and finish.
My challenge is for everyone to find one loose end, no matter how small and tie it up. I think that loose ends are really the regrets of our lives. The things we wish we could change. It could be something as simple as finally reading War and Peace or learning how to knit. Or maybe it is a bigger goal- like a college education. My hope is that by finishing my college experience the way I want I will stay out of the way of the Caveman and Alien when it is their time at bat.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Scouting Wardrobe Malfunction.
So the other day Big Papi and I were attending the 11:00 church service. The 11:00 church service can be dangerous. The 11:00 service is where they stick all the baptisms and ceremonies so you could be there for hours. Now, I realize that these events are important but this particular Sunday was the morning after Big Papi and I stayed out until 1:00am with the Bugg (who happens to be one of the pastors in this church) and my new friend Brynne (whose husband is working crazy hours at Langley and shares my affection for Williams Sonoma). I know that I didn’t have to stay out until 1:00 am but it was a good time and Six in Phoebus has awesome cocktails and tapas.
Anyway, so Big Papi and I pull into the church parking lot and I notice a large amount of Boy Scouts and their families are heading towards church. Oh no Scouting Day! My church is a site for Boy Scouts Troop 84 and Cub Scouts Pack 184; we also have a Girl Scout troop that uses the facilities as well. This is great, I’m all for the teaching of be prepared and how to eat tree bark. In fact more boys should probably be involved and I even had hopes that the Caveman might want to try scouting so long as I didn’t have to venture into the woods with him. Yes scouting is fun, but then I saw the mothers.
The scouts' moms obviously are very involved with their sons’ activities. That is awesome; but why must they dress like men? Seriously, I’m talking over-sized men’s button down khaki shirts with patches designed to make a woman look fifty pounds overweight. To make it worse these women did not seem to do their hair or attempt to wear at least flattering pants. Most in fact had on the dreaded mom jean, which all mommies should know puts the focus on that mom pooch you get from carrying babies. After checking out the national website I have discovered that they have actual Boy Scout uniforms for women, and while not the best fashion statement they are at least fitted for a woman’s body. So these women willingly made the decision to dress this way.
I feel guilty looking at moms who are involved with their children’s activities, but for God sakes visit a tailor and get the shirts to fit your body. Taking the time to look your best is a good example for your children. I feel this is especially important when your child is receiving an award and you are suppose to stand by him. These boys worked hard to receive the acclamation from their church community. The least these mothers could do was make sure they looked their best for these boys as well.
The problem with moms who don't take care of themselves is that it leads to their lives becoming all about their children. This sounds good in theory but children grow up and no longer need us as much.
When you are on an airplane the flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first then assist your child. In life we need to do the same thing. My goal as a mom is to be great one but not to lose who I am as well. At some point the Caveman and Alien will grow up. To be the best mommy for them when they reach that milestone I need to know who I am when I am not being their mommy. Being a mom is only one side of me and I refuse to allow my children to take over my whole existence. If I should be so fortunate to have my Caveman or Alien join an organization that requires me to wear a uniform I will have it tailored with my hair done and wearing flattering bottoms and amazing shoes. That way I am still being mommy but remaining true to myself.
Anyway, so Big Papi and I pull into the church parking lot and I notice a large amount of Boy Scouts and their families are heading towards church. Oh no Scouting Day! My church is a site for Boy Scouts Troop 84 and Cub Scouts Pack 184; we also have a Girl Scout troop that uses the facilities as well. This is great, I’m all for the teaching of be prepared and how to eat tree bark. In fact more boys should probably be involved and I even had hopes that the Caveman might want to try scouting so long as I didn’t have to venture into the woods with him. Yes scouting is fun, but then I saw the mothers.
The scouts' moms obviously are very involved with their sons’ activities. That is awesome; but why must they dress like men? Seriously, I’m talking over-sized men’s button down khaki shirts with patches designed to make a woman look fifty pounds overweight. To make it worse these women did not seem to do their hair or attempt to wear at least flattering pants. Most in fact had on the dreaded mom jean, which all mommies should know puts the focus on that mom pooch you get from carrying babies. After checking out the national website I have discovered that they have actual Boy Scout uniforms for women, and while not the best fashion statement they are at least fitted for a woman’s body. So these women willingly made the decision to dress this way.
I feel guilty looking at moms who are involved with their children’s activities, but for God sakes visit a tailor and get the shirts to fit your body. Taking the time to look your best is a good example for your children. I feel this is especially important when your child is receiving an award and you are suppose to stand by him. These boys worked hard to receive the acclamation from their church community. The least these mothers could do was make sure they looked their best for these boys as well.
The problem with moms who don't take care of themselves is that it leads to their lives becoming all about their children. This sounds good in theory but children grow up and no longer need us as much.
When you are on an airplane the flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first then assist your child. In life we need to do the same thing. My goal as a mom is to be great one but not to lose who I am as well. At some point the Caveman and Alien will grow up. To be the best mommy for them when they reach that milestone I need to know who I am when I am not being their mommy. Being a mom is only one side of me and I refuse to allow my children to take over my whole existence. If I should be so fortunate to have my Caveman or Alien join an organization that requires me to wear a uniform I will have it tailored with my hair done and wearing flattering bottoms and amazing shoes. That way I am still being mommy but remaining true to myself.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Peer pressure
So there is this chain note going around Facebook: 25 random things about yourself. You are suppose to come up with some and then send it in a note for all your "friends" to read.
I have problems with this concept. It isn't that I don't want to share things with people, but Facebook has an info section where I have put things on to share with people. Isn't that enough. But alas I am giving into peer pressure- that and I have had writer's block for almost a month that is why no blog posts. Maybe this exercise will fix that, so here we go.
25 random things about AJ Rice's Mommy x 2
1. I have birthed two AJ's - though we only call the Caveman AJ!
2. Big Papi and I met playing Yahoo! Chinese checkers almost a year and half before actually dating.
3. I hate horror movies. Maybe it is just my empathic nature but I see no joy in watching people get murdered for entertainment.
4. I have a slight obsession with Williams Sonoma- but come on what cook doesn't
5. I am terrified that I might actually be a successful writer someday. By terrified I mean that people will actually read my writing and want me to do more of it and then I can't.
6. I am afraid that I won't be a successful writer ( and I realize that this contradicts number 5 but it is my list so sue me).
7. I do not eat cheese - it is gross- I will eat pizza once in a blue moon but the cheese has to be burnt. I also do not eat eggs or mayo because both are gross as well.
8. My favorite food at the moment is the mushroom soup I had at Sonoma wine bar in Virginia Beach. I am annoyed that I haven't been able to recreate it.
9. I hate doing home improvement projects. This is a big revelation as my mom and the Tigger read this and they could out drill Martha Stewart and Bob Villa any day!
10. I think my children are my true soul mates.
11. I am still annoyed that my best friend's husband keeps moving her further and further away because he actually likes teaching college. Seriously Utah?
12. I long for a day when cigarettes are completely outlawed.
13. I am ashamed I voted for Bush twice. Actually I am more ashamed I didn't have better choices until now.
14. I believe that marriage is between two consenting adults- body parts shouldn't matter. Maybe is if the Conservatives would realize that it is none of their business what people do in the bed room maybe they could focus on things more important like the economy and defending our country from its greatest threat the uneducated children of our public school system.
15. Crocs are the silly shoes ever- seriously unless you are a nurse, gardener, or chef don't wear them.
16. When I walk into a store I notice where the manager's are- and if they aren't on the floor or yelling at an associate for something stupid I call them out on it. I used to be a retail manager and I was awesome because I treated my employees like they were my customers.
17. I am an excellent massage therapist- but I only like giving massages to people I like not strangers and why I didn't stay with it.
18. I can read a book in a day- sometimes a few hours.
19. I hate the beard Big Papi is growing- now there is a blog topic
20. I like hanging out with guys better than girls- much less drama
21. Big Papi is the funniest guy I know- the jail story is the best!
22. Hearing endless rounds of toddler songs should be considered cruel and unusual punishment- I have loathed getting into a car with the Caveman ever since I bought the damn CDs
23. I have to have my feet covered when I sleep
24. I believe the real problems with UVA's men's basketball and football programs are not only coaching but an athletic director who should be replaced. Stop worrying about what students are writing on their poster board and worry about the lack of defense and scoring from these programs!
25. I like wearing glasses more than contacts. In fact I haven't owned contacts since 2001
I have problems with this concept. It isn't that I don't want to share things with people, but Facebook has an info section where I have put things on to share with people. Isn't that enough. But alas I am giving into peer pressure- that and I have had writer's block for almost a month that is why no blog posts. Maybe this exercise will fix that, so here we go.
25 random things about AJ Rice's Mommy x 2
1. I have birthed two AJ's - though we only call the Caveman AJ!
2. Big Papi and I met playing Yahoo! Chinese checkers almost a year and half before actually dating.
3. I hate horror movies. Maybe it is just my empathic nature but I see no joy in watching people get murdered for entertainment.
4. I have a slight obsession with Williams Sonoma- but come on what cook doesn't
5. I am terrified that I might actually be a successful writer someday. By terrified I mean that people will actually read my writing and want me to do more of it and then I can't.
6. I am afraid that I won't be a successful writer ( and I realize that this contradicts number 5 but it is my list so sue me).
7. I do not eat cheese - it is gross- I will eat pizza once in a blue moon but the cheese has to be burnt. I also do not eat eggs or mayo because both are gross as well.
8. My favorite food at the moment is the mushroom soup I had at Sonoma wine bar in Virginia Beach. I am annoyed that I haven't been able to recreate it.
9. I hate doing home improvement projects. This is a big revelation as my mom and the Tigger read this and they could out drill Martha Stewart and Bob Villa any day!
10. I think my children are my true soul mates.
11. I am still annoyed that my best friend's husband keeps moving her further and further away because he actually likes teaching college. Seriously Utah?
12. I long for a day when cigarettes are completely outlawed.
13. I am ashamed I voted for Bush twice. Actually I am more ashamed I didn't have better choices until now.
14. I believe that marriage is between two consenting adults- body parts shouldn't matter. Maybe is if the Conservatives would realize that it is none of their business what people do in the bed room maybe they could focus on things more important like the economy and defending our country from its greatest threat the uneducated children of our public school system.
15. Crocs are the silly shoes ever- seriously unless you are a nurse, gardener, or chef don't wear them.
16. When I walk into a store I notice where the manager's are- and if they aren't on the floor or yelling at an associate for something stupid I call them out on it. I used to be a retail manager and I was awesome because I treated my employees like they were my customers.
17. I am an excellent massage therapist- but I only like giving massages to people I like not strangers and why I didn't stay with it.
18. I can read a book in a day- sometimes a few hours.
19. I hate the beard Big Papi is growing- now there is a blog topic
20. I like hanging out with guys better than girls- much less drama
21. Big Papi is the funniest guy I know- the jail story is the best!
22. Hearing endless rounds of toddler songs should be considered cruel and unusual punishment- I have loathed getting into a car with the Caveman ever since I bought the damn CDs
23. I have to have my feet covered when I sleep
24. I believe the real problems with UVA's men's basketball and football programs are not only coaching but an athletic director who should be replaced. Stop worrying about what students are writing on their poster board and worry about the lack of defense and scoring from these programs!
25. I like wearing glasses more than contacts. In fact I haven't owned contacts since 2001
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The 100 Things AJ Rice's Mommy Must Do Before...
This is an exercise that I learned from real estate guru Terry Watson. He believes that if we do not have a set lists of things we want to accomplish before we die then we have nothing to work for. Here is the 2009 edition- I removed the real estate items and finally added some things to make the list really number 100. I also kept the things on the list I accomplished in 2008- next year I'll remove those things and add new ones.
I highly suggest people do this for themselves and then let their family and friends know. Why? The people you surround yourself with should know your heart's desires. They could possibly have a way to accomplish this. A big example of this was Crazy Grandma gave me a Coach gift card last Christmas and I was able to buy my Coach bag without worry. I know it is silly, but I love that bag and every time I pick it up I remember that my mom- the Alien and Caveman's Crazy Grandma made that dream come true. This year she is at it again- she gave me a baking cookbook that has a method for croissants.
This list is really important when you look back at the past year and maybe you don't think you accomplished anything. If you do only one thing on the list you have accomplished something.
100 Things I want to do before I die
1. Get accepted into UVA
2. go to a Super Bowl
3. attend a World Series
4. attend a UVA vs. VT football game and UVA wins by a landslide
5. attend an Olympics
6. attend a final four- men's basketball
7. attend a BSC bowl
8. attend a NFL draft
9. host an all girl fantasy football league
10. enter and play in a World Series of Poker event
11. Attend an ACC men basketball tournament
12. Watch the Eagles win a Super Bowl
13. buy a Coach bag at full retail price without worry about the cost (did it!)
14. get published in a glossy magazine
15. Get my college degree
16. Make a brother or sister for the Caveman (did it!)
17. learn to make croissants from scratch
18. lose a good amount of weight and keep it off
19. learn to knit well
20. publish a book that I write
21. see a TV show live
22. run a marathon
23. drive across America
24. drive up the Mississippi from south to north
25. create a higher education scholarship foundation
26. go to Rome
27. go to London
28. go to Paris
29. go to Hong Kong
30. go to Chicago
31. go to Australia
32. adopt a single mom and her children for an entire year
33. see the Northern Lights
34. throw an amazing party (did it, Big Papi’s surprise 30th birthday!)
35. go on a road trip with no predetermined destination
36. read every F. Scott Fitzgerald published work
37. Show up at the airport and take the first flight available
38. teach a class
39. drive RT 66
40. learn to sew well
41. see Oprah live
42. do the Sydney-Harbor Bridge climb
43. sit on a jury
44. visit Ground Zero
45. watch launch of space shuttle
46. see a NASCAR race live
47. drive a convertible with top down
48. be invited to have a black American Express card
49. be invited to join Phi Beta Kappa- the honor fraternity at TCC which means you have to have an 3.5 GPA
50. go to the Baseball hall of fame
51. go to the football hall of fame
52. see a Notre Dame football game live
53. take a course at the French Culinary Institute
54. spend a year traveling around the world
55. learn to ballroom dance properly
56. forgive those who have hurt me
57. sky dive
58. bungee jump
59. go to Kentucky Derby
60. learn Spanish
61. donate money to a political candidate (did it!)
62. buy everyone in a bar a drink
63. redecorate a house without my mom's help
64. do my family tree
65. drive the autobahn
66. learn to bartend
67. learn to properly carve a chicken (did it!)
68. leave a $5000 tip to someone who deserves it
69. watch Anderson score a home run, a goal, a touchdown
70. teach the Caveman to read and read well
71. Teach Caveman to use the big boy potty
72. Get the Alien to sleep through the night
73. Submit a recipe into the Pillsbury Bake-off
74. Raise my children to have a personal relationship with God
75. Create a welcome committee for my church with my husband
76. Host a game night for the 21+ group
77. Build my freelance portfolio
78. Clean out my closets- only keeping what my family loves and needs
79. Buy a house big enough for mommy to have a room of her own
80. Have a gourmet kitchen with a pot filler, baking station, Viking range, and at least two convection ovens
81. Actually finish the scrapbooks I bought all those supplies for
82. Learn how to incorporate yoga into my daily routine
83. Learn how to apply the Franklin Covey methods to my daily life
84. Keep the house clean longer than one day
85. Take a polar plunge
86. To go shopping in a regular sized woman store and actually find things that fit me
87. Get over the pass
88. Not look too far into the future
89. Live in my moment right now
90. Save enough money so my kids don’t have to take out student loans
91. Pay off my credit card debts
92. Learn to live within my family’s financial means
93. Have a diverse financial portfolio
94. Become a land baron with my husband
95. Love my husband everyday; and tell him so
96. Always appreciate all the things my children do- even the bad
97. Become a gracious person
98. Keep my car clean
99. Get a tattoo
100. Keep adding things to the list
I highly suggest people do this for themselves and then let their family and friends know. Why? The people you surround yourself with should know your heart's desires. They could possibly have a way to accomplish this. A big example of this was Crazy Grandma gave me a Coach gift card last Christmas and I was able to buy my Coach bag without worry. I know it is silly, but I love that bag and every time I pick it up I remember that my mom- the Alien and Caveman's Crazy Grandma made that dream come true. This year she is at it again- she gave me a baking cookbook that has a method for croissants.
This list is really important when you look back at the past year and maybe you don't think you accomplished anything. If you do only one thing on the list you have accomplished something.
100 Things I want to do before I die
1. Get accepted into UVA
2. go to a Super Bowl
3. attend a World Series
4. attend a UVA vs. VT football game and UVA wins by a landslide
5. attend an Olympics
6. attend a final four- men's basketball
7. attend a BSC bowl
8. attend a NFL draft
9. host an all girl fantasy football league
10. enter and play in a World Series of Poker event
11. Attend an ACC men basketball tournament
12. Watch the Eagles win a Super Bowl
13. buy a Coach bag at full retail price without worry about the cost (did it!)
14. get published in a glossy magazine
15. Get my college degree
16. Make a brother or sister for the Caveman (did it!)
17. learn to make croissants from scratch
18. lose a good amount of weight and keep it off
19. learn to knit well
20. publish a book that I write
21. see a TV show live
22. run a marathon
23. drive across America
24. drive up the Mississippi from south to north
25. create a higher education scholarship foundation
26. go to Rome
27. go to London
28. go to Paris
29. go to Hong Kong
30. go to Chicago
31. go to Australia
32. adopt a single mom and her children for an entire year
33. see the Northern Lights
34. throw an amazing party (did it, Big Papi’s surprise 30th birthday!)
35. go on a road trip with no predetermined destination
36. read every F. Scott Fitzgerald published work
37. Show up at the airport and take the first flight available
38. teach a class
39. drive RT 66
40. learn to sew well
41. see Oprah live
42. do the Sydney-Harbor Bridge climb
43. sit on a jury
44. visit Ground Zero
45. watch launch of space shuttle
46. see a NASCAR race live
47. drive a convertible with top down
48. be invited to have a black American Express card
49. be invited to join Phi Beta Kappa- the honor fraternity at TCC which means you have to have an 3.5 GPA
50. go to the Baseball hall of fame
51. go to the football hall of fame
52. see a Notre Dame football game live
53. take a course at the French Culinary Institute
54. spend a year traveling around the world
55. learn to ballroom dance properly
56. forgive those who have hurt me
57. sky dive
58. bungee jump
59. go to Kentucky Derby
60. learn Spanish
61. donate money to a political candidate (did it!)
62. buy everyone in a bar a drink
63. redecorate a house without my mom's help
64. do my family tree
65. drive the autobahn
66. learn to bartend
67. learn to properly carve a chicken (did it!)
68. leave a $5000 tip to someone who deserves it
69. watch Anderson score a home run, a goal, a touchdown
70. teach the Caveman to read and read well
71. Teach Caveman to use the big boy potty
72. Get the Alien to sleep through the night
73. Submit a recipe into the Pillsbury Bake-off
74. Raise my children to have a personal relationship with God
75. Create a welcome committee for my church with my husband
76. Host a game night for the 21+ group
77. Build my freelance portfolio
78. Clean out my closets- only keeping what my family loves and needs
79. Buy a house big enough for mommy to have a room of her own
80. Have a gourmet kitchen with a pot filler, baking station, Viking range, and at least two convection ovens
81. Actually finish the scrapbooks I bought all those supplies for
82. Learn how to incorporate yoga into my daily routine
83. Learn how to apply the Franklin Covey methods to my daily life
84. Keep the house clean longer than one day
85. Take a polar plunge
86. To go shopping in a regular sized woman store and actually find things that fit me
87. Get over the pass
88. Not look too far into the future
89. Live in my moment right now
90. Save enough money so my kids don’t have to take out student loans
91. Pay off my credit card debts
92. Learn to live within my family’s financial means
93. Have a diverse financial portfolio
94. Become a land baron with my husband
95. Love my husband everyday; and tell him so
96. Always appreciate all the things my children do- even the bad
97. Become a gracious person
98. Keep my car clean
99. Get a tattoo
100. Keep adding things to the list
So it 2009 and I have not kept up to date with the blog- sorry things are crazy in the alien/caveman universe. Here are some highlights so far for 2009
1. The Alien has a tooth!
2. We are still struggling to get the Caveman into his bed.
3. I was smart and did not take a bath in the Chesapeake Bay- seriously 29 degree weather with 50 miles per hour winds does not make a day at the beach.
4. The Eagles are in the playoffs- mommy is super happy!
5. I actually have worked up to walking two miles a day- not fun but great to burn off the left over mommy tummy.
Stay tuned for my updated 100 things I must do before I die- things on the list have to change because one I'm not a real estate agent any more- and I actually accomplished some things on the list in 2008 (yay for mommy).
1. The Alien has a tooth!
2. We are still struggling to get the Caveman into his bed.
3. I was smart and did not take a bath in the Chesapeake Bay- seriously 29 degree weather with 50 miles per hour winds does not make a day at the beach.
4. The Eagles are in the playoffs- mommy is super happy!
5. I actually have worked up to walking two miles a day- not fun but great to burn off the left over mommy tummy.
Stay tuned for my updated 100 things I must do before I die- things on the list have to change because one I'm not a real estate agent any more- and I actually accomplished some things on the list in 2008 (yay for mommy).
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