It's not that I haven't wanted to write; it just seems that I have spent a lot of time doing other things lately. While talking with my friend Robin today, I realized that I had committed to a plan two years ago on this date (that's how the project of 15 Before 30 got started). So, no matter how sleepy I am from travel, it's time to start writing...
I wrote this list of things to do before I turned 40, because I knew they would take a while, and I knew there was significance for each item to play a major part in my life. My 30's are a time of settling down, of reaching goals, and also of exploring and appreciating the world around me. I have always wanted to live a life of balance, but I feel more than ever that I need to find this balance in my life.
In the middle of December, I started feeling strange. I just felt TIRED all the time (I still do, really). I went to have a scan done by my dr (long story, but he was convinced I had another tumor), and they tried for almost an hour to complete the test. For some reason, my body was clotting the blood on contact, making the injection nearly impossible. When they went to change the needle, they pulled massive clots out. I thought I was dying, and wondered what on earth was happening to me.
So, I headed to my primary doctor and talked with her. She agreed to run blood work, and checked me over. I told her I was by no means depressed, but I felt VERY exhausted at this point. She said we'd find out the results the next day. I went home, and promptly went to bed.
I woke up the next morning, and I'll never forget the feeling. It was like my brain had no connection with my body. I had to go to the bathroom, but my brain wouldn't tell my body to get up and go. I felt spacey (what I imagine being stoned is like), and my face was tingly. I had a headache that hadn't gone away for a week at that point, so that was also nagging at me. When I went to speak to my son, I realized my speech was really slow.
I did what any logical level-headed person does when feeling this bad: I called the guy I've been dating (at work), and cried to him. Yeah, that was pretty uncharacteristic of me, so I'm guessing I felt BAD. I decided to go to the doctor and get looked at. My mother came home from work and drove me, because a shower almost did me in. When I arrived, the doctor took one look at me and sent me to the hospital. She noted that my left pupil wasn't dilating like it should, and my face numbness and weakness was concerning her. She was afraid I was having a stroke, and wanted imaging IMMEDIATELY.
Well, insurance can be a pain. I was sent for CT and CT-A scans, but insurance said they wanted four hours to review my file. I could be dead at that point, so my doctor told me to travel to Murfreesboro and go to the ER. That way, they could run the tests in less time, and potentially save my life. So, we took the trek up there, and sat for the evening.
I can say nothing but good things about the hospital in Murfreesboro. As soon as I came in, they already knew my situation (my doc had called ahead). I was processed quickly, and was hooked up to an EKG and had blood work within 10 minutes of arriving. They were really working hard to assess me quickly, and even had meds for pain and nausea within a pretty quick time. I started to feel better once I was there, but was still incredibly tired. I was also concerned about flying at this point (I would fly cross-country two days later).
I was told that what I had was a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), and it is otherwise referred to as a mini-stroke. Pretty much, blood flow was interrupted temporarily to the brain, which gave me all of those effects. I was put on aspirin to thin my blood, and told to rest, relax, and drink plenty of fluids. I was also told to see a neurologist SOON. There's a pretty decent risk of impending stroke if I do nothing, so that was a good wake-up call to evaluate life, and realize that I had a lot of control over the stress I was letting in my world.
So, as I sit here today, I am thinking about what it will take it get my life into balance. I take on too much stress of the life around me, and I know it will kill me. I've always been a kind, compassionate and hard-working person, and those traits can do a lot of harm if they aren't cultivated in the right setting.
I want to go back to school. I know I am already in the program, but I had to stop when the cancer arrived. I want to get back to learning about what I really enjoy, and finding a way to help people around me.
I want to look at how my skills can be matched with the world around me to leave me fulfilled. I know I am thirty-one and saying this, but I guess it's better than waking up miserable when I am 40 or 50. I know that I don't have to be happy every minute of my life, but I also know that I need to feel content, and I don't need to go on nerve pills just to exist.
I am enjoying the relationships and friendships around me, and I'd like to take time to cultivate those. I really love that I have three good female friends that I can lean on, and I enjoy a relaxed relationship with Jason. I like where I am at during this time, but I'd like to make sure I can keep these things going. I know that takes work and attention, but it's worth the time and effort for the great results.
I also need to complete a task off of my list. I was sitting here today, thinking about all of the projects, and about my life in general. It's been a pretty rocky 2013 for me, and I can't wait to push it out and welcome 2014. I decided my first project to be completed soon will be going to see the Before I Die Wall in New Orleans. I had come across this place and the idea of the trip in 2011, and have tabled the idea for two years. It's time for the project to continue, and I honestly can't think of a better place to go to get inspiration for how to live a life of balance, and to appreciate each moment. Once our travel plans are complete, I'll let you know the plan! :-)
I'll be spending a low-key New Year's Eve with someone special, so I won't be making a post before the end of the year. But I will be thinking about this project, and about making these changes in my life. If 2013 was the year of catastrophe, then 2014 can be the year of metamorphosis. Carly asked if humans go through metamorphosis like butterflies, and my response was "most definitely!" My explanation was a bit over her head, but I appreciated getting to tell my daughter that amazing things happen when the body goes through stresses and traumas to grow. We all change and evolve, and it's amazing to see how those past transgressions shape our current beings. 2014 will be a year of spreading my wings.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Night Before the Knife
Tomorrow will be my thyroidectomy, and I guess the idea of being sliced open has me a little sentimental. I guess anytime I am under the knife, I want to make sure my affairs are in order...
In order to understand my thoughts and anxieties of tonight, I kinda need to retrace the events of the past week.
Last Tuesday, I was sitting in a meeting, ready to finish my day. I remember walking into the meeting feeling rough. It seemed that everyone had already gotten sick, and I thought that maybe I had a touch of something. By the end of the meeting, I felt like DEATH. I couldn't turn my head, I had an intense headache, and I was burning up. I couldn't tell if the meeting room was too warm, or if a fever was brewing. I told a coworker what was going on, and she told me I needed to go see a doctor. I got in the car, and headed for the doctor instead of going to class that night.
When I got to the doctor, they took one look at me and thought I had meningitis. They sent me to the ER to be tested for it. Of course, I already knew the test for meningitis: lumbar puncture. And, unfortunately, I had already had that test before. So, I was terrified because I had been there and experienced the pain.
It worked on the SECOND full attempt. Yes, after digging around the first time, they had to go get someone else from the anesthesia department to complete the puncture. I remember breathing eerily slow, with tears streaming down my face. I knew what the needle looked like, and I knew where it was. I knew that one renegade breath could paralyze me. And with my history in a wheelchair, I didn't want to chance any issues with my legs. It was definitely not the best 20 minutes of my life. Add to that a headache that wouldn't quit (even after two shots of demerol, and add-on percocet), and I was a miserable mess.
I was also concerned that I had either given this to Travis, or got it from him. I had alerted him of this on the way over to the hospital.
They told me I would be staying in the hospital for at least 24 hours, and they were going to start the treatment for meningitis while waiting for the test results. They moved me up to the isolation room, and I settled in for the night. I remember being ready for sleep, but being in such an uncomfortable bed. I remember being thankful that I would be recovering from whatever this was, and that at least I had a supportive family, friends, and a pretty good life.
Nausea and a headache continued through the night, but as long as I ate crackers and drank sprite, I seemed fine. I didn't feel miserable, but I certainly didn't feel well. I just wanted to go home, so I could get back to spinning all of my plates in the air.
Well, on Wednesday, it seemed like I waited ALL day to see the doctor. In fact, I did. The doctor wandered into my room around 7pm and asked me if I wanted to go home. The best he could guess was that my body overreacted to a virus. I told him I would rather recuperate in my own bed, so we were headed home. I was thankful to get to see my children and to have my life back again. I packed up my belongings, and mom drove me home.
I got home, hugged my children, and headed upstairs. I sent a message to Travis, asking how his evening was going, and life in general. Then I got the news:
He decided that it wasn't working. And apparently the best time to decide this is when the significant other is in the hospital. That does seem rather convenient.
Ok, I am not being fair. I will back-track a moment to a week before. We had been on a date, and he shared a story of a past girlfriend, and some issues she had. Because he had shared the story, I decided to share a story of my long-ago past. It was 16 years before, and really had nothing to do with my current life. Some people can hear stories about people, and respect all they have been through. Other people hear stories, and probably think about all the ways it might affect THEM. Again, it seems that I find a lot of men that really just worry about themselves.
And to kinda confirm my thoughts of this event, I heard a character on tv say these words the other day: "Scars tell us where we have been. They don't have to dictate where we will go." This is the mindset I have always had, and that experience always shapes our future. It doesn't follow us to constantly make decisions for us--we are ultimately accountable for our growth and development. For some people that either can't think that deeply, or are terrified of having to care for someone, I guess this is too much.
So, on the night of my discharge from the hospital, I also had another plate come crashing down. I was single again.
I decided I was going to enjoy my kids and take a break from a lot of things. I also decided that since I had surgery coming up, and I had suddenly gotten really TIRED, I was going to be withdrawing from classes. I would rather focus on my self, my family, and my job. Everything else can wait until later. So, for the next few days, I took some extra-deep breaths, appreciated how great I really was, and really, really, really appreciated the friends I have.
Tomorrow, I will be put to sleep while they remove my thyroid. Hopefully, while they do this surgery, they won't a) release any abnormal or cancerous cells into my body, or b) damage my vocal nerves. Those are really my only concerns. But those are pretty hefty concerns. Let's face it: my job is all about talking, and I need to be able to talk to perform my daily duties. I also have a stellar karaoke career... And I am a bit worried that things aren't right with my thyroid- there's always the chance, and I would hate to think that my adventures would be cut short.
I would say for the past week, I have been through too much. I would also say that I am redefining with whom I need to spend my time. I was talking with my friend Robin about this very issue. She told me about her awesome Aunt Imagene. She's 87 years-old, and does whatever she wants. She pretty much decided she wasn't going to take care of a man, so she lives her life to the fullest, and enjoys being around men. She just isn't a slave to worrying if a man is going to stick around to be MAN enough. Imagene didn't take any crap, and I don't think I will either. She also apparently had some great chandeliers, which I am looking to purchase sometime soon. Honestly, the idea of living my life to explore the world and make my own decisions sounds intriguing. I already have kids, and I love them. I can raise them and enjoy that, and when they leave the nest, I can leave mine.
Or, I can re-prioritize when I come out of this surgery, and realize that someone man enough will come along. And I can still explore the world. And I will definitely be getting tacky chandeliers, as a heads-up to whatever man is looking at heading my way... ;-)
In order to understand my thoughts and anxieties of tonight, I kinda need to retrace the events of the past week.
Last Tuesday, I was sitting in a meeting, ready to finish my day. I remember walking into the meeting feeling rough. It seemed that everyone had already gotten sick, and I thought that maybe I had a touch of something. By the end of the meeting, I felt like DEATH. I couldn't turn my head, I had an intense headache, and I was burning up. I couldn't tell if the meeting room was too warm, or if a fever was brewing. I told a coworker what was going on, and she told me I needed to go see a doctor. I got in the car, and headed for the doctor instead of going to class that night.
When I got to the doctor, they took one look at me and thought I had meningitis. They sent me to the ER to be tested for it. Of course, I already knew the test for meningitis: lumbar puncture. And, unfortunately, I had already had that test before. So, I was terrified because I had been there and experienced the pain.
It worked on the SECOND full attempt. Yes, after digging around the first time, they had to go get someone else from the anesthesia department to complete the puncture. I remember breathing eerily slow, with tears streaming down my face. I knew what the needle looked like, and I knew where it was. I knew that one renegade breath could paralyze me. And with my history in a wheelchair, I didn't want to chance any issues with my legs. It was definitely not the best 20 minutes of my life. Add to that a headache that wouldn't quit (even after two shots of demerol, and add-on percocet), and I was a miserable mess.
I was also concerned that I had either given this to Travis, or got it from him. I had alerted him of this on the way over to the hospital.
They told me I would be staying in the hospital for at least 24 hours, and they were going to start the treatment for meningitis while waiting for the test results. They moved me up to the isolation room, and I settled in for the night. I remember being ready for sleep, but being in such an uncomfortable bed. I remember being thankful that I would be recovering from whatever this was, and that at least I had a supportive family, friends, and a pretty good life.
Nausea and a headache continued through the night, but as long as I ate crackers and drank sprite, I seemed fine. I didn't feel miserable, but I certainly didn't feel well. I just wanted to go home, so I could get back to spinning all of my plates in the air.
Well, on Wednesday, it seemed like I waited ALL day to see the doctor. In fact, I did. The doctor wandered into my room around 7pm and asked me if I wanted to go home. The best he could guess was that my body overreacted to a virus. I told him I would rather recuperate in my own bed, so we were headed home. I was thankful to get to see my children and to have my life back again. I packed up my belongings, and mom drove me home.
I got home, hugged my children, and headed upstairs. I sent a message to Travis, asking how his evening was going, and life in general. Then I got the news:
He decided that it wasn't working. And apparently the best time to decide this is when the significant other is in the hospital. That does seem rather convenient.
Ok, I am not being fair. I will back-track a moment to a week before. We had been on a date, and he shared a story of a past girlfriend, and some issues she had. Because he had shared the story, I decided to share a story of my long-ago past. It was 16 years before, and really had nothing to do with my current life. Some people can hear stories about people, and respect all they have been through. Other people hear stories, and probably think about all the ways it might affect THEM. Again, it seems that I find a lot of men that really just worry about themselves.
And to kinda confirm my thoughts of this event, I heard a character on tv say these words the other day: "Scars tell us where we have been. They don't have to dictate where we will go." This is the mindset I have always had, and that experience always shapes our future. It doesn't follow us to constantly make decisions for us--we are ultimately accountable for our growth and development. For some people that either can't think that deeply, or are terrified of having to care for someone, I guess this is too much.
So, on the night of my discharge from the hospital, I also had another plate come crashing down. I was single again.
I decided I was going to enjoy my kids and take a break from a lot of things. I also decided that since I had surgery coming up, and I had suddenly gotten really TIRED, I was going to be withdrawing from classes. I would rather focus on my self, my family, and my job. Everything else can wait until later. So, for the next few days, I took some extra-deep breaths, appreciated how great I really was, and really, really, really appreciated the friends I have.
Tomorrow, I will be put to sleep while they remove my thyroid. Hopefully, while they do this surgery, they won't a) release any abnormal or cancerous cells into my body, or b) damage my vocal nerves. Those are really my only concerns. But those are pretty hefty concerns. Let's face it: my job is all about talking, and I need to be able to talk to perform my daily duties. I also have a stellar karaoke career... And I am a bit worried that things aren't right with my thyroid- there's always the chance, and I would hate to think that my adventures would be cut short.
I would say for the past week, I have been through too much. I would also say that I am redefining with whom I need to spend my time. I was talking with my friend Robin about this very issue. She told me about her awesome Aunt Imagene. She's 87 years-old, and does whatever she wants. She pretty much decided she wasn't going to take care of a man, so she lives her life to the fullest, and enjoys being around men. She just isn't a slave to worrying if a man is going to stick around to be MAN enough. Imagene didn't take any crap, and I don't think I will either. She also apparently had some great chandeliers, which I am looking to purchase sometime soon. Honestly, the idea of living my life to explore the world and make my own decisions sounds intriguing. I already have kids, and I love them. I can raise them and enjoy that, and when they leave the nest, I can leave mine.
Or, I can re-prioritize when I come out of this surgery, and realize that someone man enough will come along. And I can still explore the world. And I will definitely be getting tacky chandeliers, as a heads-up to whatever man is looking at heading my way... ;-)
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Monday, December 31, 2012
Packing Up 2012
Well, I am at the end of another year. 2012 was a big one for me, because of the project and turning 30. It was also the first year that I was completely, legally (well, for tax purposes, I guess) single. The single thing had already been happening off and on for a couple of years, but it was the first year that it was all me, and everything that happened to me and the kids was because of me. It was GREAT!!
Summarizing a year takes a little bit of time. I had to stretch my mind to think back to the beginning of last year. On New Year's Eve of 2011, I sat down to write a list of things I wanted to do before turning 30. I published my first blog post, and started this wild and crazy adventure.
Over the past year, I continued losing weight from my highest weight (in 2010, post attack). I am now, on the last day of December 2012, at 100.2 pounds less than my starting weight! That's a whole other person!!!
I guess you could look back at the list and see all of the cool things I did. Since that would be boring and tedious, I would like to throw out there some great memories from the year.
I learned to play the drums, while stressing my drum instructor (and friend, Mandy) to the max. I would like to say I am a pro, but that would be lying. I will say that I gave it a lot of effort, and am ready to get back to practicing.
I took a couple of adventures this year. In April, we packed up the family in the Explorer and headed to New York for my father's 50th birthday! In July, I traveled on a road trip to Indiana and Illinois (very briefly), and in October I flew cross-country to see my new nephew, as well as the sights of Washington.
What I missed? I didn't get to ride in the hot air balloon, but that's going to happen this spring. I didn't finish my list of books, which is crazy since I am a teacher. I realized I read tons of books though, just not "classics." Maybe I should have amended that rule... The expensive bottle of wine? Didn't do it, and thought about it quite seriously.
I realized I wanted a big moment to commemorate the purchase of an expensive bottle. Even with my birthday, I didn't feel that was big enough. I know something will eventually be coming up, and I will feel that warrants the purchase and consumption of expensive vino. Until then, I will just hold out hope. :-)
Ups and downs of the year? I was in a relationship for a better part of the year, and it ultimately ended. I just realized after that, and looking back on other relationships, that I don't run a shelter for lost and helpless men. Maybe that's too blunt, but I was growing tired of carrying people. More than anything, that renewed my hope in finding someone that can hold their own.
I entered into another relationship that turned out to be just that, but sometimes people can be so responsible and attempt to take on too much. There's only so much one can control, so I had to bow out. Who knows what the future will hold with that, and I always look around at more options and the fact that the best things hit me when I am not looking.
I have made good friends, laughed a lot, did some writing, and thought a lot about the future. I submitted an application, made it to round 2 interviews, and was admitted for grad school for counseling, so that is something big to look forward to. I have big life changes, and our lives are moving pretty smooth.
I made it through a year of surgeries, and am glad all of that is done! Carly started out the year with tubes in her ears and her adenoids out. I went on to have two leg surgeries, hoping to relieve pain and restore function post-attack. When we found out that the leg surgeries were going to leave me with pain in my back and legs for the rest of my life, I was referred to a surgeon for the option of a neurostimulator in my back. I completed the trial, saw big possibilities with pain relief and restoration of function, and jumped at the chance to get the implant. Now, I am sitting on the couch with much less pain, and a hope to join the world again. I had been powering through and doing so much. I didn't realize how miserable I was while I pushed on. I guess I was in survival mode, and just knew I needed to do the things to make me and the kids ok. I didn't have a choice to be sick. Now I know how miserable I was, and I hope to never get back there.
The year has been incredibly insightful, and I am excited I am now at a point to embrace 2013. Last year, it just felt like I was grasping at a life and hoping for change. This year, I am incredibly confident in who I am, and what will be happening in years to come. It's a good feeling. :-)
Summarizing a year takes a little bit of time. I had to stretch my mind to think back to the beginning of last year. On New Year's Eve of 2011, I sat down to write a list of things I wanted to do before turning 30. I published my first blog post, and started this wild and crazy adventure.
Over the past year, I continued losing weight from my highest weight (in 2010, post attack). I am now, on the last day of December 2012, at 100.2 pounds less than my starting weight! That's a whole other person!!!
I guess you could look back at the list and see all of the cool things I did. Since that would be boring and tedious, I would like to throw out there some great memories from the year.
I learned to play the drums, while stressing my drum instructor (and friend, Mandy) to the max. I would like to say I am a pro, but that would be lying. I will say that I gave it a lot of effort, and am ready to get back to practicing.
I took a couple of adventures this year. In April, we packed up the family in the Explorer and headed to New York for my father's 50th birthday! In July, I traveled on a road trip to Indiana and Illinois (very briefly), and in October I flew cross-country to see my new nephew, as well as the sights of Washington.
What I missed? I didn't get to ride in the hot air balloon, but that's going to happen this spring. I didn't finish my list of books, which is crazy since I am a teacher. I realized I read tons of books though, just not "classics." Maybe I should have amended that rule... The expensive bottle of wine? Didn't do it, and thought about it quite seriously.
I realized I wanted a big moment to commemorate the purchase of an expensive bottle. Even with my birthday, I didn't feel that was big enough. I know something will eventually be coming up, and I will feel that warrants the purchase and consumption of expensive vino. Until then, I will just hold out hope. :-)
Ups and downs of the year? I was in a relationship for a better part of the year, and it ultimately ended. I just realized after that, and looking back on other relationships, that I don't run a shelter for lost and helpless men. Maybe that's too blunt, but I was growing tired of carrying people. More than anything, that renewed my hope in finding someone that can hold their own.
I entered into another relationship that turned out to be just that, but sometimes people can be so responsible and attempt to take on too much. There's only so much one can control, so I had to bow out. Who knows what the future will hold with that, and I always look around at more options and the fact that the best things hit me when I am not looking.
I have made good friends, laughed a lot, did some writing, and thought a lot about the future. I submitted an application, made it to round 2 interviews, and was admitted for grad school for counseling, so that is something big to look forward to. I have big life changes, and our lives are moving pretty smooth.
I made it through a year of surgeries, and am glad all of that is done! Carly started out the year with tubes in her ears and her adenoids out. I went on to have two leg surgeries, hoping to relieve pain and restore function post-attack. When we found out that the leg surgeries were going to leave me with pain in my back and legs for the rest of my life, I was referred to a surgeon for the option of a neurostimulator in my back. I completed the trial, saw big possibilities with pain relief and restoration of function, and jumped at the chance to get the implant. Now, I am sitting on the couch with much less pain, and a hope to join the world again. I had been powering through and doing so much. I didn't realize how miserable I was while I pushed on. I guess I was in survival mode, and just knew I needed to do the things to make me and the kids ok. I didn't have a choice to be sick. Now I know how miserable I was, and I hope to never get back there.
The year has been incredibly insightful, and I am excited I am now at a point to embrace 2013. Last year, it just felt like I was grasping at a life and hoping for change. This year, I am incredibly confident in who I am, and what will be happening in years to come. It's a good feeling. :-)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
In the beginning...
Every project of mine starts with scattered notes... Post-its are the worst. I will write my ideas down as I think of them, and this usually means there are random comments and phrases scattered around my workspace.
I took quite a bit of time thinking about this project. I already had a list of things in my head that I wanted to do before I turned 40. I will admit that I already have lists of things for many more decades to come. I am a planner by nature, and I enjoy at least feeling like life's in order. I took a look at where I wanted to be in my life at 40, and realized it was drastically different from 30. There are some adventures I'd like to take, but I really want to settle down. I want to focus on family, and on raising children with a loving and supportive home. I still want to have goals for my career and social life, but the main focus of my life at this point is making sure my children receive what they need to help them blossom.
I want to be sure not to neglect myself in the process, which is why I created a list of only ten items to be spread over 10 years. I want to enjoy the projects, and the planning involved. I want to live my life without feeling rushed (because having children makes some days feel rushed as it is!). I am taking a good look at who I am today, and it's strange to think I will be sitting here in ten years taking another good look at my life.
I will spend more time later talking about the list, and why I chose those items. For now, I wanted to provide a list for those of you that click on the link from my past site.
Well, here it is!
1. Travel to New Orleans and visit the Before I Die Wall
2. Own a house with a wrap-around porch
3. Get a third tattoo
4. Get a second Masters Degree
5. Travel to NH/VT to see the Fall Foliage
6. Travel along the coast and take pictures of lighthouses
7. Visit Las Vegas and eat wedding cake from Freed's Bakery
8. Return to the beach, and REMEMBER it!
9. Write and publish my book
10. Create social change (this is vague, and for a reason. I'll explain more later...)
So, there you go! A list of ten items that I need to complete by the time I am 40. It's a list that's balanced with travel and life goals. I have been looking at many of these items for the past few years, so it's good to have them on paper. I'll be back to explain more later!
I took quite a bit of time thinking about this project. I already had a list of things in my head that I wanted to do before I turned 40. I will admit that I already have lists of things for many more decades to come. I am a planner by nature, and I enjoy at least feeling like life's in order. I took a look at where I wanted to be in my life at 40, and realized it was drastically different from 30. There are some adventures I'd like to take, but I really want to settle down. I want to focus on family, and on raising children with a loving and supportive home. I still want to have goals for my career and social life, but the main focus of my life at this point is making sure my children receive what they need to help them blossom.
I want to be sure not to neglect myself in the process, which is why I created a list of only ten items to be spread over 10 years. I want to enjoy the projects, and the planning involved. I want to live my life without feeling rushed (because having children makes some days feel rushed as it is!). I am taking a good look at who I am today, and it's strange to think I will be sitting here in ten years taking another good look at my life.
I will spend more time later talking about the list, and why I chose those items. For now, I wanted to provide a list for those of you that click on the link from my past site.
Well, here it is!
1. Travel to New Orleans and visit the Before I Die Wall
2. Own a house with a wrap-around porch
3. Get a third tattoo
4. Get a second Masters Degree
5. Travel to NH/VT to see the Fall Foliage
6. Travel along the coast and take pictures of lighthouses
7. Visit Las Vegas and eat wedding cake from Freed's Bakery
8. Return to the beach, and REMEMBER it!
9. Write and publish my book
10. Create social change (this is vague, and for a reason. I'll explain more later...)
So, there you go! A list of ten items that I need to complete by the time I am 40. It's a list that's balanced with travel and life goals. I have been looking at many of these items for the past few years, so it's good to have them on paper. I'll be back to explain more later!
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