Tuesday, November 18, 2008

My Bucket List

I'm sort of a day-to-day girl, so I have never really thought of things that I would want to do before I kick the bucket. I mean there are the normal things, like be a good person, raise AJ to be the best she can be, stuff like that. And yes, that is all important, to me more important than menial things like travel and shopping. But in the scheme of things, I think I'm doing a pretty good job with myself and AJ.....we're still works in progress, but we're turning out okay. So when Greta told us about a challenge on the new site Forward Progress, I gave it some thought. After I did this exercise and put it down on paper, it seems as if I pretty much just want to travel. I guess when you look into your "wants", you just need to take what comes out. Even though there are a LOT of things I would like to do, these five kept coming back to me, so I figure they must need be on the top of my list.

I don't talk about it ever, but I am not the healthiest person. I mean I started January 2008 in the hospital having brain surgery. My brain is now fine, but I have other health issues going on. Things that need attention. Issues such as breathing. I am currently on oxygen full time. At 33. It sucks. It makes you realize that NONE of us are guaranteed tomorrow. That things that should come so easily (like breathing) can be one of the most difficult things to do. A small task such as folding the laundry turns into a marathon. It makes you realize that yes, life is precious, and it is okay to focus on frivolous things every now and again. Like going to NYC and shopping all day.

Being sick has really brought me down. I'm not the happy jovial person I once was. I WANT to be that person again. I have promised myself that I am going to strive to be that person again.

So see, making a "bucket list" isn't the negative thing I thought it was. For me, it actually gave me some motivation to keep on keeping on....to do some of these things on my list. To not focus so much on my condition, but my life and the gift that it is.

So what's on my list?
I want to :

  • Watch my baby girl marry the man of her dreams
  • go shopping in NYC and take in a Broadway show
  • Live in a new and different city
  • Visit Northern Italy where Web lived and let him be my tour guide
  • Tour all of the Napa Valley Wineries

11 comments:

VAWM said...

Dee this is great! Thanks for being so open with us and yourself. You are a beautiful woman and deserve to do all of the things that you wish for. Hugs!!!

Vel said...

Big humungous bear hugs for you Dee! I have been so caught up in my own crap I've nearly forgotten what one of my dear friends has been through. I hope everything turns out for you health wise and I have no doubt you will eventually do all those things on your list. Hey, I'll do the NY thing with ya! :)

Julie Howard said...

Great list Dee! I'll have to take some time to sit down and figure out my bucket list. Even with all the adversity you're dealing with health wise, the true you still shines through. I've never met anyone who was easier to talk to or more fun to be around.

said...

Fabulous list Dee!!! I'm also working on my own bucket list!! Hugs!!

TheresaK said...

Oh D. I hope you get to do everything on your list. I hope you feel better soon!! ...
ps...maybe I do have a pet llama....hahahahahahahahahahahaahahah
just kiddin

Greta Adams said...

oh girl {{{{big hugs}}}}}
i am so glad that this was some type of therapy for you!!

you are a strong woman and don't let your health beat you down...u beat the health down....

head up...chin up....and keep on with the keepin on....

u rock out loud sista!!

Colleen said...

Oh darlin'!! This was so inspiring to read this morning!! Thanks for sharing and being so real and honest! Love your layout and I had been thinking about doing this challenge, but think I really have to now!! Tahe cake of yourself and know I'm thinkin' about ya!

{{{hugs}}}

Holly Denghel said...

That is a great list!! You put yourself into perspective, but I think you're also helping some of realize that we need to raise our head and look beyond our current day-to-day struggles.

Staci Taylor said...

Oh wow, this is awesome! I'm so glad this turned into a positive experience for you - it's amazing how much we can take from scrapping certain things, huh? :-) Thanks so much for playing along - I love your take on the challenge!

Deanna said...

Love it, gorgeous layout!

ellen s. said...

WOW, totally inspirational and man, you are a strong woman. thank you so much for opening up yourself to us! rock on!