Bucket List

Somebody asked me to place this list somewhere other than in my head. Since I've already crossed off the husband, the family, the house, the cat, the dog and a few other items, this list contains mostly travel and a few other things. You'll see that I'm not much of a thrill seeker...just more of an experience seeker. Here goes, in no particular order (except for the first two!)...

• See my kids faces as they experience Disney World

I'd like to see this while they are still young and in complete awe of everything...when they still think the whole thing is magical and not at all boring, or tiring, or hot, etc.

• Visit Italy

I studied art history in college and have my sights set on Florence first to see the more obscure, less sought after work of the masters there, then on to Rome for the mainstream stuff, and, of course, the Vatican.

• European vacation

To include France, Poland, Spain, and Greece to name a few. Would LOVE to find design inspiration in Greek architecture overlooking the Mediterranean.

• Take a honeymoon

We decided, when we got married, to do a quick, small trip to Mackinac Island since we were moving and the week was a little hectic, and agreed to do a bigger, longer trip chock full of new experiences for both of us "later". So far, "later" has not come...years living away from the rest of the family has had us using all available vacation time to visit back "home". Some of the other items on this list could come into play to accomplish this item. :)

• Be a room parent for each of my kids for at least one of their elementary school years

Too hard to step up for right now with the work schedule.

• Visit Ireland and England

Who wouldn't want to have a beer in a pub with the locals in Ireland? Or try to make the guards crack a smile at Buckingham Palace?

• Build my own business

I've been working on projects here and there for years, but never really put in the sweat to turn it in to something more. Ideally, I'd eventually like this to be enough to contribute to the household income without the need for a "regular" desk job. This would help me accomplish the above item, as well.

• Own a house with studio space

I'd love a single-purpose space that's just mine, where I can leave my projects out, pin up my creative inspiration, and just work. And when I'm done at the end of the day (or the middle of the night!), I'd love to be able to close the door and not worry about little hands getting into everything! Oh, and I wouldn't mind if that studio space was in a craftsman home, either. :)

• Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston with my kids

Definitely want to do this while they are still little sponges who are fascinated by history.

• Swim with tropical fish in clear, blue water and lounge on beautiful beaches in: Australia (Great Barrier Reef), Hawaii and Jamaica

• Have a destination girls' weekend with my college girlfriends

We're always trying to meet up and split the driving. I think it would be easier for us each to just drive to the nearest airport, though, and fly in somewhere...like NYC, or Jamaica, or Napa, or Paris!

• Take a Michigan vacation

I know...sounds like the same thing we do several times a year, but really, I want to take a MI vacation where we go see all the touristy sights and, while traveling around the state, take time to meet up with all the friends we are forced to ignore when we're traveling up for long family weekends/holidays/major life events.

• Attend as many nephews' and nieces' birthday parties as I can

I'm so sad that I haven't been able to be at any of the Vegas babies' parties, yet! I do hope to do this in the future and hit several more of the Chicago babies' parties, too. Luckily, Graham was born just after Christmas so we get to celebrate when we're together at the holidays.

• Host the family Christmas at our house

Growing up, Christmas traditions always included a big celebration at our own house on Christmas Eve. I really want to give that to our kids at least once, which I know is a stretch to do when you're at least two states away from the whole family, but that's what a bucket list is for, right?

• Learn how to can tomatoes

I loved the garden experience when we planted one for the first time last summer, but we felt a little overwhelmed by all the food it yielded...we had a hard time keeping up with the harvest and eating everything before it went bad. I would like to learn how to can the tomatoes at least, so I can feed my family fresh from the garden even in the middle of the winter.

• Learn how to cut hair

I've always thought that I could be good at this. I love styling hair for special occasions, so why not try my hand at cutting it? :)

Okay, that's all for now. I mean, there are the obvious ones, like childrens' graduations/weddings/etc. And I'm sure this list will grow and change (and hopefully dwindle!) as time goes by, but for now, this is my list. Now to start crossing off...