My bucket list, if you could call it that, all started with the Milestone Birthday I recently celebrated. Leading up to it, I felt the urge to try some new things, put myself out there, take some risks. I decided to start with public speaking. Because why not tackle the one thing most people fear more than death right off the bat? Go big or go home! (I talk a big game now, but as I was contemplating it, I did in fact want to just go home.)
So the first new, scary, thrilling, and ultimately rewarding thing I did was participate in the Listen to Your Mother show in April. I’m happy to report that all the nerves, preparations, and grooming before the show were worth it. I am very proud of myself for doing LTYM, and happy with how the performance turned out. Sharing the experience with the friends and family who attended was the icing on the cake. For those of you who couldn’t make it, I’m pleased to announce that the show is now on YouTube! Here’s my video:
Other things on my bucket-list-I’m-not-really-calling-a-bucket-list (because that implies you’re kicking the bucket, right?!) included my trip to Charleston and running a 5k. That didn’t turn out exactly as planned, but I’m OK with that because it taught me that there’s no shame in going to Plan B, or even scrapping something if you change your mind about it. It’s a bucket list, not a blood oath!
I was thrilled to learn that my blog pal Kathy also has a trip to Africa on her bucket list. That’s probably not gonna happen for me this year, but Kathy — if you need a travel partner in the future, I’m in! And I ALSO have always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon! (True story: I asked my family if they would do it with me. The hubs said “Hell no,” as did my 8yo, and my 5yo said, “What if you have to go to the bathroom?” Hmm, never thought of that.)
I have been adding things to my list after the fact, just like I do with my to-do lists. What? You don’t write down stuff you’ve already done just for the satisfaction of crossing it off?! Like with the tire swing. THAT all started when our car needed 4 new tires last month – the AAA guy called them “ticking time bombs,” to be precise. No sales pressure there! I decided one of the tires would make a good swing for the kids. How hard could that be? And it would be free since I already had the tire.
Well, 18 steps and $80 in hardware from 3 different stores later, the kids had their tire swing. They love it, and I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I proved to my boys that girls can use power tools, too. Plus it’s a lesson in upcycling. Win-win!
I haven’t decided what’s next on my list, but I will continue adding to it throughout the year. Maybe even beyond. After public speaking in heels, it’s gotta be all downhill from here. Stay tuned…
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Your video is hilarious, the LTYM event is such a cool idea. I followed Angie’s preparations for it and caught some other updates as well so now I plan to watch the whole show on YouTube.
Thanks, Lou! It really is such a cool show. I plan to watch the videos from other shows throughout the summer.
Great job, Abby!! Your LTYM video was terrific. I’m sorry we couldn’t be there in person. Seriously, your blog makes my day…each and everyone of them!
Thanks, Sue! That means so much to me. 🙂
Wouldn’t that be fun to meet and travel together?! I think we have so much in common. Well, your arms are a lot better than mine (you’ll have to spill how you got those toned muscles, Mama!), but I think our lives with boys are a lot alike. My six year old loves girls and keeps asking for playdates. And I agree – what are his brothers for? I loved your LTYM piece. And great job on the tire swing!! 🙂
Ha! Thanks, Kathy. Leave it to another boy mom to appreciate a good tire swing! As for my arms… until fairly recently I would say they’re from hoisting a heavy preschooler. But nowadays he requires less carrying so I guess my arm workout is carrying in all those grocery bags from the car. A gallon of milk weighs 8.6 lbs, you know. 😉
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