My Bucket List

Wow....it's kind of difficult to summarize this...I actually never really compiled a list such as this, so this is making me really do some hard thinking. I must admit I am not the most adventurous person, so bear with me if my list is not as exciting as some of the rest of our classmates' lists are! LOL!

I usually put a lot of energy around my kids, but I guess for this to be "my" bucket list, I probably need to do what I do least often, and that is focus on myself. Maybe that's why this particular post is so difficult...I seldom put that much thought into my own goals, etc. One of the things I would love to do is obtain my Master's degree. It may not be as fancy and some other folk's desires, but I really would like to continue learning and achieving. I think the would give me a sense of accomplishment. I am happy with my current degree, but obtaining something higher has been a goal of mine that I had put on the back burner. So, at some point, I would really like to get that higher degree!
My next "bucket list" item would be to learn how to swim. Yes, it's true---I never learned how! We grew up in the country, but swimming was one of those things we never learned to do! I remember going to hotels and seeing the pools, but we couldn't really enjoy them because neither my sister or myself knew how to swim. We'd just wade in the water..which was fine, but I just feel like everyone should eventually learn how to swim. I think my fear of water comes from me not knowing how to swim. So to address that fear, the best thing for me to do would be to learn to swim.

I would also one day like to have my own business. I don't know what it would be, but I would like to become an entrepreneur. I have thought about a tax business, but I don't like all the headache..I've thought about something for youth, but that takes a lot of time and patience..so I'm still trying to figure out just what it is I would want to do. I just know it would be nice to have an additional source of income from a positive business that also helps others better themselves.

My next bucket list item would probably be to overcome my hesitance to speak and become more of a public speaker. I admire those who can get up and deliver a message. I have had to do that a couple times in the past, but it was usually not by choice. I think my problem is learning to get comfortable with being up in front of people. I feel like I have a lot of helpful information to share, I just am reluctant many times because I don't like to bring that attention to myself. Maybe one day I will be brave and seize the moments when I have an opportunity to get up and speak without doubting myself. I know this is something that will have to come from within. Shaking the fear is something I have to do...

Finally...as I wrap up some of my "bucket list" items...I want to learn to be true to myself. That my sound weird, but that is something so many of us do not and do and don't realize it. We often live our lives out of "expectations" or what seems "proper", but somehow we lose our real selves while we are trying to fit into these "templates" we have let society design for us. It may be as small as limiting our goals or something as big as being miserable in a job but choosing to stay there just because you feel you need to. I think as we age, wisdom does come, and I just want to be able to live my life where I am accepting of those things I cannot change but am not afraid to be true to myself. I believe that is when life is most meaningful..when people's perceptions are no longer the driving force of how you live...when what matters most is living "your" life.

 

Class Review

I want to say how much I have really enjoyed this class! I didn't quite know what to expect initially, but I am so glad I signed up! I have learned so much. The things I learned in this class were practical and applicable to so many different areas of my life. I feel like I have a better understanding of the Internet and its capabilities. I was nervous about the PowerPoint presentation, but now I know if I need to prepare another one, I am able. I feel more confident in my skills. I was skeptical about the blog posts, but I now feel like I have an outlet to share my thoughts. The blog posts also allowed the class to get to know one another. I think we all learned so much about each other through the blog posts. Thanks to our great instructor for being patient and working with us. This has really been a great experience! 

If I Won the Lottery, I Would....

Now this a very interesting topic! It's hard to imagine winning the lottery, but if I were to be so fortunate, I can think of a few things I would definitely want to do with those unexpected earnings!

First, I'm a firm believer in getting rid of debt if you have any. I would wipe out all bills, balances, etc. that have been hanging over my head. That would free me up to do more fun things. I just don't think I could enjoy the money if I knew I still had debt....because if by some small chance I blew it all, the debt would still be there, but the money would be gone!

Then, I would put a good portion of the winnings in a college fund for my children. It would be a great feeling to know their education could be taken care of for future years! I'd love to be able to allow them to go to school without worrying about loans, and my oldest says all the time that he wouldn't want to go into medicine or law because he'd spend his entire career paying back his debt! I'd love to be able to allow them to major in whatever they wanted without the burden of debt weighing them down!

Of course, I would have to create a savings stash. I would divide a portion of the winnings up into several investment and savings accounts. Hopefully, the interest and dividends would help secure my future for a long time! A lot of people say they would quit working, but unless the amount was very substantial, I think I would continue to work just because it would give me a sense of accomplishment. Again, there are a lot of people out there who once had a lot of money...somehow they hit rock bottom, and are now struggling....I would not want to be one of those...as the old saying goes, "Easy come, easy go"!

                                                              Click below for

Interesting Article on What to Do If you Won the Lottery

I would also share a portion of my earnings with my family. I believe that saying of "to whom much is given, much is expected", and I would want to share my abundance with the people who have helped me in life. It's much more fun helping those who have helped you..especially when you are financially able. I'd also make sizable contributions to charities. I think I would just feel better by sharing instead of hoarding all the money. It does no one any good just sitting in a bank!

As a treat to myself, I would then go and splurge on some of the things I've always wanted but never thought I could get. A new house, a nice ride, just some simple daily pleasures I would like to be able to enjoy without dreading creating a bill! There are things I'd like or places I'd like to go, but I put them on the back burner because it wouldn't be financially smart to indulge at this time, but with those winnings, I think I may have to have a little fun!

In summary, the one thing I would NOT want to do is to let my winnings change the type person I am! No amount of money should corrupt who we are or make us forget our values. So many people let money and fame rule them, and they end up with shallow, meaningless lives built around that green dollar bill, but haven't been able to sustain any relationships. Life shouldn't be built around money...because if that leaves you and you have made that your world, then what do you have? Absolutely nothing.....

"Money is only loaned to a man. He comes into the world with nothing and he leaves with nothing."

William Crapo Durant

Founder of General Motors and Chevrolet.

 

Favorite Childhood Memories

When I think back on my favorite childhood memories, it is hard to pick only a few to comment on. Those were some of the happiest, most care-free times! Of course, at the time, you don't realize it, but as you get older and reflect back, you learn to value and appreciate those special childhood moments that have left you with so many fond memories.



Similar to how we walked down the dirt road!

One particular memory that comes to mind is how a bunch of the cousins would spend time together at our home in the country. Many of my cousins lived in the city, so they really loved coming to the "country" where we could roam free, without restriction, or having to worry about other dangers found in larger more populated places. We would walk down the dirt road with no light; only the light from the moon would help guide us. It was so much fun..especially when someone would throw a rock in the bushes and startle us all! We would take off in a sprint running and laughing! It was so much fun just exploring with each other!



What's Trump? Bid Whist Fanatics!

My family also spent a lot of time playing a variety of games. We didn't have a lot to do in the country, so when we got bored, we would pull out one of what seemed like a "hundred" board games! We had Scrabble, Monopoly, and an entire collection of games to keep us entertained. I guess those beginnings explain why my family still remains competitive when it comes to games. We still usually start a heated game of Scrabble during the holidays when we have a nice crowd! It was a common site for us to have a Monopoly game brewing in one room, a heated Scrabble game in the den, and a loud and boisterous game of Bid Whist taking place in the kitchen or out on the carport.


Serving in Volleyball!

Not only did we play board games, we also played several physical games. Again, since we were in the country, we had plenty of space to set up to play different games. We'd start by getting a heated game of "Horse" going on the basketball court. Then, we'd migrate over to the larger portion of the yard and play some badminton. By the end of the day, we'd have young and old alike lined up to play a thrilling game of volleyball. We were very competitive, and it was a great way to bond plus get some exercise! Those were some great memories...

As I close, I have left out so many fond memories. To list them all, this post would go on so long, you guys would just stop reading out of information overload! Although I didn't mention the making of mud pies, playing hopscotch in the dirt under the trees, and our many games of "red light, green light", I'm sure many of you have some of the same fond memories of childhood. It was not just about fun and games, but these moments created memories that we will carry with us throughout our lifetimes. Those memories are priceless, and as I get older, I have realized just how great those times really were!

 

In childhood, we press our nose to the pane, looking out. In memories of childhood, we press our nose to the pane, looking in. ~Robert Brault

If I Didn't Live Here, I Would Live Where?

Well, hello again....my topic for this post is, "If I Didn't Live Here, I Would Live Where?" This is sort of hard to say...since there are so many places that I "like", but I don't know if that "like" constitutes into somewhere I would want to "live". For example, we've visited several places in the Southeast (don't want to live up North), and I enjoy spending a few days at each of them, but when it comes to settling on a  long-term basis, I'm really torn. Anyway, I have grown particularly fond of one place--that pace is Huntsville, Alabama, and I will tell you why...

My sister and her family currently live there (well, they actually live in Madison), and upon one of my very first visits there, I found Huntsville to be a nice mix of city and country! My current town is very rural, and it's not always convenient to make a run into town, so the nice variety of shopping and eating areas make Huntsville very attractive! There are many stores there that we do not have locally here. It also seems like prices are considerably lower there. I don't know if it's the high volume of customers they have which allows them to offer so much for so little, but I thoroughly enjoy myself when we visit. I love squeezing in some shopping sprees during the visit! Plus, there are so many subdivisions, and you can regularly find a nice yard sale on almost every corner!



Space Center, Huntsville, AL

People in the area seem so genuinely caring and friendly. I know this can vary by the particular area you are in, but for the most part, I feel a strong sense of community and family in general. Neighbors are cordial and visit, and you feel safe taking a stroll down the street. As for offering a taste of the "country", I love the fact that at my sister's home, you can look out the window and see horses grazing but at the same time still be able to be at a dollar store in less than five minutes! You can have your peace and quiet of country, but still have access to the things you need at your fingertips!

             Bridge Street Shopping Area
I also like the numerous activities available for young people! If there's something your kids are interested in, you can just about find it in the Huntsville area. From gymnastics to bowling, and all the rest in-between, a young (or young at heart) person won't have a hard time finding fun things to do! There are amusement centers, swimming pools, sports facilities and all kinds of varied activities for young and old alike to participate in. What I particularly like is the fact that you don't have to drive forty-five minutes to over and hour to get to these activities. Huntsville has a nice assortment of fun things right there in its local radius!

Another thing I like about Huntsville is the area seems to have a strong educational system. Having two young boys, I would want them to be in an area that promotes education. Some of the schools there are large, but they offer so many courses that kids should actually be able to have some "fun" while in school! The schools I have seen appear to be in good condition..as a matter of fact...they look almost new! The grounds are nice and neat, and there is usually a school located not far from most of the more populated areas. The schools there offer many advanced courses, and even if that isn't your child's cup of tea, it's nice to have those options! In addition to the academic benefits, there are plentiful athletic and extracurricular activities affiliated with the schools. I do believe it would be difficult to claim you are "bored" and have "nothing to do" in an area such as this...if you are "bored" there, it must be you!!

Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Vistors Bureau "Click Here to Visit the Site Listed"

I almost most add that the job market there is booming! Industry and businesses there do well due to the numerous government contract jobs in the area. The jobs are plentiful and the pay is sufficient. There's much room for advancement, and you have plenty opportunity to settle in a satisfying career.

In closing, I must say that Huntsville seems to offer a nice blend of opportunities. An area such as this can allow you to have a taste of country with all the amenities of the city. All the subdivisions popping up all over the place are evidence of the area's continuing growth.  The job market is attractive, salaries are competitive, and the future looks bright. For me, Huntsville would be suitable because I have family there, my kids could grow educationally and socially there, and it would be great to run to a Wal-Mart or Kroger without burning half a tank of gas to get there and back!

The Wearing of Many Hats! My Thoughts on Michelle Obama!

Our First lady, Michelle Obama

Wow, once again, I am sitting here with all of these thoughts going through my head...trying to figure out who I would like to discuss..and one of the first women that come to mind is Michelle Obama. I am not a big political guru, but I do like to follow what's happening in our political world. I must say--when I look at the world of Michelle Obama, it really inspires me to keep focused and to stay motivated!

I don't know her entire background, but this lady has developed into a motivating force for women across the world! Not only does she have firm political beliefs, but what is probably most impressive to me are her personal beliefs! She is a strong advocate for family values and strives to keep her political life from changing her personal values. I've watched her in some of those interviews, and you can tell, cameras rolling or not, she is "serious" when it comes to bringing those two Obama girls up right! LOL! I recall on one interview, I think she even stressed that even though they have staff who can make their beds for them, she requires them to do it themselves! What a lesson in personal responsibility! Makes me feel kind of bad that my boys still slide by sometimes without making their beds!

I look at her interacting with her two girls on television, and it reminds me of me and my two boys. I see her supporting her husband in his endeavors, and it reminds me of how I play the supportive role for my own husband. I see how she tries to retain her composure when she feels the heat from the public view, but somehow, I feel like I can just sense her emotions--the feelings of joy, disappointment, relief...the entire realm of ups and downs that she must feel on a daily basis in her demanding role as First Lady. These are some of the same emotions many women feel across this country! It's just so comforting and inspiring to see her handle all these different and challenging roles..it encourages me to keep striving in my own personal life.

I can only imagine her doing the same things I do during the week...monitoring homework, quizzing the kids on their friends and happenings at school...just trying to hold it all together! It's almost like you are the nucleus...and you're trying to keep all these things happening around you together and functioning as they are supposed to! In a role such as this, we so often find very little time for ourselves. So I can only imagine if sometimes at the end of the day when the house (in her case, the White House) is quiet..does she catch a few moments to reflect on the day..and pray for the safety of her family just as so many of us do ourselves.

There are so many more things I could say about this phenomenal woman...whether you agree with her political views or not, I think she should be given credit as an outstanding role model and positive leader. I mean, I recall seeing her on television segments out working in the garden with youngsters, doing physical exercises with school children, and she still managed to accept (and won) a push-up challenge from Ellen DeGeneres! This lady promotes physical well-being, mental aptitude, and personal responsibility! I am just so honored to have a First Lady who seems so approachable and genuine. I admire her sincerity, her honesty, and her commitment to the things she feels are important. Hats off to our First Lady, Michelle Obama!

Potpourri About Me!

Hello!!!! Well, just wanted to open by sharing a few tidbits about me and my world! This will help give a close-up view on me and my world. Hopefully, I won't bore you too terribly bad! I will also include a few interesting things about me that most people probably wouldn't know...so hopefully you will find this both informational and interesting!

I am from De Kalb, MS. I have one older sister (everyone thinks I'm the oldest  because she's so short!). We grew up as country girls working in the fields a lot with my father....most people can't believe when I say the first vehicle I learned to drive was a tractor! LOL! My father originally wanted boys, so he made us as close to boys as possible! We hauled wood, cut grass, planted and harvested crops...you name it, we did it! It's funny, but that may explain why a lot of times I'd rather do outside work than housework...guess I am so used to that outside labor! I appreciate the lessons learned though...I think all of that has made me more independent today!

Both my sister and I grew up surrounded by music. My sister took formal piano lessons, but I learned simply by watching her! I guess my parents said they could save that $$!!! So I was sort of "self-taught" I guess you could say. I must have learned pretty well because by the time I was in Jr. High, I was selected as the accompanist for the school choir. I guess those "self-taught" lessons paid off! LOL!

We were big into the band and choir. She played clarinet while I started on the trumpet, moved to the French Horn and also played the xylophone. I think I have always been a multi-tasker..the more the better!!! Again, I had no clue about how to play the xylophone but amazingly enough, I played the xylophone for my talent in Jr. Miss and won the title of Kemper County's Jr. Miss (at the time it was called Young Woman of the Year)! When I look back, sometimes I suprised myself!

Another interesting or probably surprising thing about me is I was such a tomboy! Growing up, my sister would ask for dolls and girly stuff! I wanted Hot Wheels cars! I had an entire fleet of Hot Wheels!!! While my sister had all her Christmas gifts lined up with dolls and the like, I had all my Hot Wheels lined up and ready to race! Looking back, it is so funny, because I don't know why I was so into the boy stuff! I guess I was giving my dad as much of the boy as he could get out of me! LoL!

Well, hope you found this somewhat interesting...there are so many more stories I could tell, but don't want to bore you. Thank you for checking out my blog and have a great day!

Favorite Music

Favorite Music
Hello All! I was just sitting here...as late as it is tonight...thinking about how music has become so much a part of our everyday lives! As I sit here with the television on, I have decided that some soothing music would be much better to help ease me into a relaxed state of mind so I can finally get some sleep!

After a very long and tiring weekend, I am reflecting back on some of my favorites of all time. I am really fond of the old school music flavor. I can listen to hours upon hours of some of the old school classics. I happened to be looking in Wal-Mart today and say some old CDs by some groups from back in the day, and I was so tempted to purchase several. However, in the sake of frugal spending, I decided not to.

I really enjoy some of the groups like some of the old soul bands. Their music had a classic rhythm, was easy to dance to, and just made you feel good! Songs like "Let's Groove Tonight" and "September" are two of the songs that immediately come to mind that put me in a much better mood! Songs such as these are really good when you are in a high-spirited mood! They really get you pumped up!

As for times like now, as I am preparing to wind down, I really prefer some of the old school slower songs. I don't know if this new modern music relates to me. Maybe I'm just behind the times, but I prefer the "real" music of years back when artists actually "sang" and there were actual meanings to songs. It seems like now, there are songs about stuff that doesn't make sense or either it's so vulgar, I don't even want to listen. I love the soft, soothing sounds of old school love songs. There are a few artists, such as Eric Benet and others, that do know how to sing songs with meaning, but if I had a choice, I'd much rather relax to some songs from way back when that really made an impact!

Well, as I wind down and get ready to close, I appreciate you for taking the time to read my post. Whether you agree or not, I'm sure you have an opinion, and I ask you to share your thoughts!