#159 - Do something to positively affect your community!

This one I decided to record my response on. Picture will follow...

#159 - Done!

#122 - Happened again!

What is interesting about this bucket list is that a lot of the things I've been doing I am really enjoying to a point where I either want to do them again or take them to the next level. I sat and talked with the guys from our onsite flight school today for a while and they almost have me convinced to go for my pilots license.

I am really enjoying flying in the airplanes and they made a good point that its much easier for me to talk about what we actually stand for here at SUN 'n FUN when I know all about flying and airplanes.  So with that we may have another item on the list...

Today was a blast! Got to go up with one of my fellow coworkers, Dave Fuller, who flew me in his personal plane. I think im in love with aviation!

#112 - Attend an ugly sweater party!

 My parents are always having parties. As I always like to say, if you don't know how to party you can't throw other peoples parties.  This year they went with an "Ugly Sweater" theme. I actually had a great time making my sweater. I went to every thrift store I could find and no one had one. I guess they're pretty popular now so I just decided to create one myself. Great times, great friends and a super sexy ugly Christmas sweater.

#112- DONE!

#129 - Buy a magic 8 ball and base all my decisions on it for a week!

What I love about this bucket list the most is when other people get involved with one of the things on my list. It really makes you get to know people and appreciate them doing something to help you!

This item on the list was really special because it was a surprise.  As I was getting to know someone here in Lakeland, the question of my hobbies came up. I mentioned this list and he asked me what I had done and what were some of the things left on the list...

So we ended up going to see a comedy show at the Tampa Improv and he shows up with a magic 8 ball he went and bought me to help get this one off the list.  It was not only really thoughtful but was also a cool way to make this one memorable for me.

What did the magic 8 ball make me do all week you ask?  Well, it decided on whether or not I would make plans with certain people, it decided my lunch choices (which sucked one day when I wanted Panera and it wanted otherwise), It helped me decide on incorporating a food truck rally into an event we are having in February...I really had a ton of fun with it! My 8 ball traveled in my purse all week and now it sits right next to my bed to remind me of an interesting week and a super thoughtful gift.

Additions to my Bucket List...

135. Complete the A to Z City challenge (visit a town or city that starts with every letter of the alphabet)
136. Sail on a boat on one of the Great Lakes
137. Visit Mt Rushmore
138. Be a contestant on a game show
139. Complete a coloring book
140. Visit a national park
141. Take a young me/now me picture
142. Ride a Segway
143. Learn to juggle
144. Have an old school sleepover as an adult
145. Answer the 50 Questions that will free your mind (http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/07/13/50-questions-that-will-free-your-mind/)
146. Read all the Harry Potter books (yes I'll do it Eric)
147. Eat no fast food for a month
148. Bake a birthday cake for someone
149. Complete my bachelors degree
150. Visit every attraction on the FAA attraction share list
151. Eat a meal at a restaurant completely backwards (dessert, main meal, appetizer)
152. Conquer my fear of frogs by holding one
153. Fill an entire wall with pictures of my life
154. Perform a Chinese fire drill
155. Build a blanket fort and sleep in it
156. Spend a night stargazing
157. Organize a "Positive things I like about you" for our entire office
158. Participate in a mud run
159. Do something to positively affect my community
160. Help someone else complete an item on their bucket list or accomplish a goal
161. Refinish a piece of furniture
162. Make a legal will
163. Do 10 random acts of kindness
164. Have a movie marathon day where I watch all of the favorite movies of the person I'm having the movie marathon with only
165. Reach out to 5 people I haven't talked to in a long time
166. Make a playlist of my 50 favorite songs
167. Make an article of clothing from a sewing pattern and wear it
168. Participate in a Great American Teach in
169. Participate in "Take your child to work day"

Year in review & Adding to my Bucket List...

As 2012 comes to a close I am reflecting back on my year. Quite possibly the most tumultuous one yet. 2011 was very rough for me so in January 2012 I decided to start a bucket list in lieu of a New Years Resolution. I stuck with it! Here is how my year played out:

January 2012
- Left Puff 'n Stuff to work at The Knot
- Started my bucket list to pull out of a mental slump

February 2012
- Hurt my ankle running through the airport and ended up in a boot for 2 months

April 2012
- Met two friends that launched my biggest item off my bucket list and have become two of my best friends, Eric and Cory

May 2012
- Got my biggest item to date off the list and faced my biggest fear, skydiving

June 2012
- Turned 31 and had the most amazing birthday to date

July 2012
- Left The Knot
- Was in the hospital and almost died...apparently my blood pressure issue is worse than I thought

August 2012
- Moved out of South Tampa to Brandon then to Westchase
- Found out I got a new job I really wanted at SUN 'n FUN

September 2012
- Legal battles with my ex husband finally came to an end and ironically that same morning was my first day at my new job

October 2012
- 2 more trips to the hospital

November 2012
- Packed up my life and left Westchase to move closer to work in Lakeland (best decision of the year)
- Was elected President of NACE
- lost a family friend to cancer
- went skydiving again

December 2012 is yet to close but it's been a fantastic month....

So today I'm blogging because my determination to work through this list has made me realize I need to add to it. In one year, I've completed 25% of my list! So I add...this journey isn't meant to end anytime soon. It's changed my life in so many amazing ways and I'm going to push myself just a little bit harder. 2013 I feel like will include a lot of traveling.

I finally am on the other side of a long road of change. I'm SO incredibly proud of what I've done, what I've been through and where I'm headed now. Unlike a lot of people, 

I thrive on change. The challenges have made me who I am. I've definitely been through a lot in my short life but the best is definitely yet to come. I get really excited thinking about 2013!

#24 - Ride on a motorcycle

One of the guys here at SUN 'n FUN has a motorcycle and while we were setting up an event we took a break to get this one off the list. I am definitely open to trying this on public roads. Honestly, it was a little scary but I would do it again!

#24 is now complete!

#85 - Write a letter to someone who changed my life and let them know

At 31 years old, I have been touched by many people in my life. Some who have celebrated through my good times and some through the hard times.  As I thought about ONE person who changed me the most, I knew immediately who would be the recipient of my letter.  The person I wrote the letter to was someone I met in 1995. It was my freshman year of high school in 5th period and his first year teaching at H.B. Plant High School.  Bruce Yost made an everlasting impact on my life is so many ways that have changed my future completely. Without him...well I just wouldn't even be close to the person I am today.

People describe me as driven, positive, spontaneous, free spirited, outgoing and a go getter. Mr Yost literally was the beginning of every single one of those qualities.  This man is literally the best teacher I have ever had and let me tell you how glad I am that I signed up for chorus.  Below is the letter I sent to him today:

Mr. Yost,

In January of 2012, I decided to make a bucket list.  I was going through some very challenging times in my life and needed a way to have some control over my life through a positive outlet.  Number 85 on my list was to write a letter to someone who changed my life and let them know.  As I thought about all the people who made a permanent footprint in my life, there was one person who really stood out as a pivotal life changer...YOU!

I am now 31 years old and I can honestly say there is no one that I want to thank more for the impact made on my life.  As a teacher, I know you do your job for the love of your students and your passion for music.  I have to imagine that as much as you hope to make an impact, you may never hear it or know what you truly mean to people later in life.

So here is what you have done for me...First of all, I would never have the confidence that I have in myself without you. I will never forget trying out for the "Boy from New York City" solo. You made me realize that sometimes you have to take a chance and have faith in  yourself and your abilities.

Being on the chorus board taught me the importance of being involved! I'm proud to say I was recently elected as President of a national association here for our local chapter.  Being on that board helped me get my current job and I will forever be thankful for that.

Because of the awards I won in your class and being in the chorus "Hall of Fame", I realized that hard work and dedication equal success.  I have won over 15 awards at work including "Salesperson of the Year", "Member of the Year" and many more.

Had I not been in chorus, I would never have gone to school for music which is where I met the father of my 2 oldest sons.  My kids also inherited my love of music and the older 2 have both had major solos at school and in their chorus's (gotta contribute some men as I know we were always on a shortage of them in our class).  I have had some very hard paths to cross at some points in my life but because of what you taught me, I have always been able to get through any situation with a positive attitude and find an outlet through singing.

You truly have no idea how much you did for me as a teenager. I am proud to say I was in your very first class at PHS and 17 years later I still remember and am forever changed by being your student.  From the bottom of my hard, THANK YOU so very much for every last thing you did for me.  I would never be where I am today without you and the values you instilled in me.

Aymee (Prosser) Brace

As they say...the show must go on! I know that he will continue to touch many lives but I am so thankful that I got to be one of them!

#52 - Go Camping!

I've never been an outdoor type of girl but lately its all completely changing. The weather as of yesterday has started to become perfection! I love the fall, it is the perfect couple of months in Florida and I feel like I will camp many more times. There were cows, coyotes and a bunch of other animals just roaming around the property but somehow I managed to keep calm and enjoy it. A few new friends heard me talking about my bucket list and facilitated camping overnight.

I am truly blessed to have so many people in my life willing to help me through many difficult and wonderful times and really embrace my quest to enjoy life through a bucket list.  I will continue to push myself as much as possible.

#52 - Go Camping! - Done but it will not be my last time :)

#108 Play bingo at an authentic Bingo Hall

 Most of my bucket list items have been happening at random and this one was no different. My friend Ashly and Heather had apparently mentioned going to bingo and let me tag along.  First of all, this is no joke. These people are professional bingo players here. They have caddys for their ink bottles, can keep up with upwards of 18 cards a piece at any given time. We obviously were the youngest people here and honestly it seems as though it keeps these peoples minds going at their age.

The 2 women we sat with helped us a lot and had it not been for them we would have been completely lost through the process! Although I didnt win anything, victory was sweet for Heather who won $50.

I would definitely do this again. #108 - DONE!

#58 - Read a book outside in the sunshine!

Very little surprise that I got into reading "Fifty Shades of Grey". I feel like everyone reads or has read the book now.  I did enjoy reading almost the entire book in a day by the pool at my house. What a gorgeous spot and a relaxing day!

Such a simple bucket list item but a calm day to enjoy for myself.

#61 - Attend a football game at my old high school, HB Plant, with friends from high school

One of my favorite things in the last month or two was being able to enjoy watching my old high school, H.B. Plant beat Jefferson High Schools football team.  Two of my best friends actually went to Jefferson and one of them came with me and my old friends to watch the game. We ended up stomping them! Victory was sweet but he was a good sport and took a loser picture with me :) (Sorry Eric!!)

I saw my old soccer coach who is now the principal of our high school. Old times but good times!

#61 - Off the list!

#122 - Be a passenger on a private plane OR Take a flying lesson

Its been a while since I've blogged and thats not because I haven't been working on this bucket list but really more because my lifes been changing in major ways lately.  The reason I even mention that is because #122 was kicked off my list in the most serendipitous way.  I just started working for an amazing place, Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland.  If you've heard of them its most likely because you have attended the annual fly in.

I am now the Event and Facility Sales Manager and on the last day of my orientation/training, I got to fly in a Stearman plane with my new boss. The people at this place are unlike anywhere I have ever worked. They're helpful, amazing, friendly, the list goes on. I actually feel the inspiration just oozing from the walls of this place. (www.sun-n-fun.org)

The flight was so much fun! Not scary at all, just peaceful yet exciting. I think I have definitely found a very unexpected love for flying. Who knows what the future holds but I'm grateful to be here and know I'll be here for a very long time.

So goodbye #122 on the bucket list!

#81 - Get to the front row at a Lady Antebellum concert

Lady Antebellum is by far my favorite band. I know every word to every song and they blew away my expectations at this concert! Completely amazing and they sound phenomenal, which is the true test of a real musical artist.

We had pit tickets and had to push our way to the front. People were not very nice and/or happy with us but I really didn't care. We made it happen and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Another bucket list item complete. Videos are linked below for your viewing pleasure!

#127 - Play "Battleshots"

I honestly had never heard of this game before until I saw it on Pintrest one day. Obviously it had to make it onto the bucket list.  4 of us played and this was an absolute blast. We made the shots really weak for obvious reasons but essentially if you have never heard of this fun drinking game it is like "Battleship" but made with pizza boxes and the ships are shots.

Little Caesars manager was kind enough to give me two boxes to make the game boards after telling him what we were using them for. At the end of the night, lots of laughs, good times with friends and another bucket list memory.

I'd definitely put this on your list of "to-dos" if you have never played the game.

#64 - 6 months with no cable tv!

This item on the list started out being a way to force my kids and myself to get creative with our activities and is partially to thank for my bucket list. I got sick of just watching tv all the time and having no motivation to go out and do things.

Originally, the goal was 6 months but I actually made it 9 months. Call me an over achiever or just say I got used to the idea of having no tv around, I did it.  I definitely missed it for a while and now that I have it back I think I have a little bit more balance in my life with getting out of the house.

DirecTV was called and now the streak is over but I definitely appreciate having it, just wont be a slave to a TV show again!

#64 - COMPLETE!

25 things I like about myself

You wouldn't think this task would be THAT hard but there is a little piece of you that feels guilty about saying nice things about yourself. However, it's time to focus on all the positives and not what I would like to change about myself. This list is up right next to my bed so I have to see it every day. Here is what I came up with....

Item #130 on the bucket list - 25 Things I like about myself

1. I don't just have fun and live life...I MAKE the fun! and I'm fun to hang out with
2. I'm thoughtful
3. I can come up with ideas on just about anything. I love brain storming!
4. When I set my mind to something I don't stop until I achieve it
5. I love to make people laugh and I love funny people. Definitely think I can appreciate a sense of humor
6. Despite a lot of challenges, I always seem to pull myself back up and keep going
7. I love that I am willing to push myself out of my comfort zone to force personal growth
8. I would do just about anything for someone I love (kids, friends, family, etc)
9. I truly appreciate the little guestures people do for me
10. I love the fact that I'm not afraid to walk up and talk to just about anyone
11. I'm a good singer
12. I'm extremely spontaneous and I just go with the flow
13. You always know where you stand with me. I'm a pretty direct person but not in a mean way
14. I have a very genuine heart
15. I don't hold a grudge
16. If I do something wrong, I'm the first one to apologize
17. I don't judge people by their past or by their mistakes. I am always willing to give someone a second chance to prove they've changed.
18. The color of my eyes
19. I'm a really good friend to those who are able to get close to me
20. I'm open minded. I'm always willing to try something new once, even if I don't think I may like it
21. I'm good at math
22. I am very independant
23. That I am expressive
24. I'm a very quick learner
25. I'm an awesome mom (I originally had "good mom", my son made me erase it and put "awesome")

#125 - Skinny Dipping

DONE! - Enough Said...

Break a record in the Guinness Book of World Records - #106

I honestly did not think this one would happen when I added this to my list. Not trying to be negative but my brother actually came up with #106 on my list "Break a record in the Guinness Book of World Records". This one I can thank twitter for helping me with because I actually saw a tweet one night online when I couldn't sleep. Legoland Florida posted about their new water park and asking passholders to join them as they open the park and try and break a world record.  I knew this was a rare opportunity so I emailed and reserved a space, which really saved us from missing out!

Landen's birthday is on May 27th, so I wanted to do something really special with him this year. Thankfully someone convinced me to take him with me regardless of it being the last week of school. Of course Landen freaked out when I picked him up. He was really excited and we had a great time.  I explained to him how this would be a story he would tell for a long time and very few people break one of these records in their lives.  The record was "Most beach balls thrown in the air simultaneously" and the previous record was 400. We broke the record at 1,355! They cut off people going into the park and we had passes AND the email. 

Here is the video of the record being broken:

The official record judge was there and photographers were up on a platform to take the picture along with a slew of media.  It was amazing to be part of this moment.  Huge thanks to Legoland Florida for organizing the whole thing which apparently started 7 months ago. (http://florida.legoland.com)

Skydiving - DONE!

Let me start by saying that skydiving is the biggest fear of my life. It terrified me more than anything to think about the reality of doing this.  I honestly kept finding reasons NOT to do it just out of fear and a little on the timing side.  After realizing it was the perfect time for me to really take the leap and do this, some amazing friends entered my life.  Eric and Cory have rejuvinated me in so many ways, I can't describe how wonderful the past few weeks or so have really been. I'm lucky to have them around! 

A random conversation ended up with a commitment on a date and time and here we were. May 7, 2012 is a day that will forever be in my mind. We all have gotten on the bucket list band wagon and now is the perfect time to be on a mission to push hard for change in life. 

When we got there, I started to feel the panic a little bit but that was really minimal because of the two with me. We joked a lot and it helped me through the process. They suited us up and we started documenting the process. Jeff (my tandem jumper) really helped me. He talked to me the whole flight so it really kept my mind off things. I decided if we were doing this it was "go big or go home" so we backflipped out of the airplane. I went first and I think that helped me too!




A really weird calm feeling came over me in the airplane and I definitely didn't expect that. It all happened so fast and before I knew it I was flipping out of the plane and free falling.  I can't describe it other than you don't lose your stomach or feel like you are falling because its 2 1/2 miles up and you fall at 120 mph.

When the parachute opens, its just a peaceful floating experience.  Theres a major post jump adreneline for sure. 

What an incredible experience it was!

We have quite a few fun videos so heres a little bit of the day. Eric is going to put my jump dvd on his computer and do something with it so I can post that but for now...that's about it!

This post ended up being a little deeper than just about a simple skydiving trip.  See one of my favorite songs by Lady Antebellum pretty much sums up a little bit of WHY I was ready to do this.  Don't take these lyrics the wrong way, what I mean is that I've been scared to move on with life. I've been scared to really push myself hard to change and figure out exactly what was behind some of my feelings and behaviors. Skydiving symbolized me being ready. I have realized it is time to take control. To stop thinking but to act on it and I feel like this was exactly what I did.

"Seems like I was walking in the wrong direction
I barely recognize my own reflection, no
Scared of love but scared of life alone
Seems I've been playing on the safe side baby
Building walls around my heart to save me, oh
But it's time for me to let it go
Yeah, I'm ready to feel now
No longer am I afraid of the fall down
It must be time to move on now
Without the fear of how it might end"
(Lady Antebellum)

Take a Pole Dancing Class - #46

#46 - Take a pole dancing class

By far this particular item on my bucket list has pushed me the farthest out of my comfort zone from a physical perspective. I can definitely say this will be something I'll do again. It was a great workout but also a ton of fun. The teacher was amazing and made me feel so comfortable, not to mention PHENOMENAL on the pole. He made it look like an art form.        

From the moment I made the phone call, it was just a great experience. The lady who made my reservation was so friendly and I told her it was on my bucket list. During the class, she was like "Its on your bucket list so just let go and enjoy it". It really helped that the staff were so wonderful.

When we started, I could barely even hold myself on the pole. I have a whole new respect for people who do this for a living. We made a few videos to capture the moment. The first one is just learning the spinning on the pole then the beginner class one full run through the routine. 

Part of the point of the bucket list is to push me as a person. So here we go...

And that's a wrap...another one off the list!

#53 - Play Hopscotch

Sometimes the things that are the most fun come from our childhood. This year has made my childhood become a very comfortable place for me. We grilled out and taught the kids how to play hopscotch. (Thank you google for the rules).

There were 5 of us playing including one of my friends Ive known since middle school and her son. Fortunately since it was my bucket list....I WON! I was definitely underdog status but thats how I roll :)Here is the video. Number 53 is now OFF THE LIST!

#76 - Have a huge water balloon fight

This was the most hilarious bucket list item to kick off this month!  I was in CVS buying something and saw water balloons on sale for $2 and was trying to think of something to entertain us that was cheap and fun. We decided this would be SO much more fun if we surprised someone with the fight vs staging it.

I spent probably an hour just filling balloons in the bathroom with no ones knowledge while my friend took them outside and strategically placed them around the perimeter of where we were planning on staging this fight.  The plan was to get her husband to go outside and take us on a golf cart ride and then just bombard him. A few minutes before we went to get him, he was already outside and driving away on the cart. We got him back over and went to town!

The best part was him not putting down the can of pringles he had been eating. It was fun, hilarious and we pulled it off without him finding out.  Priceless video!

#76 - "Have a huge water balloon fight" is officially off the list....

#2 - Skydiving - SCHEDULED!!!

This is literally my BIGGEST FEAR! Not only am I slightly afraid of flying in small planes but I'm also afraid of heights in a major way. I know this is on everyones bucket list for the most part, however skydiving is going to be a very symbolic thing for me. For me, its taking my fears head on and basically symbolizing a major change in my life.

I wanted to go when I turned 30 but I just had too much going on in life at that point for it to really be as important as I needed it to be for me personally. I've made a lot of major changes in a year and its time to show this fear who's boss!!!!

Two of my new amazing friends were on board with getting this done right away so its scheduled for May 7th and we are going to jump together to all prove to ourselves that life begins now and we are all in control of our future, our happiness and creating some unforgettable memories that we will cherish the rest of our lives. I'm glad to have some of my favorite people to be around there to hold my hand while I complete this one.

ITS ON!

#62 - Play Paintball

I'm not going to lie, I was terrified of this one (not as much as I am about skydiving).  I had heard some major horror stories about how bad it hurts to get hit by the paintballs.  There were 15 of us that made it out to the paintball field, only 3 girls.

Talk about bonding time...it was a blast. My first hit was right in the facemask and after that I was feeling much better. It barely hurt to be honest, just a quick sting.  The best part about this bucket list item is that it was with some of my favorite wedding industry friends.

I was last person standing on I believe the 2nd or 3rd game and didn't do too bad. They all thought I was going to be the ultimate prissy princess I think but I think I proved that I can hang too.

We went to Orbital Paintball and the people there were really nice and definitely made the experience that much better. They didnt know this was on my list but I appreciate Aaron organizing this industry event and unknowingly getting this off my bucket list!!

#62 - Go Paintballing - COMPLETE!!

Front row left to right: Jason Mize (Photography), Justin DeMutiis (Photography), Dustin (Photographer)

2nd row left to right: Mark Edwards (Photography), Aaron Lockwood (Photography), Phillip MacDonald (aka Phillip Lloyd Photography), Me (The Knot), Eric Harding (Grant Hemond and Assoc.), Jessica (Georgia Watson Events), Ryan Smith (Good Food Catering), Jacob Smeaton (Music on the Move)

Back row left to right: Cory Barron (Grant Hemond and Assoc.), JC York (Wise Guys), Bill Cadzow

*Not pictured - Andrea McMahon (Paper Presence)

#115 - Attend another Gary Gulman show

                               GARY GULMAN

Anyone that knows me well knows I LOVE live comedy! I even had a comedian at my wedding...Well my favorites are Dane Cook and Gary Gulman. I fell in love with his comedy back when he was on "Last Comic Standing". Say what you want but I love comedians who joke about things we all notice but maybe never think to make fun of, smart comedy.

I went with 3 friends to the show and it was beyond my expectations. He's hilarious and a really nice guy (and not bad to look at either). I went to a show a few years back but really wanted to go to another one and finally he came back to Tampa.  We sat in the front row.  A few days before, I started tweeting about him and to my surprise he retweeted me and remembered me when I got to the show. It made my year honestly. To the right is a picture from the first show years ago.

The show was at Side Splitters Comedy Club in Tampa on April 7th. What a blast!!

 The day after I posted on twitter about him exceeding my expectations and check out the sweet reply. What a nice guy he was and simply amazing show.

Check out his website if you want to see clips:

                       www.garygulman.com



#115 - Attend another Gary Gulman show - COMPLETE!

Getting back into the "Bucket List"

It is St. Patrick's Day today and since my last post, so much has happened.  I stayed home tonight with the boys and decided to watch "The Bucket List" again. After the movie, I realized there was an extra feature on the DVD called "Making a Bucket List". The past few weeks have given me very little time to accomplish anything off my list and with my ankle just 2 weeks away from finishing physical therapy, I've been cautious on how far to push myself.

Honestly, it's a miracle I've gotten as much off my list with 3 kids as a single mom and a full time job but that is exactly why I created it...to do something for me.  I tried to understand WHY this list was so important to me, why did I enjoy the fact that people were reaching out to me to help me complete my goals? So as I'm watching the extra feature on my DVD, the writer of the movie said a couple of things that really resonated in my mind. He said that "by writing a bucket list you are admitting that you arent 100% content with yourself". How true!

What I realized tonight is that this list is to push myself personally. It's to make a difference in my life, to change myself.  He said that the point of a bucket list is that "at any time you can extracate yourself from what you're doing and accomplish these goals". 

He hit the nail on the head. I guess I'm searching for me. I'm searching for something inside myself, the answers to my questions, something measurable, something positive, something motivating.  This list so far has done just that.

I will continue with this list because without it, I am just not sure who I am or what my purpose is. I've never really had time to get to know myself. Having my first child at 20 years old, well you put your own needs aside and now at 30 years old with 3 little boys and 2 divorces under my belt...I'm wondering what makes me happy (Yes, I finally said that out loud). So thus the mission continues. I think I'm almost there.  Finally, I am close to understand what makes me tick and why I feel the way I do. It's an amazing journey and I'm ready to continue...

#40 - Grape stomping competition!

The Renaissance Festival is one of my favorite things to go to at the beginning of the year. Not only is there great food but the people get so into the charachters, definitely makes for some great people watching.  My friend Andrea actually found out they were doing this and was sweet enough to get a group together to go assist in getting #40 off the list!

Ashly entered with me, Sandy's daughter Hannah (who happened to win second place) and Lucille's two kids.  I think this would have been easier if I hadn't had an ankle injury, who am I kidding I still wouldn't have won. No one beats a bunch of cute kids. The grapes were freezing cold but I still had a blast!

We saw the living statues from Wise Guys Entertainment on display throughout the festival which was fun. At the end of the day, Andrea and Sandy even put on a ribbon twirling show for us. 

Great friends, food, fun and another one off the bucket list! Goodbye #40 - Entering a grape stomp competition...