Bloggy Love

It is like the doors of heaven are open and sprinkling down more and more love for my little blog. (Okay, so it's not a lot more, but it is more . . . . .even double!) I have received yet another award for this little spot on the internet and I received it from my friend Wendi at Because Wendi Said So. Thank you!

Isn't that just adorable!

This award came with rules: (We all know how well I stick to rules . . . let's give this a try)

1. The recipient must link back the the awards creator (http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.


Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids


(Did I even qualify to receive the Smile Award?) Regardless, I think I can come up with 5 great bloggers who do qualify for this award! These fabulous bloggers definitely deserve a SMILE Award!


1. Marivic @ Grumpy Angel.
2. Jill @ the Greenwood Runners
3. The Normal Mormon Husband @ Normal Mormon Husbands
4. Erin @ The Summerill Surf
5. Stacey @ The Davis Family


And finally, as a true symbol of appreciation I want to give this "very-limited, no-rules, just-because-I-can" award back to Wendi. Enjoy!!



Can you feel the Love flowing out from this blog? I practically have goosebumps - goose pimples - goose feathers~

Seas The Moment

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

Here at the house we are in discovery and debate mode as we try to name our boat. Jeff & I are not necessarily at odds about a name, but we definitely haven't come to a joint conclusion. It kind of gives me flashbacks to naming our children. Poor Josh didn't have a name for a week. Jeff even created a spreadsheet with all possible name combinations for us to consider. In an effort to avoid the long spreadsheet method of naming something I thought I'd throw out some ideas and have you all vote. Keep in mind that our vote can single-handedly over rule the majority vote. This is NOT a democracy . . .

Our previous boat was named by Jeff's Dad it was called: The Ambiance

Our current boat is named: The Peggy Sue (see why we're changing that?)

Other boat name options have included:

The Wendy Lynn

The Halcyon

Island Girl

Chirrosis of the River

The Vesper

Sea Esta

Miss My Money

Tippy Kanu

Kids Kollege

His Sea Fit

So . . Have you got an opinion on the name of our boat? Vote on the side - or if you have another suggestion, leave me a comment.

Vanilla Life

Something's been nagging me for over a week and today I think I may have reconciled myself to it.

Last week while I sat in my last LO class, all alone, with just the instructor, forced to sit on the front row (imagine my supreme JOY!) I was referenced as having a Vanilla Life.

The instructor placed heavy emphasis on the necessity of me disclosing ANY previous issues I've had with the law. Have I murdered anyone? Have I been drug trafficking? Am I a notorious embezzler? Have I ever had a speeding ticket? I kept reassuring him that there was nothing in my past that would hold up me getting this license. Finally, he gave up the interrogation and said that I must have a "Vanilla Life".

I pouted. All of a sudden I wanted to run out and commit a crime -- maybe even go 10 miles over the speed limit on the way home!! I was kinda hurt by his comment about my life. I have stewed and stewed over it for a week -- surely I am more interesting than Vanilla!

And then today, I finished reading a fairly good book called "A Lantern In Her Hand". And in the following lines from the book -- I finally found my peace:

"Is childbirth narrow, Grace? Or marriage? Or death? When you've experienced all those things, Grace, the spirit has traveled although the body has been confined. I think travel is a rare privilege and I'm glad you can have it. But not everyone who stays at home is narrow and not everyone who travels is broad. I think if you can understand humanity . . can sympathize with every creature . . can put yourself into the personality of every one . . you're not narrow . you're broad"

I agree, I'm not very exciting. I'm not well travelled. I haven't even given birth as the quote references. But I have had my share of dealing with humanity, of choosing to show compassion when it's been the hardest. I find great personal joy and satisfaction in getting to know others and see things from their point of view. I have found myself in more "unusual" and difficult circumstances than I care to recount.

I may never be Tutti-Frutti or Rainbow Sherbet ~ but I am more than Just Vanilla!!

I Survived!

Yes! I made it through the inaugural trip in our new (new-to-us) boat. The new boat sounded all wrong compared to our old one, I was convinced we would sink, I nearly side-swiped another trailer when parking our new one, I had white-hot knuckles clenched around Emma's life jacket -- but we came away SAFE!

I took a couple photos to prove it was OK:

Okay, so they're all photos of our swim suits, but I was busy trying to focus on concrete, solid items that were dear to me! Anyone want to take a stab at whose swimsuit is whose?

I Have PMS

No, no . . .not PMS like you think. Here at our house PMS is short for "Paranoid Mommy Syndrome". It's common knowledge that I freak out about . . . everything. I'm constantly worried about the safety of my family. And lately it's gotten worse.

Maybe it's all the t.v and news that I've been watching. Where are all the decent stories where people are good and kind and things go great? Instead I feel deluged by stories like:

• Woman ran through with tree branch while riding on an ATV
• Child drowns in Sugarhouse park pond
• Child left in hot car while dad goes to see new Batman movie
• Sad, sad acccident at Bear Lake (don't ask about the details - it's heartbreaking!)

And that's barely the tip of the iceberg it seems! I can't see the forest for the trees this morning - and to top it all off Jeff wants to take the boat out tomorrow . . . . to Jordanelle . . . where someone drowned last weekend!

Pass me a valium.

Foto Flashback

Here's a flashback to my morning, which we spent at "This Is The Place Heritage Park." It seemed an appropriate place to go considering today is Pioneer Day. (Here in Utah we celebrate the day that the first pioneers came into the valley).

The kids are punching leather in the photo above. They are doing it on some incredible granite slabs.

Ethan getting a shave at the 'local' barber

They all participated in a watermelon eating contest -- but here's a photo of Josh going at it.

All in all -- it was hot, crowded, and fun. We didn't stay for the parade where you dress up in hot pioneer clothes and pull handcarts down mainstreet. I'll leave that kind of thing to the youth in our stake who are currently pulling carts for 5 days over the same path the original pioneers did.

It's My First . . . . . AWARD!

Well, I have a new bloggy friend . . . . and she even gave me an award! It's my first, so I'm particularly proud of it:

My thanks to Jeanette at Strong & Immovable for giving me this award. Jeanette and I "hooked up" on my favorite site: Goodreads.com where I love to share the books I've read. (I've been on a book reading moratorium, however, while I've studied for my test and now I'm FREE to read again --Yay!)

Anyway, Jeanette is adorable for stalking my blog and for hosting her own great blog where she celebrates LDS values. Thank You!

As for the passing on of this award -- I have selected a few local friends whose blogs I love to visit.

1. Kim @ The Shaw's RollerCoaster Life. Kim and I met in a very unusual way, but may as well be sisters at this point.

2. Melanie @ Miss Mel's. Melanie is about to become a teacher and has an adorable blogpage that needs to be updated . . .so maybe this will help

3. Peggy @ Peg-A-Leg. Peggy is amazing and I really appreciate her latest post about Tiger's Blood slushies -- YUM!

4. Kellie @ The Mellot Page. You just have to check out Kellie's garden pictures -- they are amazing, plus she is going to machine quilt my hideous quilt top sometime soon. I'm so excited to get this project done.

5. Tammy @ Merryweathermama. This is more of a test to make sure she's still talking to me after the whole temple trip thing and the Disneyland gift -- This could be awkward . . . . Just kidding, Tammy is awesome and has some amazing photos on her website too.

All of these ladies are neighbors and great friends who deserve much more than this award . . .but it's all I've got at the moment.

Ladies - Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Post the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 7 other people for this award and add links to their blog. (Clearly I didn't follow the instructions explicitly)
4. Leave a message for the people that you nominated!

Congrats and Thanks again to Jeanette!

Officer Wendy

It's official! Today I passed my last big test and I'm an official LO (that's a Loan Officer, people).


I have proven myself worthy to use phrases like, "In Lieu of". I have proven that I can incorporate fairly lame acronyms into my vocabulary. I have proven that you can pass a test even if most of the questions have spelling errors on them (HUGE pet peeve!).


So. . . The Welcome Sign is out -- who would like to sign up for a mortgage loan?


"Anyone? Anyone?"


"What?"


"There's a problem in the mortgage loan industry? No one qualifies for a loan? The housing market is in trouble?"


"Then why the @%(&! did I spend my time and money becoming a Loan Officer?"


Oh, that's right . . . . cuz I want you all to start calling me Officer Wendy!

Bio

I'm agonizing over the necessary writing of a bio for myself. I have thought of a lot of torturous events that would be better than actually writing a few qualifying paragraphs about myself. I could never be in marketing, and definitely not in marketing myself.


The things I think they want to hear about me (I'm responsible, I won't ruin your program, I'm not a druggie) are not nearly as cool as the things I WANT to tell them. Stuff like:

• I am dedicated to success: I have 5 GOLD stars (meaning 100%) on 4 songs from Guitar Hero III -- on the medium setting! Woohoo! I can play a fairly decent "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "My Name is Jonas", " Miss Murder" and "Story of My Life".


• I am money conscious: I find complete joy in purchasing a box of Kraft Pasta Salad; normally priced $1.99 for $.29. I love the challenge of finding a good deal!


• I am realistic: I can tell you politely and with a (huge) smile on my face when your idea to have all the kids in the city hand whittle & carve a wooden shoe is a BAD idea!


• I am knowledgeable: I can tell you about every episode of Little House on the Prairie after only seeing the first few minutes of it. (What is it about Michael Landon getting teary-eyed that makes me cry like a freakin' baby?)

In the end, I'm going to end up with a bio that will bore some poor soul to death. Wonder if they'd like me to reference my blog on the bio just so they can see the "real" me?

Foto Flashback

And thus the California log was ended . . . . .

And they lived Happily Ever After!

California Favorites

Sorry, but the decompression of California continues. Today I want to share a few of my favorites from my trip. You might find a favorite in here too!

1st. My favorite place to eat in California is Olvera Street. You can head downtown to LA and enjoy the best taquitos and avocado sauce! Just make sure you hit the corner vendor near the train station. Yum!! I would post a photo of my whole family (21 of us) eating these tasty "fire sticks" but it was serious business and no one took any photos.

2nd. This whole trip began with the annual McNees family reunion that is held on the Sunday closest to July 4th. It is always held at Hickory Park in Torrance. Neither of these facts qualify as my favorite . . .but the shirts that we all wore are my favorites. Whitney Daniels Designs in Salt Lake prints up these great shirts for only $7 each (extended sizes $8 each). You just get each person to draw their own face and WAH-LA! You have an awesome shirt. Works great for family reunions, girls camps and school classes.

3rd. I am really not a beach fan (I have some water phobias). But I do have a favorite beach area. I don't know that it has a name, but follow highway 213 as far south as can and you'll run into a little beach entrance where you can find the best tide pools. (You can also find Art, the man who likes beer but never gets drunk, but likes to chit chat with you in front of the nasty porta potties). Wait until the tide is out and you'll find cool stuff like this:

4th. This last favorite from California is a gem! My sister-in-law, Syndi, recommended it. It's the incredible PedEgg! Who would've guessed it could work so well? I came home with better feet than I went with. Not only is it great for feet, but it gives you a little something to do in the car when you're driving around looking for a grocery store.

What to Do At Disneyland

The Disneyland / California trip continues to unfold for you. Today I want to share with you what we did at Disneyland. Yes, we went on rides, saw many characters, saw a few shows . . . .but the really unique thing that we did was look for hidden Mickey's.

Yup, go figure. With all the stuff you try to cram into a trip to Disneyland we decided to look for Mickey's. And it ended up being a pretty cool thing to do. Not only did it give us something to do other than waiting in lines - it was a "challenge" thing with scores attached to each Mickey. Yay! A competition!!

Instructions:

Pick up one of these handy dandy books for $9.95 on main street in Disneyland:



Then pick up a $4.95 pen to check mark which Mikeys you find. Then lose the pen. Then buy another $4.95 pen. (Are you surprised that I currently can't find the 2nd $4.95 pen?)

You can now begin your scavenger hunt around the park for hidden mickeys like these:

(The flowers are just additional beauty -- not real hidden mickeys. Although, if you walk around in the heat for 3 days at Disneyland you may see a mickey in the flower right before you pass out!)

My Gift To You . . .

I've unpacked the souveniers! And it's time for a little gift giving . . . .

To my friend Shauna:

Thank you for filling in for me while I was gone. In appreciation I give you this mighty expensive PIRATE PRINCESS BAG! There is not another "Matey" that I'd rather "Swab the Decks" with! Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of Diet Coke!


In addition, I am offering you my first ever "Great View Award". I'm sure this would be very coveted . . . if only people knew about it. Here it is:

Feel free to post this on your own blog, Shauna!

To My Sister-In-Law Tifany:

My thanks to you for filling in also! As a token of appreciation and in celebration of your FABULOUS personality that I have come to know and love, I give you this T-Shirt:

Tifany, you are also given my new Great View Award!! (Ah. . . see how giving I really am?) Feel free to put it somewhere on your blog too -- but remember YOU DON'T HAVE TO. I don't want this to be a gift like the kind Grandma Marie gives where you only pull it out when she comes over.

For My Friend Leslie:

I am always on the lookout for earrings for you, and I know the last pair I got you were a little large. But these were so dang cute . . .they twirl around and light up!

For My Friend Tammy:

Okay, mostly this shirt is for me to wear when I'm with you. It's a good "excuse" shirt that will alleviate all my guilty feelings. Think of all the fun things we can do now!

To My Blogging World Friend Wendi:


This little gift is something you can pull out next 4th of July when the neighbors shoot fireworks off in the middle of the night, or when a baseball player hits your kid . . . or anytime you write open letters. (Thanks for all the GREAT stories!!)

To All My Friends:

This little gift is to let you know how much I was thinking of EACH of you while I was on vacation! Please pick your favorite color and know how much I appreciate each of you!

Sentimental Journey

Cue the Music



I am not typically a sentimental person. I have a sentimental father and two sentimental brothers ~ there wasn't much of a need for me to pipe up with "let's stroll down memory lane" activity ideas.

But this last week, I found my sentimental side . . . . And here's all it took:


Gas to California: $400
Disneyland Passes: $850
Roast Beef Sandwich: $13 (each)
Fireworks narrated by Julie Andrews: $half a bazillion


Watching your daughter experience *magic* for the first time: PRICELESS!

We had a great time on this trip and I want to share more about it with you. But today is recovery day (aka laundry day).


I do want to thank Shauna and Tifany for posting a guest blog for me while I was gone. I loved them! I will have a "gift" for each of you tomorrow, here on my blog as well as a few other souvenirs for friends and family.

View From ...... Well.....Opposite of Heaven!

Greetings Wendy's stalkers! I am coming to you live from the wonderful world of 116 degree heat, plenty of dirt, and as much brown scenery as one can handle. I figured it is only appropriate that I be a guest blogger since Wendy originates from the heavenly views of Pleasant Grove and I am residing in the complete opposite place of Buckeye, Arizona. However, you will not hear me complain in January.

Well, I have been contemplating all the great things I could use this opportunity to talk about. I finally came to the conclusion to post about Wendy. I know, novel concept for there to be a post about Wendy on Wendy's blog. But I know that Wendy will never say these things so I feel it is my responsibility to "out" her. So here goes.............

• First and foremost, Wendy has some friggin' crazy in-laws. We are talking certifiable, a few fries short of a happy meal, destined for a rubber room, crazy!! No, seriously, nutso! I would use more descriptive language but I do not want to change the rating on Wendy's blog.
• Wendy has, hands down, got to be the most giving person I know. I am sure those reading this are completely aware of her kindness. When she was engaged to my brother (yes, I am one of the crazy in-laws), she volunteered to help me sand all the walls in my room to get them ready to paint. It was a lot of work and not at all fun. I could not believe she wanted to help me. I was 12 at the time and remember what an impact this act made on me. It seriously changed me forever and taught me the joy of service both in giving and receiving. I am certain she would do anything for anyone and I know she has done so much for me. I am sure more than she even realizes.
• Wendy is h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s!! So picture this, I was at the outlet shops in Park City where a group of us were gathering to do some early Christmas shopping. I was sitting in my car waiting for the rest to arrive, when I notice a van in the roundabout nearby. I realized it was Wendy and then quickly realized she was staying in the roundabout. She just kept going around and around. There were several other cars waiting to enter the roundabout but could not figure what the lady in the "purple" mini-van was doing. The look on their faces was priceless. I watched her go around that thing a good 10 times and was laughing so hard I am pretty sure I wet myself. It was classic!
• I have never met anyone with as much talent as Wendy. Yup, it is official, that girl is packed to the gills with talent. When she was being made, someone dumped a whole bucket of talent in her. She is truly an amazing creature!
• She has a fantastic mom. I LOVE Wendy's mom, she is great! I can see how Wendy turned out so amazing, she has an amazing mom!
• Wendy is patient. I am sure no one considers themselves patient but I have witnessed Wendy's patience on several occasions and can attest to its truthfulness. She is patient! If anyone can teach a 17 year-old know-it-all kid how to toll paint and never once lose her cool, she is patient. She should have hit me over the head with a tire iron and put us all out of our misery but instead, she just kept inviting me back for more. I am seriously embarrassed at some of the things I considered cute and works of art but Wendy was so kind. She never once made me feel bad for the junk I was making. Thanks Wend!
• I personally believe our children reflect on who we are so that should tell you just how truly spectacular Wendy is just based on her kids. I don't get to see them nearly as much as I would like but they are such great kids. Plus they are so creative. Anyone who can turn a sports bra into three-legged underwear is destined for greatness.
• Did I mention how truly psychotic her in-law's are. Again, another testament to Wendy's true amazingness that she even maintains the same last name!

Wendy has been in my life since I was Josh's age and I could not have had a better role model, example, and friend as I have had with Wendy. I am truly a better person just for having her in my life. Wendy....you rock!

I think I have solidified the fact that I will not be asked back to guest blog. But if you want to check out my blog, all is welcome! http://www.thewrightplaceandthewrighttimes.blogspot.com/ I cannot guarantee a PG rating but I will do my best. Ha ha ha

Tifany Wright

P.S. Sorry for any grammatical errors or misspellings....I am tired!!

P.P.S. Sorry Wendy, I had to do it! Your just great!

In for Wendy today is...

I'd like to thank the academy. Just being nominated is truly an honor. I can't tell you what this prestigious award means to me. Oh, wait, that is a speech for another occasion. I am honestly flattered that Wendy thought to ask me to "guest blog" for her while she is visiting the Happiest Place on Earth!

This being the Fourth of July, something must be said about how much I love America. I don't say it often enough, but there is no where else I wold rather live! I have traveled abroad a bit and while I am regularly dazzled by the other places I visit, there is nothing to match the feeling of "coming home" to America. (Even when the point of entry is LAX.) You just feel something when you have been away and then return to the place you love as much as I love America.

That said, I thought I would just share a few things that I love about America with all of you, Wendy's dear readers (whom she assured me would probably not read the blog all weekend).

A--Advantages are ours here to achieve our dreams, yet these are determined by ourselves alone. There is only pressure from within to excel or fall aside.

M--Many Patriots devoted to service to their country, from the early revolutionary soldiers to our friends neighbors and brothers-in-law that are serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

E--Education was an important enough virtue in the colonial days that a "free public education" became an ideal we are still working toward.

R--Riches, not only in the monetary connotation, are here for those who are willing to work hard and persevere.

I--Independence from tyranny and despotism and freedom to govern ourselves, with the responsibility to match.

C--Our Creator's Provident Blessings are laid upon this land to equal our obedience to Him.

A--All have been welcomed, as the poem engraved at the Statue of Liberty: "...Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Have a marvelous Independence Day with friends and family and fellow Americans. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful, promised land. Thanks for letting me share few thoughts today! Happy 4th of July! And, Wendy--have a great time and safe trip home!

Foto Flashback

Today is a Foto Flashback to a few of the times I've been to Disneyland. This is in honor of the fact that we are leaving for Disneyland in 7 hours (I'm running one last load of laundry before nodding off for a bit).

In my absence I have enlisted a few friends to guest blog. This is not only for your reading pleasure, but because I'm afraid my little blog will get lonely while I'm gone. (Dear burglars . . . this going to Disneyland is only a ruse . . I am here. I have a gigantic dog that will rip your ears off. I have a really, really good security system. And if that doesn't deter you . . . my watchful neighbor should scare the crap out of you!)

My first guest blogger is my good friend Shauna. Shauna has a new blog called Life on Celestial Circle. (Needless to say - I don't live on her street, but wish I did!) I met Shauna while doing PTA stuff, and she puts me to shame with how dedicated she is to our schools, to her kids and to the church. She is amazing!

My second guest blogger is my sister-in-law Tifany. Tif also has a new blog called The Wright Place and The Wright Times. Tif is very funny, very talented and has adorable children! I can't wait to see what she posts . . . Happy blogging everyone!

I Need To Get Out More

Borrowing from Because Wendi Said So! I have discovered that I may need to be a little more adventurous. I personally think we should add things like 201) Cleaned Under Your Fridge 202) Held A Child's Booger In Your Hand 203) Smashed a Spider With Your Bare Hand . . .

My Score: 75 of 200

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper.
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Swam with wild dolphins.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a tarantula.
10. Said “I love you” and meant it.
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris. (I'm counting Paris, Idaho!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (hello ~ another guilt ridden moment!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (wow! that's a scary mental image for all of you!)
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check - (sad, but true!)
68. Read - and understood - your credit report - (when you lose your purse as much as I do, you have to know how to do this!)
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions (freaky history teacher . . no longer employed)
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name - (when I got married)
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hotel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter