When: December 31st
Where: Online
Fifty two down...0 to go!!!
What: #67 Write a will
When: December 31st
Where: Online
Why: As a year closes out and one takes stock of what they have in their lives, it isn't usually the material things that you think about the most; it's the people that have had an impact on your life. I know I spent time on today's flight - leaving my family, flying over friends, and returning home to more friends - reflecting on and counting my blessings for the presence of all these amazing people who are a part of my story. And while it's not at all pleasant to think about ever being without those people, in an effort to be proactive, I felt that writing a will should be something that I should do to provide for those individuals I care about, and to hopefully make any difficult decisions a bit easier. So, with the help of some online resources, I created the most basic version just to have something on file. I will likely continue to modify it as things come to mind over the next few months, and I do still need to make it official by getting witnesses to sign it for me, but it is written and that's a start!
When: December 31st
Where: Online
Fifty-one down...1 to go...
What: # 87 Stay at an all-inclusive resort
When: Booked December 28
Where: Punta Cana
Why: When I travel, I usually do it on a budget, and I typically do all the research to find the best deals on flights, hotels, food, and things to see and do. While I do love planning (a lot!), it is also very time-consuming and at times a bit overwhelming. So, I've lived vicariously through a few friends who have taken trips in the past to all-inclusive resorts, and the idea seemed appealing on a certain level. This year, some friends and I decided to plan our own trip to a resort, and while it did still require a lot of decisions up front about where to go, how long to stay, and the types of adventures to have, it is now completely booked, and we just get to look forward to it; oh, and buy fun new beach clothes and bathing suits for our week of lounging in the sand and at the pools!
When: Booked December 28
Where: Punta Cana
Why: When I travel, I usually do it on a budget, and I typically do all the research to find the best deals on flights, hotels, food, and things to see and do. While I do love planning (a lot!), it is also very time-consuming and at times a bit overwhelming. So, I've lived vicariously through a few friends who have taken trips in the past to all-inclusive resorts, and the idea seemed appealing on a certain level. This year, some friends and I decided to plan our own trip to a resort, and while it did still require a lot of decisions up front about where to go, how long to stay, and the types of adventures to have, it is now completely booked, and we just get to look forward to it; oh, and buy fun new beach clothes and bathing suits for our week of lounging in the sand and at the pools!
Fifty down...2 to go...
What: #55 Experience a Cirque du Soleil show
When: December 23rd
Where: Not Vegas
Why: When I drove cross-country after college, we stopped in Vegas for a night, and my friend went to see a Cirque du Soleil show while I stayed in the hotel room and slept. I was exhausted, probably felt like it was too expensive, and just wanted to relax. To this day, I sorta regret that because I've wondered since just what the experience would have been like to see one of their shows. Luckily, they have just released a 3D movie compiling portions of each of their Vegas shows to tell a love story! So, while I didn't actually go to the show itself, I will someday, and this just convinced me that I have to do that! Throughout the movie, I think there were likely a dozen times when I'd go minutes without blinking or breathing...it was that captivating. And, having done my fair share of circus-y things this year (trapeze, silks, climbing, pole-dancing, etc.), I know that most of what these performers made look simple and graceful is in fact harder than I could ever imagine. They must have amazing physical strength and agility, wonderful control of their bodies, and let's face it, a ton of fun! The various shows all feature different aspects of a circus, and probably my favorite will always be "O" at the Bellagio, so the scenes from that show really intrigued me the most. I definitely think this is a wonderful preview to the real thing, and I can't wait to go...maybe in the new year.
Update: In 2013, I did finally get myself to Vegas to see "O" at the Bellagio!! Fantastic!!
When: December 23rd
Where: Not Vegas
Why: When I drove cross-country after college, we stopped in Vegas for a night, and my friend went to see a Cirque du Soleil show while I stayed in the hotel room and slept. I was exhausted, probably felt like it was too expensive, and just wanted to relax. To this day, I sorta regret that because I've wondered since just what the experience would have been like to see one of their shows. Luckily, they have just released a 3D movie compiling portions of each of their Vegas shows to tell a love story! So, while I didn't actually go to the show itself, I will someday, and this just convinced me that I have to do that! Throughout the movie, I think there were likely a dozen times when I'd go minutes without blinking or breathing...it was that captivating. And, having done my fair share of circus-y things this year (trapeze, silks, climbing, pole-dancing, etc.), I know that most of what these performers made look simple and graceful is in fact harder than I could ever imagine. They must have amazing physical strength and agility, wonderful control of their bodies, and let's face it, a ton of fun! The various shows all feature different aspects of a circus, and probably my favorite will always be "O" at the Bellagio, so the scenes from that show really intrigued me the most. I definitely think this is a wonderful preview to the real thing, and I can't wait to go...maybe in the new year. Update: In 2013, I did finally get myself to Vegas to see "O" at the Bellagio!! Fantastic!!
Forty-nine down...3 to go...
What: #21 Buy or make something for a neighbor
Where: My neighborhood
When: December 22nd
Why: I live in a neighborhood where everyone keeps to themselves. There are maybe two people that I recognize and we say "Hi" to each other, and I've lived here for over 5 years. In general, there aren't very many community events, and while there is a pool, I tend to frequent it when most other people are at work, and when I make it to the mailboxes for my area of the neighborhood, it is usually late at night and no one else is really around at that time. Another thing is that most of us go in and out by our garages, not our front doors, so I think that eliminates a lot of socializing. I wanted to at least know someone that lived near me, so I thought that baking a holiday treat would be a good way to do it. Luckily, my friend found an easy-for-Sarah recipe to make these amazing decadent brownie bites. After we made a whole tray of them, she brought an adorable container to put in an assortment, and we wandered out to find a neighbor who was home (and would answer the door...we're not a friendly neighborhood, as I've indicated). After 4 failed attempts, we finally got to a neighbor who had actually just moved in about a month ago (I had no idea!). Beth moved from across the street and was actually happy to meet me and ask a bit about our neighborhood. Her daughter Aubrey is a college student at UofM and was home for the holidays, and they both had the best curly blond hair ever! My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on it! Beth had a very cool welcome mat, and adorable frog candle holders in her garden area...I think she and I could totally become people that say "Hi" to each other now, too!
Where: My neighborhood
When: December 22nd
Why: I live in a neighborhood where everyone keeps to themselves. There are maybe two people that I recognize and we say "Hi" to each other, and I've lived here for over 5 years. In general, there aren't very many community events, and while there is a pool, I tend to frequent it when most other people are at work, and when I make it to the mailboxes for my area of the neighborhood, it is usually late at night and no one else is really around at that time. Another thing is that most of us go in and out by our garages, not our front doors, so I think that eliminates a lot of socializing. I wanted to at least know someone that lived near me, so I thought that baking a holiday treat would be a good way to do it. Luckily, my friend found an easy-for-Sarah recipe to make these amazing decadent brownie bites. After we made a whole tray of them, she brought an adorable container to put in an assortment, and we wandered out to find a neighbor who was home (and would answer the door...we're not a friendly neighborhood, as I've indicated). After 4 failed attempts, we finally got to a neighbor who had actually just moved in about a month ago (I had no idea!). Beth moved from across the street and was actually happy to meet me and ask a bit about our neighborhood. Her daughter Aubrey is a college student at UofM and was home for the holidays, and they both had the best curly blond hair ever! My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on it! Beth had a very cool welcome mat, and adorable frog candle holders in her garden area...I think she and I could totally become people that say "Hi" to each other now, too!
Forty-eight down...4 to go...
What: #17 Dance at the Diamondback Saloon
Where: Diamondback Saloon
When: December 21st
Why: For years, I've been driving by the building and never once entered. It is a country bar, which is my kind of music, with dancing, which is also my thing, but something about it seemed like I would not fit in there. And, as the years passed and I got less young, I felt even more as tho I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Finally, I rounded up some friends who wanted to people watch with me, and they accompanied me to the saloon. The parking lot was packed, so I thought the bar would be smashed full of people, but when you go inside, the place is enormous! The bar area itself is tiny, but the focal point was an almost arena-style dance floor with tables surrounding it at various levels, and a stage with a live band. Early on, I got out on the dance floor for some line dancing, but then firmly planted myself at a ringside table to just watch the scene unfold. It was a very odd blend of people, music, and events, but not nearly as sketchy as I had anticipated. There were some "End Of The World" games hosted by a local radio DJ and that was fun to watch, altho the winners were much more hipster than country. The music selection ranged from Pat Benatar to Huey Lewis to country stars and back to Stevie Wonder...what?! I'll admit, I wasn't the oldest person in the bar, or the most ridiculous looking, so that's always a good pick-me-up. And hey, I did get to line dance, so it was a successful evening!
Where: Diamondback Saloon
When: December 21st
Why: For years, I've been driving by the building and never once entered. It is a country bar, which is my kind of music, with dancing, which is also my thing, but something about it seemed like I would not fit in there. And, as the years passed and I got less young, I felt even more as tho I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Finally, I rounded up some friends who wanted to people watch with me, and they accompanied me to the saloon. The parking lot was packed, so I thought the bar would be smashed full of people, but when you go inside, the place is enormous! The bar area itself is tiny, but the focal point was an almost arena-style dance floor with tables surrounding it at various levels, and a stage with a live band. Early on, I got out on the dance floor for some line dancing, but then firmly planted myself at a ringside table to just watch the scene unfold. It was a very odd blend of people, music, and events, but not nearly as sketchy as I had anticipated. There were some "End Of The World" games hosted by a local radio DJ and that was fun to watch, altho the winners were much more hipster than country. The music selection ranged from Pat Benatar to Huey Lewis to country stars and back to Stevie Wonder...what?! I'll admit, I wasn't the oldest person in the bar, or the most ridiculous looking, so that's always a good pick-me-up. And hey, I did get to line dance, so it was a successful evening!
Forty-seven down...5 to go...
What: # 38 Get a fake spray tan
Where: Uphoria
When: December 21st
Why: Living in a state with a pretty consistent record for having a high percentage of days with no sunshine, being tan isn't a big deal to me. It's nice in the summer when there is a different glow to my skin, but I'm fair and will often burn to a painful crisp before I get a base tan. Let's just say that sunblock is my friend. I had tried the self-tanning lotion before and found it to be a mess. The idea of a tanning bed seems horrifying, but ever since the ridiculous episode on Friends where Ross gets a spray tan, that captured my interest. They also talk about it, a lot, on Dancing With The Stars, so I figured it must be the cool thing to do. I was telling my friend about it, and they do organic spray tans at the salon she visits, so I went there for my initiation into the world of bronzed goddesses. The whole process is different than I imagined. I was basically in a human car wash, being sprayed by a cold mist (with a pleasant raspberry almond scent!) while I stood in a ventilated tent, then I was dried down with a hairdryer contraption. I could see a difference on my neck and face right away, and it actually continues to look good. There were some glitches...I have really stripey wrists, alternating orange and white like a fruity zebra...but overall it's a fun way to change up your look and bring a bit of the summertime glow to the middle of a dreary winter.
Where: Uphoria
When: December 21st
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| Tan lines in December?!? |
Forty-six down...6 to go...
What: #82 Communicate with no one for a full 24 hours
It’s actually eye-opening to
be so productive when I’m not constantly checking in to see what's going on in the world. And, with all the tragic news from that day, I took it even a step beyond and made no contact with the outside world at all. I only listened to Christmas CDs (not the radio), watched Christmas DVDs (no news or TV), totally shut down my laptop, I wrapped some gifts, wrote Christmas cards, stayed inside and slept a lot, and yes, even decided to tidy up so my home is a more pleasant place to be over the holidays. Might make this a regular tradition!
Where: Mostly the couch and bedroom
When: December 14-15
Why: Every summer, I try to take a trip where I don’t take
my cell phone as a way to detox from all the technology overload, the constant
barrage of communication, information, and general instant everything. It’s
wonderful. Refreshing. Fabulous. It’s always hard at first, but gets
exponentially easier, to the point where I finally don’t even want to check
email or turn on my phone again when I return home. So, I thought this 24-hour
long hiatus from all that might help a bit as a mini detox. I knew around the
holidays would be a tricky time to do this one, so I wasn’t necessarily going
to try it, but then I experienced the agony of my phone dropping into my
footbath at the nail salon (their massage chair was REALLY awkward and I jumped
up in total shock/horror, forgetting for a split second that my phone was on my
lap because I was texting a picture of the awesome nail colors I had just picked out).
So, while I waited for my phone to dry out – or more likely, while I await my
next day's evening appointment at the Apple store, it seemed an opportune time to shut out
the world.
It’s actually eye-opening to
be so productive when I’m not constantly checking in to see what's going on in the world. And, with all the tragic news from that day, I took it even a step beyond and made no contact with the outside world at all. I only listened to Christmas CDs (not the radio), watched Christmas DVDs (no news or TV), totally shut down my laptop, I wrapped some gifts, wrote Christmas cards, stayed inside and slept a lot, and yes, even decided to tidy up so my home is a more pleasant place to be over the holidays. Might make this a regular tradition! Forty-five down...7 to go...
Where: Twisted Bull
When: December 8th
Why: A few years ago, I was in New Orleans with my college
roommate for a friend’s wedding, and we went out after the reception to
experience the nightlife, and ended up at a karaoke bar (where we sang a group
piece and then split), and a big booming dance club (where we lasted a bit
longer) and then walked past a bar with a mechanical bull and really wanted to
try it, but since I was in a nice dress and heels, I conceded to watch while
another friend of ours did do it, and it was a blast to cheer her on, so it
seemed like a cool item to put on the list. I hadn’t come across a place with a
mechanical bull, so had to finally Google search it. Turns out, there was a
place in Grand Rapids, so it was perfect to do it after the Meijer Gardens. We
got to the bar before the bull rides start at 9:30, but we asked our waitress
(a nice girl in cheekie undies and chaps…seriously…) if we could hop on earlier
and the two men running the show let us. It required a signed waiver (didn’t
read it) and a short tutorial from a very tall cowboy (a direct quote: “It’s
just like being on top”), and then away we went. The most awkward part is that
there are plaid-clad barflies ringing the bull-riding mat on barstools to just
gawk, make comments, and leer. Ick. But, with the support of Stef cheering me
on, I stayed on until they ended my ride. Stef did a much better impression of
a true bull rider…very cool!Forty-four down...8 to go...
What: #98 Walk around the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids
Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens
When: December 8th
Why: Michigan is a great state, and sometimes I get caught up in going to all sorts of new and exciting destinations around the country and around the world, but then I remember there are amazing things in my own home state. This is one of those places I've heard so much about, and determined it was worthy of making the effort to visit. It's in a part of the state I don't frequently get to because it isn't on the way to Chicago or Up North, so it has to be an end goal for its own sake.
The gardens are an impressive collection of indoor greenhouses and outdoor sculpture gardens, and at this time of year, an array of international Christmas trees and other holiday displays throughout the main building. We started off bundling up to take a wintry walk through the sculpture gardens, enjoying ourselves by making up what the artist should have named each piece because, let's be honest, the actual names never make much sense. For example, we named this one "Mousetrap" like that children's game we played as kids.
The focal point of the garden is this colossus of a sculpture; it is meant to be the vision created by Leonardo da Vinci and finally realized 500 years after he crafted the models and drew up the plans.
One interesting note is that every sculpture had a sign at it reading "Do not touch", but when we wandered through the gardens containing delicate trains, handmade models, and cacti, not a single sign warned us not to touch. And there were plenty of little hands tempted to do so! It was a very crowded day with lots of families - and exchange students? - and lots of fragile ornaments on the many trees, but it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying this type of an outing. Sadly, I don't think the reindeer was having a very good time.
One very cool thing: As I mentioned, they had miniature scale models of area building and landmarks, one of which I immediately recognized was in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright! As you know if you've perused my list, I really have a thing for his architecture, so when I realized this was a local home, I had to find it, so we ended up learning about a new cool place in "G D Rapids" (as our GPS lady kept repeating).
Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens
When: December 8th
Why: Michigan is a great state, and sometimes I get caught up in going to all sorts of new and exciting destinations around the country and around the world, but then I remember there are amazing things in my own home state. This is one of those places I've heard so much about, and determined it was worthy of making the effort to visit. It's in a part of the state I don't frequently get to because it isn't on the way to Chicago or Up North, so it has to be an end goal for its own sake.
The gardens are an impressive collection of indoor greenhouses and outdoor sculpture gardens, and at this time of year, an array of international Christmas trees and other holiday displays throughout the main building. We started off bundling up to take a wintry walk through the sculpture gardens, enjoying ourselves by making up what the artist should have named each piece because, let's be honest, the actual names never make much sense. For example, we named this one "Mousetrap" like that children's game we played as kids. The focal point of the garden is this colossus of a sculpture; it is meant to be the vision created by Leonardo da Vinci and finally realized 500 years after he crafted the models and drew up the plans.
 |
| Iceland's Tree! |
One very cool thing: As I mentioned, they had miniature scale models of area building and landmarks, one of which I immediately recognized was in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright! As you know if you've perused my list, I really have a thing for his architecture, so when I realized this was a local home, I had to find it, so we ended up learning about a new cool place in "G D Rapids" (as our GPS lady kept repeating). |
| Scale model made of all natural materials! |
Forty-three down...9 to go...
What: #49 Make a pie from scratch
Where: Karen's Kitchen
When: December 6th
Why: I love peach pie. I mean it. And I know that a homemade pie tastes infinitely better than a store bought pie, but I had no idea how to make a pie. As my friend explained it, I'd be an awesome host of a cooking show for people (myself included) that have no idea how to cook. For example, the recipe said to mix until it looks like cornmeal. What on earth does that mean? I would revise it to say "until it looks like wet sand." Now THAT makes sense! And then why do you put aluminum foil on the edges? I assumed it had something to do with why there are metallic tiles on the space shuttle, so then I made my peace with it. Another very important thing I learned was that baking is different than cooking, and measurements have to be VERY precise. Also, weird things go into a pie...tapioca?? Who knew.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience from beginning to end, thanks to her food processor (awesome!), a great space to roll out the dough for both crusts, and the lovely scents coming from the oven. Now, it was a late night of baking, so I didn't get to taste test it before I had to go home and it hadn't quite cooled, but I'm assured it will be enjoyed and maybe even a piece will be saved for me to try later!
Where: Karen's Kitchen
When: December 6th
Why: I love peach pie. I mean it. And I know that a homemade pie tastes infinitely better than a store bought pie, but I had no idea how to make a pie. As my friend explained it, I'd be an awesome host of a cooking show for people (myself included) that have no idea how to cook. For example, the recipe said to mix until it looks like cornmeal. What on earth does that mean? I would revise it to say "until it looks like wet sand." Now THAT makes sense! And then why do you put aluminum foil on the edges? I assumed it had something to do with why there are metallic tiles on the space shuttle, so then I made my peace with it. Another very important thing I learned was that baking is different than cooking, and measurements have to be VERY precise. Also, weird things go into a pie...tapioca?? Who knew. Overall, it was a wonderful experience from beginning to end, thanks to her food processor (awesome!), a great space to roll out the dough for both crusts, and the lovely scents coming from the oven. Now, it was a late night of baking, so I didn't get to taste test it before I had to go home and it hadn't quite cooled, but I'm assured it will be enjoyed and maybe even a piece will be saved for me to try later!
