Bucket List

In no apparent order here's a list of what I'd like to do:

• fly in a hot air balloon
• drive across the USA
• pay for someone's groceries
• watch how a movie/tv show is filmed
• be a contestant on the Amazing Race
• learn to dance
• adopt at least 1 child
• wear a bikini
• live in another state
• tailgate at a football game
• spend an entire day at a movie theater
  
• fall in love
• attend a Superbowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, or NBA Finals game
• learn how to stop on ice skates
• go on a shopping spree
• fly in a helicopter
• attend the Olympics
• see a Broadway show in New York
• ride a gondola in Italy
  
• go to karaoke and sing a song
• ride a zip line
• be an extra in a film
• buy a home
• ride one of those 4 people bikes
• learn how to water ski
• sleep on the beach under the stars
• travel (too many places to list)
  
• eat junk food for an entire day
• date a professional athlete
  
• ride a dune buggy

There are more things on my list but those can't be shared, not appropriate for all to know...!

Some things that I've already accomplished on my bucket list:

• delivered a baby
• went parasailing
  
• took a vacation by myself
• went on a mission trip
• swam in the ocean
• paid for people's tolls
  
• went skinny dipping
  
• hiked up a small mountain
• threw a successful surprise party
• went on a sailboat
• took cooking classes in France
  

the decade in review

First of all, I do have to admit that I LOVE to review each year and see where I was, what happened, did change occur, did I grow....all that fun stuff.

This past decade was a pretty big deal in my life, but I trust that the next decade will have even more amazing things in store. So here's my thoughts as I process my journey.

Lots of change happened because I graduated from college. I landed on a church after searching for a while and developed some really close friends that'll last a lifetime. Dear friends got married, including my first wedding where I was a bridesmaid (and this girl and I are inseparable)! I started nannying for a family that have now become my family. I also met a pretty amazing chica while doing some subbing and my life will never be the same without her.

Went on 2 mission trips to Haiti and Jamaica. Traveled the Caribbean, Florida, Arizona, Boston, Puerto Rico, Atlanta, Vegas, France, and an unforgettable road trip to California.

I graduated from college and jumped into my passion and dream, teaching. I temporarily took a break to pursue my other interest in cooking and baking. I was stretched beyond measure in the restaurant world but wouldn't trade it for anything! Being jobless for 3 years and hopping from one odd job to the next. Oh and I began my cupcake business that is refreshing for me since I can be creative and bring enjoyment to people with those little desserts.

There's been heartache too. Three grandparents passing away and watching one live a depressing and unsatisying life. A dream of mine to move to California, shattered. Hopes and desires that I have, not met...yet! Lots of questioning the direction of my life and sometimes wondering where God was in all of it.

Oh there are so many small things that I could mention but I'd be here forever. What about the White Sox winning the World Series...so fun.

Despite the many highs and lows, I'm thankful for all that I've gone through because it is shaping the Gina of today.

New ideas

Ok, so I love finding things that you have around your house and using them for another purpose. Check out this article about household cleaners, http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/cleaning-organizing/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=20052810, you can use cooking oil to polish your leather shoes and there are a few others that perked my interest. Has anyone ever tried these? Do you know of any others?

Disturbing

Yesterday I was shocked to find out two things. The first was the death of actor David Carradine. Why was this shocking? Because this man was 72 years old and there were possible suspicions of suicide.

Secondly, there were 3 deaths of a husband, his wife, and one of their three children. How did they die? The father was unhappy so he caught their home on fire hoping to kill himself and his family.

I found these two incidences very unsettling and sad. I have a hard time believing that at 72 years of age that you wouldn't be content with yourself or happy for what you've accomplished in life? Wow! Then to think of this father who was extremely talented, respected, and had a beautiful family that he was disheartened and lost sight of the bigger picture and took matters into his own hands. Heart wrenching.

As I'm on this life journey, the road has been at times: up hill, enjoyable, challenging, smooth sailing, unexpected and so many more things. From these recent tragedies, I've been reminded that there is more to life than this. I want to find contentment is who God has made me to be and where I'm at in life. I want to seize the day and live life! I need to work through my expectations of where I think I should be in life (let alone what others think) and live life to fullest TODAY!

Dogs

I have been so bad with keeping up with this blog and reading my friend's blogs. Whoops

Today I heard something weird. The discussion touched on how dogs lick your legs, cheeks, hands...Then the topic expanded to "what do you allow your dog to lick on you"? As I listened to this I was reminded why I do not want to own a dog (or for that matter any furry animal). You may not want to read this, I was almost literally gagging when these were mentioned. SO beware!!!! One person said they allow their dog to lick their ears and clean out all the wax. Another person said she let her dog clean out her nose.

Exciting but scary

Since October I've been on a new eating plan which I LOVE!!! I eat more now than ever (and I've dropped a few pounds). I can still go out to eat and eat some of my favorite foods. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new recipes and taking recipes that I love and making a tasty but healthier version of it. And if you know me, it has to taste good or else I won't eat it!

With that being said I ripped apart my closet and drawers today. I tried on all my clothes. I have a few piles that are ready to be dropped off to Plato's Closet so that I can get a few bucks and shop for new clothes.

I am so thankful and excited for the new look, feeling, and changes...and of course to shop! Yet, at the same time it's a little scary getting rid of so many clothes, clothes that have memories, years of my life attached to them. Oy! There is also that fear of going back to the "old" look. I will just continue to keep on doing what I'm doing and continue to have fun with food!

Conspire

I had the amazing privilege to attend the Conspire Conference. It is a children's conference that attracts people from all around the world to unite, connect, and inspire.

I encourage and challenge you to check out http://www.willowcreek.com/conspireconference/ which is the website and you can find live blogging that is going on during and after sessions and breakouts.

One of the speakers I heard today was Larry Shallenberger. He spoke on the area of volunteers in your children's ministry. Here are his 3 main points that I found intriguing.

1. We need to change who we are recruiting.

Application: Instead of going after "moms" we need to recruit retiring boomers and Generation Y people.

2. Volunteers are facing overwhelming economic pressure.

Application: Help them overcome this hopelessness by providing purpose in influencing children's lives. Provide opportunities for people to donate their skills instead of money.

3. There is no universal platform for communication with volunteers.

Application: Know the best way to communicate effectively with each of your volunteers, is it a text message? an email? a phone call? a facebook message?

I love when you are stretched and challenged to think creatively and differently to improve your children's ministry!