The January 2007 issue of 417 magazine arrived today and of course the first thing I read was “Savvy Shopper” because it’s written by my first-born, Tammy Kirks. It’s always fun to read her review of a local store because I can usually tell in the first paragraph if she liked it or not – she’s factual but fun to read so check it out. I would have a link to 417 but am going to have to consult Steve for technical assistance!
One article that caught my eye was “How to Make a Life List” – I never think of myself as ahead of anything trendy but I did make my own “Life List” many years ago – I’m guessing around 1989-1990. I have carried it in the back of my Franklin Planner and periodically read it but rarely add to it these days – that may change now. I also made my own list of “What I’ve Accomplished in My Life” – I think it was an affirmation I needed following a divorce. So here goes:
”Things I Want to do in My Life” – by Anne Keckeley Brown.
1. Get a Master’s Degree – DONE, May 1993
2. Take a ride in a hot air balloon – DONE – 1996
3. Enjoy a mutually satisfying relationship with a man – DONE – married Burl Brown in 2002 on my birthday – he’s wonderful!
4. Participate in a medical mission trip
5. Help build a house for Habitat for Humanity – DONE – 2001 in Nicaragua in partnership with Rainbow Network.
6. Become a grandmother – DONE – I was fortunate to become Gran Ann to Corey, Tarah and Alex when I married Burl – then I became Grammie when daughter Ralph had J in 2003 and L in 2006 and Burl’s daughter added Brionna when she married Brian and together they gave us Isabella in 2005. Bike through Europe – when I wrote this I had in mind a bicycle but I would now update this to include a motorcycle.
8. See a play on Broadway – ??? I haven’t seen a play in New York but Ralph and I saw 2 major plays in London – does that count?
9. Read the Bible completely – in progress – I read about 80% of it in Disciple I class but I don’t think God gives partial credit.
10. Learn yoga – ??? – well I took a lesson in 1992 but fell asleep at the end so I think this one needs work.
11. Live an entire winter in a warm climate – may never happen since I married Burl – he lives for snow, cold weather and ski trips – oh well!
12. Make love on a deserted beach – none of your business!!!
13. Take a music appreciation class
14. See the sun rise at Haleakala and then bike down the mountain.
15. Sail on a luxury cruise ship to Europe
16. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower – DONE??? – well I didn’t climb ALL the way but Ralph and I got to the top in November 1996.
17. See the MOna Lisa in the Louvre – DONE – 1996 – couldn’t believe how small the paining it.
18. Snorkel with a stingray.
19. Volunteer in a soup kitchen
20. Spend a night on the beat with the police – DONE – November 1997 as part of Leadership Springfield
21. Complete a century (100-mile in a day) bike ride – DONE – first time was in 1992 – have done 6 since then.
22. Visit Disney World – why I ever wrote this, I’ll never know – definitely NOT something I want to do now.
23. Go on an African safari shoot.
24. Ride the Orient Express
25. Be an extra in a movie
26. Take a Windjammer Cruise
27. Grow a wildflower garden – what was I thinking?
28. Own a convertible – DONE – Burl gave me his 1963 MGB convertible for my birthday a couple of years ago- it’s red and so much fun to drive
29. Make a difference – this one should never get finished and is something I should try to do every day
30. Leave the world a better place than it is – I don’t get to be the judge of that one.
31. Parasail – DONE – January 2000
32. Hike the Grand Canyon – reservations are for February 20-22, 2007 – stay tuned for an update!
Now for the “Things I’ve Accomplished in My Life” that weren’t on the other list (please note I wrote this list LONG time ago – it seems rather dated to me now!):
1. Gave birth to 2 wonderful daughters
2. Put my daughters through college
3. Was married (twice!)
4. Got divorced
5. Had a house built
6. Kept a journal
7. Learned to use a computer
8. Asked for a raise – and got it
9. Received a promotion
10. Took a vacation by myself
11. Planted a tree
12. Earned my senior lifesaving
13. Won an essay contest
14. Took a bicycle repair class
15. Had my will made
16. Filed my own tax return
17. Wrote a letter to the editor that was published
18. Learned to play a musical instrument
19. Took an IQ test
20. Won a scholarship
21. Dug a latrine
22. Spent the night in a jungle hammock I hung myself
23. Knitted an afghan
24. Was loved by 2 cats and 4 dogs
25. Fought the IRS and won
26. Accepted my parents
27. Had friendships with true, sincere friends
28. Swam in an ocean
29. Went skinny dipping
30. Broke off an unfilling relationship
31. Rode a tandem bike
32. Learned to rollerblade
33. Experienced the death of loved ones
34. Delivered a eulogy
35. Flew on the Concorde
36. Visited a 3rd world country
So – what’s on your Life List? Please feel free to share.
Anne,
This list of your has inspired me to try and creat one of my own. You go girl.
I look forward to seeing more on your blog.
Jamie
An excellent idea, this. Making a blog, making life lists and so on. So darned disciplined. Always been hard for me, but I’ve had bursts of it from time to time. I marvel at the changes in us. What we wanted to do v. the things we actually did, and I find myself making my own mental list (when I was first married – the first time – all I wanted to validate my existence was $10K/year and a company car), but never wrote it down. Making lists is how I get through difficult days and weeks – but of course they’re short term. Well done.
Something I’ve been wanting to do for the last couple of years is learn how to weld. I’m looking into taking a class at OTC this semester to do it!
It’s official! I’m enrolled to take “Essentials of Welding” at OTC starting Jan 23. If I have enough money, I’ll take the follow-up class that includes TIG and MIG welding. Mmmm, molten metal.
So good to know that someone else really does this! Sometimes my “Life List” overwhelms me. I am both thankful and appreciative of all the adventures/accomplishments I’ve had, but then there are so many yet to be tackled.
Often, in reviewing the list, I am reminded of what a blessed and fortunate life I have, filled with wonderful people that make each step that much richer.
Truly an exercise in gratitude, as well.
XX/OO Suzanne