May is usually my month

Good things have generally happened to me in the month of May. Typically, I look forward to May because of my birthday, which usually brings travel plans. More than once it has been a transitional month for new career opportunities for me. Hoping more than ever that this holds true. This is the first year I can remember not being excited about the month of May. I am trying to remain positive and optimistic. Sometimes easier said than done.

I try to remind myself that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. I have faith that there is some truth to this. However, that doesn't promise things will turn out as well as we hope. I have no intention of being Debby Downer, but being realistic is critical. I've drafted this post more than once and each time is slightly more positive. You certainly don't want to spend your time reading something negative. I know I wouldn't want to. So...moving right along.

Regarding updates on 32x32, I am sad to report that it's not going to be completed in time. It's certainly not for lack of effort. Lack of time, financial resources and even appropriate weather are all contributing factors. However, I will finish it. Maybe not in the next 10 days before my birthday. It could be this month, or maybe even this year, but I am confident that I will complete all of the items. In fact...I've already begun working on a new list. I will release it and begin once 32x32 is complete.

I've already shared this story with a few people, but for those who don't know I finally took the Spin class last week. Seriously the most agonizing 45 minutes I can recall. Spinning is a terrifically horrendous way to work out. I can't for the life of me figure out why so many people enjoy it. The hard part isn't the "work out" or exhaustion. Honestly I've had a better workout on the elliptical. I'm convinced that bike seat was sent from an evil place. How can anyone be comfortable on that thing. Seriously, c'mon!?! NEVER AGAIN! I have absolutely no desire to try it again. The instructor took the time to get me properly fitted and asked me after class how I did. When I told her I wouldn't be returning, I think she took it kind of personally. Maybe if they invent seats that don't leave me unable to sit or walk normally for two days, then I'll reconsider. P.S. It's okay to laugh at this story. ;)

Spinning right along...I completed another item on my list tonight. I attended the SNAP! Performance Production tonight at The Lincoln Theater. The venue was nice. Not quite what I expected, but nice. The show was very entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised.

Hmmm....wonder what the next challenge to be completed will be? May is shaping up to be a busy month.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Easter

I can't believe that April is winding down already. I only have a couple weeks left and an overwhelming number of items on my list left to complete.

I spent most of my Easter weekend baking desserts for other people's Easter gatherings. Hopefully, everyone was happy with their treats. I also walked 7.5 miles yesterday in preparation for the full 13.25 mile walk along the Olentangy trail. I'm pretty sure I need some new kicks because I have shin splints today. Assuming we have some decent weather in the next couple weeks, I'm confident I'll be able to finish. Between the walking and the baking all weekend, I was barely able to function during our family gathering for Easter lunch today. Oh...and an overdose of sugar from the cupcakes may be contributing to my coma-like state. Hehe.

Tickets have been purchased for #10, attend an event at The Lincoln Theater. I'm going to see The Manilla Envelope on May 5th, and really looking forward to it.

Today, I planted my herb seeds. Hopefully, we'll see some results soon. I thought about posting a picture but...how exciting is a picture of dirt. Not very.

Anybody up for paintball next Sunday, May 1st?

Buffalo...and beyond

If you've been following the progress of my list you know that exploring a new city was one of the items. I'm happy to say, done and done. I've spent the past couple days in Buffalo, NY. You may be asking...why Buffalo? Well, I needed a place that was within driving distance that we hadn't been to previously and that was still an affordable destination. It seemed a little silly that I've been up this way so many times previously going to Niagara Falls but have never spent any time in Buffalo. I'm glad that I've seen it but I'm not sure that there is anything here that would really draw me back in for a repeat visit.

A trip to Buffalo wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Anchor Bar, home of the original buffalo wings. I'm not a huge fan of wings myself but seeing as we were here I felt I should partake in at least tasting one. Nothing too crazy either, mild for me thank you. It was good. Not sure how much my opinion is worth, coming from someone who typically doesn't eat chicken off a bone. The experience was great. We were surrounded in a room with about 30 HOGS aka bikers. They were so loud and obnoxious. Honestly, it was fantastic. There were about three different groups, they were from Boston, Connecticut and Michigan. Atmosphere complete with a guy singing live Sinatra songs. I, of course, started the festivities with a nice shot of Patron. Mmmm.

Buffalo has a ton of old, historical churches. I mean, really...how does one city support so many churches. They are beautiful. Some actually really amazing. It's just shocking to see another one every few blocks. I rarely visit a city without taking in the museum. We went to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. I must say...I was a little disappointed. The facility was nice, but the collection was mediocre. We also went to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House. It was very Frank Lloyd Wright. Not sure what else to say. It's neat to see it in person but nothing really shocking about it. I suppose it's fitting that the house is here. Buffalo is full of huge, historical homes. I don't recall seeing one new housing or condo development. There also aren't a lot of chains in the city either. The city seems to take pride in running on local establishments.

The highlight of my trip (and another item on my list) was riding in a helicopter. It was a short ride, probably about 10 minutes, but oh so worth it. We drove up to Niagara Falls so the flight was overlooking the falls. I've been to the Falls several times before but seeing it from the sky was really cool. Aside from a quick pit stop in the casino, we didn't spend much time in Niagara Falls. Been there, done that. We headed up a little further into Canada to Niagara on the Lake. If you haven't been here before I highly recommend it. It's beautiful and definitely worth the drive. Crisp and clean air. The restaurants and shops are quaint and there's a nice mix of English and French speaking residents. A great view of Fort Niagara is just over the lake. The town is small so it doesn't require much time as a destination but it's a nice addition if you're up that way already.

Aside from being really sick the whole time, the trip was a great get-a-way. I was slightly disappointed with the bakeries in the area. I had high hopes, but felt that almost everything I tasted didn't live up to the expectation. Not to brag, but....I think a lot of my baking beats what people out there are selling. More motivation to move forward!

The Challenge: Finishing the list in time

I have approximately 6 weeks to finish 20 of the items on my list. I've successfully completed 12. Seems like more. There are some that are in the works but not yet complete. Unfortunately, I'm thinking it's a sure bet that #7 isn't going to happen. If it doesn't, consider it a revised goal to be completed by the end of the year.

I finally finished I Was Told There'd Be Cake, by Sloane Crosely. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments. I'm not sure the book is geared towards the male audience. Females, if you're looking for a light read this summer while at the pool or beach this would be a good one.

I played the lottery. I didn't win. Obviously. Boo! I'd like my $5 back, please.

Any vegans out there....I could use some help planning for my day of animal product deprivation. Suggestions? Would it be inappropriate for us to meet at Dirty Franks while brainstorming this topic? Hmmm...

As for the blind date...I need your help with that too. I can't very well set up my own. (Bob & Brandi, this was partially your idea so I'm holding you accountable.)

Does anyone in Cbus have connections in the news/media industry that could get me up in a chopper? Surely those traffic reporters would like some company.

P.S. Whoever invented the push-up needs a good slap in the face. #justsayin

Relationships

This weekend, I've had more than one conversation about relationships. In fact....it almost seemed to be a theme for the weekend. I won't go into details but I came across this quote tonight which seemed a little ironic.

"Never reject anybody in your life, because good people give us happiness & bad people give us experience. Both are essential in life."

I may need to work on closure and separation in a few relationships but this quote reminded me why I endure some of the things I do.

(I just like the song and video. This seemed like an appropriate post for it.)

Competitiveness...

Competitiveness is a dirty word. Why is being competitive considered by most people to be a strength and a positive characteristic? I'm well aware that this is not a recent development, trait or trend. I'm assuming it's safe to claim the competitive trait has been around for centuries. Honestly, I kind of see it as a turn off. When someone describes them-self with the word competitive, I immediately roll my eyes. There, I said it.

Over the past few months of aggressive employment seeking I've acquired such a distaste for the term. Why is striving to be better than another person encouraged and rewarded in this society? If we're competing against anything or anyone...shouldn't it be ourselves? I am constantly working to become a better version of myself. I'm not motivated by trying to out-perform a friend or co-worker. I think it's unhealthy the way some people thrive on it. If they're not the best, then they're not happy.

I would like to see leadership emphasize the importance of becoming a better version of the existing person and/or business. I have a strong distaste for competitive advertising. Political campaigns and advertisements are the worst. Don't tell me why you're better than someone else. They can turn it right back around on you. Tell me why you're good and if you're not so good at something, tell me what you're doing to improve.

I think I have successfully surrounded myself with friends who possess a strong desire for ambition and success, but not competition. Do what you do and do it well! The motivating factor should never be to simply be better than someone else. You're always going to be better than someone and someone will ALWAYS be better than you at something. Don't waste time and energy worrying about the success and failure of others. Dedicate the resources to within.

The List Update

Insert big *sigh* here. Sheesh...I feel like I should have a lot more items scratched off my list by now. It seems like time is escaping me. I have two months from today to finish the remaining items on my list.

This weekend was productive. Take a dance class, check. I took a hip hop dance class at my gym on Saturday. I'm a gal with little to no rhythm so any kind of dance class is daunting to me, let alone hip hop. The number of nights I've spent in dance clubs could probably be counted on one hand. The class was packed and at the end of an hour the floor was slippery with sweat and the mirrors were steamed up. Nice. Sounds gross...yes. Can't wait to do it again. It was hilarious watching others and knowing how ridiculous I look myself. It was also a great workout!

Moving right along....go ice skating was also completed this weekend. I took my lil' sis and a couple friends joined as well. I am happy to report that it was fall free. Lost my balance often, but zero falls. Let's be real, I didn't get too crazy on the ice. I was a little over cautious to prevent injury but at least I let go of the wall which is more than I can say for some of the people there. Honestly, if it hadn't been so crowded I probably would've spent a little more time trying to improve my skills. Do I want to do it again? Um...honestly...it's not something I would set out to do. If the occasion arises I wouldn't intentionally avoid it. I'm relieved that I've tried it and am over the initial fear of putting on ice skates, walking on them, and getting on the ice. I'm proud of my lil'. It was her first time as well and I know she was nervous but she tried it and that's all I can ask for at this point.

Some people refer to this sort of project as a "bucket list". The list of 32 X 32 is certainly not my bucket list, but rather a small chunk of it. There are items on a grander scale that would be considered bucket list worthy. If you were creating a similar list for yourself, what are some of the items that would be on your list?