What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?

That is the question that the guys of The Buried Life on MTV asks every week. The Buried Life is about 4 guys who were sick of just going about their daily grind aimlessly so they decided to get together with a list of things they want to do before they die. This week was their season finale and it was fantastic! What they try to do is cross off one list item each episode. And, for every item they cross off of their list, they help someone else cross something off of their own list. Whether they succeed or not, each episode brings me to tears. They are fearless and kind hearted. They're hilarious and generous.

So, at the end of each episode, they ask "What do you want to do before you die?" And, at the end of each episode, I ponder that question for a few minutes before giving up as I usually can't think of anything. Until last night when I decided to blog about it. Once I really took more time to think that question through, my mental list came out pretty huge. So, here are the items I can remember.

Before I die, I would like to see everyone I love and care about happy. I want my brother to stop struggling financially. I want to see him with a good job, with his bills paid, his home out of foreclosure, and money in his pocket. I would love to see him stop smoking. I want to see him secure with a good woman in his life for him and his daughter.

I want to see my sister's business more successful than it is now. I want to see her happy and secure with no more financial struggles.

I want to see my Mom happy and healthy which means that, if it has to be with my Father, I'd like to see him in recovery from his alcoholism.

I want to make all my husband's dreams come true.

I want to find my own success...whatever that may be.

I want to keep in better touch with those whom I rarely hear from.

I want to visit all the lands that my ancestors came from.

I want to finally maintain a permanent exercise routine.

I want to right any wrongs I've done.

I want to patent something.

I want to help just one person by telling the story of my heart condition.

I want to save a life.

I want to make one person smile every day.

I want to have more courage.

I would like to skydive but fear it will literally cause me to have a heart attack.

I want to rescue animals.

I want to be on TV.

I want to have something published somewhere. I want to be brave enough to write the story that is in my head and, even if it isn't a bestseller, finally get it out of my head and between book covers.

I want to put my creativity to a more professional use.

I know there must be so many more things that I want to do before I die but, I am at a standstill as far as ideas right now. Whether I end up fulfilling any of these items or not, only the future will tell. But, it felt a little inspirational committing it to "paper" so to speak.

So, in the great words of Ben, Jonnie, Duncan and Dave of The Buried Life...what do you want to do before you die?

Some Stuff...

I have a few things on my mind. So, I guess I'm just going to use this post to get it off my mind.

First and foremost is my gratitude to members of the military. I don't really have the words to show my appreciation. I can only say that I think of all of you as the most selfless people anywhere. You sacrifice everything to protect our freedom and try to help make the world a better, more peaceful place. While we civilians tend to do everything we can to show you our appreciation, I know that the Government could show you their appreciation in bigger, better ways. I think that they could spare no expense to get you to where you are going. You should be paid insane amounts of money for what you do and the great personal risks you put yourselves in. Perhaps this is all just the imaginings of a spoiled, pampered civilian. I just feel like those who serve should be treated like royalty given all that they are willing to sacrifice so that we may say what we want, think what we think, and live how we live.

Anything else that is on my mind seems air headed and bitter in comparison to what I just got done talking about so, I think I'll just save the rest for later.

Gotta Love Modern Technology

Today was far better than I thought it would be...because of modern technology. I was all prepared to be down for the count for most of the day because I had an eye doctor's appointment and I was anticipating the requisite dilation of my pupils. I have green eyes which means that my eyes are more sensitive to the dilation drops. Some doctors know that it takes less drops to dilate light eyes but, I don't think my doctor knows that and, I like him so, I won't tell him how to do his job. So, I just usually put up with it and spend the majority of my day after dilation hiding from light behind closed eyelids. But, not today! Today I got to use some modern technology. It is Retinal Photography. They take a picture of your eye and it shows them everything they need to know about your eye health. Now, if I had any problems that he would like to take a closer look at, he would have had to dilate my eyes. And, he will likely dilate them next year but, because my eyes are healthy and he didn't see anything alarming, I left his office, for the first time, without squinting in total discomfort! Yay! And, I have stuff to do today. I have a Birthday card and one Thank You card, as-well-as some Christmas cards that I want to make today. I was able to run to the store after my appointment so, I got that errand done. And, I'll be able to make dinner tonight with no discomfort. Gotta love modern technology! Now...if only Dentistry would catch up and make fillings and root canals, as-well-as those gagging x-rays, painless.