Sunday

April 26, 2009

About a year ago someone said, “Have you seen the bucket list?” We hadn’t, but the reviews were great from what we’d heard. I have to admit I kind of knew what it was about, but I didn’t realize how STUPID it would be for me to watch it the night before I entered a BioChemo session. Really, I could have thought that one through a little better. I hated the movie because it was just too close. But after watching it I did create my own list (I don’t call mine a bucket list, because I don’t intend to kick anything). I believe whether you have an illness or not you should create a list of things you absolutely want to do. A lot of people have asked what I’ve been doing over the last three weeks and to be honest I’ve been working on my list. I’m not going to post it, but I maybe I’ll share a few things from it.
Wicked!
Ever since my friend Kelly’s son Devon told me about Wicked I’ve wanted to see it. I bought the music and my kids have heard it so much now they beg to hear WICKED all the time. In December I actually stood in line for tickets in freezing temperatures for 3 ½ hours and never got tickets (It sold out). I gave up on seeing it in Salt Lake. So when my parents offered me their tickets—I couldn’t take them (My mom really wanted to see it—yes you did mom). So I went on KSL and bought tickets from a kid who was at the U. At first I was kind of mad that he marked them up so much, but then I thought I probably helped him pay for his books this semester. That’s a good reason isn’t it? We had a great time and I actually got to go with my parents, little sister Elisabeth and my aunt and uncle—Mike & Marjean and cousins Natalie and Ty. It was a fun night. Would I spend that kind of money again? Probably—books are pretty expensive for college students!


Writing
If you know me, you know I write. I’ve spent a lot of time working on writing over the last three weeks. I’m working on a project for my girls. It’s extremely important to me. I’ve spent a lot of time with journals and thinking about things as I grew up.
Story Corps
This wasn’t on my list, but it’s one my favorite things ever. Have you ever heard about Story Corps? They are a non-profit organization based out of NYC who travel from city to city with a large trailer. The trailer is set up as a sound studio. Basically they record people’s stories. Sometimes they play the stories on NPR or other radio programs. Jodi’s sister works for them so when they came to Salt Lake City, Jodi arranged for the two of us to do a recording. She was my interviewer and all I had to do was answer questions. She asked all about my childhood, about growing up, about my life in Cleveland and as a mother. It was so much fun. I love her, so I was comfortable and able to talk about so many things. They gave me a copy of the interview, so now I have it for my kids. It was a wonderful experience.
Our House
One of the things on my list was to remodel a house. I put that on after the fact, kind of like you put something on your list of things to do just to check it off. But really it was something I always wanted to do. I’ve been thinking about it so much over the last few weeks because we’ve listed our house to sell. So I’ve been getting things ready and taking pictures. I never got to post before and after pictures because of this whole treatment thing. But I will this week.

8 comments:

Stephanie and Justin said...

I went and saw Wicked yesterday. Just like you I would for sure pay that much money again to see it. I think that everyone of us should have a list of things that we would like to accomplish in their lives.

Karla said...

You did such a good job on remodeling your house! I would love to hear about your journaling project with your girls if it isn't too personal. I need some ideas of things I could do for my children.

Holly said...

I am sure anything you write is a treasure to your girls... I would also love to hear about that writing project--

It was wonderful to read your post this morning- I crossed my fingers and logged on-- and there it was! Don't I feel lucky!

Oh and I like that hairdo in the wicked picture-- very hip!

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen said...

I, too, was really glad to see your post. It makes me wish I knew more about "Wicked." Perhaps I'll check into it . . .
I had a lot of fun hanging out with you at the writer's conference! I'm so glad you were able to make it. By the way, I've had thoughts about your "Friend" idea. Call me if I don't get hold of you first.

Josi said...

My sister went to Denver last year specifically to see Wicked--she said it was worth every penny (and she's excessivly cheap so that's saying a lot) I didn't know about the recording thing, what a cool thing to have been a part of! I was so glad to see you at the conference, Anne. I might need to work on a list of my own . . .

Amie said...

I, too, am an Anne fan and have been waiting patiently, hoping you'd write soon. . . So glad you wrote. And your productivity and dreams are inspiring. I hope you can fulfill all of them. I love the idea of journaling for your girls. I think of you often, Anne. And we pray for you, too. Love you.

Lasting Memories by Marjean said...

We had such a wonderful time at WICKED with you. Elisabeth gave Natalie a CD and we have listened to it over and over and over and over. We love it. I have never seen "The Bucket List" and never thought of making my list but I probably ought to get on it. I feel like my life has been on hold for almost two years and I need to move forward. Thanks for your example of how to not let illness stop your goals. You are amazing. I love you and your little family. We are still praying for you every day!

Send you much love,

Marjean

Brodi Ashton said...

You look beautiful in that pic! I am so glad you are working on that project for your girls. I hope someday I can read it, because I love reading your work.