The Circle - Reverse Bucket List

I'm a few days late on this link up, but I saw the neatest blog topic over on the blog In It's Time for her monthly Circle link up - make a reverse bucket list.  So often we obsess over the things we hope to do in our lifetime and the things we're striving for - and of course it's important to have those goals and wishes and whatnot, but I think it's kind of a neat idea to also reflect on the things one has accomplished as well.  So that's what today is all about - a list of things that I've already done. 

My Reverse Bucket List

1. Graduate college in four years.  When I was going through college, the average graduation rate was five to six years.  My college had a "four year" guarantee, but I also changed majors after spending the majority of my first year taking courses that reflected my first major.  I really thought I'd put myself behind, but thanks to taking a couple of summer sessions and getting my generals out of the way during those sessions, I graduated on time.  In fact, my last semester I more than enough credits to graduate, I instead took a class or two for fun and worked.

2. Visit Disney World.  I was extremely lucky to not only go once in my life, but actually, four times.  This is not to say it's not still on my list to take Nate and Ollie there eventually, but I'm blessed to have been able to go as many times as I already have.

3. See the ocean.  I've seen the Atlantic Ocean both from the Florida coast and from the coast of Maine - drastically different from north to south.  Some day I would like to see the Pacific Ocean too.

4. Marry my best friend and the love of my life.  I don't think much more explanation is needed on this one.  I've spent over half of my life with him and I wouldn't have it any other way.

5. Fire a gun.  I talked about this a few weeks ago when I did a post about fears.  I never ever thought I would ever have the courage to shoot a gun, but my wonderful husband made it possible and it was a very empowering experience in the end.

6. Record a CD.  It was always one of those things I wished I'd be able to do, but never figured I'd have the opportunity.  Thanks to our music group however, I did have the opportunity to do it and while at times it was extremely stressful, it was an amazing experience and I am beyond proud of the finished product.  It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

7. Get a belly button ring.  We all do stupid things in college right?  Well that was mine.  My one rebellious, crazy thing. I realize compared to what some do in college, it seems fairly tame!  I will say this - I no longer have said belly button ring.  Not necessarily by choice.  There was an incident.  We'll leave it at that.  Piercings and I do not always get along.

8. Take 15 teenagers out of the country and get them safely back in.  I worked as a youth minister for two years and took my kids to Canada for a mission trip.  It was post-911, so the whole leaving the country thing was a little bit daunting.  Especially when one of the girls only had a document from her school instead of a passport or birth certificate which I only discovered the day we were leaving.  But thankfully, we made it safely back into the country!

9. Sing the National Anthem at a baseball game.  When we were still at our old church, our choir was given the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for a Twins game.  It was when they were still at the Metrodome, but it was a super cool experience, especially when the Twins run out on to the field and are pretty much just several feet away from you!

10. Get pregnant, deliver naturally, breastfeed for over a year and fall in love more every day with the most amazing little boy.  I can't imagine our lives without our sweet Oliver.

So there you have it!  It's nice to really sit and reflect on your accomplishments!  Maybe someday I'll share what's on my actual bucket list, but today, it's just nice to see how far I've come.  Start the weekend on a positive note.  What would be on your reverse bucket list?  And, I hope you all have a great weekend!