Tuesday, November 4, 2014

What's On... Your Bucket List???

I'm going to be super honest and admit that I have no clue what I was thinking when I added "Bucket List" to my "What's on series". hahaha

I'm sure that there are some of you who already had a running list, but for me, I really had to sit down and think.  

I hope this doesn't sound weird, but I'm not a big dreamer and I think it's because, in general, I"m a pretty content and practical kind of person.  I don't really get the "travel bug" that often and don't have any deep desire for an adrenaline rush ;) 

All that said, here's my list!

1) Take our kids to Disney
Neither Dave or I did Disney growing up, we actually have both only been one time and that was together in High School.  Our band marched in the parade and so I think it's kind of cool that we got to experience that together.  We have plans to take our kiddos to see Mickey in February of 2016!



Baby Andrea and Dave in Disney World in 2000 ;)


2) Make more time to read
This is a BIG one!  I LOVE to read and I want to carve out more time in the day/night for it.  I'm pretty sure this is going to mean having a computer/TV free night at our house.  I love an easy "beach read" as much as the next girl, but would love to make my way through some "deeper" reading.  I'm also a fan of historical fiction (random, right?) and have a few laying around my office that I want to read.  I desperately want Luke to love reading and I don't think he's going to think it's important unless he sees Dave and I doing more of it as well.  

3) Travel WITHOUT our kids ;)
Next December will be our 10-year Anniversary and I'd love to take a trip without our kids :)  Dave and I don't get "date night" very often with his work schedule, and always have the best time when we do end up on trips by ourselves. Any suggestions???  We're not really "beach people" (apparently we used to be - hahaha), so I'm thinking somewhere cool weather... I've always wanted to do Cape Cod and think that would be super fun.

Here we are during some pre-kid travels...

Canadian Rockies 2006


NYC 2004

Jamaica 2005


Dominican Republic 2007



4) Finish my Master's Degree
Did I really just type that?!?!?!  hahaha  I started my MBA after I completed my Undergrad degree and then decided to "take a break" when we got married and I started teaching.  I don't have THAT many credits left and would really love to finish.  I have NO CLUE when this will be.... but at some point I'd like to say I finished what I started. :0

5) Learn how to use my "big camera" 
I would LOVE to take the time to learn how to use my camera on any setting other than "auto". :)  I bought it with every intention of doing that and then life took over. 

6) Take our kids on an RV trip
We did RV trips often growing up and some of my favorite memories are what we did and saw in and out of the RV.  I would love to take advantage of our summer, pack the kids up and head NORTH!!!


7) Get a complete makeover ;)
I LOVE those shows where they take women and give them a total makeover.  At some point I think it would be so fun to have PROFESSIONALS completely make me over without any input from me. hahaha

8) Visit Holland (okay - and all of Europe) with my mom (and my dad.... and hubby and kids)
My mom's parents immigrated from Holland post WWII and I would LOVE to be able to visit the town where they're from.  And since we'll be in Europe we should just take 2 months and see it all. Or maybe just move.  Either way. :)




9) Get in touch with Past Teachers
I really should get on this one - but I'd love to get in touch with some influential teachers and let them know how much I appreciate them.  As a teacher myself, I love hearing from past students and I owe a "thank you" to some amazing educators.

10) Own a store on the square
This one is completely random and far-fetched, but I spent some great time in retail on our downtown square and have always dreamed of owning a little boutique.  I'm super idealistic about it and have no desire for the stress, pressure and worry that comes along with owning a retail space, but would love to have a super cute boutique to go to every day. :)


11) Take our kids on a mission trip
We are so beyond blessed and I want our kids to know, from a young age, that the majority of the world doesn't live like us.  I've had the privilege of going on multiple mission trips both internationally and here in the US and each and every time I've come home with a renewed appreciation for what we've been entrusted with as well as a broader perspective.  I desperately want that for my kids and can't wait to start introducing them to serving others.

So, there you have it!  No skydiving, scuba diving or cliff diving - but I can't wait to start working on some of these goals.  I can't wait to read your lists!  Link up and share!!!


   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

53 comments :

  1. Awe!!! Baby Andrea and Dave were adorable at Disney! ;)

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    1. Baby Andrea and Dave look like they're about 9 years old :)

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  2. Great list Andrea! Baby Andrea and Dave went LOTS of places!!!!! You hardly look old enough to go to an R rated movie, much less be traveling together! When y'all are 70 and look 40 I'm going to be so ticked off. ;)

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    1. Hahaha :) It's okay - when I'm 70 my extra wrinkly hands will look like they're 90. It balances out :)

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  3. I live on Cape Cod!! Yes it's gorgeous here and I was super excited to see it in your bucket list:) it's the perfect place to celebrate that special anniversary..you won't be disappointed I can promise you that!!

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    1. So fun!!! I've always wanted to go - and I'm thinking this might be the perfect time! Thanks!!

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  4. What a great list!!! Owning a little boutique would be so perfect for you!!!! Love it;)

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    1. Except I'd want one of everything for me - and I'm not sure that's the best business practice :)

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  5. Wow! What a crazy fab list! So many good things on here!

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  6. You'd love Cape Cod! Your list is so perfect.

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  7. My husband and I are both of Dutch ancestry- hence the "mrs yellow hat"- it's our last name in Dutch; there's even a restaurant on a dike called "Inside the Yellow Hat." We went during tulip season when we lived overseas and it was so pretty.

    And I ditto your # 5.

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  8. I love all your ideas, but when I saw the one about opening a boutique, I thought, "Yes, she should!" I don't know, but that sounds really right!

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    1. I'm going to need you to email Dave and tell him that, k? hahaha Maybe once ALL My kiddos are out of private school :)

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  9. Such a great list! You are too cute for words, Andrea! And listen... When your ready to check off number 2 on this list, you should really do it with Karen Kingsbury and her Redemption series. I promise you'll love, love it! Have a great day!

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    1. OOOOH!!! I just added them to my "to read" list! Thanks for the recommendations!

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  10. I love this!!! Your bucket list is pretty awesome!!! Thanks for being you and so real..that's really refreshing!!:)

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    1. Thank you! It seems like it would be A LOT of effort to be anything but authentic.... and Lord knows I don't have time for that :) hahaha

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  11. Very impressive photos and looking so good to see this photos.

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  12. I went to Disney with band when I was in high school too! I remember it being 100* and having to wear polyester in the beating sun, but it was such a blast!
    Look into going to New Hampshire! Seriously, The Mount Washington Hotel or Mountain View Grand. OR just find an amazing Bed & Breakfast somewhere in the white mountains. They are ALL over. There are so many fun things to do in the fall/winter there. I promise you & Dave would LOVE it.
    :-)
    ~ Tiffany

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    1. So funny that you did the Disney/Band thing as well!!!
      I'm pumped about your recommendations! Excited to get planning!

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  13. I totally get what you mean about not being a big dreamer and being content! I recently had someone tell me it was "so sad" that I didn't have a bucket list. Maybe I should work on one but I really am perfectly content & happy with life right now! Guess I'll read through all the link-ups and get some ideas. :)

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    1. I think it's "so sad" when people are constantly thinking of the "next" trip, next task, next whatever instead of being content and enjoying the "NOW". So there. hahaha I don't think there's ANYTHING wrong with loving your life just the way it is :)

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  14. I think this list is FABULOUS!!

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  15. This was such a fun prompt/ link up!
    Whitney

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  16. What a great list! We're not "bucket list" people either....but we do like to travel. I actually just booked tickets to Vegas this week for the NFR - we got engaged there 5 years ago next month and we're headed back to celebrate with the same friends that were with us before. I love Vegas - but we're not really gambling people, so it's fun to go during the rodeo when we can shop at the Cowboy Christmas's, and take in the performances.

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    1. So funny that y'all like Vegas but aren't big into gambling! Enjoy your trip!

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  17. Love your random list....you are so much fun! I think you are adorable with long hair...but you can definitely rock that short hair too! And RV'ing with my kids is something I would sooooo love to do!

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    1. thank you! I loved my short hair - but it was WAY too high maintenance for me :) And yes... RV'ing is awesome!

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  18. Boston...or the coast of ME...or Lake Winnipesaukee, NH...or Nantucket...or Newport, RI! So, basically- New England! :)

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  19. This post was one of my favorites! Probably because you and I seem so much alike! Check into Utah for a trip for you and Dave. We drove through there this summer and, wow! Amazingly beautiful and a perfect place to just relax and take it all in. I SO want to take our kids on a RV trip too! People look at me like I've lost my mind when I tell them but it just sounds so fun! And, I can totally see you owning your own boutique - but your school would definitely miss you and your passion for teaching! You are dang blessed, girl! :)

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    1. I hadn't thought about Utah! But I've heard that it's gorgeous!!! And yes.... RV trips give some people hives, but I LOOOVED all the family time and the fun and unique memories we made. :)

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  20. We are so similar....I'm totally practical and my bucket list is more of a life list! I love it!

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  21. Your hair is SO adorable short!!! I could never picture it like that before, but I think it's the 2007 Dominican Republic pic (or one right around there) where it's chin length and just so cute!!! Have you ever thought of cutting it or will you keep it long! I guess I just assumed it's always been this long so now I'm curious!!

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    1. Hey! I loved it short, but I had to fix it every day.... boo! Believe it or not, long hair is WAAAAY less maintenance for me :)

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  22. Awww, love all the old pictures. My husband I were talking about an RV trip, on my bucket list as well. And I was forced to start learning my Big Camera when I lost my point and shoot and the only camera I had was the Big One. This lady http://www.asoutherndrawl.com/search/label/Photo%20Tip has really great tips for using your big camera. Really helped me out!

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    1. I'll definitely have to check our her tips - thank you! You should totally take an RV trip and then give me all your tips and tricks :)

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  23. One of the things I love most about your blog is how you enjoy your life day in and day out with your crew no matter what y'all are doing!! Big or small!! It's so encouraging! :)

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    1. Awwww! Thank you! We definitely try to make the most out of every day :)

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  24. Your list is so fun-just like you! My husband and I are going to the Dominican Republic this winter! Did you enjoy it?

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    1. We did! But be warned the sun is CRAZY!!!! Like we had to spend a day in our room because we were SOOOOOOOOOOOO burnt. I have NEVER been burnt on my legs other than when we were in the DR - it's so strong!

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    2. Oh, good warning! The same thing happened to me in Aruba and I was miserable. I'll bring-and apply-lots of SPF!

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  25. Hi Andrea! I've been reading your blog for awhile now and have been willing myself to comment one of these days but your #8 is what finally pushed me over the edge! When I saw Holland on your bucket list, I totally thought you meant you wanted to visit Holland, MICHIGAN (where that picture of the windmill is taken!!) and that's where I go to college so I got overly excited (: haha I just wanted to say that the pictures of your kids always brighten my day and hearing about how much you love being a mom, wife, and friend is always so inspiring and encouraging for me as a 20-year-old. You are so clearly content and happy with your life and I hope to have that one day as well. I know the European Holland is the one on your bucket list, but the American Holland is pretty great too and I'd love to meet you if you're ever in this neck of the woods! (:

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    1. I am laughing so hard! Thanks a lot, Google Image!!! hahaha I am totally jealous of your scenery in Michigan :)
      I am so glad that you enjoy reading my blog! So sweet of you to let me know!
      If I'm ever in Holland, MICHIGAN we'll definitely have to meet up :)

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  26. We have been to Disney 4 times in the last 4 years!! So, so fun! I was dreading it the first time we went but once we got there we were hooked. Y'all will have a blast! And the kids will be perfect ages! Love your bucket list! I don't have one either. Maybe I'll go work on one now...

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  27. Love this! Isnt it crazy that we have to put learn to use our big camera on our bucket list! So hard making time for that! Looking forward to reading more of your blog! LOVE IT!

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