Bucket List

What do you want to do before you die?

What do I want to do before I die?

I'm still working on it, but here's a rough draft.



Read the classics. Read the Bible. Read the paper. Read more. Read for me.

Figure out how I feel about God.

Learn how to ride and be comfortable around horses. Maybe even own one.

Live to see the day when this is legal. Everywhere.

Plant my tree garden, and surround myself with willow trees.

Build my dream house. Three words: Wrap Around Porch.

Pretty self explanatory.

And then have some of these. Lots of these.

Write a song, and learn how to sing without hurting those around me.

Learn how to ride a motorcycle. Ducati optional. ;)

Learn how to play the piano. It's been calling to me.

Spend some time living here. Not sure where exactly but you get the gist.

Touch the wall in Lucca, Italy. And speak Italian.

Eat french bread and cheese and grapes and wine while picnicking here. And learn French.

Be Taylor Swift. Or maybe just learn how to play the guitar.

Ect. Ect. Ect.

This list would never end. So I am ending it now. What do you want out of life?

Siblinghood and My Poor Brother

Oh dear. I have a sad, sad story to tell.

Actually it isn't sad at all, it is hilarious. But only because I am on this side of the story. And it very easily could have been the other way around.

The other day my mom came up to visit me and amidst our chatting my brother calls her.

Brother: Hey, I have a flat tire.

Mother: Okay, call AAA and they will come help you.

Brother: Okay. (Click)

[Author's note: Don't worry, it gets better.}

(Ring Ring says Christina's cell phone)

Christina: What a dork, he sent me a picture of it. He must be bored. (texting back) "Yep, it's flat. Either that or the carburetor."

Brother: ?

Christina: Lol!

Brother: I mean, I don't believe you but I don't know what the carburetor is. So what is it?

Christina: (evil plotting begins) It's the metal piece from the wheel to the steering wheel. Ask the guy to check it to make sure you don't break the spare tire.

Brother: ...lol...great.

Christina: Mom didn't think of it but Cody says to ask the guy, it's under the car, he'll need a jack.

Brother: Okay, so just say "Can you check the carburetor just to make sure?" Gotcha, I shall. This is lame.

Christina: (OMG, I can't believe he is buying this, since when do I know anything about cars??) Okay...better safe then sorry. Let us know what he says.

Brother: (pause while the AAA man arrives) By the way the guy says he is checking the caliper not the carburetor.

Christina: No, the carburetor connects to your steering, Cody rebuilt a car, he knows dummy!

Brother: Well, the guy says my car doesn't have one, so he says he will check the caliper.

Christina: Well, SHIT then you need a carburetor installed, they are soooo important.

Brother: He says my model of car doesn't have one, something about fuel injection or whatever.

Christina: Lies, all lies.

The End.

Lol! Oh my, oh my! My poor brother! Can you just imagine the look on the AAA man's face when he pulls up to my skinny white brother and he goes "Hello sir, I have a flat tire and could you also check the carburetor, just in case???"

(Fit of hysterics)

Oh geez! I can't believe he fell for it. I must have much more power in that relationship then I realized. I promptly called my grandparents and through fits of giggles explained the situation to them. My grandpa advised me that he really doesn't have a carburetor in his car (something I neither knew was possible, nor really cared about) and my grandma advised me that this was not a nice thing to do (which I also knew...and didn't care about). :) What a poor schmuck my brother is! What a gullible, innocent soul he has!

I called him later and explained the joke. He hung up on me. I laughed some more and called him over and over until he answered again. He forgave me and life goes on.

I hope it's still funny when my mom gets a bill in the mail for an "installed carburetor" on his car.

Siblinghood: It's not for the faint of heart.

PS: What is a carburetor?

Up

This weekend my brother came up to visit me, during his visit he convinced me to watch the movie Up. I was hesitant, I had heard that the film was wonderful but I had also been avoiding most of the recent Disney films, they just haven't been making them like they used to.


When did people decide that the motherless princess thing was used up? That Price Charming versus the most evil female villain alive was no longer interesting? Whoever made that executive decision obviously did not seek my opinion.

I miss Ariel.

Anyways, so there we are preparing for Up. Ten seconds in, I was hooked. I loved it.

I could really relate to the little old man in the film. He had a dream to go to South America with his wife and over time, they just got so caught up in daily life that they forgot about their dream.

I am super terrified that this will happen to me too. My new goal is to embrace my youth. I am still young and I still have a lot of opportunities in front of me. I've got no mortgage, no kids, no husband, no super important job and I should take advantage of it.


I want to make a bucket list of sorts and then do something really radical.


Actually do it.


Perhaps I will even post it here so that I will be forced to do it. Or at least be reminded of it.


What's on your bucket list? What things have you done? What things have you forgotten?


What things matter?

Scouting A Wedding Venue: A Hole In One

As you all know...Cody and I spent our day going golfing. And since I possess a creative mind and am always interested in saving a penny I found myself particularly inspired. I wonder what it would be like to get married here, I thought to myself. Instantly, a plan came together.




The Venue:



It is a perfect place to begin my married life. The "family fun" is baked right in. You can basically smell it. Or, ah, maybe that smell was coming from the algae in the pond. Anyway! Now I just need a place to say my vows. I instantly began exploring the venue for the perfect backdrop.



As I made my rounds I saw this little place. One could say it possessed a certain amount of charm. I appreciated the front porch and the chain could easily be removed with the Jaws of Life. The Christmas lights hanging from the second story could add a natural glow. It had potential. But at the same time I just couldn't shake the feeling...





...it sort of looks like those houses in the middle of nowhere where people are killed. Maybe it's the yellow. It just feels a little off putting. I should keep looking.

The next place we came across was just no good. It's style was confusing part Arabian, part brick, part pink, it just wasn't working for me. It also looked a bit like an alien head. Moving on...

Next up was a more ethnic building. It resembled a Spanish Mission almost. The architecture was lovely, simplistic, white. But it was sort of dirty, dingy almost. Plus, let's face it, with all the white in the background I am likely to look like a floating head in the photos. Definitely not. I hope they have something else...

Then I came across this joint. I loved the water features, they added a nice soothing sound to the whole place. Cool, clear, water. And then it hit me: must pee. Oh dear. I can't be doing the dance up there during my ceremony and I sure as hell can't wear a diaper! What a loss! I thought, sighing.

And then: I saw it: I saw it! And oh my was it lovely! I mean, it is just what every little girl dreams of: a castle! It even had a cute little moat going all the way around it. It was perfect!

Everyone was in awe of the structure, I think number 16 was even welling up at the thought of my wonderful day. It is really a venue which touches lives, the envy of all...

And would you look at this, a built in aisle...

Well, it's actually a pretty long aisle. I may need a map. But that is no problem, if I get lost I can just hop over some of the shrubbery. I'm like a gazelle.

And get this! After the ceremony we can hold the reception on site. Viking Pizza anyone? It's the food of champions! And they even have this nifty umbrella in case the weather is poor. It should cover all the guests. I actually submitted a request to keep this umbrella for my future home. I think it is both unique and practical, a true gem.

So basically it is all settled. Now all I need is a fiance. And I'll be honest, this all may seem a little redneck. But so is he...

He has actually said several times that he would like to ride in to his wedding on a tractor (Lord help me)...perhaps a lawn mower would work for this site? I was also thinking that I could walk in with a bouquet of mini pencils and as the newlyweds walk into the reception we could walk through an archway of clubs held up by the bridal party. But I am open to suggestions... anyone?

=)

Pee Wee Adventures

Today is Cody and I's last real day together before he goes on his trip, so we decided to go golfing.

Cody was in charge of keeping score. So he won. I am convinced it was a miscount but I promised him I would note that he won. So he "did". Sort of. Whatever.

Apparently he played Christ. Nice.

Let the games begin!

The course started with this lovely house. Why do all mini golf places have weird houses?

This was the worst of the worst. See that dumb hill? How is one expected to get it up that hill and not overshoot it? Dumb.

I love these lights. They are so bright and happy looking. I want to mini golf at night sometime to really appreciate their effect. It's on the agenda.

Check this out. Swing door again (why are mini golf courses always fraught with such peril), here's my ball, all lined up...can she do it?

Yes she can! Hole in one baby!!! =)

Cody takes his shot. Can he do it?

Sadly...he can't. See my ball over there on the green. That is where it is supposed to be. See Cody's yellow ball on the blue. That would be wrong. HA!

Why do mini golf places always have water features? Don't they know things like this are going to happen? Not very smart.

Check out this next hole. Obviously the best shot is noted.

Check out Cody's ball, missing the best shot.

Check out Cody retrieving his ball from the wilderness. Nice shot, Cody.

Don't let him fool you though. He definitely recovered from it...

He actually ended up getting two holes in one.

See how happy they made him. I hop up and down and scream when I even get close and I had to force him to smile for this. Weirdo.

Suddenly though, my concentration was broken. See this little girl? She was in serious danger of being kidnapped. Serious.

As we watched her wield her putter, which was basically the same size as she was, she seemed to be having trouble. She approached this castle and tried to make the shot. It took several tries and eventually, she gave up...

Then she stomped on over to the chain, crawled underneath it and threw the ball with all her might at the castle. She made it right in the trap door. I was very proud.

Eventually her dad caught up to her and taught her how to swing properly. I personally like her style better though.

Quirky Quote

It is my observation that too many of us
are spending money we haven't earned,
on things we don't need,
to impress people we don't like.
~Unknown

Tuesdays

It's Tuesday (enter long dramatic sigh).

Tuesdays are a toughy. Here's why:

5:45 AM: Alarm goes off. Curse the Heavens.

6:00 AM: Log into work and deal with some morons.

11:00 AM: Sign out of work (usually seething).

11:15 AM: Putter around my room getting ready.

11:45 AM: Grab snacks (if prepared) and walk out the door.

12:00 PM: Biofeedback session where I am supposed to relax (zzzz...zzzz....).

12:57 PM: Walk out of Biofeedback and across the hall to class.

1:00 PM: Introduction to Counseling (mind your p's and q's).

4:40 PM: Eat snack and walk to next class.

5:00 PM: Buckle in for Biofeedback (no small feat).

8:40 PM: Walk out of Biofeedback. Meet Cody (so I am not raped walking home).

9:00 PM: Walk in front door crying. Make dinner?

10:00 PM: Get in bed. Set alarm for 5:45 AM. Curse the Heavens.

Grandmotherly Advice: Husbands and Sports Edition

Recently my grandma has given me a piece of advice in regards to husbands and sports. You see, my grandpa is really into sports and he spends a vast majority of his time watching, debating and catching up on his favorite teams. My grandma, at the beginning of things, didn't really "get it". But, she made the decision to get involved and get educated. Now, you can mention pretty much any player, team, announcer or coach and she can offer up an opinion. An educated opinion.

This year, I really, genuinely tried. I wouldn't say my opinion is educated exactly. But it is better then it was. I think a real turning point for me was when Cody and I were watching the Rose Bowl and I shouted at the t.v. something along the lines of "What is WRONG with you guys, this is FOOTBALL!! You are SUPPOSED to hit him, I don't care if he's 6'6. JESUS, what is their PROBLEM??!!"

I think Cody may have teared up a bit. It was a deep bonding experience for the two of us. I think.

Wait...wait. No, I remember now. He responded with a roll of the eyes and something along the lines of "Oh my god, Christina, you don't understand it so just shhh."

In reality, I did understand it. And they should have been hitting harder. Cody was just pissy because his team lost. So the reality was, he was tearing up because those poor Duckies of his didn't win. BUT...we still bonded.

Because I knew what I was talking about. And more importantly, he knew that I knew what I was talking about. And even if that truth pissed him off, because, well, let's face it...no one wants to hear that their team deserved to lose; at least I wasn't sitting there going, "Okay thank god that's over, can you pay attention to me now??"

I had an opinion about a football game. And a team. And I knew that the main guys name was Masoli. Did I know his position or the coaches name or anything else? No. But I knew a little.

It's called progress, people! Progress.

What can I say: If you can't beat um, join um!

Cheers Grandma!

PS:
Now it is so fun to do things like the following to Cody: As we are sitting down watching March Maddness highlights (yay!) I spit out, "I can't believe Kansas lost. And in the second round no less! Everyone picked them to take the whole thing, didn't you? Is that why your bracket is now busted darling??" Cody responds by blinking rapidly, saying something very smart like "Umm, uhh yea, it is" and then spends the next few minutes in confused silence as we have not actually watched any March Maddness together. Priceless.

Five Favorite Films

Okay this is not even an accurate list because I kept thinking of new movies as I was writing but these are some of my favorite films...




The Bourne Series. Two words: Matt Damon. Yumm! These films are crazy action packed but I love them. They are smart. They are not at all like the books but I don't care. I want to be Jason Bourne. 'Nough said.

Another kick-ass movie with an all-star cast. The writing is great and it is definitely a go-to film. Love how thought out it is and how much I get sucked in to routing for the bad guys each time. Also love the original with another favorite: Frank Sinatra.

Love both the original and the newer version. Love the book more of course but I really feel like the newer film captures the book wonderfully. Jane and Darcy are the most gorgeous of couples. Sighhhh...

This film hardly requires a notation...it is amazing. Great art, great music, great story. I believe I have watched it a billion times. And a half.

This actually may be my favorite film of all time. The Family Stone. I love it with all my being. It is so pure, so true, so dysfunctional. I honestly want to hop straight into the t.v. and be part of this incredible family. I love that they bicker and fight and call one another out but at the end of the day, everyone knows where they stand and that they are loved. I want to grow up and have a family like this. And live in the house pictured in the film. Exquisite.

So there you have it. My "Top 5 Favorite Films". Well, sort of, these are the ones that came to mind right away. Ooh, and Titanic. And Avatar. And America's Sweethearts. And...oh dear I better just end this now.