The Bucket List, Part Two

Numbers 1-10 seemed to go over well, so here's the next installment of my "30 in Thirty" Bucket List...

11.     Ride a hot air balloon-Whenever I fly, I always hope for the window seat so that I can look over the landscape-I love it! I think that the view from a hot air balloon would be even more breathtaking! Who wants to go with me?

12.    See "Wicked" on Broadway in NYC-My brother makes fun of me for saying this but seriously, "Wicked" was life-changing! I've seen it three times, and each show moves me to tears. I grew up as a child adoring the "Wizard of Oz" and fearing the Wicked Witch of the West. But after reading the book and seeing "Wicked" I had a whole new appreciation for her; I even ended up liking her better than Dorothy. I love going to the theater, especially to see musicals, and "Wicked" is by far the best I've ever seen. I've always wanted to see a real production on Broadway, so what better show than the one I love the most?

13.    Run a 5K-To say that I've never been a runner is the understatement of the century. I have spent the last thirty years loathing running with a passion. However, I've always wanted to secretly be able to say that I RAN a race. I've walked a half marathon, a 10-miler, and plenty of 5K's. But I've never been able to run more than a mile. So this summer I started the Couch to 5K training program (it is wonderful), and have my sights set on running my first 5K at the end of October. Wish me luck!

14.    Meet Justin Timberlake-To say that Justin is my celebrity crush doesn't even begin to cover it. There really isn't anything or anyone that makes me happier than he does! Whether it's his music, his acting, or a random TV appearance, it doesn't matter-I love them all! When 'NSYNC first came on the scene, I honestly could care less. Yes, I belted out some "Tearin' Up My Heart" when it came on the radio. However, it wasn't until college that I took notice of JT. Yes, I went to Wal-Mart at midnight when "No Strings Attached" was first released my sophomore year...don't act like you didn't love "Bye Bye Bye" too! Of course I went to see them perform that summer when they came to the State Fair. But again, Justin was rocking the cornrows in his hair at that time, and I wasn't so much into those. However, when I was a junior in college and 'NSYNC released their third album "Celebrity", I was hooked. I saw them perform the song "Gone" on MTV and that was the moment I gave my heart away to Mr. Timberlake. Now, I don't want you to think that I'm some crazy stalker. I just think he's amazing. I own both of his solo albums, and any song that he lends his voice to is of course downloaded to my iTunes account. My friend Jenny and I took a road trip to Nashville to see his concert a few years ago, and naturally when he did the media blitz this summer for the movie "Friends With Benefits", I DVR'ed every talk show appearance he made. Ultimately I would just like to run into him by accident someday...I'd like to believe that I would be cool and introduce myself casually and we could just kick it like old friends. And, if during this conversation he perhaps, fell in love with me, that would be okay too. 

15.    See Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-One of the best decisions I've ever made was to DVR this show every night. I can't stay up late enough to watch it, but it's always waiting for me when I get home from work which is such a treat. The best thing about Jimmy Fallon is that he can never keep a straight face-his laughter is contagious! Two years ago, my friend Deanna and I went to NYC and got standby tickets for the show. However, after waiting in line for hours we were told we would not be able to be in the audience. I was heart-broken, and needless to say, it's been on my bucket list ever since. Maybe when I go to see "Wicked" on Broadway I'll swing by and see Late Night too!

16.    Vegas-I'm not a big gambler or drinker, it's just one of those places I feel compelled to see for myself. I wouldn't mind to see the Jabbawockeez live show while I was there 

      (and maybe Celine Dion-don't tell my sister-in-law)!

17.     Learn to ballroom dance-When I was 5 years old, I started taking jazz and tap dance lessons. Dance has always been one of the loves of my life, and I think that ballroom would be fun, challenging, and a great form of exercise.  

18.    Learn to cook-I can follow a recipe pretty well, but I wish I could learn to really cook and feel confident that I didn't even need the recipes! I told my mom that I wanted to attend her culinary school because as far as I'm concerned, she's the best cook around! We'll see what happens...

19.     See as many of the following concerts as possible: The Eagles, Stevie Wonder,   Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffet, and Straight No Chaser-A random assortment, I know, but I have eclectic taste in music and love going to concerts. I've been fortunate to see many of my favorite performers already, but I have a feeling that I'm missing out by not having seen these acts yet!

20.  Make a t-shirt quilt-If there were a support group for t-shirt collectors, I would attend. I do not have enough storage space, nor do I have enough time to wear all of the t-shirts that I currently own. I have a hard time letting go of most t-shirts because they represent memories of special times in my life. Making a t-shirt quilt seems like the best remedy for my addiction. I'm pretty sure my mom and I could do it together, but we'll have to fit it in between cooking lessons!