Actually, I forgot to put “get a tattoo” on the list, but nonetheless, mission accompli.  It’s cliche I know, I know.  My whole list is pretty tame, but heh, it’s wild and crazy for me. 

Sitting in the tattoo parlor getting permanent pink flowers and vines on the back of my neck was a little scary but alot of fun actually.  It was even more entertaining doing it with one of my closest friends and her two son-in-laws.  The guys were surprised, making it all the more enjoyable for us.  Since we didn’t flinch, admiration credit was gained too.  

As for the location of the tattoo and the flower/vine choice, I’m pretty pleased.  We girlfriends have been talking about doing this for years, long before tattoos became so common and acceptable.  We know for a fact that it’ s important to keep your family guessing.  Originally we wanted a whale’s tail on our respective rear-ends because we loved to go whale watching.  I’m so glad that never happened.  Can you imagine the years of physical exams ahead – knowing that even as your Doc listens to your breathing from behind, he is rolling his eyes at this genius who chose to accentuate her already ample ass with a whale?  

All that really matters is that I feel great about doing something neither I or anyone else expected.  A definite accomplishment that only my hairstylist will grow tired of.

Time to get going – live the life I want to look back on with a huge smile, when little else can be done.  Dreams are only dreams when they are left unspoken, unrealized.  Putting this list together is the first step towards accomplishment.  It’s interesting, fun and purposeful.  Wouldn’t it be great to put our collective talents and resources together and help others achieve their dreams too?  This list will grow and evolve I’m sure, ever focused, however, on good living and giving: 

• Swim with dolphins
• Pay off all debt
• One month or more in Italy
• Write a childrens’ book
• Get published in a well known magazine
• Visit all 50 states
• Earn over 1 million dollars
• Clean and organize the garage
• Organize and digitize all photos
• Fill and use my iPod
• Make money being me
• Publish a book
• Become a skilled photographer
• Travel the world with our kids
• Learn Italian
• Positively affect the lives of ten thousand people
• Be a motivational speaker
• Create a photo exhibit of my travels
• Go to a Broadway show in New York
• Journal every day
• Finish the Saturday edition of New York Times Crossword
• Create wealth for myself and others.
• Develop meaningful/sustainable programs in underdeveloped areas

There I was in the parking garage, looking down at my wrist and wondering how to get this hospital bracelet off without a Swiss Army knife or blow torch on me.  It was McGyver time and I began to study the possibilities.  In about two short seconds, I notice a big “50″ printed next to my name.  Just two seconds more pass to ponder whether this was my room number, my insurance deductible, or, even a special code for my blood type, before an adrenaline charged YANK was all it took to remove the thing.  The boldfaced “50″ was in fact, my age. No, I’m not a total wack-a-doodle, nor am I particularly sensitive about aging, really. It was just incredibly shocking to see the years fly by in official print and on a ridiculously informative piece of jewelry.  The last time I wore one of those bracelets, it said “26″ and a little baby came with it.

It should also be said that I want my money back from a vacation spent in Las Vegas a few months ago. where I celebrated my birthday with family and friends.  I believe there is a little law on the books requiring Truth in Advertising. It appears that the MGM Grand, as well as the City of Las Vegas, have done me big-time wrong!  I fully expected to get what I paid for – a birthday that happened in Vegas and therefore stayed in Vegas.

Interesting that hospital staff places their version of a Tiffany I.D. bracelet (it costs as much) on backwards so they can read it but you can’t.  Probably a good thing, because surely my test results would have been adversely affected, and there you go, more money! Hey Vegas, that’s called “Personal Damages“.

If you’re wondering – my hospital stay was short and of no consequence… stay focused on the issue people!  Since it appears that time truly does fly by in a heartbeat, now seems like as good a time as any to start a blog, move forward on that “life list” and remind myself and you to notice and enjoy every little thing along the way.