Week Two: Banjos & Bunco

I realized I had to put a little bit more effort into this project and look for opportunities to break out of the comfort zone. The activities for this week involved me saying yes when I would normally declare a stern no! A good friend's son was having an end of the season "thing" for his kindergarten basketball team. The offer was made and I was preparing to say no when I was told there would be a banjo concert. A light bulb came on and I told her if I didn't have enough activities for the week I would. In the next day or two I committed to going - it was convenient as his school is right by the job and it started right after work. Plus- we need to let the wee ones in our lives know they are important. When I got to the school, the banjo group (about 6 or 7 preteens- adults) was playing music that no one was listening to -even the person playing the washboard couldn't keep every one's attention. I clapped along (might as well participate) and the grand finale was announced. Let me just say you haven't lived until you hear "Amazing Grace " played in single string harmony on the banjo!

My second activity was a Friday night hangin' out with the girls playing Bunco. A coworker whose social calendar is always full asked me to substitute during her monthly bunco night. I was going to say no then I remembered my mission for the next year- and said yes. Turns out a few of my co-workers are in the group so I didn't have that first date awkwardness. Prior to this night I had never played bunco. I have a few friends who are in groups but I never really understood the big deal. I love to play games but seldom get the opportunity to do so. I had a really time- I was out with a different group of people, wasn't sitting at home on a Friday night, and I got to play a game where no skill was required. I got the hang of things by the end of the night. It wasn't a calm, mild evening either- just like some folks get serious about dominoes or spades- so goes the same for bunco. The fun, food and fellowship were a nice departure from my usual Friday night sleepfest that I joined the group. My 2nd Friday of every month is now booked.

For more info on BUNCO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunco

Week One: Let the good times roll!

Two new activities a week? That's a cinch - but not when there's only 3 day in that week. May 1st came on Thursday and I had 72 hours to get it together. Being me, I waited until the final 6 hours and decided to do both activities. Rocco needed to get out so to spice things up I drove to a neighboring area and took a walk. It was interesting for both of us; he was able to sniff new dirt and mark foreign territory and I was able to look at the landscape of yards and familiarize myself with another part of my area. We stayed out for an hour (which is longer than our usual walks), I imagine it was because we weren't strolling the same trek we always do. On the way home I decided to patronize Lou's Burgers. I have driven past this local legend for almost 15 years and never bothered to stop because it is old and decrepit. Its one of those spots where you walk up to the window to order. The place has been around for generations and old timers swear by it. I didnt have enough cash on me for a burger so I had to settle for a milkshake - fantastic! I ordered the vanilla and it was the kind that you had when you were a kid - not the mix stuff you get at fast food restaurants today. I'll definitley visit this summer when the weather hits the century mark. Who knows- I might order a burger and the carmel shake.

Living Life

What is...

Some of you have asked what is all this living like its golden? That's for you to decide...but for me its exploring the world that God created for me. I am taking the limits and restricitons off of self and purposefully setting out to experience life...the good life...the golden life!

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the first you tube box to hear the song/see the video. Feel free to sing along (words provided below) as you declare your freedom. If you are already enjoying the golden life then just enjoy the music - according to my big sis "It is has a mellow, mid-tempo, jazz infused beat; appreciated primarily by the grown and sexy kind of crowd. "

Lyrics to "Golden" by Jill Scott

Hey Oh Hey Yeah Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Verse 1:

I'm taking my freedom

Pulling it off the shelf

Putting it on my chain

Wearing it 'round my neck

I'm taking my freedom

Putting it in my car

Wherever I choose to go

It will take me far I'm…

Chorus:

Living my life like it's golden

Living my life like it's golden

Living my life like it's golden

Living my life like it's golden

Living my life like it's golden, golden(Repeat)

Verse 2:

I'm taking my own freedom

Putting it in my song

Singing loud and strong

Grooving all day long

I'm taking my freedom

Putting it in my stroll

I be high-stepping ya'll

Letting the joy unfoldI'm...

Verse 3:

I'm holding on to my freedom

Can't take it from me

I was born into it and it comes naturally

I'm strumming my own freedom

Playing the God in me

Representing His glory

Hope He's proud of me!Yeah!

Chorus:

Hook:Living my life, Like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden

Under construction: me & the site!

Setting up this blog is more work than I realized - you have no idea how long it took to come up with the address. Nevertheless it is here. You will definitely see changes to the layout as time goes on...I have to carve out time and develop some patience to create this journal.

Where do I begin? This blog is designed to chronicle my one year plan to venture out of my comfort zone by intentionally trying two new "things" per week. I will remove the labels and limits I (and others) have attached to my person. My journey will allow me to expand my horizons, experience different activities and encounter new people.

The rules are simple (1) an activity, event or place must be something I have never done before or (2) 10 years must have passed since I last participated in the activity. The second rule was put into place to allow me to rekindle the pleasure derived from childhood activities and give a bad experience another shot. I do reserve the right to amend the rules at any time.

I am open to most activities whether it is eating in an unfamiliar restaurant or stretching my mind and doing the unimaginable. All suggestions will be considered. Feel free to leave a comment and I will post them after review.

Living Life