Hallmark Extra Application and Other Bucket List Items

"Stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it." Annette White

Back to my bucket list.  Reminder, I think a bucket list is a things to do in order to feel alive not things to accomplish before I die.

Last week, I put in an application to appear as an extra in a Hallmark Christmas movie. 

What do I have to lose?  I even included my picture.  Special talents? None. I could be a great person sitting in a luncheonette having coffee with a friend.

If Hallmark ever reaching out and said "you are in", I might have a stroke.

I would like to be able to contribute a line to an important speech by maybe one of our State Senators.(no negative feedback or political opinions from anyone reading this please).

I love the sound of the sleigh bells in the Christmas Song "Sleigh Ride".  How about the opportunity to actually ring the bells during a concert with a philharmonic orchestra?

How about having the chance to speak or be on the dais of a book convention.

Eventually, a book reading and signing.

Maybe, I can have an entry included in a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book?

More family reunions on both sides of my family and even just with my siblings, their children and grandchildren.

Rent a beach house for a week.  I don't mean a fabulous new house.  I would like to have one of those old houses with a screened in porch like in the movie "Last Song".

I want to have reliable enough transportation to go see some lighthouses.  No, not necessarily climb them but see them.

I would like to go on a cruise just not sure where to.

My ultimate dream is a week in Tuscany. There is a writers group who for one week immerses themselves in the village, writes in the morning and ends the day with wine and sharing what was written.  BUT have you seen the hills in Tuscany?  Most likely something I will never do but it doesn't mean I can't dream about it.

I am usually very, very practical where finances are concerned. Very cautious with my money since I have a history of getting myself in financial jams.  I still put back the chicken breast at Publix and opt for a PB&J sandwich to save a few bucks. 

I am not saying I deny myself the basics and some extra's but I do pray over more items that most take for granted.  Wait until it is time to start shopping for my next vehicle !!!

You will notice that many of my bucket list items do not have a big price tags attached to them.

Well, except Tuscany and a reliable vehicle and a cruise. LOL !!

I am living a life that I never could have expected when I was young. The location I call home was never on my bucket list (then again no one really has a bucket list when they are young because everything is possible). Going from growing up in The Bronx to ending up Beaufort, South Carolina was not on my radar.

Most of my wants have been pretty down to earth which should surprise no one who knows me well.

Although, every once in a while I allow myself to dream. 

And in dreams all things are possible.

See you next week.

The I Told You So's Can Start Any Time Now

When we  left off last week, I was preparing to go visit the Florida Sales Team.

Was I stressed? YES.

This is how the week played out.

Monday, worked from home in the morning. On the road by 10:40. Arrived in Orlando at 4:10.  No issues on the trip, no stops either.  This was a novelty since my current vehicle would have run out of gas before I arrived.  I used the valet parking, they loaded up the luggage cart for me and pushed it into the lobby.  I checked in and was handed a bag with a warm cookie and a bottle of water. I found my way across the lobby and upstairs to my room.  As requested, it was not too far from the elevator and had a walk in shower. I settled in and actually started to fall asleep using the wonderful pillow I was given as a Christmas gift (one of those big U shaped pillows). Once my other team members arrived we headed out to dinner.  A "tapas" restaurant which was new for me.  I loved it and had a great time. (I know - I told you so #1).

Tuesday, up early for breakfast.  Headed to the office, met some of the loan officers and spent the day doing my normal work and interacting with sales partners. After work, out for another amazing dinner.  Both nights we ate at tables on the sidewalk in front of the restaurants.It was a late night but filled with great conversation. (I told you so #2)

I also decided to try things I wouldn't normally eat.  I am used to eating the same things over and over.  I decided this was the time to live on  the edge a little.

Wednesday, breakfast and head to the office for a regional meeting.  I had prepared several pages of notes for reference. My comments were well received, the questions that followed were good and the shared feedback benefited all. (I told you so #3)

Once the meeting concluded, it was time to drive to Deerfield Beach (near Miami).  The ride took over three hours plus I got lost because I didn't listen to google maps.  I was a little stressed.  Then I stopped for gas. I had no idea how to open the gas tank (remember my own vehicles are 12 and 17 years old respectively). I looked for a button or a handle to pull to open the cover. No luck with that attempt. Then I looked for the owners manual in the glove compartment.  No luck there either. Finally, I called my daughter and asked her to google 2019 Chevy Cruz and see how to open the gas tank.  I am not going to lie at this point I was in tears. To make matters worse, Jenn looked it up and all I had to do was press on the little door and voila it opened. Jenn stayed on the phone with me while I gassed up and got back on the highway.  We chatted for a little while and once my nerves settled down we hung up.  I hit I-95 in the rush hour. Ugh! All those New Yorker's who have moved south were driving like lunatics.  It felt like a checkered flag was waived at every entrance ramp and people flew on with no regard for who was in their lane.  People changed lanes in nano seconds.  I have driven in NY and was never intimidated, this was a challenge. It was dark when I arrived around 7:15.  Once again valet parking and up to my room.  My travel buddies were waiting for me in the lobby. My room was a bit of a trek from the elevator but I managed to handle it.  I was so exhausted, I passed on dinner out and opted for room service.  I had been lazy and left my pillow in the car. Big mistake!! I did not sleep well without it.

It wasn't until the next morning that I could appreciate the view from my room.

Then it was off to the office for another regional meeting.  It was a full day and once again very productive. After work, my buddies headed out for dinner.  I headed to my room.  They did text me the menu and brought me back dinner.  I slept on and off not very well.  At 3:45AM, I thought "why am I hanging out here"?  By 4:40AM, I had checked out and was in my car heading home. 

Once on the highway, I felt pretty alert for a while. Gradually I could feel my eyes struggling to focus and caught myself drifting. ( I once saw a piece on a new shows stating driving tired can be as bad as driving drunk).  I finally gave in an pulled into a rest stop that had a sign the there was nighttime security.  I drifted off to sleep for 20-30 minutes.  Once I woke up I felt refreshed and hit the road again.  Once the sun was up, I knew I would be OK.  I put on one of the books I have on my phone and counted down the miles to home.  I cheered when I hit the FL/GA border and let out a "WOO HOO" when I crossed from Georgia into South Carolina.

I pulled into my driveway around 1:00PM. I backed into the driveway intending to unpack my car later.  I only carried in my pocketbook and the bag with my bottles of water.

Within two minutes of being in the house, I had hit the bathroom and was in my recliner.  Before I knew it,  I woke up and it was dark and I hadn't left a light on in the house. 

I have to say the people who traveled with me, Jenn and Craig did everything to make my trip enjoyable and stress-free.  They grabbed my laptop bag and pocketbook where ever we went.  They waited while I caught up to them when walking somewhere.  They got the tables closer to the entrances and exits for us.  I also rode in the front seat where ever we went.  I loved their vehicle was easy to get in and out of too. (I told you so #4)

I did a lot more walking than I usually do and my knees sure let me know they were not happy.

BUT I DID IT !!!! (I told you so #5)

As far as the trip itself, I can't wait to do it again next year!! I had a wonderful time.  Meeting our sales partners was such a positive experience.  (I told you so #6)

I started each meeting explaining I was from New York (and The Bronx), I am direct and don't like to chat.  I told them my focus is getting their loans closed.  They did laugh when I said I would never be named manager of the year or Miss Congeniality but that was OK since my job is not a popularity contest.

They did not know hugging is not my specialty.  I got way too many hugs.

So let the I told you so's roll from those of you who last week said I would have a memorable trip and I would be able to keep up which I did except for the two nights I passed on dinner. (I told you so #7)

I said one of my goals this year was to say YES more and NO less. 

Well, this was a week of a lot of YES's and I feel so accomplished and proud and once again my fears were unfounded.  (I told you so #8)

Could what I feel be called confidence?? I think it is. (I told you so #9)

See you next week.

PS Even Jeter was happy his Mom was home.

Am I Growing Up or Just Don't Give A Sh** Anymore?

I have always been self conscious.

I don't want to stand out in a group.

Being a big girl makes this a challenge.

As you know, this has been a lifelong work in progress.

Slow like the turtle.

I have setbacks but them push forward again.

My revelation of the week, I am no longer eating just because it is breakfast, lunch or dinner time.

Why eat if I am not hungry? Habit, a bad habit.

No more feeling I have to eat because others are eating.

I can do this without a doubt.

I gave up cigarettes 30 years ago, cold turkey.

I gave up soda, cold turkey 4 years ago.  (If I have had more than 5 cans of soda in the time that would be it and only because there was nothing else to go with vodka).

I gave up potato chips, cold turkey 2 years ago. (only time I bend this rule is from Christmas Eve through New Years Day).

I am making other change, too.

I have a hard time going somewhere that I do not know the lay of the land. 

Also, due to my hip and knee issues walking long distances is a challenge and while I can do stairs I definitely take my time.

I used to be so focus on worrying about standing out, I would not look for solutions or accommodations.

Why do I give a crap what others think? Yes, I am self-conscious and lack confidence at times but once I am comfortable watch out!!

I think the term is an ambivert.

I am traveling this week for work.

Instead of stressing about arrangements, I decided to be a grown up and ask for things that might make my trip easier.

I called the hotels and requested the following: a room near the front desk and/or elevator.

A walk-in shower. ( I can climb into a regular tub but why should I if there is an easier option).

If possible, a recliner in the room or lots of pillow to make sleeping easier.

I will use the valet parking.

My manager has made an big effort to make sure I am comfortable on this trip. She has checked out restaurants, office layouts and made suggestions about things I can ask for or do to have me enjoy the week.  Thanks Jenn (my manager not my daughter) for your efforts !!

It's time I figure out what works for me and go for it.  If something makes it easier for me then I am going to do it or ask for it.

Is it "growing up" or being old enough to not focus on the opinion of others?

A friend once told me when I walk in the room and feel like people are focusing on me, I am giving them too much power and people really are not putting all their thoughts into me.

This person said when I walk in a room the only thought is "there is Donna" and nothing more.

As I work to improve myself with things like eating only when I am hungry vs out of habit, I will feel better about myself.

I am pretty sure next week my blog will be about the great week I had in retrospect.  I will have found my few travel requests made this trip so much easier which will have made me happier.

Also, at least for this week, I will have no transportation worries. I rented a car.  It's a 2019! Although I am not used to a car after driving a SUV since 2002, I can get in and out of the car easily. Just driving it home from Enterprise yesterday confirmed my decision that I when I am shopping for a newer vehicle this summer (after Jenn's student loans are paid off yeah!), I am leaning toward a cross over vehicle.  I do like sitting higher than I am in the rental car.  It's like having free test drive that assured my car vs crossover decision is correct.

In case you are saying to yourself, why is Donna driving around Florida instead of flying.  Simple answers, I have a 2 hour trip to the airport plus have to be there an hour early, no direct flight to Orlando which means the flight/travel would take longer than me driving there.  And on Friday, when I am on my way home, I can get on the road when I want (very early) and not hassle with airports. If I can avoid Miami and Atlanta airports, count me in !!

Oh and maybe just maybe it's the control freak in me !!

See you next week.

 PS byline #3

PPSS the writers for Pink were asked to write a Valentines Day message, here is mine: