My life list has been on my mind a lot lately. And, weirdly, not crossing my mind at all at other times when it would be logical for it to do so.
Conferences and Flash Mobs
I wrote that list in January, the same month I started blogging. I realized the potential here after very quickly meeting some totally inspiring women. So I put “attend a bloggers’ conference for strong women” on the list (#4). I figured it would be a while before I actually did it, but funny things happen when you put something on your life list. BlogHer was always there, in the back of my mind. I’d like to go one year, I thought. And that became “I’d like to go this year,” which then evolved into “I think I have to go. I’m going to go.” So I did.
It was awesome.
Clockwise: @canbeafunnygirl, @galitbreen, @mamatrack, me, @mytimeasmom, @madwomandiary
(Yes, that’s a glow stick on my head.) (Yes, I stole the picture from Lizz.)
With my beautiful friend Cristi (@MotherUnadorned)
BlogHer also led to the addition of #57 on my list: participate in a flash mob. Here’s why:
Ooh, still gives me goosebumps. I want to do that one day.
Short hair
In the second photo above you can also see my new short hair, the result of #14 on my life list. Cutting my hair really short is something I’ve wanted to do for years but was always too chicken. Then a few weeks ago I went to get my hair cut and as I sat in the chair discussing options, I knew it was time. She took a chunk of my hair, cut several inches off the back, and inside I did a little happy dance. I love it! Should have done this years ago.
Blue hair
Speaking of hair, #54 on my list is to get a colourful streak put in my hair. This is just a whimsical wish and I almost did it while I was on leave from work, figuring I’d likely never do it at another time. Then last week my friend Cristi (from the photo above) committed to dyeing her hair blue if she raises an additional $1000 for suicide prevention by Sept. 9 (for a total of $1,500). See?
When she said if she doesn’t make it to her goal she’ll do blue streaks instead, I figured, hey, I can get on board with that. I wasn’t even thinking of my life list, just that it would be fun and in support of a good cause. Then Lizz got in on the conversation and she agreed to some blue as well. It was after that discussion that I remembered my life list, so this is perfect – blue streaks + fundraiser = checking off an item on my life list and having a good reason for it.
All together, Cristi has four of us on board now – Tara is going for streaks too, and Brian Perry, a singer/songwriter from New Orleans, is going full blue (but he doesn’t have a lot of hair…). Anyone else want in? If you’re not up for blue hair (or even if you are) I’d love it if you’d donate to Cristi. You can do that on her American Society for Suicide Prevention fundraising page or through PayPal on her site. Every dollar helps!
Other Things
I’ve been making progress on a few other items from my list:
#5: Speak at a blog conference. I haven’t done it yet, but in case you missed it, I got asked to speak at a Bloggy Boot Camp in 2012! I’m really looking forward to that. SITS Girls have also opened up pre-sale registration so you can guarantee your spot. (Not sure which location I’ll be at – I get to choose, but it will probably depend on timing. Any input? Out of the four choices I’ve only been to Vegas.)
#6: Attend a TED talk. This is similar but different, and I’m possibly even more excited about this one. I’ve been invited to speak at TEDx MileZero! SO excited. (Did I mention I’m excited?) Better get my presentation done. (I just got informed of my selection last week, so time is short. Very short, as you can see from the countdown clock on the site, which, as of today, reads 18 DAYS until the event. Eep!)
#55: Give blood 5 more times. This is a relatively easy one, if you discount my fear of needles. I donated on July 5th – my 3rd time – and the experiences are getting progressively better each time. The first time I donated one of the nurses evidently thought I looked a little pale and started pouring juice down my throat, which kind of freaked me out because, you know, I had a big needle in my arm. Even with that experience I’m much less nervous now. My sole remaining complaint is that the only spot that seems to work for giving blood – whether donating or having a blood test – is inside my left elbow. And each time I do it I get a big bruise and a permanent hole in my arm. Pretty soon they’re not going to let me donate because I’m going to look like a heroin addict.
#58 & #59 – I have also added two more items to my list. Get a tattoo to commemorate beating PPD (WOOT!) and help someone else with their life list (inspired by the story behind this).
And that’s it. Life is good.
