Empty apologies

I know this person who has more issues and problems than anyone I've ever met. She frustrates me, and makes me disappointed in myself for being so trusting and open.

I had this friend who only called me when she couldn't get a hold of anyone else. She always had some sort of drama going on in her life, and over time, it began to drain me. I was relieved when her calls became fewer and then none at all.

Make a bucket list, or not?

It seems that with the release of the movie "Bucket List," everyone we know has created their own version of "what we/I want to do before I die.

Truthfully, I resisted. Mostly out of my innate need to be spotaneous and live for the moment. Then it hit me. It's a good thing to stand by and wait for those life changing moments that make you stop and think "wow, I'm glad I did that or saw this before I die." So, I too caught the bucket list train, and I am enjoying the challenge.

While I have my personal list of things I want to do, it seems that I'd rather create a list with Walter instead. It seems more meaningful if you have someone else there to share the moment, and have someone to share the experience. The list below has some basic events, but many require planning. Whether or not each one comes true, it's the creation of the dream that there are yet things to do and experience in the twilight of our lives. The freedom to even make this list and attempt to achieve each goal is an experience in itself.

The list is in no particular order, and it continues to grow every day!!

Experience the true essence of New Orleans

DisneyWorld

Paris

Germany

Swim with dolphins

Mets game in NY

Caribbean Cruise

Red convertible

Yellowstone/Mt Rushmore

see a live tv show

stay in Malibu

be at a playoff game MLB/NFL

have a home in Las Vegas

go parisailing

own a beach house

have a classic car

visit Kennedy Space Center

see Jo and Les in their Martha and George Costumes in

Williamsburg, Va

Scrapbook every photo

Giants and/or Dolphins game

Visit Chicago

Niagra Falls

Cooperstown

Grand Canyon

London

Washinton DC

Jet skiing

lunch in Central Park

Rutt's Hut in Clifton Park, NJ

Keith Urban in concert

Ride train to top of Pike's Peak CO

Romantic weekend in Santa Barbara/Solvang

Napa Valley

Max & Mina's Ice Cream Parlor, Queens, NY

New Year!

Another year has come and gone. It's hard to believe 2009 is already here. This is certainly going to take some getting used to.

Not that 2008 was a total bust of a year. Many wonderful things happened last year, that will no doubt put 2008 down as one of the best years in awhile.

My eagerness to get the year over with is solely a result of my having such a difficult time with the holidays. Some years are harder. This year wasn't as bad as others have been.

Highlights: Oregon trip in February; Anniversary trip to Port Angeles; opening our new department at work; Mexican cruise in October with Elena and Frank; New Years with Anne and Terry.

It's with great anticipation that I greet 2009. I imagine all our plans will bring happiness and adventure. What an exciting year this is going to be!