(43-365) I Did It!

In honor of this auspicious occasion, I can think of nothing more appropriate than to quote Dora the explorer and say "I did it, I did it, I did it - HURRAY!  Ya I did it!" I know that Dora says "we" not "I", but my monkey sidekick had nothing to do with writing "The Bumpy Ride" for 365 consecutive days, so I hope you'll permit me some creative license on that one.

When I wrote "43" on July 28, 2010, I said that I was committing to write EVERY day for a year PLUS my 44th birthday, so in fact my journey is not quite over; but I think that since this is the last night of my 43rd year it's appropriate for me to review all that I've learned during this excruciating endeavor so that tomorrow I can make a fresh start on a brand new year and the rest of my life. 

To quote myself in "43", "I believe this needs to be a year of recollection, reflection, observation, appreciation, and change; and I plan to do this right before your very eyes."  And, I'm delighted to say that I believe I have.  I've taken you on many walks down my memory lane.  Some strolls were happy and amusing while others were painful and heartbreaking.  I told you "My real life love story", and many, many tales of trial and tribulation.  I got definitions published in "The Urban Dictionary" and entered and lost my first essay contest.  I've written about fear, courage, optimism, perseverance, grief, empathy, sympathy and laughter.  I've shared quotes and songs from various genres, and demonstrated my prowess at Six degrees of Kevin Bacon.  I reported on a season each of soccer and swim team, enlisted your assistance with an art contest and battled an Art Nazi!  I've had thrills and spills, a number of firsts, and made several discoveries.  I found and fell in love with my cousin Jackie, I got three new jobs,  I renewed friendships, strengthened friendships and ended friendships.  I've taken chances and advocated for myself like I never have before.  I gave support, advice, and of course, recommendations for the (say it with me) GREATER GOOD!  And I truly couldn't be more proud of myself than I am right now.

When I wrote "Five Hundred" I mentioned that writing "The Bumpy Ride" every day for this year had been both a blessing and a curse.  I didn't elaborate on the negative; because ya know I like to accentuate the positive.  Yet I will admit that this challenge was far more taxing than I ever imagined.  The truth is that I usually give more though to what I'm gonna have for dinner than I did to what a big (yes) HUGE undertaking a daily commitment would be.  No matter how physically or emotionally tired I was - I had to write.  No matter what fun activity was awaiting me - I had to write.  No matter my location -I had to write.  And so with pad in hand I wrote as night fell upon the drive in.  I typed in a word document at the lake, in Laughlin, and while camping. Then I had to go find a public place with wi-fi so that I could capture the perfect picture to accompany the post and publish it.  I wrote from Las Vegas, and California (twice), not to mention having to get up extra early so that I could publish a post before spending the day in Disneyland.  Each blog took anywhere from half an hour to five to write.  And the award for the blog that took the longest to author, goes to "The Hostess With The Mostess", which I wrote while attending the best crop EVER at Mari's hobby  house.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all.  For me the pros definitely outweighed the cons AND now that I know for certain that I really can commit to doing something EVERY day; I'm gonna get my butt back to the gym, so that (hopefully) this time next year, I'll be able to report that I finally lost the hundred pounds that I've been talking about FOREVER.

If I've learned anything this year, it's this: First, I can do ANYTHING that I set my mind too.  Second, if you want to change your circumstances YOU can.  Third, you are only as limited as you allow yourself to be.  And fourth, to quote RuPaul  "What other people think of me is not my business."   

Once again I  want to thank everyone who has joined me on "The Bumpy Ride" this year and I implore you to keep coming back for more.  Even though this is the end of my year, it is really only the beginning.  I am so looking forward to sharing "44" with you tomorrow, so please make sure to stop by, as I'll be revealing  a very special surprise.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-300) Homestretch

I can hardly believe that this is my 300th consecutive post of "The Bumpy Ride."  It just doesn't seem possible.  I think I've exhausted the whole SNL cheerleader / milestone bit; but I'm gonna give myself a good ole pat on the back for this one.

I remember struggling to get to post 266, and thinking, "I'll only have 100 to go from there, and I can do this"; but quite honestly, I really doubted myself.  And now 34 posts past that, and I only have 66 to go, so just like the little engine that could, I actually "think I can, I think I can!" 

300 posts; I'm in the homestretch and that feels like something to celebrate.  Since no celebration of mine would be complete without dancing, I'm gonna share my new favorite song "Price Tag", with the hope that you'll listen and get yer groove on with me... (Go ahead, play it now, and then you can finish reading.)

Now that you've caught your breath; in the interest of (say it with me), "The Greater Good", I have one more song to share.  It's not a dance song, but one that I heard at my kid's school talent show of all places.  I found the message to be poignant and I hope that you will too. Even if you've never listened to any of the other songs that I've posted in previous blogs, PLEASE take a listen to  "Who says" by Selena Gomez; and celebrate who YOU are.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-214) VERY Big News!

I have news, I have news, I have VERY big news!  When I wrote "Making Plans," I told you that I was starting to think about arranging a celebration for my 44th birthday; and I mentioned the possibility of taking a trip to Las Vegas to see "Mamma Mia."  Well, the next day, I got an email from my amazing, friend Rachel S (who I wrote about in "The Care Package;") and she wrote something to the effect of "We also have shows in New York."  I responded, telling Rachel that I'd love to come to New York; but I didn't think that I would be able to, any time soon.  Shortly after that, I posted "Pizza Timeline," which prompted a conversation between my dear, friend, Dawn and I; about the fact that I hadn't been to New York since 1996; and she encouraged me to come for a visit.

With two friends now having mentioned the possibility of a New York trip, my wheels were turning.  I spoke to Luis and we agreed, that in honor of my 44th birthday, I should in fact GO TO NEW YORK.  I told Luis that I wanted to be home with him and the kids for my birthday; (and my local friends as well; of course)  but I could take a red eye to New York that night; and he agreed.  I was now in planning mode; and I could barely contain my excitement, when I asked my cousin, Jackie if she wanted to go to New York with me;and she immediatley got on board. Everything was starting to come together; but there was one final detail that I needed to address.  I'd been considering taking one of my kids with me; and I thought that Lyndzi would be the perfect choice.  I discussed my idea with Luis and without hesitation he agreed. 

I spoke with Rachel via email and confirmed that Jackie, Lyndzi and I would arrive in New York on Friday, July 29 and we accepted her most gracious invitation to stay with her.  Rachel was as generous as ever and told me that we were all welcome, as were any of my other friends that needed a place to crash for the night.  We briefly discussed the need to find a location / restaurant where we could meet with all of my friends; and our need to find out how many people were interested in going to see "Mamma Mia," so that we could try to get a great deal on tickets.

So there you have it, in a nutshell.  I'm going to be in New York from July 29 until Aug 1; and I desperately want to see as many people as possible; so anyone who's interested in getting together while I'm there, please let me know, so that we can make PLANS.  I know that it won't be possible for me to go to all of the places that I'd like to go; but at the least, I want to go to China town, eat Italian food, and see "Mamma Mia."  I want to go to New City, so that I can show Lyndzi and Jackie where I grew up; AND go to to a diner, of course.  Last but not least; Jackie and I are planning to go to the cemetery where my mom and our grandparents are buried.  We know that it won't be easy, but it's something that we know in our hearts, we need to do.

I am so overjoyed about the prospect of seeing so many of my old friends.
I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate my 44th birthday and I look forward to hearing every one's input and suggestions.  If you you don't currently live in the New York area, but there's a will and a way for you to get there during my birthday celebration; I would be so delighted to see you.  The more the merrier!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-163) 300!

So here's how my brain works; remember when Will Ferrell (as Craig) and Cheri Oteri (as Arianna,) did the Spartan cheerleader skits on Saturday night live?

Well, if you do, then you know that a typical cheer format would be something like: (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me" (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me." (Together): "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "Native Americans!" 

Now, if you've ever seen the skits that I'm referring to, right about now you should have yourself a good visual goin on; so hold that thought... And if you've NEVER seen it; then once again I sound like a loon, but please indulge me this one more time.
Now, with the cheerleaders in mind, it should make PERFECT sense, when in Spartan style I say: "Who's reached another milestone today?"  "It's me, it's me."  "Yah, who's reached another milestone today?"  "IT'S ME, IT'S ME!"  "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "300th post!"

WHEW, like giving birth sometimes I tell ya; but when I get an idea stuck in my head, I just gotta go with it; and that's exactly what I've been doing for 300 posts now.  300, that number seems so unreal to me; and yet I am hopeful that in just a few short months, it's a landmark that I will celebrate for a second time this year.  First now, for 300 total posts and then when I have completed another 137 posts and I submit #300 in the 43 series. Whoa, so many numbers my head is spinning.  I think it's probably best that I don't think in such big leaps, but simply continue celebrating the achievements as they occur.  I want to recognize my small victories, as I take baby steps toward this enormous goal.

In honor of my 300th post; NO, it won't be a list of 300 random things; or 300 anything for that matter; but instead only 3 things.  2 quotes and 1 song.  First for the quotes.  Yesterday, Michelle M, had this quote as her status on Facebook.  It's a quote from Aunt Frances, in the movie "Practical Magic;" and although I saw the film, I hadn't recalled the quote: "My darling girl, when are you going to understand that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."  Just mull that over for a sec; cause I LOVE it; and I think it is VERY me.

The second quote, is by Mary Anne Radmacher; and it also happens to be about courage.  This quote is on a magnet, on my refrigerator; and I look at it EVERY day; and it inspires me. 
"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying
'I will try again tomorrow'."

And with that, I give you one of my new favorite songs. A song that makes me want to get up and CELEBRATE!  It's Pink's "Raise Your Glass."  So CHEERS!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-50) One Step At A Time

I considered a lot of different titles for this milestone post.  "One Foot In Front Of The Other,"  "Step by Step," "Small Victories," and "I'm On My Way," just to name a few.  I think that any of these titles would have been appropriate, because they all convey that ANY effort and EACH  accomplishment, will bring you that much closer to achieving your goal.  To quote Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin in "What About Bob," "Baby steps, baby steps;"  and even if you haven't seen that hysterical movie; I'm sure that you know what I mean. 

When I decided that I was going to write my blog, everyday during my 43rd year; I knew that it was going to be a huge undertaking; especially if I wanted to maintain "The Bumpy Ride" as a storytelling blog, an observational humor blog, an advice for the (say it with me,) "Greater Good" blog, and not just a journal of my daily activities.  Now surely  I know that some of my posts have been better than others, but in the long run, it's all about the journey.  In addition to this being writing practice for me; it's also on its way to becoming a book of memories.  A book that will tell my children and the world EXACTLY who I was and what I did during the year that possibly could have been my last.  So will I share music that I like; you betcha, because how else will my kids know what put a smile on my face and made me want to shake my groove thing.  I still remember songs that were my mom's faves; and every time that I hear one, I am happily reminded of her.  I think that it's important for me to write about the people in my life that make it special.  The triumphs and the failures, my hopes and my fears; my mistakes and my successes.   And speaking of, tonight I have 2 reasons to celebrate.   First, this post is now the fiftieth in my "43" endeavor.  It's hard to believe that I've already got 50 posts under my belt. Time is already flying by; and honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing what I create in the next 50 days.  When I break it down like that, 316 more doesn't sound quite as intimidating.

I am very happy to report that my second cause for celebration is my submission in the "Glamour magazine" essay contest.  At approximately 530 this afternoon; my fine tuned essay (thanks to the help of Michelle M and Lesa G,) was entered into the contest that could award me $5000 and an opportunity to meet with an agent; and I'll modestly say, that I believe that I submitted a fine piece of work.

I have set many goals for myself in the past 50 days, and I believe that I am ready for all of the challenges that I am presenting to myself this year; because to quote Gandhi, I am going to "be the change that I want to see in the world."
Change is most often accomplished "One Step At A Time."  Each step puts you closer to your goal, closer to the changes that you want to effect and although it can be scary; CHANGE can be a VERY good thing and each one, a cause for celebration.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING