What's on your bucket list???

[Katie]

Yesterday we took a day trip to Sacket's Harbour to meet with our friends who went with us on our surgery trip to Brazil last March. It was the first visit since then, and they were amazed at how well I was walking around the village and enjoying life, and well....not stoned

We started chatting about what other trips or adventures we would like to do before we kicked the bucket, and she mentioned zip lining. I instantly nixed that...I'm terrified of heights and speed unless I can control things. Race cars are great, as long as I'm driving My friend (also being a control freak that way) said she felt the same way...she would be terrified but wanted to overcome it and feel the rush.

So I was sitting here over coffee and starting to think about finding some guts and trying it too, plus what other things should be on my list.

I've lost five years of my life to this dam* back, and now that my life spark is returning, I'm looking for ways to celebrate. Today, it's working on taxes and going for a walk with my horse and husband, but by evening's end, I hope to have a better list

So for all those who have crossed over to the good life after surgery, and especially those who still hope to, what would go on your list?

And for those who don't really know me, I want to give you hope. This time last year, I was staring down a very dar. tunnel. After a long, long search, a Canadian surgery fell through because I had just found out that I was allergic to every metal used in fusion or ADR. I was beginning what seemed like a useless search for someone, somewhere who could help me with non-metal appliances. It seemed pretty hopeless. A month later, I was looking at dates to go to Brazil. And now life is just so much better. So keep the faith!

So KBear, the top of your list includes a new baby in April ...how about some others?

[ajj1001]

Trek to everest base camp is top of my list.

[Katie]

Wow, I'm very impressed! That's way more adventuresome than anything on mine. How high is that Alison?

[Justin]

Getting my pilot's license. (Less pain = better concentration, which is key when flying...I guess. )

PS. It's so wonderful to read how far you have come! I'm so happy for you!!

[ajj1001]

Wow, I'm very impressed! That's way more adventuresome than anything on mine. How high is that Alison?

5360 metres at the Nepal side. Started a fund when I was 40 to do it for my 50th. Just need my spine stabilising so I can get training towards to it. Won't be able to do it unsupported but I am going to do it even if someone has to carry me all the way! Planning to do the Camino de Santiago as prep when I'm better.

[KBear]

Definitely the baby in April!!! It's weird because for so long I thought that 2 kids was it for me and I really tried to give up the dream of more. I never dreamt I would really get a 3rd, now I find myself thinking that I could possibly have a 4th if I wanted...... Not sure that will ever happen, but it's so awesome knowing I can if I want to! Oh the things we take for granted before facing what we all have faced or are facing.

I would love to bungee jump, but afraid that's probably off the list.... ya never know though. This one's probably corny, but my friend did it every Summer and I always was so envious of her (though she thought it was torture and hated it.) I want to take a cross country trip with my hubby and kids, in a car or with an RV, no set plans on where to stop or where to stay, just do whatever we feel like. I'm also looking forward to getting to be a Homeroom mom at my kids' school.

I think my hubby is completing part of his bucket list tonight.... He has wanted one of those toy remote control helicopters for a couple of years now. I bought him one for his anniversary gift, he was like a kid on Christmas Day receiving it (said it was the best gift ever.) He has been flying it in the house non stop all evening (our living room is 2 stories tall, so he can go high with it). He's getting good at flying it now, hasn't wrecked it into my head in a couple of hours (and that hurts when he does).

[Vanessa]

I think my hubby is completing part of his bucket list tonight.... He has wanted one of those toy remote control helicopters for a couple of years now. I bought him one for his anniversary gift, he was like a kid on Christmas Day receiving it (said it was the best gift ever.) He has been flying it in the house non stop all evening (our living room is 2 stories tall, so he can go high with it). He's getting good at flying it now, hasn't wrecked it into my head in a couple of hours (and that hurts when he does).

I had to laugh at this! Everytime I go back home to visit my parents, my dad HAS to show off his helicopter to my boys. It's a grandpa/grandson thing I guess. That thing has been propelled at my head, gotten my hair caught in it and also landed in my frying pan. Of course, the more it bounces off the ceiling fan and hits me, my boys and dad just have to keep doing it. Boys and toys LOL!

As for my bucket list: I really just want to enjoy life to the fullest! I want to be pain free so that I can be my "old" self and go back to dancing, feeling good about myself and start chasing after my kids again Winning the lottery would be nice too

[Katie]

You'll get there Vanessa. Just think of every day as a step closer.

Justin, that's an awesome goal! Hubby had his private license years ago, but let it lapse. His dad was a fighter pilot in the air force and he really wanted to do the same, but his vision just wasn't good enough. He's always got 'eyes up' when we're out, trying to identify the planes, especially military ones that occasionally pass over.

Me...I'd love a ride in a hot air balloon. I know, it doesn't go with the fear of heights, but maybe it's because it is so slow and peaceful.

My girlfriend out near the Rockies went skydiving for her 60th birthday (and that was quite awhile ago). She's always been a daredevil and her bucket list is very long and exciting. I can't understand jumping out of a perfectly good airplane myself. But she also takes one or two week long treks in the mountains, backpacking with her llamas. She has such great stories about encounters with grizzly bears, having her old packhorse stuck in quicksand (yes, in the Rockies!), getting carried away in a flooded river...it rained hard and long while she was out one trip, and had to cross to get home. I just live vicariously through her adventures...and plan for easier ones for myself

Here's her webpage with pictures of her, her husband and a friend. http://valiente.ca/

Me, well, I want to go to my daughter's wedding in Italy in the next year or so, and maybe stay there for a few months at a time after they settle in, and travel around southern France, etc. (No, I'm not going to stay with them...that would just be mean )

Plus get my horse back in training and perhaps compete at a combined driving show in Bromont, Quebec, the site of the 1976 Olympics. It is an awesome venue with lots of steep hills and trails through the forest. They do have a level of competition low and easy enough that I could try for That covers the next two years...we'll go from there!

[Justin]

5360 metres at the Nepal side. Started a fund when I was 40 to do it for my 50th. Just need my spine stabilising so I can get training towards to it. Won't be able to do it unsupported but I am going to do it even if someone has to carry me all the way! Planning to do the Camino de Santiago as prep when I'm better.

Alison, this is an awesome goal! I'm excited to hear you carry it out.

Definitely the baby in April!!! It's weird because for so long I thought that 2 kids was it for me and I really tried to give up the dream of more. I never dreamt I would really get a 3rd, now I find myself thinking that I could possibly have a 4th if I wanted...... Not sure that will ever happen, but it's so awesome knowing I can if I want to! Oh the things we take for granted before facing what we all have faced or are facing.

Soon it's going to be Joe and Kathy Plus 8. I kid, I kid.

I would love to bungee jump, but afraid that's probably off the list.... ya never know though. This one's probably corny, but my friend did it every Summer and I always was so envious of her (though she thought it was torture and hated it.) I want to take a cross country trip with my hubby and kids, in a car or with an RV, no set plans on where to stop or where to stay, just do whatever we feel like. I'm also looking forward to getting to be a Homeroom mom at my kids' school.

The RV thing is something that Tiff and I want to do with my twin brother and his wife. I think you would be a fantastic Homeroom Mom!

I think my hubby is completing part of his bucket list tonight.... He has wanted one of those toy remote control helicopters for a couple of years now. I bought him one for his anniversary gift, he was like a kid on Christmas Day receiving it (said it was the best gift ever.) He has been flying it in the house non stop all evening (our living room is 2 stories tall, so he can go high with it). He's getting good at flying it now, hasn't wrecked it into my head in a couple of hours (and that hurts when he does).

Those helicopters are pretty awesome.

As for my bucket list: I really just want to enjoy life to the fullest! I want to be pain free so that I can be my "old" self and go back to dancing, feeling good about myself and start chasing after my kids again Winning the lottery would be nice too

Quite a bucket list, Vanessa! If you win the lottery, remember the Spine Patient Society.

Justin, that's an awesome goal! Hubby had his private license years ago, but let it lapse. His dad was a fighter pilot in the air force and he really wanted to do the same, but his vision just wasn't good enough. He's always got 'eyes up' when we're out, trying to identify the planes, especially military ones that occasionally pass over.

Thanks, Katie. Tiffany's uncle is an instructor so I could do it pretty easily with a discount to boot.

Me...I'd love a ride in a hot air balloon. I know, it doesn't go with the fear of heights, but maybe it's because it is so slow and peaceful.

Me too. I grew up in New Mexico and they have the biggest Balloon Fiesta in the world the first week of October. I was able to go this year, as I had to fly home for a funeral. I would love to ride in a balloon.

Me, well, I want to go to my daughter's wedding in Italy in the next year or so, and maybe stay there for a few months at a time after they settle in, and travel around southern France, etc. (No, I'm not going to stay with them...that would just be mean )

Italy is such an incredible place. I love, love, LOVE Italy. Where is the wedding in Italy?

Plus get my horse back in training and perhaps compete at a combined driving show in Bromont, Quebec, the site of the 1976 Olympics. It is an awesome venue with lots of steep hills and trails through the forest. They do have a level of competition low and easy enough that I could try for That covers the next two years...we'll go from there!

That's a great goal, Katie. If you do compete, let me know and Tiff and I will make a trip out of it to visit you.

This is a great thread BTW!

[Katie]

I LOVE everyone's responses

Justin, their new home will be in Pascara, (I think I have the spelling correct) about four hours east of Rome very near the coast. I'm not sure if that is where the wedding will be, but assume so. I'm thinking it will be the equivalent of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"

I guess there's not a chance in heck of me 'getting over' my ciliac by then right? Great...going to Italy and can't have pasta, nor dipping bread with balsamic & olive oil. Well, I can have the last two...just not sure with what. Salads I guess! So it will be my big Skinny Italian wedding It will be great getting to know my future in-laws.

My daughter has told me stories of the whole village getting together when it is time to process the tomatoes and olive oil. The family has five acres of olive trees plus almost as many tomatoes. They both can them and dry them in the sun. She's brought over the dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for a real treat. I may never come home

Soon it's going to be Joe and Kathy Plus 8. I kid, I kid.

LOL, we'll see!