Wednesday, August 22, 2012
If Today was Your Last Day
Putting the final touches to our trip to Italy – leaving in ONE WEEK! And a song comes on Pandora. I’ve heard it MANY times since I have the cd… And I realize that it is totally appropriate for planning and Bucket List Living. My first inclination was to cancel the trip to Italy since Dad is already home for good. Then I had an unexpected car expense… Plus DS started college this week, additional expense – not to mention we are remodeling his room – CHA-CHING! We can always find a reason to put things off. This song is great reminder of why we shouldn’t.. Goes back to my mantra - If you wait, you WON'T!!!!
"If Today Was Your Last Day" sang by Nickleback written by Chad Kroeger
My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day
Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life
If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day
If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side
If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day
Congrats Chad on your engagement to Avril Lavigne! I know you are LIVING in the moment right now! And I need to get back to Bucket List Living NOW!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Back to School- Again!
It’s that time again – Back to SCHOOL time!
20 years ago I graduated from high school, we are planning our 20 year reunion… My son is starting at a local community college today… Brings Bucket List Living back to the forefront of life – time flies! And we leave for Italy in 9 days – final prep in progress! Lol!
Enjoy my trip down memory lane – Grease 2 style…. I’ve heard there are two types of people in the world – people who like Grease 2 and people who don’t… I’m with Drew Barrymore – I LIKE IT!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Small town USA, Justin Moore from Poyen Arkansas
Justin Moore, Arkansas native, from the small town of Poyen; just up the road a piece from my hometown. We pass through the area a few times a year as we travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Each time we mention Justin. Not knowing him personally we still relate to him, seeing the familiar surroundings, knowing what it is like to grow up in such a rural area. Reading his bio online I see that he had a firm foundation, his family and his community. When he got to Nashville he didn’t wait on the people to call on him, he already had a manager. He left nothing to chance. Why? He wanted to LIVE his dream.
Looking over my bucket list and becoming more introspective on my life I’m reminded, I’m in charge of my future. It is mine to make or break. Thanks for the reminder Justin. We are still rooting for you! Keep on keeping on…. And thanks for not forgetting where you came from, for those of you who don't know, this video captures glimpses of Poyen, hometown pride! Until we meet, I’m gonna be BUCKET LIST LIVING! God Bless!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Feeling... Sentimental and Beachy....
This weekend I had the opportunity to speak with a distant cousin’s wife. I am trying to find out more information about my Pye family members, who back in the early 1900’s originated in Beaumont, Texas. You know, with DS graduating from High School and starting college, plus Dad being home from Italy for good (another reminder to self to remove “Visit Dad in Italy” off my list), I guess I’m getting sentimental. That and for some reason I have always felt like an old soul.
I’m 38 years old. My Grandpa Gil died when he was 49, his Dad died when he was in his late 20’s (best I can tell). My great Grandfather died when he was 63. I can’t imagine being halfway through my life, there’s so much I want to accomplish! That said, some of my best memories and times in life is when I have taken the time to just breathe….
Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is important to stop or slow down. This song that Kenny Chesney did made me a Kenny fan for life. You see, my spirit is truly at rest and peace when I’m at the ocean. There are NO words to describe the experience, slowing down, listening to the waves. When life gets hectic, I put this CD in… All songs have the island feel, to remind me… Life is short. And just like that, I’m at the beach… Thanks Kenny. Maybe someday I will be Sherry, living in paradise… Until then, I guess it’s back to Bucket List Living. And remaining on my list, Hang out with Kenny Chesney on a boat in the Caribbean. We aren't promised a tomorrow - Dream big!
Friday, July 20, 2012
My Chicago
Today, *MAYBE*, will be my last day talking about Chicago. This was my third trip to Chicago and my full purpose was to submerse my child into the Second City experience. I think we saw seven shows while we were there. And while he was in class I roamed the streets of Chicago, sent e-mail updates to my family, read a book and a half, SKYPED Dad in Italy and shopped some. Hey, I was ½ block from Michigan Avenue, can you blame me? When asked what I recommended another tourist to see, I was embarrassed almost to admit I wasn’t doing the ‘touristy’ things. But here are the things I did see and do.
The route to and from Second City from our hotel had me passing this sculpture at least twice a day. The detail is amazing. There are 5 fingers and toes on each hand and foot. Then upon closer look, the hair is made from silverware handles! I’m not sure what his official title is, but my unofficial title was banana man. One afternoon I was killing time waiting on Christian, so I walked over get a chocolate covered frozen banana. Looking for a cool place to sit and eat it, I thought, well, I’ll just head over to the park area…. The humor of me eating a frozen banana while ‘appreciating’ the sculpture took me a few hours to grasp. Lol! Hopefully no one got a picture of that.
Each morning we had breakfast at the McDonald’s across the street from Second City. One morning the manager was in the corner ordering his food and it makes me think of my Grandpa Gil and what all he went through working for them at that time in his life, long hours, countless employees... And then to know they didn't have shredded lettuce at that time, so the employees probably had more 'WORK' in preparation... Revelation knowledge, I know... Just my thought.. Plus the mgr is on his cell phone; Lord knows Grandpa Gil never had one of those, much less a 'cordless' phone... Wow, just think about how much life has changed since 1975!
Marijuana was the topic of the time we were there, I got a snapshot of the newspapers while sitting at McDonald's one day, Geez!
On the way back from breakfast and dropping Christian off I had a different path I took and had a few favorite houses of note. One day I was on the phone with my sister and talking about this magical place with castles all around, not realizing that there was someone behind me. When I stopped to take a picture to message her, the rather manly looking woman looked at me scared… lol! Like I cared. It was interesting that in such a modern city that there were ‘castle-looking’ houses. I laughed thinking about their ‘kingdoms’ in such a modern place.
Swoon, the church from the Julia Roberts Movie - My Best Friend's Wedding
Directly behind the chuch is the White Hall Hotel... See, you are never too far from home... Coincidentally, the Cheesecake Factory was right there as well, so you know, Chicago Michigan Avenue is my FAV Cheesecake Factory. This time I only went there 3 times.... And in 14 days, that is a new record, normally it is every day! lol! Oh, Chicago, I will miss you... Until next time... ;)
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Double Decker Bus TOUR! :)
On our trip to Chicago, I completed a Bucket List Item – take a double decker bus tour! J It was so hot the first day we tried, after about an hour we had to bail on the endeavor and I was CRUSHED, HOT and EXHAUSTED… L
However, the Lord BLESSED me on Saturday evening with an AWESOME night of weather, so my DH, DS and I went on the city lights tour. It was almost chilly at times. Finally, my list item was fulfilled. Swoon! And the architecture there is so rich and different than what I see in Arkansas on a regular basis.
I can't remember the name of our tour guide, but he was awesome! And check out his 'POSE' wow!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
So much to talk about, so little time! lol!
Last week, following the 2 weeks at Second City Training Center at Chicago, Christian wasted NO time in finding a creative outlet. He went on Monday and spoke with a local child care facility about doing a “mini camp” for the kids to do a comedy segment for the talent show in August. Hopefully, after this the kids will have an interest to keep meeting as a ‘club’ once a week or every other week, something like that... Keeps his chops ready, plus when next summer rolls around, it might help him with going to Second City again he will have more experience.
My DS also registered at our local community college and will be starting classes there later in August. His first semester is 12 hours and I think that will be a good way for him to ease into transition from High School to College... He also spoke with the people our local comic book/video/video game store and I think he will look into working for them part time. I’m officially the mother of a ‘COLLEGE STUDENT’ how did that happen?
On a personal note, fueled by the excitement of all my Grandpa Gil’s information, plus Dad coming home from Italy, I am trying to connect with our family in Texas. As of yet, they have not been responsive, but I have hopes that they eventually will. My Aunt HAP has been sharing older family photos, some of which she didn’t even remember having! What a blessing!
My Grandpa Gil and Granny Anderson divorced when my Dad was younger, we never knew them together. When Grandpa Gil died he had Grandmother Margaret and thanks to our trip to North Carolina I have some pictures of them together now I get to see a younger Gil and my Granny Anderson, young, words can’t describe the happiness I see in her eyes. She has his Marine uniform coat, look at their feet! How CUTE!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
John Cusack? ALMOST!!!!
After the first day at the Second City Comedy Training Center, Christian came in and told me that his stand-up teacher, Andrew Thorp, looks like John Cusack. Of course I about flipped out. On my list of Famous People I would like to meet is John Cusack. Okay, you are right, Andrew Thorp isn’t actually John Cusack, but he does favor him. Once the finale was over I asked him if he would mind me taking his picture with him. He was very gracious and agreed. We laughed about the fact that he favored John Cusack and I did ask if he stood in his girlfriends drive-way with the boom box. He didn’t do that, but he did dress like that for one Halloween.
Side notes to this entry - #1 John Hughes I feel was pretty instrumental in getting John Cusack noticed in Hollywood. #2 From the documentary – “Don’t You Forget About Me” it was noted by another actor that John Hughes remained close with John Cusack long after Hughes stopped making movies. #3 John Hughes was from the Chicago area, several of his movies were shot in and around Chicago. #4 I was in Chicago with a John Cusack look alike – who was a very nice gentleman and funny to boot.
If you are a fan of John Hughes and the movies he made, I recommend "Don't You Forget About Me"
Yes, John Cusack is still on my list of famous people to meet, but until then I’ll have my picture of Andrew Thorp. Andrew – Thanks for the moment – thanks for teaching my son stand-up for 2 weeks and giving him advice and direction in an area that was new to him. Personally I thank being kind enough to stand-in for John in his absence – I pray all your dreams come true in the comedy arena and truly wish you the best!
Monday, July 16, 2012
God Bless the USA
My Dad arrived home from Italy last night. He worked there for almost a year. A health issue cut his year requirement short by just a few weeks. He had the job of his dreams working with soldiers on an almost daily basis. I know how special it is to LOVE your job and do what you are supposed to be doing. However, after a year of being away from his family (minus the time home he had at Christmas), I’m THANKFUL to have him home, back in Arkansas! I think he will agree with my song choice for today’s Music Monday.
From the 80’s, Lee Greenwood says it best! ;) God Bless the USA!
Now, I have to take off ‘Visit Dad in Italy’ from my list… Though I still have tickets to go to Italy later this summer… IF all goes well, it will be a mom and daughter trip, not quite the gondola ride we were planning on, but we will make the most of it! Lol!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Who you'd be today?
I’ve done lots of reflection in my life over the past 6 months; really over the last year. For some reason, inexplicably I am drawn to find out more about my family history. Around each bend is yet something else I don’t know or a piece of the puzzle. And today for some strange reason my heart is heavy for those who have left this world, both friends and family. Some I knew for all my life and didn’t really get to know them, some I never met; some I met for a short time and felt like we had known each other forever. My man Kenny Chesney says it well in a song “Who You’d Be Today.”
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Me and My Baby
Happy 18th DS!!!!!
Today is a very special day. 18 years ago today, I woke up at 5:30 and felt pain and the need to walk. By 6:30 I decided I was in labor, it was time to go to the hospital. I remember me telling my DH after our walk that I was for sure in labor and this was just after our walk and we had decided to take showers before the walk. He stood there naked except one shoe and asked, "Do I need to put the other shoe back on or can I take a shower?"
Needless to say, there was plenty of time to shower and head to the hospital. On that day 18 years ago in Little Rock at 7:45 in the morning it was raining. I was laying back in my seat of our Corsica, looked over and noticed that we were going 40 mph, my DH was being extra cautious on this special day, until the next pain. Finally we are going 60 mph on the interstate in the rain... Arriving at the hospital around 8:00, greeted by picketers regarding abortion, they check me in and we are off to our room.
At almost 5 p.m. we meet our DS, Christian. He is greeted by many family members and friends. The are all ushered into the room and as was caught by the video, you can hear the nurse say as they weigh him "8 lbs. 5 oz." Without missing a beat you can also hear my Dad say, "Well, that's a wall hanger!" That's right, my Dad liked to bass fish and if my DS would have been on his hook, you guessed it, he would have been on the wall. ;) Happy tears were shed meeting the first grand and for some of our families the first great-grand.
18 years later, here we are. Christian has just graduated High School, been accepted to the local Community College and just completed a 2 week training session at Chicago's Second City. Yesterday was the finale and I sat there beaming bc like his mother before him, he was on the stage... And even though having a comedy set was on my bucket list, I wasn't envious of his comedy set, I was proud. You see, my time will come, this is his time.
Our 2 weeks in Chicago have been a total blessing to me. We have made memories that will last his lifetime. I know they will bc I will write everything down for him, including receipts and make him a scrapbook of our trip,so in the years to come he can look back at the book and remember his 18th birthday and Graduation trip.
At almost 5 p.m. this afternoon we will be watching Blue Man Group, his 'gift' choice of the day, and there is no one I would rather spend time with. He's the best gift anyone could have ever blessed me with. The realization is REAL that we are in a time of change, transition if you will. But one thing is for sure, I never take a moment for granted with him. And though I might have felt different when he was a tornado from the ages of 2-8, I look at the young man he has become and I'm thankful that I had him when I was younger so that we could grow up together, because I enjoy spending time with him as a person. Sitting in the hotel room my DH and I just woke him up saying "HAPPY 18th Birthday!" It's 8:30 a.m. here and I ask if I can get in bed and cuddle with him, he says, "as long as I can sleep, okay...." Thank you Second City, his comedy training was successful! Half asleep and he can still throw a one-liner...
Happy 18th Birthday Fred! Mommy LOVES YOU!!!!!
More on our trip to Chicago later!
Back to Bucket List Living! Thanks to everyone for their patience in my lack of posting!!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Where to begin?
A family friend allowed my DS to drive his Camaro to prom… Yes, my bucket list item #86 is Buy a Bumble Bee Car (Chevrolet Camaro). I had the pleasure to drive the car some over the 24 hours we had it and I am officially removing that from my bucket list. I will still lovingly refer to my current car (2003 Santa Fe) as the Wanna Bee until I can determine a new ride that is appropriate for me. The car rode GREAT. But blind spots, OH MY WORD! The WHOLE vehicle is a blind spot!
Back to graduation prep… Invitations have been sent. Decorations are being gathered. Food planned…. Oh, my and medication ordered… For the milestone of watching your one and only child accomplish such a HUGE change in life… oh, geez! Prayers please!
Also, to note – Trip to Chicago is being finalized for DS to go to Second City and participate in an immersion session. Trip to Italy – tickets PURCHASED! And itinerary being finalized by the best tour guide in the world – ME! Watch out Italy!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Cheesin over my Cheesecake Factory Memories!!!!
While on my recent trip I had the opportunity to visit 3 Cheesecake Factory Restaurants!! WOW! 5 days 3 restaurants, I LOVE those odds! lol!
I can't say THANK YOU enough to the Cheesecake Factory for the gift of gift certificates!! What a blessing! I am appreciative that you support my endeavor. I'm one of your biggest fans!
Birmingham - the best dining experience. Our waiter was very nice and the staff was friendly. The food, SUPERB! They win the store of the trip award which sorry to say will get you nothing more than a mention here, sorry, I don't have a budget for trophies!
Raleigh, NC - WHEW! I didn't think about it being Valentine's weekend. We arrived at this restaurant at mall closing time, wait time 1 hour 40 minutes, WHAT? I had to just get cheesecake to go. On a positive note I bought the Reece's Peanut Butter Cheesecake - Oh, my word! DELISH! My DH is alleregic to peanuts so I'm not able to eat it if he is around.. Finally I could eat it, Reece's Peanut Butter did not disappoint. Totally worth the wait!
Durham, NC - Very pretty building at a shopping center. Loved the atmosphere and they had the most friendly hostess, seating and wait staff of the trip. I had the opportunity to speak to the manager Robert, who had just been to California for a visit to Cheesecake Corporate - JEALOUS! One of the employees, sorry I didn't get your name - but I did get your picture - told me after I mentioned that it was nice to notice how happy he was, he said, "how can you not be happy with all this cheesecake around?" AMEN friend!!!!
On our ride home, we attempted to make it to the Nashville restaurant, but due to the snow over the Smokies, we missed it by 1 hour... That's okay Nashville, I will see you!
Why Cheesecake Factory?
Growing up in South Arkansas as the oldest of three kids, we didn't have a lot of money to eat out. I remember eating out at a 'nice restaurant' only a handful of times growing up - Jr. Prom, we went to the Olive Garden. And for our Sr. Dinner we went to a local steakhouse Colonial Steakhouse. During the holidays we would get to experience all kinds of fun desserts. One of my favs was always cheesecake b/c I didn't get it very often. When on my first work trip to Denver, CO, my manager suggested we eat at the Cheesecake Factory. WHAT?!??! A restaurant with over 100 cheesecakes available for dessert? Wo-hoo! If ever I felt like Ellie Mae, it was then. LOVE at first bite! And the look of the restaurant is so decadent. The other food is good too, which just escalates the cheesecake to cherry on top of the whole experience. That was in 2003 or 4. Since then, I have been on a mission, any travel adventure, work or personal I look to find a Cheesecake Factory nearby. It is my happy place.
I have been blessed as an adult to afford eating out on a pretty regular basis and share the joy with my son (and whoever else is with me at the time). My DS is such a foodie! And will try anything once. And if he isn't with me I bring Cheesecake home. Probably the most memorable was a whole anniversary cheesecake that I had to pick up in Chicago and fly it back with me. 1 layover and 7 hours later we arrived home, cake still cool. He got home from school and had a whole cheesecake, I was the BEST MOM EVER! One of our favorite (Cheesecake Factory) memories of us together was in Kansas City. They had an appetizer sampler for like $27. I ordered it as my meal. He tried EVERYTHING and enjoyed it all, he was a happy fellow. we still talk about all the food that was on our table that day. Bucket List Living LIFE!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Unanswered Prayers and one less Solid Gold Dancer
Today’s Tune In Tuesday is dedicated to Unanswered Prayers. I was driving home from Bible study last night and listening to the 80’s station. I was thinking back to my childhood. The part that sometimer’s has left. And I realized that if God gave me what I prayed for I would be a now unemployed Solid Gold dancer.
Interesting, I did become a dancer… Though it’s not a job, it’s a life, Kelley Pye-Dancer.
I assure you, Solid Gold dancer didn’t make it on my bucket list. And looking through the Youtube videos WOW, look at those outfits! You don’t want to see me as a Solid Gold dancer!
Lord, I thank YOU for my unanswered prayers. You know what is best for my life. If by chance they do bring back Solid Gold, could I maybe be Marilyn McCoo though? Lol!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
I'm Tracking!
A handy tool for tracking where you have been in the United States, whether it is on your bucket list or not, being able to track where you have been in the United States is COOL!
I have a whole tab dedicated to my various states progress and will try to update the map to as handy dandy reference! I’m excited because we are going to Northern Arkansas for a church meeting and I will be able to visit Oklahoma while I’m there. Seriously, I don’t know how I’ve never been to Oklahoma knowing it is only 3.5 hours away, remedied soon though! J
On a sad note, Boston has been cancelled due to Sr. Prom. Didn’t realize when I made reservations that it was Prom weekend. Will be costly to cancel the tickets, but being here for my DS Sr. Prom is PrIcElEsS! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.. Or.. Er Boston as it stands! Lol!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Happy Pi Day! From one Pye to the world! lol!
There are no excuses for being MIA for almost 2 weeks! Fear not, I am planning on some bucket list completion items; more on that soon. But first, let’s celebrate PI day! From the time I was a little girl I remember my Dad putting the Pi symbol on anything that could potentially be like someone else’s. We always knew what was ours…. Kinda smart! And handy! So, let’s celebrate my heritage as a Pye (Pi), don’t worry, no math required….
Just a friendly reminder with my chalkboard at work.. I blinged it OUT! Anything that sits still in my house too long gets some Bling! ;)
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