Photo a Day - May -Take 7

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

1.   One of my favorite people in the whole wide world - Sadie Skinner

2.   My sons car

3.   The most amazing (and thoughtful) quilt I've ever seen, Made with love by Justine Ballard

4.   My daughter, Gabby, at dental school

Photo a Day - May - Take 5

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

1.   Family dinner at Red Robin Hmmmm

2.   My father in law recovering the rifle of the Bellevue Sniper

3.   My daughter receiving her American Citizenship

4.   Letter from Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy to my Father in law, Weldon Potter

Keep the dream alive

Hey, Ellen, I think you forgot to send my tickets

Oh Ellen, why?

Why, after spending season 16 trying to get tickets to the show, did I never get to go?

When I checked last, you were out of tickets. The season is booked. 

After a gallon of bubble gum ice cream, I pulled myself together. It was then that I realized, "Ellen can do ANYTHING." If you wanted to put two extra chairs in the audience, whose gonna argue with Ellen? Maybe the fire department because of the whole, "you can only have so many people in a building at one time" thing, but I have no doubt you could make them see things your way.

When applying for tickets, instead of only asking for a photo, I think you should have a section  called, "Why I deserve to be on the Ellen show."

Here's 10 reasons you should have me on your show.

1. I have a Ridiculist to complete. I can't let down the two or three people that check my blog.

2. I wanna see my BFF, Amanda, dance off with Twitch. The girl's got moves.

3. I wouldn't ask for an autograph or selfie together. Although, if you insisted, a selfie together would be brilliant. Just think, you could make it your profile pic;)

4. My cat died and I think tickets to the Ellen Show would be therapeutic and healing  ;)

5. I think Portia would want this for me ;)

6. I'm fat and being on your show would make me fat AND happy.

7. I became an American Citizen in March .

8. I'm turning 50 this year, and who knows how long I have left.

9. You'd really like me if you met me. You'd actually wish you had met me sooner.

10. We have so much in common - We both like Gorilla's. We both wear shoes. We're both women. And we're both normal.

Photo a day - April - Take one

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Pic 1. Hiking with my BFF, Amanda.

Pic 2. Why the sign when we can clearly see there is no plumbing to this sink?

Pic 3. I know it looks boring, but this picture was taken at the top of a mountain. We were literally in the clouds, and I loved it.

Pic 4. The best sign ever. Kinda makes you want to put it to the test.

Life lesson from Mr. Harket

Take On Me.

Many years ago when I was just a teen, I was with some friends in the local record shop when several huge guys walked in, dressed in black tops, pants and leather dusters. They looked like they had just fallen out of the Matrix. The men proceeded to tell everyone to leave the store at once because Morten Harket (lead singer of AHA) wanted to make a purchase there.

Being teenagers, we were all reluctant at first, but we soon grasped how serious they were as they grabbed us one by one and physically removed us from the store. 

That's where I saw him. Morten Harket, in the flesh. His beautiful wavy hair moved in the wind like a Pantene commercial, but his face didn't have the beautiful smile I was used to, he just sneered at us before entering the now empty store. He was dressed the same as his bodyguards, and as they went inside, it was only then I noticed that all the black dusters had the band name in huge white letters on the back. Clearly anonymity wasn't a priority.

Two body guards stayed outside, making it clear that they had no problem putting an end to any attempt we made to go back inside, even though not one of us had made a move.

I'm not sure how long we were there, but when Morten came back outside, I asked if I could have his autograph. We weren't screaming or yelling, behaving like wild fans. We were just a bunch of scared kids, with our backs against the wall, hoping that our idol would at least acknowledge us. 

He stepped over to me and pulled out a pen. He waited for me to find something for him to sign, and all I could find in my pockets was my City of Nottingham bus ticket. I asked him to sign the back, which he did. I could have melted, but didn't, seeing as he still looked at me as though I was the most disgusting thing he'd laid eyes on.

I looked at my ticket, expecting to see his autograph, only to see that he had written F#@K OFF. No name, just an expletive. 

I thought I was going to cry as I looked back at him, hoping this was some weird joke. He was smiling now, but not a friendly one, and then he spoke. "Next time ask for a signature stupid, not an F-ing autograph." And as he turned his back on me he spat the words, "If you had a brain, you'd know an autograph is just a sample of writing. So you got what you asked for."

I felt humiliated, not only in front of my peers, but by someone I idolized. I tried to hold back the tears, but I had no desire to hang out with my friends any longer. I just wanted to go home. 

My friends tried to convince me to stay, telling me what a jerk Morten Harket was and how they wanted to make a pact to never buy another AHA record. LOL As if our contribution would make an impact on him.

As I went to leave, my friends encouraged me to rip up the "sample of writing." Instead, I put it inside my wallet. And it stayed there right into my adult life, as a reminder of what I never wanted to become.

For all I know, Morten Harket may have been having a bad day. That's the excuse we give people when they are jerks, right? But to me, there is no excuse to make another human feel small. 

We live in a world of inspirational quotes on Pinterest, staged photos on Instagram with the #no filter,  and celebrities reminding us to be kind. And as much as we splash slogans across our shirts and promote the words, are we honestly backing up those beliefs with our behavior and the way we treat others?

I've finally accepted that I am above and beneath NO ONE. 

I've learned that kindness, sincerity, integrity and love, are the only qualities I truly want to possess, and my favorite qualities in others.

Under Construction

An Unwelcome Break

Well, there has been a little kink in my plans for world domination. I had to undergo a pretty major surgery at the end of March, which unfortunately, has slowed me down some. Actually, it's flat out put the brakes on me.

However, I'm a great believer that there is something to learn from every situation, and in this case for me, it's to do as I'm told. I'm not the best patient and I'm easily bored, so following doctors orders and not lifting anything over ten pounds, not driving or doing any of the other things we take for granted, has been difficult for me. But I'm learning - even if it is the HARD WAY.

I know what you're thinking - First World Problems - and honestly, you're right. I've got things really good. I've had great medical staff looking after me, loving family and friends around me, and my golden retriever by my side every moment of the day. 

Turning 50

Accepting 50

I doubt I'm the first woman to dread the big 50. If I'm being honest, I admit that I practically fell apart over turning 40. Yet, here I am, on the cusp of my own midlife adventure.

50 Ways to Enjoy Turning Fifty has been a fun tool in teaching me to not only accept this stage of life, but to embrace all the wonderful changes that happen at this time of life. 

It's easy to notice the grey hairs, and crows feet, the creaks and groans first thing in the morning as you get out of bed, and miss the spring you once had in your step as a youth. But what of the other changes, the upside of turning 50?

1. I care less about what people think of me

2. I speak my mind

3. I'm happy with my own company and learned to embrace who I am

4. I've stopped comparing myself to other women, and begun loving the beauty that is uniquely mine

5. I've accepted that I'm not everybody's cup of tea, and I'm okay with that.

6. I'm proud to be a a British born, English/Jamaican/American Woman.

7. I believe in God. Not because of anyone or anything other than my own personal experiences and conversations with Him. And through my own personal prayers.

8. I no longer feel the need to apologize for who I am, but I'm not too self absorbed to think I shouldn't own and be responsible for the things I do.

7. And best of all, I feel no need to prove any of these things to anyone else, other than by living a good life, being a good friend, and loving my family.

I wish these things for EVERYONE, because we all deserve to love ourselves, accept ourselves, find peace and contribute to the world around us.

Photo a Day - March - Take 4

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Cuddles with Kitty’s day old goats. 

Banana and Nutella crepes come IHop - So yummy. 

Cake for my citizenship party - Isn't it incredible?

My cousin is a huge fan and took me to a Michael Buble concert.

COMPLETED

Goal #37 - Become an American Citizen

     On March 5th 2019, me and my son, Ethan, became American Citizens. Several things stood out to me on this day, but I want to share just a few with you.

     1.  President Trump gave the most beautiful recorded speech, welcoming us as citizens. He reminded us that from this day, this land is our land, with all the blessings that come from belonging here. He mentioned that we will always have the support and backing of this country, and thanked us for becoming part of it. The speech was really emotional for me. It was worded so eloquently. I know that some people will want to argue my last statement, but it's true. It was one of the nicest speeches I've heard. He reminded us that becoming American doesn't mean you forget your roots, and he encouraged us to share our traditions as we adopt Americas. I really appreciated his words.

     2.  My son is AWESOME. I actually already knew that, but as we sat together I could have burst with pride. He is an intelligent, caring, and hilariously funny individual, with a kind and beautiful soul. It was wonderful to share this moment with him. As we left the group that had come to support us and headed to the ceremony room, he put his arm around me and pulled me close. It was such a tender moment that I will never forget.

     3.  As the guests poured into the ceremony room, I noticed that I had more friends there than anyone else swearing in as citizens. I looked at the faces of my friends and realized they are actually my family. Their love and support was so deeply appreciated by myself and Ethan, and it was a reminder that I was never truly as alone as I thought I was. Since moving here, I have missed my friends and family so much, and that hasn't changed, but I felt a little isolated. I envied others for having family around them, and I often worried that my kids would feel the same way, what with having no cousins around to play with. I know how much I love my cousins, and second guessed myself constantly for moving my children away from family. But as I looked at the faces of my husband and my friends, all of those concerns went away. Because each one of them has been there for me and my family. Each one of them would be willing to drop everything and help me, they have taken care of me after my car crash, they have practically carried me back to safety when I fractured my skull, and they have allowed me to cry on their shoulders. They check on my kids even though they are grown up, dog sat Barkley, been on vacation with me, and stayed up late giggling with me. This is my home now, and I was never really alone. I have been blessed to be loved by some amazing people on two continents. How many people can say that? I'm sure there's a bunch, but I choose to believe there is no-one as fortunate as me when it comes to friends and family.

A photo a day - February - Take 6

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Sheet cookie, made by my good friend, Chad, to celebrate my citizenship

Me and my wonderful son during our oath ceremony

Just a hot air balloon I saw on my drive home

Me and Dori getting crazy with the snapchat filters.

A photo a day - February - Take 5

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Arizona Clouds

Tuscon Temple

Just lil ole me

My dog could sleep anywhere, but he chooses the most uncomfortable places

A photo a day - February - Take 4

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Not something you see every day, especially when there's no fire

Mesa Temple is under construction

Gaspard Ulliel - hot French model/actor

Two of my besties

A photo a day - February - Take 3

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Patriotic wall art from my son and daughter-in-law to celebrate my citizenship

My impeachment - someone leaked my non existent sex tapes

Superstition Mountain gets dumped on with snow

My dear friend, Becca

A photo a day - February - Take 2

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

The corseted shirt I've made for com-icon

Flowers given to me by my awesome daughter

T shirt and name tag when I was the Mayor of Hell

How did I cut my back while mowing the lawn?

A photo a day - February - Take 1

GOAL 22 - A PHOTO A DAY DURING MY 50TH YEAR

Images 1-3 are all parts of my mad hatter costume that I'm putting together for Comicon

Image 4 is just me being silly with a snapchat filter.

COMPLETED

Goal #42 - Become the Mayor of Hell COMPLETED

Ridiculist goal #42 completed - I became the Mayor of Hell.
With a population of 72, Hell Michigan embraced me as its Mayor and set me to work today. 😜 They sent me lots of goodies and called me throughout the day to help make decisions for the minions of Hell.
I got to wish their oldest member of the community a happy 101 birthday, fund Damnation University, and take care of some Damn business.
It was a lot of fun, right up to my impeachment for Pottergate. Apparently, someone leaked some scandalous sex tapes from my college days 😂😂😂
All in all, a really fun day, thanks to the great people in Hell.

Mayor of Hell

Goal #42 - Become the Mayor of Hell

Goal #42 on my Ridiculist is to become Mayor of Hell (Michigan). Well, today I received confirmation from Hell, that my application has been approved. Yay!

The date I will take office is 26th February 2019.

I feel like a big kid, and I know many may think I'm crazy, but sometimes it's good to take life a little less serious.

Why not me?

Russell Wilson

Goal #53

Today I reached out to the best player in the NFL, Russell Wilson. I have nothing to total respect for this guy. Not only is he a freakin legend in football, but he works hard with his charitable foundation, and serves the people in his community. I've asked Russell if he would perform 50 acts of kindness with me, and I'm going to believe in his mantra of, "WHY NOT ME."
For anyone who would like to donate to Russell's foundation, just click on the link.
https://whynotyoufdn.org

Goal #11

Chris Pratt

I did it. I reached out to Chris Pratt (a fellow Seattle Seahawks Fan) and invited him to go to a Seattle home game with me. I'm fairly sure that he's wondering who this crazy old lady is that wants to hang out with him, but I assured him that I wasn't a weirdo. Not sure if I should have done that, considering any weirdo out there doesn't actually realize there's anything wrong with them, but I'm hoping I came across as a harmless, crazy in a good way, dreamer. 

LET'S GO SEAHAWKS

100 Lifetime Goals

My completed 100 Lifetime Goals List

1.     Skydive
2.     Bungee Jump
3.     Float in the Dead Sea
4.     Serve a full-time mission
5.     Visit Stonehenge
6.     Swim with Dolphins
7.     Skinny Dip
8.     Stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower
9.     Visit the Pyramids of Giza
10.    Visit the Holy Land
11.    Climb Ben Nevis
12.    Ride a Camel
13.    See the Sahara Desert
14.    Learn Photography
15.    Become a qualified Massage Therapist
16.    Safari in Africa
17.    Ski in Italy
18.    Snorkle in Hawaii
19.    Swim with Sharks
20.    Write a Book
21.    Learn to re-love Christmas
22.    Visit a Casino in Monte Carlo
23.    Do Humanitarian work in Africa
24.    Visit the Canary Islands
25.    Meet Queen Elizabeth II
26.    Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
27.    Visit Athens
28.    Eat Frogs Legs
29.    Make out in a Car Wash
30.    Visit Loch Ness
31.    Kiss a Random Stranger
32.    Fly in a Hot Air Balloon
33.    Slow dance in the Rain
34.    Go on a Crusie
35.    See Glaciers in Alaska
36.    Witness someones birth other than my own kids
37.    Backpack around Europe
38.    Visit a Rainforest
39.    Have my Belly Button Pierced
40.    Witness a Total Eclipse
41.    See a Drive in Movie
42.    White Water Raft
43.    Ride a Mechanical Bull
44.    Go Zorbing
45.    Ride the London Eye
46.    Visit the Tate Gallery
47.    Visit the Lourve
48.    Visit Cape Flattery
49.    Publish an article in a Magazine
50.    Hike dow the Grand Canyon
51.    Watch a Sunset on a Beach
52.    Run a Mini Marathon
53.    Become a Mum/Mom
54.    Become a Grandma
55.    Ride a Gondola in Venice
56.    Visit the Whitehouse
57.    Go to a Rodeo
58.    Be a Blood Donor
59.    Kiss Jon Bon Jovi
60.    Sit on the shoulders of a stranger at a concert
61.    Sit in the audience of a TV show
62.    Visit all the locations mentioned in Twilight
63.    See Duran Duran in concert
64.    Earn my Young Women's Award
65.    Visit all the places in the Transire Book
66.    Make a T shirt Quilt of all the places I've been
67.    Put a Love Padlock on Pont de I Archeveche
68.    Visit New York
69.    Visit the Colosseum
70.    Visit the Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye
71.    Visit the Van Gogh Museum
72.    Go to the Seahawks Training Camp
73.    Indoor Skydive
74.    Rescue an animal
75.    See Flire Flies in real life
76.    Drink only Champagne on my 18th birthday
77.    Road trip the Pacific Coast Highway
78.    Visit the Hollywood Sign
79.    Ride in a Helicopter
80.    Have dinner in the revolving restaurant in Seattle's Space Needle
81.    Attend 50 Concerts
82.    Eat at Voodoo Donuts in Portland
83.    Get a Tattoo
84.    Visit the Alamo
85.    Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland
86.    Stand atop the Alps in Austria
87.    Zipline
88.    Ride a bike down a Volcano
89.    Put a piece of gum on a gum wall
90.    Go Wind Surfing
91.    Pay for the person behind me at a drive thru
92.    See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
93.    Hold a Tarantula
94.    See Tutenkarmen's death mask
95.    Visit Chichen Itza
96.    Visit Four Corners
97.    Visit Monument Valley
98.    Swim in a Waterfall
99.    Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain
100.  Smash a pie in someones face