Goal # 34

GOAL #34 SPEND THE DAY WITH GIRAFFES

I didn't get to spend a whole day with Giraffes, but I had to opportunity to spend a little time with them. I truly wish that I could have had a longer time, but the health and well-being of these magnificent animals is more important that my Ridiculist.

I don't know if it's those big brown eyes, or the nerdy big ears, that make them so adorable to me, but I just love them. 

Here are a few facts about my favorite wild animal

1. It's the tallest mammal on the planet.

2. Giraffes only need a max of 30 minutes sleep a day.

3. A giraffe's neck is too short to reach the ground, hence the awkward stance at the watering hole.

4. Giraffes give birth standing up - Ouch.

5. The fuzzy horns on a giraffes head are called Ossicones.

6. A giraffes spots are as unique as our fingerprints.

7. A giraffes tongue can reach up to 21 inches.

8. Giraffes have 32 teeth. 

9. Giraffes are classified as high risk of extinction in the wild.

10. You can adopt a giraffe be visiting www.bornfree.org.uk

https://www.bornfree.org.uk/news/giraffe-critically-endangered

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

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.

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

When you just need $20

Barkley Baxter Potter

My world traveling backpack

My daughter had my birth year tattooed on her arm

Wit & Wisdom of 50 years

Things that I've learned or been confused by

Who decided that a horse should wear shoes. Seriously, I've never looked at an animal and thought "Damn, this horse needs accessories."

Youth is wasted on the young. By the time you realize who you, what you want, and finally manage to get rid of your debts, your body falls apart, you can't remember jack, and spontaneity isn't your strong point.

It's okay to say NO! It doesn't make you a bad person, and your don't have to explain yourself. However, pick your battles. Saying NO to going into work, or to your wife can have serious consequences. Start with something small, like your kids!

Everybody lies. Don't believe me? Check a woman's weight on her drivers license and see if she was stretching the truth. You know she did. And when a husband asks his wife what she's thinking and she responds with "Nothing!" Oh that's a lie, and you'd better figure out what Nothing stands for before she explodes.

Let them talk, they're going to do it anyway. Don't waste your life paralyzed by what people say about you. Unless it's good. Then lap it up baby. A wise man once told me, "Opinions are like belly buttons. Everyone has one but they don't hold much water."