#45 Reflections and Projections

After reviewing my list, I realized that I have completed a few goals without officially recording them so will combine them into one blog to pacify my need to ramble on about nonsensical thoughts.

# 7--Write 60 things I wish I had done when I was younger
The sky was the limit writing this goal.  When haven't we reflected back in time and wished we could change something we said or did.  This wasn't meant to be a list about regrets, but if there was a "do over" button on my sixty years, what would I have done differently?    From the very beginning,  I discovered that I hadn't had any major snafus and after the usual wishes-- eaten more vegetables, learned a foreign language, etc.--it appears nothing out of the ordinary has happened since 1951.  Sometimes boring is good.

The lesson learned was I can not change the past, however, the future is all mine to write so with that philosophy, goal # 35, became a guiding light on what to put on paper and committing to at least ten more years of goal setting.    My reflections became a projection into the next one with the anticipation of living a healthy and active lifestyle, keeping family a priority, helping others, being a good friend and enjoying life to its fullest.  I love it when two goals converge into one!

# 35 Make a list of 60 things to do by 2020
Because goal # 7 was a look back in time, this goal helped me discern what to construct for the next ten years.  Yes, there are too many places to see, people to meet, and projects to complete but this list helped me prioritize on what to do,  where to go, and when to start and finish as the birthdays come and go.  Life does seem to speed up as we age, but I am defying the cliche (if that is what it is) and embracing every single moment with a master plan--at least for the next ten years.

# 44 Frequent Visits to the Farmer's Market

Vibrant vegetables, flowering flowers, and fabulous fruit greeted me at every turn as I meandered down the rows of vendors pleasantly hawking their prizes of food.  What to choose when everything looked like it was waiting and ready to land on my plate for dinner that night?  The presentation of wares with the explosion of colors made shopping each week a delight for the eyes and well worth the trip for refueling.  Sixty items quickly added up as I made a concerted effort to find the best produce and the friendliest vendors on my sojourns to the farmer's market.  With almost every encounter I was rewarded with a smile and a comment on how to serve that particular delicacy to my family.  After this summer of buying at the markets, I am convinced that working with dirt and toiling in the fields begets the happiest people and their produce reflects their satisfaction with life.  Oh, to be a farmer... for a day.

Goal # 21, Buy 60 items at the farmer's market, is now completed but one that will remain on my list of what to do in the next ten years.  With fresh carrots and a juicy apple patiently waiting in the refrigerator, I will seize the blog writing and head to the kitchen to consume a scrumptious snack.  Thank you, farmers of Wisconsin, for your dedication to the land and your commitment to provide us with healthy eating choices.

#43 Filling the Food Pantry

A short and sweet tweet today about filling the food pantry.

  I discovered that goal # 8--Donate 60 items to the food pantry--was one way to counteract the economic problems some of our fellow Americans are facing today.  When I went to the grocery store, I would buy an extra item or two for our local food pantry and surprisingly, this quickly added up to sixty items.  Although this goal is checked off my list,  I will continue to donate because it is the right thing to do.

# 42 The Mighty Massage!

I am slightly befuddled.  On the one hand I am rejoicing over a check mark on the goal sheet, however, the downside of this celebration is that this dream of a mission has now ended.   You may ask what would create this type of consternation for me? It has been one of my all time favorites (though somewhat self-serving)--"Enjoy 6- 60 minute massages"-- and now it is over.

 Lisa was the masterful masseuse who provided me with an hour of absolute bliss after cooking or biking or whatever activity was on the agenda for the day.  There are some people who should be cloned and I rank her high on the list.   Not only is she skilled at her profession,  but she has a knack for listening, asking questions, and making sure you feel gosh darn good about yourself.  Such a gift, such a gem!

  Is it too late to alter the goal and make it 60--60 minute massages?  The answer to that question would unfortunately be "yes" as time is marching on and I still have others that need my attention.  As an emerging optimist,  I can revel in the fact that I included this brilliant goal to counterbalance some of the other less desirable tasks on my list.  Even though it has now moved over to the increasing "done" pile, I will be forever grateful for Lisa's strong healing hands and being the fortunate recipient of six marvelous massages.