COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60.

Today is Sunday June 25, 2017 and it is the 46 day until my 60th Birthday.

Okay now what after the 60 favourite things list.

I was thinking about a BUCKET LIST.

What is with all of these lists anyway?

Well truthfully, this would not be a surprise to people who know me as I am famous for writing lists, TO DO LISTS and such.

I like to write things down.

I have often thought a BUCKET LIST would be nice but perhaps today I will do it in reverse.

Not the things that I want to do in the future but some of the things that I have done over the years.

Okay so this is going to be another 60 things list ….. but things that I have done not necessarily favourite things but things that I have done/accomplished, okay.

Because going backwards can be tricky with the counting process I am just going to start at number 1.

 

Here are the next 12 items:

 

13. Rode on the hovercraft between Vancouver and Victoria back in, I believe it was about 1997 (they do not use them anymore).

14. Volunteered to canvas for Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart & Stroke many times over the years and as recent as 2017.

15.  Belonged to the Jaycettes  many years ago in Regina.  They did so much work in the community from fundraising to organizing neighbourhood watch groups.

16.  Also belonged to Downtowner Optimist Group in Regina (great experience helping community’s children) and had different roles from member to Vice President to President.

17.  Joined Capital City Cleanup (cleaning trash in my neighbourhood) when I moved to Edmonton and still do this on my own and not in an official capacity.

18.  Had supper in the revolving restaurants in both Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada.

19.  Sat in the shade of lilac bushes as a toddler which was happened to be where there was a nest of baby mice and spent the next several decades being deathly afraid of them.  Also had a terrible nightmare that our root cellar as a child was filled with water and I had fallen in, it was dark of course, red eyes swimming toward me (rats) did not help with my phobia.  I am proud to say after a few experiences with them in the latter years has helped me.  After moving to Edmonton in my CLEAN, not old house, I had them (mice) and first time I spent three nights at my daughter’s house.  The next two times and hopefully the last I managed to live here.  Found that it does not matter how clean your house is …. if it is COLD outside, they will find a way to come in.  PROUD to say that even though they scare me they no longer terrify me.

20. As a teenager help save the life of a young boy who had been playing with fire in a barrel (someone was burning garbage).  As, I was leaving the cafe and turned down the back alley to go home I heard him screaming and saw him on fire.  I quickly sprang in action and got the flames extinguished so that he did not have worse burns.  Left him lying on the grass, and ran for help which was close by.  Thankfully he survived.

21.  As an adult I had several occasions either on my own where I happened to be in the right place at the right time and helped a young one in distress.  I am thankful.

22. On my only trip to New York City I visited the World Trade Centre.  Visited a company we worked with and it was quite the experience.  Rode up in the first bank of elevators and then had to get off and onto the second one.  Because of security concerns back in 1994, someone from the company I was going to see had to come and personally accompany me to their offices.  I remember the view from their offices.  We also had drinks on the concourse at the harbour which was amazing.  An experience I shall treasure always.

23. Travelled to Victoria, British Columbia by myself in 2010 and spent a few days exploring the city and admiring the beauty of Victoria.

24.  Started second “career” at age 54.  I plan to life until I am 100 so have lots of years left to do work and then “retire.”

 

Sure is a test of the memory banks.

Always, Carol

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 18th day of February, 2015.

It is dark out at the moment.

Looking forward to waking up to a sunrise.

Last night after work I canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

I was reminded by the one donation that was made that it is a good thing we are doing when we volunteer.

She thanked me for volunteering my time.

Such a nice young Mom.

There were several people not at home, some said flat out “NO” and others said they would make their donations at a later date (maybe on-line).

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect so I thought that all went well.

I will pick another night to go out and see the others who were not at home.

Everyone should volunteer.

It is not only good for the organization that you are canvassing for but also for your own “heart” and well being.

Anyway ….. I think that I am going to do this again next year.

I used to canvas for various charities when I lived in Regina but this is the first other than Capital City Clean-up since I moved to Edmonton.

Which reminds me I need to sign up for the CCC-UP ……

Well almost time to leave for the office.

I hope that you all have a great day.

If given the opportunity …. go forth and volunteer.

There are always organizations that need your help whether at your local animal shelter or at a homeless shelter.

Someone can always use your help.

Special Hello to: all those folks who volunteer every day.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of February, 2015.

Not sure where this great morning evaporated to but it is almost time to leave as I type these words.

Just wanted to share an experience with you:

Last night I met two different women on my bus ride home.

One on the first leg of the trip …. an older woman.

Face filled with beautiful lines and you could just tell she had a good heart.

She shared stories and I as well.

We found in our 20 minute trip together that we both clean up our neighbourhoods for Capital City Clean-Up.

I so enjoyed our conversation.

The next woman got on later after the other woman had departed.

She had her son with her in a stroller.

I found out during our conversation that her family had come to Canada from Iraq about one and one half years ago.

We spoke of many things but I was interested to hear that learning the English language was the hard part because it is filled with adverbs, adjectives and the like.

She said words that sound the same but mean something different.

This was so interesting to hear coming from a woman who was highly educated in her country; a teacher.

I so enjoyed our conversation ….

I must run to catch my ride (before they leave the house …. they won’t leave without me.).

What a glorious ride home.

I am so blessed to met some incredible people and listen to their stories.

The little boy sat in the stroller meticulously eating MacDonald’s french fries with ketchup and with the other hand some ice cream.

His mother explained he does not like the meat and bun and just throws it.

Okay time to go.

Special Hello to: all those people who leave their countries for new beginnings elsewhere.

Always, Carol and Alvin

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