Posts Tagged ‘Lists’

1. Buy really smelly cheese.

2. Replace your laptop on the dining table with a place setting for a person

3. Attempt to write something dazzling in cards to clients but end up with ‘best wishes’

4. Slip into your office to catch up on work and don’t answer the phone

5. Wonder why you keep buying boxes of crackers

6. Go to farmers markets and expensive bakeries for your ‘homemade’ baking

7. Curl up at 2pm with a book, hot cocoa and no guilt

8. Carry on whole conversations without any interruption

9. Feel like a kid again and actually enjoy the snow

10. Stop planning everything with military precision

…………. remember that the best moments are spontaneous.

1. Turn off the TV and computer
2. Take every opportunity to travel
3. Don’t allow yourself to be controlled
4. Laugh a lot & be spontaneous
5. Volunteer or work for less money if you are passionate about something
6. Be open to new people, food and experiences
7. Be creative, use your imagination
8. Record your life – Keep a  journal or take photographs
9. Enjoy being independent
10. Be wary of credit cards
11. Love with honesty and respect

Have no fear, make mistakes & live in the center of your life

On Saturday night husband and I rented ‘The Bucket List’. The critics didn’t particularly like it but it’s not a critics type of movie it’s a people movie. We enjoyed watching it together; laughing through some of it, lump in throat in others and wincing during a few bits but as I said it’s not a classic. We even engaged in some rare analytical conversation related to what was happening on the screen during certain parts.

It got me thinking that whether you call it a Bucket List, Life List or 10 Things To Do Before You Die List there is nothing too big or small, silly or serious as it really is not just about being all deep or profound but more about what is important to you. If that means being served tea in your private compartment on board the Orient Express then write it down. Oh wait , that is number three on my life list.

So anyway watch the movie with your beloved it is worth making the popcorn for.

I couldn’t help but notice what a strong and varied representation the female gender had on the non-fiction side of the New York Times Bestsellers list on Sunday. A cross section of very different women, at different points in time and with very different lives.

At #1 we have “Audition” by Barbara Walters. I have just started that book and am so far I am enjoying every page. Number 2 is Julie Andrew’s “Home” which proves that there is a lot more to her life and career than Mary Poppins.

The list goes on to include “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea” by Chelsea Handler. I don’t know much about that one except that it is a humerous look at her life. Former President, Jimmy Carter writes a tribute to his mother, Lillian in “A Remarkable Mother”.

Cokie Roberts tackles some American founding mothers including Abigail Adams, Margaret Bayard Smith, Martha Jefferson, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Catherine Adams, Eliza Hamilton, Theodosia Burr, women who help to shape America’s history in “Ladies of Liberty”. Then, at #10 recent headlines are all too real for Carolyn Jessop, she tells her story of life in a polygamist sect in “Escape”.

All I have to say is move over Elizabeth Gilbert there are new women in town. They are not running to other countries to find themselves, they are all about how to stand and face life head on.

On Jan 4th I wrote a post on my favorite and not so favorite things of ’07 and Elizabeth Gilbert’s “eat. pray, love” got a mention on both lists.

Pro: “I do like her sense of humor and she is honest about herself.”
Con: “Am I the only woman who finds Elizabeth Gilbert somewhat whiny and self-absorbed? I’ve been divorced and traveled alone without all that sobbing and need to please.”

Well, upon more thought the pro statement is a bit insipid and as for the con I seem to be holding back maybe because she had been Oprahized! Time has however revealed that I am not alone in my less than glowing review of her book and I not going to be asked to leave the midlife sisterhood….Whew!

Here is a link to one article in particular “Pray tell: Is Elizabeth Gilbert self-absorbed or truth seeker?” by Carol Memmott USA Today. There are also some interesting comments attached.

Why is this capturing our attention? Probably because it speaks to something larger. It makes us look at how we feel and who we are as women over 40. We are examining where we have been, where we are now and more importantly where we want the road to take us for the next 40 years.

I haven’t finished the book yet, which in itself tells me something because when I love a book I devour it quickly! So far there are two things I know for sure. One, like many of you out there I have a version of being on the bathroom floor. For me I sunk to the floor in my kitchen and it was many years ago. But it happened one time and then I stood up and said “You’ve made some mistakes Jill, rectify them and move forward.” Two, I cannot cling to things or people when it is over because it is over – move on. OK, there is a third thing – that while some of Richards advice is sound, to allow someone to continually refer to you as “Groceries” goes beyond cute, occasional nickname into the realm of complete lack of self-respect and (or) no ability to set healthy boundaries with people.

I hope to hear your thoughts and I promise that I will finish the book ASAP. Perhaps the ‘love’ part in Bali will bring it together for me or maybe not!

The discipline of writing something down, is the first step toward making it happen – Lee Iacocca

It was with that in mind that I read an interesting article on the growing trend of Life Lists. The writer was lamenting that she didn’t have time to do a life list, judging by her picture I would say that she was only thirty something. Maybe there are specific times in life when the list makes sense. As a mid-life coach, I am with Mr. Iacocca and think that writing a Mid-life List is important if we first want to ensure that we are headed in the right direction & second want to get a little closer to making those goals happen.

If you are not familiar with the term, it is a list of our life’s objectives and can be a blend of fun things, big things and stuff left over from childhood. There is even a life list web site 43 Things.com. Personally, I am not sure that I have the time, resources or energy for 43 things but I am going to get started on a list with a more feasible number.

I want to mention that on October 16th, Deborah Kerr died. No film library would be complete without ‘An Affair to Remember’, From Here to Eternity or even The King & I, to name a few. I like the fact that I cannot image her with a Blackberry in one hand and a Starbucks in the other. She epitomizes a different time; one of glamor & grace. Her classic movies when viewed from a comfy couch with favorite warm beverage for a couple of hours can have the effect of a mini vacation. Now there is an item for my list – 1. Schedule a guilt free Saturday afternoon to watch favorite old movies.

I hope that you share a few items from your list.

What is the priority for me when I buy a new handbag; style, colour, material? No, my first criteria is can I get a book in it. Everywhere I go I like to have a book with me & a good size note pad to jot down names, phone numbers and as well as the thoughts, ideas and things to do that pop into my head.

But I digress, books have been my companions since I was old enough to read for myself; which was at quite a young age because my parents were not the cuddle on the bed reading to me types and we did have a lot of books around the house that I wanted to get into.

So I thought I would share the titles of the books that I am bought to read this summer.

1. What Remains by Carole Radziwill
Quite enjoyed it, she has a good writing style. The only downfall was the sense you get that one of the Kennedy’s said ‘it is so nice dear that you are writing a memoir but don’t forget who you are now and don’t tell them too much.”

2. Savage Garden by Mark Mills
Currently reading this one as every now and then I like a mystery. The story line is interesting with good character development but as far as it being the intriguing mystery that I was looking for it is very slow going.

Yet to be discovered -
3. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
4. Marley & Me by John Grogan
5. Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
I like good quality historical fiction, so we will see if this one disappoints or not.

6. My pick for a classic to re-read this Summer Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin

I hope that you enjoy your summer reading choices and maybe decide to try one of my picks. If you have any recommendations for the readers feel free to post them.

Well Valentine’s Day has come and gone and the question is did you get something that you really wanted or does your significant other just not get you? I made a list of the things that I really wanted; none of which I received by the way but I did realize two things, that I have expensive tastes and that I am really two people.

The Romantic Me

• Godiva Chocolates
• Leather bound early editions of two of my favorite books
• A beautiful shawl from some exotic land
• Courvoisier XO Cognac
• First class ticket to Italy

The 21^st Century Me

• Apple iPhone
• Gift Certificate for amazon.com
• Taittinger Champagne
• La Pavoni Espresso Machine (for the record this is the only kitchen appliance that will ever be on my gift list)
• Two days in New York with theatre tickets

I suggest that you make your own list it is very therapeutic, you could even give it to your partner for next year, at best you may give them a good laugh.