#1 - Scotland the Brave

Here is the story of how I checked #1 off my bucket list...

2014

Scotland was the first bucket item ever on my list.  When I was 16, the goal was to go Scotland before I turned 30 (at 16, 30 years old seemed ancient).  When 30, came and went, I was sad that I hadn't achieved this goal.  When 40 came and went, I was mad at myself not making more of an effort to go.

One day, my brother phones me and says, "You want to go to a pub for a beer?"  I replied, "Ok, when and where?".  "Next month, Scotland", he said.  Immediately I started to book a long weekend trip to Scotland to go pub hoping.  We rented a great house in the heart of Edinburgh. The last time I went travelling with my brother was in the back of our parents car while we punched each other yelling stop hitting me, everyone was curious if we would survive our first travel together as adult.

We did!  In fact, we found a pub by the house and it served Stewart's beer.  It was a fantastic weekend - loved it - and anytime my brother wants to travel.  I'm in!






#1 added to the list in 1986, checked off the list 2014

#23 - Varooooom!

Here is the story of how I checked #23 off my bucket list...

2013

First...I love my husband!  As a gift, he gave me the opportunity to check the 'drive a Ferrari' off the list.  He tried to surprise me one fall day.  However, when we got there it was raining, so I was not allowed to drive.  I took some pictures with my all time favourite car and had to wait until the spring because for safety reasons the raceway closes over the winter.

So on a beautiful, warm, dry day, I got to drive a Ferrari 403.  It took me three laps before I was comfortable enough to drop the pedal down to the floor.  Wow! The car can go go go and inside it feels like slow motion.  Oh to win the lottery and have this car to drive everyday for errands like the Tim's drive thru, dropping my son off at school and somehow fitting my hockey bag in so I could get to the game.  Hubby made a video of the experience too - so funny.  Thanks babe!




#23 added to the list in 1989, checked off the list 2013.

#61 - I wish I was a Timbit!

Here is the story of how I checked #61 off my bucket list...

2010

My son got a chance to be a Tim Horton's Timbit at intermission of a Toronto Marlies game at Ricoh Coliseum (the old Civic arena) for Hockey Day in Canada in 2009.

Tim Hortons sponsors children four to eight years old who participate in local house league hockey teams. Each sponsored team is supplied with a jersey and given the opportunity to play on-ice scrimmages during intermissions at American Hockey League (AHL) and National Hockey League (NHL) games.

It was fantastic to see him so excited about the locker room, the big ice and playing in front of a crowd on television. It took me back to my Maple Leaf Gardens experience (#34) and I thought 'I wish I was a Timbit. I want to do this too!'.

I knew that I would never get to Ricoh as a Timbit, but as luck would have it, my ladies team got a chance to play a regular scheduled house league game at Ricoh.

We were given special parking passes, use of the locker rooms, watched 2 zamboni's clear the ice and got ready to play. It felt like we were pros. The Coliseum was orginally built in the 1920's at the CNE grounds and seats 10,000. We had three fans watching and I am pretty sure that two of them were rooting for the other team.

It didn't matter, as soon as I stepped on the ice it felt like the arena was full and everyone was watching us. Such an adrenaline rush and to top it off, we won the game.

#61 Play hockey at Ricoh Coliseum added in 2009, checked off the list 2010.

#63 - Mush!

Here is the story of how I checked #63 off my bucket list...

2012

First...I love my mom and dad!  As a gift they gave me the opportunity to check dog sledding off the list.  It was a beautiful, sunny day.  All three of us went, though one of use got to ride while the other two had to run with the dogs :D

The huskies have a beautiful coat and bright eyes.  They
were so friendly too!  What a great run.

#63 Go dog sledding added to the list 2003, checked off the list 2012.

#66 - Blondie!

Here is the story of how I checked #66 off my bucket list...

2011

Don't know why I added this one to the list.  Probably because I have wanted to try different hair colours like red, blond and even purple streaks.  But, I never dared to...always an excuse.  With blond added to the bucket list, it was like a dare to myself.  So, challenge accepted.






#66 Dye my hair blond added to the list in 2003, checked off the list 2011. 

#27 - Rodeo Drive, baby!

Here is the story of how I checked #27 off my bucket list...

2000

When my husband and I were in Los Angeles, we of course had to see Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive.  Many of the stores needed an appointment and the ones I went into, I certainly was not in the right price range for my budget.  I could afford a Jamba Juice.  Normally priced at $6 US at the time, Rodeo priced at $11.  Good thing there was free valet parking.  My husband volunteered to model my Jamba Juice at the fountain at the end of the Drive.






















#27 Go shopping on Rodeo Drive added to the list 1989, checked off the list 2000.

#7 & #47 - Fly with me, it's Grand!

Here is the story of how I checked #7 and #47 of my bucket list…

2014

While in Las Vegas with a group of friends, we had one day allocated as a “field trip”.  Some of the group was driving to see the Hoover Dam, while some of us wanted to see the Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon was approximately a 5-hour drive to get there, so the six of us decided that a helicopter tour would get us back at the same time as the others returning from the Dam.

The ride seemed to go slow.  Usually when in the air, it’s been inside a plane moving much faster (500 mph vs 130 mph).  There was a clear floor to look down through, which was a bit disconcerting.  Also, I was not expecting how hot the ride would be.  Climate control is much more difficult in a helicopter.

The helicopter flew us over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and Fortification Hill.  As we dipped and rose over the dessert hills and valley, it felt more like the flight of a bird. 

Coming to the edge of the Grand Canyon was exciting.  If there is any place on Earth that puts into perspective the grandiosity of Mother Nature, it is the Grand Canyon.  The helicopter had the ability to follow the ridge and dive deep along the canyon walls.  The Grand Canyon colours started as dark stone and changed to subtle shades of red, yellow, or ochre in the canyon walls.

The helicopter landed 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon in Hualapai Indian Territory. We were able to walk around 300 feet above the mighty Colorado River. The canyon walls are impressively high.  The temperature at 10:30am was 37C.  Good thing we call hopped in the helicopter after light snacks and flew away.

 

#7 Go for a Helicopter Ride added to the list in 1986, #47 Visit the Grand Canyon added to the list in 2000, both checked off the list 2014.

#32 - Yo hablo Espanol

Here is the story of how I checked #32 off my bucket list...

1998

I graduated University in 1993 and was looking for my next educational goal. I was thinking a second degree, when I remembered by trip to Mexico in 1989 (see #6).

I signed up for Spanish classes at Humber College. I was three years into my certificate program when they stopped offering 4th year classes because there were not enough people registered. I tried signing up for 3 semesters without any luck. So I am 2 courses short of my certificate. I consider this one checked it off my list, so let me know what you think!

Hola mis amigos españoles o por lo menos a mis amigos de lectura en español. Soy Lisa y quiero practicar mi español. Mis aficiones son las tierras altas de baile, hockey, album de recortes, las personas molestas con preguntas estúpidas sin darse cuenta y divertirse. ?Cómo lo hago? Mucho amor, Lisa.

#32 Learn to speak Spanish added to the list 1989, checked off the list 1998.

#9 - The Tower of Power

Here is the story of how I checked #9 off my bucket list...

1999

1776, that's the number I needed to get to on my stair machine before the 30 minute timer went off. For a month, everyday, I would get to 1500 and I would hear the ding, ding, ding of the timer. Darn! I was scheduled for a charity CN Tower climb on Sunday. I had told everyone my goal was 1776 steps to the top in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I had been averaging 35-40.

Sunday arrived and everyone lined up at the bottom. Once inside, there was no turning back. No elevators or quick ways up or down if you stopped half way.

My heart was racing by the time I got to the front of the line. I punched my time card and away I went. I did not realize you could see through the steel grate steps. Have I mentioned that I am scared of heights?

Half way up, I heard BANG, BANG, BANG...Clunk, Swish. BANG, BANG, BANG...Clunk, Swish.

What the..? It was getting closer. I held onto the handrail and kept focusing on my step count. Then, two firemen wearing full gear, air tanks and masks flew by me. They took the steps three at a time....BANG, BANG, BANG. As they grabbed the rail at the landing 'clunk', then the 'swish' of the jackets as they turned to go up the next flight of stairs. And then they were gone. Cool!!

Inspired, I continued diligently on my quest. Then I was at the top, punched my card and was told my time was 27 minutes, 17 seconds. Woohoo! Thank you awesome firemen for the inspiration and I enjoyed the nice elevator ride down.

#9 Climb the CN Tower added to the list 1986, checked off the list 1999.

#65 - Habitat for Humanity

Here is the story of how I checked #65 off my bucket list...

2003

I had a great opportunity be a Habitat for Humanity volunteer through work. My employer was sponsoring a large group of employees for a one day build blitz on a fourteen house project in Toronto.

Our group, plus other volunteers involved stood in front of Jeff, the site supervisor. He was tasked with organizing the volunteers to different areas of the site based on skill set.

One of the reasons I wanted to volunteer was that I have been fortunate enough to have a very handy dad. I have learned a lot from watching, discussing and being a helper for various house projects. Also, my husband and I practically gutted our first house, so there were a lot of projects worked on. I figured this would come in handy and instead of being in the way, I could actually contribute.

As Jeff dispersed the group around the site, I was one of the last people standing there. I saw on his face a quick judgment of 'what am I going to do with her?'. I can imagine why he might have been reluctant to ask...I was 5 months pregnant, wearing a tool belt with a picture of a cartoon baby painted on it and the words 'baby on board'.

Jeff asked me what I could do and I replied what do you need? He smiled and asked if I knew how to use a saw. I responded with "compound mitre, reciprocal or a hand saw?". I could see my response shocked him and he laughed, "Okay, you're with me."

By the end of the day, we had finished siding the house including around the windows and doors. Jeff asked if I could be there all week - what a great compliment! It felt great working on the house, it was lots of fun and would encourage everyone to volunteer at some point for this experience.

#65 Build a Habitat for Humanity House added to the list 2000, checked off the list 2003.

#5 - Just like the Vikings

Here is the story of how I checked #5 off my bucket list...

1991

Nothing says road trip like getting into a car with your new boyfriend and his parents for a week long trip. We headed east to visit some of his family, play tacky tourist around the Gananoque Thousand Islands and to go white water rafting in Renfrew.

 

On route, we stopped at a fancy place called for brunch. A wonderful buffet with a great selection of good. The McFarland clan was brought up with the 'put a little bit of everything on your plate to try', so image their surprise when I took an entire plate of scrambled eggs. (Have I mentioned that I love scrambled eggs?) Let's just say they were speechless and 21 years later and I don't think the shock has entirely worn off.

After brunch, we headed to our white water destination. I was nervous and excited. As we put on the life jackets and helmets, I started to think 'how dangerous is this?'. I probably should have thought that earlier. Scott insisted that we sit in the front row. Over the swirling rapids we went and I didn't get dumped out!
 

At one point we stopped for a picnic, we went body surfing down some of the slower moving currents and jumped off a rock cliff. What a great adventure!

#5 Go white water rafting added to the list 1986, checked off the list 1991.

#35 - Hello Stanley!

Here is the story of how I checked #35 off my bucket list...

2001

Why is the Stanley Cup significant? A little history…

The trophy was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada. It was an award for Canada's top-ranking amateur ice hockey club. By 1926, after a series of league mergers, the Cup became the championship trophy of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The Stanley Cup is unusual among trophies. Unlike the trophies awarded by other major professional sports leagues, a new Stanley Cup is not made each year; Cup winners keep it until a new champion is crowned and names of all of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff engraved on it.

So...basically the Stanley Cup is special and very Canadian!
 

How did I get so close to the cup?

Well, I am the self-proclaimed #1 Adam Foote fan. I have been a fan of his from a very young age...whether it was watching his lacrosse games, putting on a dress to impress him at a party (age 12 – a big accomplishment for a tomboy like me), or more tangibly trying to be the ultimate Adam Foote hockey card collector (1988-present). I have always been a fan.

I have enjoyed watching his success personally and professionally. When Colorado won the Stanley Cup, Adam generously invited my husband and I to a celebration party with family and friends. In the picture, Adam and I are pointing to his name engraved on the cup from his first Stanley Cup win in 1996 with Colorado.

#35 Hold the Stanley Cup added to the list in 1989, checked off the list 2001.