Bucket List

I must admit, I am a little anxious and excited about the days that lie ahead. Obviously. beauty of being a teacher is that we work crazy hours, teach infinite lessons, face a whole lot of challenges, and try to get through to many students for 10 months out of the year, but are lucky enough to do what we choose for the remaining time in between. I have just completed my first year as a real life, real world, classroom teacher. It wasn't easy, and it's only going to get more challenging in the years to come, but from now until mid-August, I can turn off my alarm clock and think about my own personal hobbies, interests, and passions.

My bucket list has had the same thing at the very top spot for a number of years now. #1 for me is to visit the beautiful and unique city of Chicago. I've been to many cities in the US but Chicago is one I've heard such wonderful things about so it's risen to the top of my list. It has actually become a passion and obsession of mine. Some people wish to go sky diving, or backpack through Europe, or climb Mount Everest. But for me, #1 is nothing outlandish, just something I haven't quite been able to cross off just yet, but that is finally about to change. Ryan and I are heading out on a road trip for two, with some fun stops and plans in between. As avid baseball fans, we knew right away the trip couldn't be completed without seeing at least a few ballparks while exploring these new cities. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we will pack the car, chug some coffee, pop in a mix CD, and head to our first stop: Pittsburgh, PA. I was originally indifferent about Pitt- just a big, steel city in the middle of nowhere, although I have heard some pretty good things from people who have visited. And PNC Park, home of the Pirates, is one of the most gorgeous in the MLB so that's enough to make me happy! We won't even be there 24 hours before it's up and on to the next stop.

July 4th will consist of another long trip a big cup of coffee as we had to stop #2, but spending one of my favorite holidays arriving in my soon-to-be favorite city will certainly be memorable. Chicago, IL here we come!!! Luckily, this fun city is also home to a good handful of our friends, so it's sure to be an exciting weekend as tourists, friends, baseball fans, and lovers. Ballpark #2 of the list will be the famous and beautiful Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. I have zero expectations, but I am positively excited. We will venture around and explore Chicago and the nearby neighborhoods and suburbs for a few days, seeing sights, friends, and certainly enjoying each other's presence before we head onto stop #3- Cleveland, OH. I was pleasantly surprised by the city of Cleveland after a recent visit with friends this past winter and I am very excited to see it again during the hot summer months. It has a lot to offer, including a best friend! For that we are very grateful and delighted! Not too many plans here aside for catching up in good company and catching some sleep before heading home.

I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity to cross off the #1 top spot on my own personal bucket list for once and for all. I am very much looking forward to the pictures, stories, laughter, and memories that will go hand in hand with it. I believe traveling is good for the soul, so I am eager to fill up my soul while touring the USA during the 4th of July weekend,with my love right by my side. Cheers, America! Let's hit the road!