Mrs. R's bucket list

I am currently working toward accomplishing these “bucket list” tasks:

1. Take the time and money to go on a weeklong trip (to a tropical destination) every couple years with our group of close friends. I want to continue this tradition as it’s a great way to relax and become closer to my friends. This is a great time to spend time with my husband away from the pressures of everyday life and work and gives us something to look forward to and work towards – financially and physically.

2. Become bilingual – I would like to improve my French language skills in order to aid my teaching of French. I can become bilingual by practicing my French through continued professional development and teaching. As well, it is important that I push myself to speak French even when it is easier to switch to English to explain myself easily.

3. Make a difference in someone’s life. Whether through teaching or through fitness, I aim to be an example to others, and hope that others will take inspiration from me in order to better their lives.

4. See "O" by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas again. This production inspired me! The acrobatics and contortionists make very difficult stunts look easy and the teamwork and choreography is absolutely amazing and awe inspiring.

5. Be debt free! It would be a great feeling to pay off our mortgage in order to be able to put more money towards our retirement.

6. Achieve my ideal weight. Through working out and eating right I can achieve and maintain my ideal weight. This will help me to be healthier (by avoiding many health problems), avoid getting sick and ensure my mental health to stay positive and optimistic. In order to do this I am continuing to work on trying new healthy foods and learn to enjoy eating more vegetables!

7. Compete in a National figure competition. I will continue to work out; lifting weights and doing cardiovascular training in order to compete in the 2011 Manitoba Provincials competition, and qualify for the following National level competition. In order to be competitive at that level I will need to gain a significant amount of muscle which can be achieved through dedication, persistence, discipline and continued training.

8. Celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary with my husband. I am hoping to have a long happy relationship and live to "grow old together". In order to achieve this we both have to put an effort into our relationship, instead of taking it forgranted.

9. Retire from teaching at age 55 and spend the winters in a hot, tropical destination. Knowing that I can retire at age 55 will get me through the difficult days, and continue to encourage me to work hard while I am at work.

10. Build our dream house. My husband and I like to look at different houses and dream about the day we'll be able to afford to design and build our own home. We like to have people over, and so for us, a house is an important place for friends and family to get together, and having a larger house will allow us to entertain in comfort.