LIFE LIST: TAKE A TOUR OF A BREWERY

The Budweiser Clydesdales may be the only equines with stained inside their stables.

Where: Budweiser Brewery in St Louis Missouri 

When: June 15th 2013 which was my 30th birthday. After we went to the top of the Gateway Arch.

Why this is on my list: I had always wanted to take a brewery tour and since this was one of the top attractions in St Louis and free I thought it would make a perfect addition to my 30th birthday day of LIFE LISTING!

Cost: Not only is it a totally free tour but you also get 2 complimentary beers at the end of the tour.

Something I'd recommend: Yes, although it is not an ideal place to take your small children. Not because of the alcohol, children are certainly welcome. It's just not a fun place for kids to be. Luckily we found another family with a 2 year little girl who was happy to entertain our daughter.

Will I do it again? I think I would. When you have a toddler with you it's difficult to pay attention...to anything, so even though I was physically situated on that tour, I do not remember hearing one word about the Anheuser-Busch factory. My ears did perk up when they described the rigid criteria the famous Clydesdales must meet in order to become part of the Budweiser team. What I would really like to do is visit the 100 acre Anheuser-Busch Brewery Complex where the horses live.

Perfection.

Tour also included a trolley ride around the grounds.

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"You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team or some nuclear weapons but at the very least you need a beer.” Frank Zappa

I LIFE LISTED TODAY-AND IT WAS AWESOME!

Today I began a LIFE LIST activity, one of which I have zero prior experience, one which requires the athleticism my body does not posses, and an exercise intended to encompass grace and elegance to the very core of their definitions, but if not done properly will most certainly shame several sophisticated cultures. This LIFE LIST experience was the very obvious next step after getting my braces off. I'm sure you've probably already guessed it by now....that's right, I started ballet class. Yup, I'm regressing. Braces, ballet, and maybe one day soon I'll even learn how to tie my shoes via 'loop, swoop and pull'.

The class I'm taking is Adult Ballet. There are 6 other women in this class which actually began in September so I'm quite behind. Most of these women have been doing this for years and tonight was my very first ballet class in my entire life. It was everything I hoped for in a workout. By the time I left my arms were burning and my leg muscles were shaking so much I felt like they were just going to collapse. It was terrific. A formidable shock to my muscular vascular system- yes, but in a good way. Luckily the movements were so face paced and hard to keep up that I didn't have a lot of time to focus on how ridiculous I looked. Everyone there was so graceful and wearing they're dainty ballet clothing...and here was this ding dong floundering around in mis-matched socks. My goal in the next week before my second class is to get myself a hot little outfit and to spend a lot of time reviewing the steps on youtube. My only saving grace thus far is that I speak French. All the steps in ballet have French names, I feel bad for those who do not speak the language and are trying to learn a difficult art at the same time.

I was hoping that I would be at my ideal weight by the time I got my braces off. Though I have lost a significant amount of weight since having my daughter (i.e. all the pregnancy weight plus 20 pounds) I am not where I would like to be. I'm not miserable but I've been smaller and I remember how good it felt and I know I can get back there. Other than my walking I really haven't exercised since becoming pregnant....that was 4 years ago. I'm ready, I love to work out and I miss it. Years ago, probably when that movie Black Swan came out, I started thinking how ballet dancers have incredibly toned bodies and I added it to my LIFE LIST. Actually I just added 'get a ballet bar workout dvd'. Since we've moved into our house over 1 year ago I've noticed a dance studio nearby. I actually pass it every day and think 'I should check it out and see what they have to offer'. And so I did a few weeks ago, after talking with the owner I decided to start in December.

AH, two of my favorite things-French and Dancing. It's going to take a while before I catch on but I am so glad that I found this place. Nope 3 things, I forgot to mention the Christmas music, I have hit the lottery starting in December-all our dances are to songs from The Nutcracker. I'm in heaven already, and if I can tone up a little too, that would be even better.

10 great places to see Santa in SE Michigan

1. Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmouth 
Santa visits daily in December
There is NO cost
989-652-9931

2. The Birdfeeder in Clarkston 
Visit Santa and his Reindeer December 22, 2013 12-4
This is a free event. Toys For Tots will be accepting unwrapped gifts for children in need. 
248-625-1399

3. Rainforest Cafe in Auburn Hills 
Breakfast with the scuba diving Santa Claus on December 14th and 21st, 2013
Reservations are required. 
Breakfast Buffet and Crafts 3 and under are free $9 8-11 years 11&up $13
248-333-0280

4. The Sacred Heart Banquet and Conference Center
Breakfast with Santa and his Reindeer Saturday December 14th, 2013
$17/Adult $15/child includes photo and gift. Reservations must be made in advance.
734-261-8560

5. Dinosaur Nature Preserve in Rochester 
Reserve your Story Time slot with Santa and see his reindeer on December 15th, 2013
$7/child no charge for adults
248-656-0999

6. Santa's Cabin in White Lake
Schedule your own personalized visit with Santa, pets welcome
$40-$50 Must make reservations in advance
248-977-0075

7. Bass Pro Santa's Wonderland in Auburn Hills
Activities, Carousel, Games and photo with Santa all FREE daily thru December 24th, 2013
Go online to schedule your time with Santa to avoid waiting in line
248-209-4200

8. The Village of Rochester Hills
Dates and times vary check website or call to determine the best time to visit Santa
No charge
248-375-9451

9. Breakfast with Santa at the Detroit Zoo
December 7, 8, 14 & 21 2013. Reservations must be made in advance
$20-$30/person
248-541-5717

10. Ice Palace at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills
Daily during mall hours
Visit is free of charge. Professional photo packages are available for purchase. 

LIFE LIST: GO TO THE TOP OF THE GATEWAY ARCH

"A lot of people are afraid of heights. 

Not me, I’m afraid of widths.”

Where: Gateway Arch, St Louis Missouri

You actually go underground first before you go up.

When: June 15th, 2013, It was my 30th birthday.

There is a large museum underneath the arch...under the ground.

Cost: $10/person

The doors to get on the trams were very tiny, this engineering marvel left me feeling like I was on another planet.

Why this is on my list: I didn't even realize for the longest time that you could actually go to the top...or even that you could go inside the arch. And it took a little convincing that this was even a reality. When you look at the Arch it's hard to imagine being in it. After all, it is an arch- there are no level surfaces, also what sort of device could actually take you to the top? The entire arch is curved! Another plaguing question was-it's so thin and tiny at the top where would we stand? We were in St Louis in June for my 30th Birthday and I wanted to spend my day having amazing adventures of which there is no shortage in this thriving metropolis. This was the new experience I was most excited about and so it was the first planned item at 10h in the morning.

Something I'd recommend? Absolutely. The Gateway arch and the trams that take you to the top are unlike anything in the world  it's one of those things you just have to see to believe. This is a must if you're in St Louis. Although if you have a problem containing yourself in small spaces and/or heights this may be more of a worst case scenario.

View from the top!

Will I do it again?  I'm sure this does not come as a surprise but I was slightly frightened during this entire experience. From the moment we entered the line underground to wait for our tram to the top I kept a tight hold on anything I could grab onto and for the next hour I slithered my way around the arch. By that I mean that my feet did not leave the surface beneath me, especially when we got to the top which is arched-the viewing area is not a level area to stand on. So I felt very vulnerable in this tiny space so far away from Mother Earth.....I guess my main fear was that I would fall and roll like a donut hole all the way down the emergency staircase to the very bottom. Even though I had a death grip on my husbands arm I did really enjoy spending the morning of my 30th birthday on this unique experience. I think that this trepidatious traveler gets so nervous because I don't know what to expect, I'll feel more at ease next time, the elevator pod or 'tram' that takes you to the top moves very slow and to my knowledge in 50 years there has never been any 'incidents' of any sorts on the journey to the top of the world's tallest arch.

Inside the small tram that seats 6 I get a tight hold on my so she wouldn't roll away either.

Related post:

See the Gateway Arch in St Louis 

LIFE LIST: HOLD A MONKEY

                  
"An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.” Charles Darwin

When: November 18, 2013

Where: At our local library.

Cost: FREE!

Why this is on my list? This has been on my list for years but I've never had any luck finding a place where you could actually do it. Last night I took my daughter to a free event they hold monthly at our local library. Each month it's something different, last month it was a magician, last night it was a traveling zoo and I had NO idea I'd be able to do it! It was a total surprise LIFE LIST item which was so awesome because most of the time I spend months or even years planning a LIFE LIST experience so when they are out of the blue and not to mention FREE they're even more exciting!
                                                      

Will I do it again? Yes, if I ever again have the opportunity. The handlers brought out the monkey last and strongly emphasized that we would not even be able to touch him. Every other animal was brought around and we all had a chance to touch most of the exotic animals (excluding the tarantula) and all of the domestic ones. They were adamant about the monkey's uncertain disposition. Absolutely NO children and NO men could get near the monkey...apparently he only liked blonde females. At the end I saw a little group of blonde women gathering around the monkey and wished I could join in but I had my daughter with me and didn't want her to get near him. Before we were ready to leave I wanted to show her one of the animals once more. A woman turned to me and asked if I got to hold him, she had just had her turn and was telling me how nervous she was when he started nibbling her neck. I asked her if her she got a picture of her once in a lifetime experience as she was also there with her young daughter. She had not so I offered to take one for her...I was feeling a little jealous still thinking I wouldn't be able to take a turn. While she was holding the monkey for a second time our daughter started playing together on the other side of the room far away from the other animals. Even though I was really nervous (because I assume the worst case scenario in everything I do) I thought what the heck, it's been on my LIFE LIST forever and now I have a free opportunity! He was just like a little baby, he was soft and made sweet little noises. It was a really cool surprise LIFE LIST experience! When we were done I said to her 'that's so cool, that's actually one of my LIFE LIST things' she said "Oh right like one of those bucket lists" I laughed to myself thinking...if you only knew....

                                                     

Something I'd recommend? Monkeys can be incredibly dangerous animals. I was nervous because I know how quickly an animal can turn on you (did I ever tell you about the time I was viciously attacked by a dog?) Animals are animals and can be potentially dangerous at any moment. So I would leave this to your own discretion-I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND ALLOWING YOUR CHILD NEAR ANY EXOTIC ANIMAL AND WOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION AROUND DOMESTIC ANIMALS THAT COULD IN ANY WAY INFLICT HARM. ANIMALS AND CHILDREN ARE BOTH UNPREDICTABLE AND SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION IN THE PRESENCE OF BOTH.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/09/0916_030916_primatepets_2.html

LIFE LIST: LEGOLAND

“All LEGO men are created equal (1.5625 inches tall). What they become is limited only by imagination.”

Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City Missouri

When: June 2013

Cost:  $20 Parent w/ toddler. SeaLife Aquarium & LEGOLAND combo ticket $23 which is very reasonable.

One of the rides- Z loved shooting the bad guys to save the princess!

Why this is on my list: I actually probably wouldn't have decided to go to this because I have a daughter and I would not have expected her to be interested. I was wrong. Six months later she is still talking about it! She loved LEGOLAND, and I really enjoyed it too, Legos have come a long way since I was a little kid-they have pink and purple LEGOS and female LEGO people too. Some people are 'into' LEGOS...really into Legos, we are not those people so luckily the tickets I was given for the SeaLife Aquarium included Legoland which was in the same building because I might not have stepped outside my box otherwise. But this discovery center was great, it was colorful, tailored to little kids and different-until now I had never seen anything like this. I can no longer make that claim, Kansas City is nuts for Legos- we visited 3 Lego sculpture parks while we were there and I have to say, it is really incredible to see these larger then life statues made solely out of thousands of tiny Legos.

Will I go again? Absolutely, if I find myself in Kansas City again. Inside there was a place to make your own lego, a karaoke area, an area where you could play with all the legos you want, karaoke, 2 rides and a large play area for smaller kids. It is an ideal place to spend the afternoon with your kiddos.

Something I'd recommend? It's a must if you have kids- boys or girls will enjoy it and if you visit Kansas City this will probably be the highlight. In fact this was easily our favorite thing while in Kansas City.

 Kansas City is not like Chicago, or Savannah or St Louis, few with tourist attractions. Kansas City is probably not a destination for most who are deciding on a place to vacation. It's a big city but there's not a whole lot to do. We were there in June for 2 weeks because my husband was there teaching a training course and where he hangs his head when he gets these phone calls, I clap my hands and say 'where are we going?!' I'll take a free vacation anywhere, even to Kansas City and when he has to go next year, we'll totally go again! Because even though I had to really do some searching to find things to do in that part of state, we had a really great time and got to see and do a a lot of things we wouldn't have had we just stayed at home.

Birthday Party room with LEGO cake.

LEGO lunch boxes.

Build your own LEGO tower.

Karaoke.

“There is strength in numbers. When the bricks stick together, great things can be accomplished.”

                   “Color doesn't matter. 

A blue brick will fit in the same space as a red brick”

Braces: Today my life changes forever

Today I finally complete a LIFE LIST goal that I've had for over 16 years and has been 2 years in the making. Actually it was 7 years ago that I had my first orthodontic appointment, 2 years ago I told my husband that I wanted to seriously consider it and make another consultation appointment. 20 months ago I started with my initial consultations and record taking. 18 months ago I got braces. In 3 hours they are taking them off.

My teeth have been my biggest complex since I was 14 years old. I have been embarrassed of them every single day for 16 years. Every time I took a photo, smiled or laughed I was conscious of how bad they looked. Now I will be able to do 3 of my favorite things with pride!

I can't believe it. Just like that. I love that this entire journey from start to finish started on my blog. Making the decision to get them was certainly the most difficult aspect,after all getting adult braces at 29 years old isn't all that glamorous. In the beginning I hated it, but then I became surprisingly used to them and as much of a daily challenge as it's been the reward is something I can't even describe. Being happy with yourself and feeling good about yourself can give you the confidence to change your life.

I feel as anxious, nervous and accomplished as I did when I graduated from college. Like usually the nervous nelly in me is considering all the worst case scenarios.

Related posts:
LIFE LIST: GET BRACES
Braces: 3 months 
Half way there!
Is it over already?
A rude awakening 
What more could they do to me...

"I am so so so excited about this....finally after 15 years of VERY serious consideration....I am finally going to fix my grossly disfigured teeth!! I hate them. This is something that bothers me every day, every time I look at a picture of myself, and makes me so unhappy with myself. I have seen several dentists about this since I was a teen but have always been too concerned with either the cost, discomfort or the idea of being an adult with braces- but every year that goes by I wish I would have done it because it would be over already! 5 years ago I met with an orthodontist and have made and canceled close to 20 appointments but now I finally feel ready. Totally ready to just do it, get it over with and be comfortable with myself. I ought to have them on by the middle of July....if all goes well :)"