A Realistic Bucket List

Seems "bucket lists" are all the rage lately. Not sure if this term was around for a while or debuted with the Jack Nicholson/Morgan Freeman film of the same title. Regardless, it kind of irks me that it is swirling around everywhere like so much the latest hot handbag or must-have designer. While I love self-help and goal-setting content as much as the next gal (yes, I read Eckhart Tolle. Back off.), I'm always leary when it takes the form of a blind fad or trend. Shouldn't those themes be much more consistent and ongoing throughout our lives?

As the one year anniversary of my brain hemmorraghe draws closer, however, I'm still trying to figure out what it all means - and if it really means anything anyway. As I distance myself from the immediate needs and recovery of the event - which were all about getting back to daily living - I am entering a second phase of more thoughtful perspectives around the whole thing. Why did I survive? Why is my recovery going so much more miraculously than someone who has 3 children relying on them? If it was not "my time" yet, than what the heck am I meant to do here? What am I not "finished" with?

Answers abound. My husband, who truly understands how lucky we are but is not a spiritual guy, will tell you "This happened because your artery was weak due to genetics and high blood pressure and it burst. You are okay now because we got you to the hospital in time and the doctors were amazingly skilled. End of story." Or maybe it's just as simple as what my friend Melanie, who I had not seen in person in 10 years and just caught up with over dinner, said the other night, "Maybe you are still here so on this night, in this city, we could catch up over dinner and you can entertain me." I like that answer.

Which brings me back to bucket lists. I feel in this "renaissance of enlightenment", we are just putting too much darn pressure on ourselves to "live our best life." I am all about going after you want, not waiting, experiencing all you can experience. But in my life, the adventures have happened pretty organically. Sure, intention and goals are great things. But when they start to consume you, to make you feel like you are less of a person if you don't accomplish them, that's where I have a problem.

My recovery has been all about being gently with myself, setting realistic goals, and not overwhelming myself with too much. I think this is a good way to live, brain injury or not. So rather than some of the more lofty bucket lists out there that seem to taunt and stress out many of us and make us feel like we are not doing, being, seeing enough, here is a simple bucket list. It is doable, achievable and can still enrich your life greatly. You're welcome.

1. Ensure you have at least one person in your life who understands you, accepts you for who you are, and who makes you laugh. Just one will do. Could be a lover, parent, sibling or friend. If you don't have someone like this, make it your mission to find him or her.
2. Spend at least one night of your life falling asleep to, and waking up to, the ocean. Wherever that might be.
3. Next time you are on a plane, bus or train with a rambunctious toddler or fussy baby, try to make them smile. Just once.
4. Call one long-distance friend a week. Not email. PHONE. If you can't call, write a hand-written note.
5. Adopt a pet once in your life and give them a happy, loving home.
6. Say thank you to every bus driver or cabbie when you get off the bus/out of the cab.
7. Once a day, ask one clerk, be it barista or cashier, "How are you doing today?"
8. Have one dinner outside on a warm summer night with friends, wine, candles and great conversation.
9. Each time you talk to a family member or a close friend, say "I love you" at the end of the conversation. You never know if it might be the last time.
10. Every year, make one trip to a place you've never been or somewhere out of your comfort zone. This could be another U.S. city, a foreign country, or it could be based on accomodations: if you are a hotel person, go camping. Try it for perspective.

When Fish Fly

Got to enjoy the tasty, fresh seafood and hopping atmosphere is Flying Fish here in Seattle the other night. A dear friend who I haven't seen in 10 years was in town on business and I booked us at this spot I've been dying to try. Hubbie is not a seafood fan, so we never made it out to this Seattle hot spot in Belltown.

The place was funky, as per Belltown eatieries, but it had soul. There was a lively, but not too chaotic vibe and I could see making a weekly pilgrmage for Friday cocktails to this place if I lived closeby. Their funky and minimalist neon lettering outside is just the right touch for a place with such a warm but modern feel. Being a warm Seattle summer night, we opted to sit outside and it was well worth it.

The menu changes daily so you are always in for a treat. Mussels, Thai crab cakes and a lovely Ono were our calls for sharing. The mussels were a generous sharing portion, seasoned with Thai herbs and accompanied by a chili lime dipping sauce. My friend said the mussels were the best she's ever had - and this was after raving about the ones at Balthazar in NY.

The crab cakes came with citrus salad, shaved radish, and a lovely lemongrass mayonnaise. They were cooked to perfection - ever so crispy on the outside, and lush and smooth on the inside. The ono was a special and I can't recall exactly what it had in it, but suffice it to say it was a tasty blend of several flavors. The fish was so fresh and thick, a few bites actually filled us up.

I would highly recommend this joint if you are visiting or having friends visit. The service was amazing, the staff friendly and right on top of things. All in all, an enjoyable visit with a good friend who I hadn't seen in ages!