steps in the 7's

Ever since I answered that Seven Sevens meme, I've been pondering my answer to the "Seven things I want to do before I die" question. I'm keenly aware that I'm fast approaching senior citizen status (I'm on the wrong side of 50, so denial isn't an option!), and if there is something I really want to do, sooner than later might be good advice to myself.

So yesterday, I ordered an Italian language course (answer #4 was to learn a foreign language). I debated over Italian, Spanish, French, or Swedish. Swedish because my great grandparents (my maternal grandfather's parents) came from Sweden, and I hope to travel there someday. Spanish because there would be more opportunity for me to utilize Spanish as a second language since we have a large Spanish-speaking population in SW Idaho. French because it simply sounds pretty. But ultimately I chose Italian. Maybe someday I'll take a tour to romantic Tuscany (a la Under the Tuscan Sun) and Florence and Rome.

Answer #1 on that Seven Sevens meme was about travel, so I priced the cost of a guided tour to England and Ireland which are also the lands of my ancestors. This trip would/will be first on my list, before Italy or Sweden. It's time to set a travel date, at least an "ideal, hoped for" travel date, and start saving for it. I don't know if it will ever happen, but aspiring to something is part of what life is about, IMHO. I read something recently that said, "To be happy we need someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." Of course, I believe to be truly happy, we also need faith in God, but I wouldn't quibble with the quote. It does make me happy to think about doing some fun traveling.

On Thursday I spent several hours planning out my writing calendar for the next several years, per my existing publishing contracts. I always plan for travel to CBA and RWA in the month of July. But I'm thinking I could sacrifice those conference trips (and expenses) one year for a trip overseas.

I let my passport expire a couple of years back. It had three stamps in it, two trips to Japan and one to British Columbia. So yesterday, still in anticipation of taking that trip to fulfill answer #1, I pulled a copy of the passport renewal application off the Internet, filled it out, went to AAA and got my passport photo taken (it is awful!!!). Today, I'm attaching my $67 check and mailing it off. Then I'll be prepared to go whenever the spirit moves me.

-rlh-

Comments

[Katy Raymond]

This is so GREAT! Doug and I are saving for our next trip to Ireland/Scotland. We went in 2000, and can't wait to get back. One thing about the old country: it's not exactly handicapped-accessible. Not that we're handicapped--but every public restroom seems to be up an entire flight of steps. I say do Europe while you're young enough to enjoy it. The longer you wait, the less fun it will ultimately be. Good for you, Robin!!

[Deb Raney]

This is SO wise, Robin! Very few things get done unless we set goals and make plans. The things you've set your sites on were all things that were on my list of 7 things to do before I die, too. I choose French because I studied it for 3 years in high school and feel I have a bit of a head start on it. I DO have my passport with 7 or 8 years before it expires, but I have NO stamps in it. I got it for a cruise we took a couple years ago but they never stamped it at any port of call. I was disappointed! : )

Thanks for setting the example. I'm going to buy a French language book or tape with my Christmas money. : )

Right now I'm sitting in the airport waiting to board for another of my "things to do before I die"--visit my very first newborn grandbaby!

[rose mccauley]

Dear Robin, I love to travel. My DH says we compromise by traveling more than he wants to and less than I want to! I had to get my passport renewed this past year before we went to Costa Rica, so I'm good to go for 9 1/2 more years. My daughters and i did a 10 day whirlwind tour of 8 countries in Europe several years ago and it whetted my appetite to go back again someday. My ancestors are Englisn and my DH's are Scotch Irish so that sounds like a wonderful tour. Hope you make it soon! rose

[Paul N.]

My First Wife and I just got our first passport. We're going to Israel and Rome during the month of March. Yee-haw!