Must #1: Go Sailing

Ever sit down and think about activities you love but haven't done in years? Since graduating college and getting a 9-5 my aspirations for getting back into sailing (an activity that makes me giddy like a sixth grader) has turned into a far off dream. It wasn't until I wrote down activities for my "must list" that I challenged myself to get back into sailing and sign up for a Shields course. The first day of class was a little daunting since its been years since I sailed but eventually it all came back. I can't think of any other activity that makes you feel like King Triton (literally). The sun on your face, your hands feeling like they're gonna rip off as you hold tight to the lines in a tug of war with the wind, and hiking your body weight to the outside of the boat as it Keels(tip). To beginners the feeling of your boat tipping to one side is horrifying-to me, THRILLING. That's when the real fun begins as you jump on the edge of the boat to lean out as far as you can in hopes to even out without giving any slack to the main sheet. Is there anything more empowering and exciting than this? The only challenging part of sailing a Shields to me, is docking. I've never sailed anything higher than a 22 so a 30 was a little nerve racking. To give you an idea of the overall process here's the order. 1st put your boat into irons(making the boat completely useless) in the middle of the channel (As you're doing this dozen of boats are driving by and staring at you wondering what in the dickens you're trying to achieve). 2ND take down your main sheet(main sail). 3rd the 1st mate wraps the main sheet in a burrito and releases the helm lines as the captain holds the tiller. 3rd let the wind catch your jib and sail towards the slip. 4Th when your two boats away from the dock take down the jibe. 5Th lead boat into slip(No Sails). It sounds fairly easy when in actuality its complete chaos-to say the least you feel completely helpless. I'm hoping that with practice docking will eventually feel like second nature. This upcoming Saturday we're taking the boats into the ocean for some real fun! SWEET!! There's nothing like white caps crashing in your boat as you get blown to smithers by the wind and soaked with salt water. I love it! Thank goodness there's no such thing as calm in the ocean. Saturday can't come soon enough!

Must #24: 3rd Annual Kyle Simonson Golf Classic

Here's the story: Last year I was on the planning committee for the PARS 2nd Annual Kyle Simonson Golf Classic and my boss had informed me that I'd be the fill in if any golfer couldn't make it. I must of thought he was joking because I couldn't imagine who'd want me on their team since I'd never played before. Unfortunately, the next morning I got the call that I was needed to play. I threw such a tantrum because I was being told to do something that I had never had any interest in EVER doing. When I got to the course they had clubs waiting for me and I was sent on my way. I felt a bit foolish at the end of the day because I ended up having such a blast. My team finshed in 2nd place and I was stoked because I made par on one of the holes entirely by myself. This event was so much fun I pre committed to playing the following year. It's that time again! Last weekend I participated in the 3rd Annual Kyle Simonson Golf Classic and I had the best time ever! The only downfall- I played with clubs that were too short -which caused me to I swing and miss the ball more times than I'd like to admit. Side Note: I can't even explain the pain that comes with missing the ball oh lets say 100 times. I honestly didn't want to use my driver because I was afraid of the pain that occurs when you miss. A couple of my teammates had made the comment, "oh its too painful to watch (literally)"and "She's swinging out of her boots"-yet I kept getting the same comment on how great my form was and how I must have played before. My teammates this year were hilarious and extremely patient. They always let me putt first which I thought was because I was the only girl but the truth is because they wanted the worst player to go first. To their surprise I putted in 4 of the 6 holes we birdied. 18 holes later I was informed that my clubs were too short for me. My neck,back, and sides would have loved to have known that 4 hours earlier. Even with all the pain I experienced I'm officially addicted to golf and can't wait to play in the tournament next year.

Must #12: Help Someone Move

The second I heard that Erika was moving I knew I needed to be there. Let me start off by saying that Erika is one of the sweetest people alive. Everyday she has a huge smile on face and is beyond helpful. In California I've found that whenever somebody moves everyone is always too busy to help...expect Erika. She always offers to help and never expects anything in return. This last Saturday I offered my services and in true Lindsay form brought backup...Mo's son Dylan. The second we arrived we were in shock. How could 3 people who live in a 2 bedroom apt have so much stuff? That's when we all came up with theories of how in life you accumulate "things" but that having "things" tie you down. There's more to that tangent but I'd hate to put you to sleep. Anywho-the day was full of laughs, aches and dolly rides (I think I almost died a couple times). At the end of the day I drove Dylan home and luckily talked his Mom into leading me the twins for Sunday's (the next day) move with Frances. Yes you heard right- I offered my services both Saturday and Sunday to help move. I must be crazy. The next morning was a little less daunting but still full of challenges. The twins were a huge help and hilarious to say the least. The best was going downstairs for trash bags and returning to find the boys dancing and cleaning at the same time. I was lucky enough to get this on video and will be posting as soon as possible. Thanks again boys for putting up with my bossiness-we made a great team!