My Bucket list isn’t very long. At this stage, it’s not even on paper. But one thing that’s certainly on the top of my unwritten ‘list’ is to be on a game show. I’m determined to keep trying until my luck becomes lucky.

To follow this (ridiculous) dream, I fill out all sorts of applications. If it requires a partner, I convince the closest (as in proximity) friend into applying with me. I do random things like go to the Post Office at 3 in the morning to mail my (Survivor) application packets to ensure on-time delivery. I harass my sister and mother into editing my applications. Poor family…they have to endure my insanity. I drag my husband all over tarnation to help me accomplish this goal. Poor Michael…he gets the brunt of all my silly dreams.

Saturday was no exception. My family woke up in decent time and traveled two hours north to track down the WHEELMOBILE (Wheel of Fortune’s audition bus). Sadly, Saturday was not my lucky day. But one day, it will be!

The line was hundreds of people long. But once you get in the actual audition show, everyone has the same chances of winning because it’s a random drawing to pick the speed round contestants/applicants. Sadly, I did not get picked. Though I was definitely disappointed, people watching was definitely at its prime! Talking to strangers definitely proved to be a invaluable education. I now am more knowledgeable than ever about gambling, grumbling, photography, Sketcher’s Shape-Ups, dreadlocks, lottery winners, and the techniques of annoying others.

I went to take pictures with my camera, and had forgotten the camera card! So, my backup camera phone pictures will have to do!

A special thanks to my husband for allowing me to keep chasing after my goofy dreams! Hat’s off to my cheering section, seen here:

I’ll keep trying, and when my luck is lucky I’ll let you know!

Last month, we had the opportunity to travel to visit my grandparents in Arizona. To avoid additional baggage fees, we somehow managed to check only one bag. Yes, we’re cheap like that. Granted, we had a stroller, car seat & two carry-ons. But thankfully, those were free!

Besides taking FOREVER in security because they had to test each of the baby food jars (and somehow setting off a chemical alarm???), we managed relatively hassle-free. One thing I would probably not suggest is to attempt a red-eye flight with a ten-month old infant. Were I rich, I wouldn’t have considered it. But the fact that it cut the airplane cost by a few hundred dollars, the red-eye flight was chosen. It was exhausting, yes. But we made it without crazy problems, and I’m really grateful that all worked out so well.

(Pierson’s face shows what he thinks of the ‘ole red-eye flight. This picture was taken at the Detroit Airport.)

I found an infant trip packing list online and it really helped me, so I’m listing it on my blog for my future reference. Maybe it will help you too. They are all fairly obvious, but having it all listed in one place is half my battle! Otherwise, I can get overwhelmed when starting to pack.

Packing list for infant:

• Diapers (and changing pad-if necessary)
• Blankets
• Plastic Bags (Please click link to see my favorite baby accessory. Especially since I cloth diaper! Thanks, Munchkin!)
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Disposable baby washcloths with baby wash
• Tissues
• Burp Rags (multi-functional)
• Pacifiers
• Toys
• Clothes, socks, shoes
• Sun hat/swimsuit
• bibs (My favorite bib for travelling and for Pierson’s current stage, because you just run it under the sink and reuse! No washing machine needed!)
• spoon/ baby food/plastic bowls
• sippy cup/water (formula & bottles if needed)
• snacks for parents
• nightlight (I would have never thought to bring this, but it was invaluable when at my grandparents home!)
• fingernail clippers/baby tylenol
• pack-n-play
• front carrier
• car seat
• stroller

With all those dumb extra fees these days, this certainly helped me to stick with the essentials & avoid more luggage than necessary! Happy & safe travels!

We are having a blast this weekend in Nashville at the Opryland Hotel.  There’s something about staying in an upscale hotel that just makes one feel… well, rich.  I love crawling into a bed with sheets that you don’t have to wash, towels that can be chucked on the floor, and any place where a messy room is permissible.  It’s fun being able to splurge every now and then and enjoy some of the finer things in life.

Today and tomorrow, I’m enjoying learning at a conference for blogging.  Though I’m nobody in the blogging world and fully recognize how measly I compare with other bloggers here, it sure has been fun and a great learning opportunity.  I tell people I’ve met that I’m just a podunk blogger–just little ole’ me in this giant blog world.  While I’ve been listening to speakers like this guy, musicians like this guy and Food Network hosts like this guy,

Here’s what MY little guy has been doing…

…checking out waterfalls…

“reading…”

swimming…

Loving on his momma…

I could sure get used to this luxurious life. But then, I come back to dinner in the hotel room and I’m reminded of our reality!

Even when we’re living large, we still try to find ways to cut corners.  We’re living on less today, so tomorrow there will be more!!! And that truly is just the way I love it!

***Huge thanks and props to Michael for making it all possible!***