Category Archives: Holidays

Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions Which Have Already Likely Been Broken (according to no scientific research but my own imagination)

  • Stop eating junk food
  • Visit gym daily
  • Visit gym 3 times a week
  • Visit gym once a week
  • No more smoking
  • No more gossip
  • Meet neighbors
  • Be involved in child’s school
  • Volunteer time for good cause
  • Call mother once a week
  • Read a new book every month
  • Finish project X
  • Organize garage / attic / basement
  • File taxes early
  • Leave work on time every day
  • Leave work on time at least once a week
  • Leave work on time once in a while
  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Start Christmas savings fund

Birthday Party Themes for Your Teenage Son

  • Laser tag / Paint ball
  • Hometown Treasure Hunt  – one responsible driver per group, clues take teams to locations important to your son’s life
  • Amazing Race – similar to the treasure hunt but to landmarks in your area
  • Tailgate party – grilling from the bed of a truck, parking lot football, coolers full of soda
  • Camping / Hiking trip
  • Pool Party/ Beach party & cookout
  • Racing theme with a trip to the GoKarts
  • World’s Most Interesting Teenager – make the meme your own
  • Redneck / Manly Man games – log throws, target practice, crushing soda cans
  • Dapper Dan – dress nice, fancy dinner, moustache photo props, (provide tips to fine dining)
  • Movie Marathon – all night viewing of LOTR, Star Wars series, etc.
  • Spy Games – strategy games in teams
  • Bonfire night
  • Ski trip / Snow party & hot beverages at the lodge
My son’s Golden Birthday (19 on the 19th) — Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket theme. Golden tickets gave clues to places around town. Winning team got most creative pix at each location.

 

 

Goals for a New Year

  • Regular exercise program
  • Receive YSLI Trainer Certification
  • Team Wendy Fundraisers – February, April, Summer, Fall
  • Self Publish book before spring (Pen name:  Katelyn Bradley)
  • Begin process for new work related certification (either Team Leader or LGI Trainer)
  • Use my passport

 

2013 Memories (Which is to say “Memories of 2013”, because all of us would get bored if I tried to come up with more than 2000 memories of anything.)

  • January ice skating for the first time in more than 20 years
  • March – Team Wendy trivia night / Dawetselbee Reunion
  • April – moving day … new job, new apartment
  • April – Caleb’s 20th birthday!
  • May – settling in to my new home
  • June – Six Flags for my birthday with Caleb & Sam
  • July 4th weekend in South Carolina /beach trip to Charleston
  • August – Dawetselbee Reunion
  • August – LeClaire, Ia Tug Fest festival with Dawetselbee clan
  • August – White Sox game at Comiskey Park
  • September – Labor Day weekend in Arkansas / celebrating Mom’s birthday
  • September – successful kickoff to HomeSchool Swim Lessons at the Kishwaukee Y
  • September – excellent fundraiser /trivia night for Team Wendy
  • October – visit / booktour with Alaskan Pioneer
  • October- Team Wendy fundraiser / Murder Mystery Dinner
  • November- Thanksgiving in Arkansas
  • November- buying my Equinox – first time I’ve made a decision like that for myself!
  • December- two day Christmas party / Chicago & Christkindlmarket
  • December- surprising my family for Christmas

Things I Love About Vacations

  1. Naps
  2. Not setting an alarm
  3. Visiting loved ones
  4. Trying new restaurants
  5. Guilt-free relaxation
  6. Getting to know people better
  7. Warm air
  8. Fun activities
  9. The process of travel