An Item on the "Bucket List"

A few years ago, I had a list taped to the inside of a linen cupboard. My "Things To Do Before I Die" dreams. Many small. Some big. Like going kayaking, which I did for the first, and so far only time, in Kailea in Oahu in 2008. That was bigger than it sounds as it was not still water, but wave adjacent. When I told the young, buff instructor (I was probably the oldest of the group, everyone else being no more than 30 and me in my early 50s) standing by kayak as waves came in I wasn't sure about doing it, he said, at first, "You can do it!"  I added, "So, you think it's safe?"  "Well, it IS the ocean!"  I did it. I may have been a bit slower than the rest, but I made the whole circle from shore, to bird sanctuary island the size of a postage stamp, to the other shore with magnificant houses (I am thinking that is the area Mr. Obama stays in when he is on vacation) and back. I was lobster red (another story), but I did it. Then there was the time I decided I wanted to ride a Segway. That was on the list.  I went down to the Santa Monica store, paid my 50 or more dollars for an hour, got brief instructions on how to maneuver (except for turning right and left, which is on your handlebar, you use your body to go foward and back, and to stop) and off I went, on a bit more of a tour of the area than the bike path with our "instructor". It was surprisingly exhilarating, including the fact that as you go downhill, the machinery stays straight, along with your body guiding it. 

I am not sure what happened to my actual list. I need to re-do it, and among the things I want to put on (aside from travelling to various locales) and had on it, was taking acting or voiceover lessons. And, courtesy of my enforced freedom, I decided to go for that one. It is not only that people have told me that I have a good voice, although they have, and that I read cold well, although I do, but I feel that my voice is a true gift, and I like to exercise it, and stretch it.  What better way than to learn a craft with it.  And would it not be nice if I could use it professionally, just a little bit? Yes, it would.  It's not like anything I try HAS to be some kind of professional job, because, well, been there, done that, and nothing lasts anyway, no matter how invested you are, and how long you do it, but if it happened--gravy on the old mashed potatoes don't you know. . . .

So off I go to voice over class very soon!  I am a hyphenate. Lawyer-Voice Over Specialist and Public Speaker.

I have said I'd like to go parasailing and also take a helicopter ride (both slightly iffy given my fear of heights), but for now, I'm starting small.  I'll keep you posted!