As a teacher, I still measure life using the academic calendar. Every August brings a new beginning and June a new ending with July serving as a temporary hiatus from reality. The 2010-2011 school year marks my fifth year in Las Vegas. Over the past four years, living in Nevada has evoked emotions ranging from disgust to rage to indifference to tepid acceptance. Everyone is well aware that according to the "original plan," I should have been out of here two years ago. Combine a slumping economy and the incestuous hiring practices employed by many Minnesota school districts and you will understand the reason I am still hiding in Las Vegas. I have decided that maybe, just maybe it might be time to embrace my adopted home for what it is and find reasons to love it. For this reason, I have developed my Las Vegas "Bucket List" for the 2010-2011 school year.
1. Have my picture taken at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign.
2. See a show or two or seven. "Zumanity," "LeReve," and "The Lion King" top the list.
3. Become a homeowner or at the very least begin renting my own place again.
4. Host a sophisticated adult cocktail party at my new place.
5. Spend a night at a NICE property on the strip. (Imperial Palace, you need not apply.)
6. Run a 5K. (October 9 is the plan)
7. Go to dinner at a NICE restaurant at a strip property.
8. Fit into a pair of size 32 jeans.
9. Go to a pool party and not frighten people if I remove my shirt.
10. Weigh less than 200 pounds for the first time in my adult life.
11. Lay the groundwork to start my masters.
Wish me luck!
That sounds like a great list! Good luck and let me know when your fancy cocktail party is!
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