Priscilla

SAFARI!!! What a great answer! My friend, Priscilla, certainly loves adventure, so a safari would be very fitting for her. Her first answer was actually the same as Kayley's (my second entry). I asked if she had another idea and safari was the next thing she said. How exciting would a safari be? It's one of those things that you might pretend to play as a child, or maybe stumble upon while watching tv, but never really thing of actually doing.

But, why not?

Just the chance to go to Africa, let alone experience one of its top ten safari destinations, like the ones listed at http://tinyurl.com/dksrgj, would be once in a lifetime. I've always dreamed of going to Africa, but it's something that many of us just can't vision. But, why not at least look around, and see what's out there? Like this one I found at http://tinyurl.com/cccnez

Good luck, Priscilla...I hope one day you and Butter can take the kids on an African safari!


Happy Living,
Morgan

Jason

What is really important in life? I guess that depends on the person. That's one of the reasons to ask the question, "what would you do before you go?" To find out what really means the most. When I asked my friend, Jason, he said that he would want to be able to spend time with the people he's had in his entire life that have meant the most to him. To have a chance (and time) to see everyone

Society is making it easier, with things like Facebook, Myspace, and other social networks on the internet. But, to be able to have a cup of coffee with someone and give them a hug will always mean way more than a wall post, or email. These tools are great for keepingn in touch and finding people, but lets challenge ourselves to take the next step. Call up an old friend, or family memeber you haven't talked to in a while. Have a conversation! Go for a walk together...anything. If you're long distance, just the act of calling them will let them know you were thinking of them.

You may never be able to see everyone that has made an impact on your life, but I guartentee trying to could be worth it...and probably a lot of fun. Thank you, Jase, for the great answer.

Happy Living,
Morgan

Don (My Dad)

My dad has a plan for when he turns 50. He wants to go skydiving. One of the most common responses to "what is something you would like to so before you kick it?", is skydiving. People say it all the time, but my dad has been wanting to take us all for a big family-style skydiving extravaganza, so I wanted to make skydiving his post. The only problem is I have a weird relationship with heights. Just writing this, I'm getting nervous.

The funny thing is I LOVE roller coasters. I mean, the bigger the better. The higher the crazier....I love them. So, you would think that I could handle the skydiving. But, I am having real issues with this one.

When I tell my dad, he says that it's alright if I just want to watch. But, I know that he really wants us all to do it together. And, my dad has been my hero in life, so I know that I will do it, and probably love it. They will just have to push me out of the plane.
(this may be us soon!)
Check this out and watch the coaster videos so you can get an idea of what it would be like to ride them...and if you ever get the chance to go to Cedar Point definitely take it!
http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/rides/coasters/index.cfm


Happy Living,
Morgan
Millennium Force
Top Thrill Dragster(goes from 0 to 120 in 4 seconds and climbs to 420 feet, then spirals you downward in at 270 degrees...it was as crazy as it sounds!)

Mary (my Mom)

Okay....it's time to talk about the parents. First, my mom, Mary. I have to say I've been truly blessed with my parents. My mom is a professional homemaker and she has devoted her live to raising me and my brothers and sisters. This being said, I was thinking about what would be something special that she's never done that would be a great experience for her.(Kyle, Bryan, me, Mom, Lauren...Josie's the dog)

One thing that my mom has always loved is movie and the theater. When she was growing up, my grandfather, Buddy, used to take her to the movies and to local theater productions all the time. My mom was also very involved with her school theater, and even directed a few productions.

Mom has been a big traveler throughout her life, but one thing she has never done is go to see a show on Broadway. So my "before I kick it" for Mary is to take her one day. I got the chance to go to New York City for the first time a few years ago, and while i was there I got to see Legally Blond The Musical. First of all, Manhattan itself is something to see, and to walk down Broadway is something everyone has to do in their life. The show was amazing, and I can't wait to take my mom. Because, if nothing else, she deserves it!
(In NYC right before Legally Blond!)
Happy Living,
Morgan

Stacey

Speed has always been adrenaline rushing, risky and dangerous. All these things usually add up to fun, once in a life time experiences. My cousin, Stacey, has revealed that she's always wanted to drive and/or ride in a race car around a track, like Daytona. She also would like to one day own a motorcycle and get her motorcycle license. She said her husband thinks that she'd probably kill herself.

This got me thinking about women in the professional world of motor sports. How many people told them that they would probably kill themselves the first time they expressed and interest in doing something a little dangerous? Here's a link to some of the top female race car drivers:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0703/gallery.top.women.drivers/content.1.html


So, to Stacey, if you want to take the time to learn how to drive a motorcycle or a fast car around a race track, you should! There are no rules that say you can't handle it, and you only live once, right?

Happy Living,
Morgan

Lauren

My sister, Lauren, has always been what you call an over-achiever. She's always been exceptionally smart, without having to lock herself in her room to study every hour of her life. (even though she has spent many hours with her nose in a book studying) She's attending the University of Wisconsin, where she has tons of friends, is in a sorority, was just promoted to assistant manager at her job, and so on. She's pushed her self to achieve her goals, and I'm sure she's not going to stop any time soon. She plans to go to law school next, but she's decided to do thinks a little differently before she graduates. She's that during her senior year (next year) she is going to do an internship abroad in Kenya. She'll be traveling with a program specifically for students at the University of Wisconsin:www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/programs/program.asp?program_id=81&country=Kenya&city=Nairobi&title=

After that Lauren will be graduating with three majors: political science, legal studies, and sociology. Next, she'll be going on to law school. She says that she wants to have a family, be happy and make a difference for people who can't fight for their rights.

Lauren's ambition has always made me so proud and I hope that she gets to experience her latest dream and help so many deserving people in Africa.

Happy Living,
Morgan
Morgan

Erin

I have to say that I am a very lucky person when it comes to my friends. I know many people say this, but I don't know if everyone has been lucky enough to have been best friends with someone for almost fifteen years. I have.

I met Erin early on in high school, but we didn't realize that we had so much in common until our junior year. We were basically inseparable, and to this day, I think we've only had one fight. (which was so stupid that we laugh about it now)

When I had to leave after high school, because my family was moving, we vowed to be best friends forever. So far, we have.

Which is amazing, considering that since high school I have moved from Cincinnati, to Maine, Chicago, Denver, back to Maine, Florida and once again, back to Maine. Erin has visited me every time I have moved.

We have a talent of turning any dull situation in to a crazy, gut-busting, laugh til you cry, memory. I could start a blog based on our adventures together.

But, this is "Before I Kick It," so let's see what Erin said.

Being an adventourous soul, Erin said that she would want to travel back in time to the wild, wild west era.

Of course, we can't actually travel in time, and see first hand the days of Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp, but we can pretend!

What I mean is, we could create our own adventures in the new wild west one day. Erin kind of already has.

Her family loves to ride Harley's and last summer they went on a road trip from Loveland, Ohio, to Sturgis, South Dakota, for their annual motorcycle rally.

So, to Erin, it seems that she's already been to the wild west. I think that I will have to revisit my best friend and see what else she would love to do.

Until then, here are some pictures from her trip out west.





Happy Living,
Morgan

Bryan

(Lauren and Bryan)
Ah, to be a rock star. It would be such an amazing life. I'm sure just about everyone has fantasized about being on stage every night in front of an adoring audience of thousands of fans. It would be great. To be rich and famous and inspiring to so many people would be unbelievable.

The reality of being a rock star, though, is that it's meant for people who are actually talented at making music. I know that sometimes, mistakes are made, and people are recognized as "talented musicians." I won't name any names, but we know who they are.

For those who deserve it, though, it is something to dream about. Which brings me to my brother, Bryan.

Bryan is 17, and has been playing the guitar for many years now. Like some kids who play sports, Bryan plays the guitar. He takes weekly lessons, logs hours upon hours of practice each week, writes his own music, and when the opportunity presents itself, he performs in front of an audience.

I have been to each performance, video camera in hand, as an adoring fan at his shows. He's not in a formal band, but for school talent shows he's put together other friends who will join him in showcasing their talents in front of the student body.

Last year, Bryan got the opportunity to perform with his guitar teacher's band during their student showcase. Bry loved it. He said that he really couldn't see anyone in the audience because of the lighting, but that it was so amazing to perform in front of so many people, along side an established local band.

The one thing that Bry wants to do before he kicks it is perform with a famous rock band. Some of his favorite are the Foo Fighters and The Mars Volta.

Personally, I already think he is a bit of a rock star, and before I kick it, I'd like to see him perform with his own band.

Here's a link to Bryan and his buddy Matt... they decided to do this for a school project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhO-oLC6WE

(Bryan's on the left)

And here's a link to watch one of his favorites

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFLt50haNL8

Happy Living,

Morgan

Jerry

Answers to the question, "what is something you have always wanted to do before you die?" are usally follwed by an, "um, let me think. "  Not with Jerry.  And I'm not surprised.  One of the reasons I asked him was because I knew that he would have one of those crazy answers you never saw coming, because he's already thought about it.

Have you ever seen that awesome statue in Brazil of Jesus?  It's actually called the statue of Christ the Redeemer.  It's located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the top of Corcovado Mountain.  

It's extremely impressive in pictures, and videos I've seen, so I can't even imagine what it would be like to witness in person.  It's one of those things I've seen, but never made a personal goal to see.

Jerry has, though.

I really hope that he gets to travel to Brazil one day and see this statue, which some have even called one of the "new" wonders of the world.  

For a little more info try http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/country/brazil/jesus-statue.html

So, my advice to everyone is to really think about the question, and have a couple of answers.  

And the next time you see something really amazing, make it a personal goal to see one day, like Jerry.  I may even have to ask him this question agin, down the line, because I can bet that he has more answers.

Happy Living,

Morgan

Stephanie

How cool would it be if you had all the time in the world to explore all that there is to offer? If you could hop in an RV and roam around all of the Earth's continents. I think it would be amazing, and so does one of my favorite friends, Stephanie. Her "before I go" pick is to be able to travel around the world and see where it takes her. To have no real plan, just an RV with the essential, and probably a couple of friends, and see what's out there. Excellent answer, Steph!

I've met her wonderful parents, who spend their summers on the beautiful waters in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, aboard their sweet boat. I've also had the privilege to hang out with them there and can see why they made the choice to learn how to navigate the waters of Maine. The freedom and feeling on the ocean is so exhilarating, and I could see Steph doing the same around the world. Her water would be the world, and her ship her RV, sailing on the waves of the ULTIMATE road trip.

I truly hope that one day Steph can gas up her vessel, batten down the hatches, and become the captain of what would be an incredible adventure of a lifetime.

Happy Living, Morgan

Kyle

Since he was about eight years old, my brother, Kyle, has loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. Needless to say, he was very happy with the outcome of the Super Bowl. (In case you missed it, the Steelers won)

Sports are a very important part of his life, so I wasn't surprised when his pick was to go to a game in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a very big following, and he's met many fans throughout his life. He has never lived in Pittsburgh, though, and there is something to say for being in the town of your team. We are both diehard Red Sox fans, and have been to games at Fenway before. Being there at the game feels like all the fans are one big family together, cheering their team on. Kyle's never lived in Pittsburgh, and I hope one day he gets to stand up and swing his "terrible towel" around with all the other fans at Heinz Field.

Knowing Kyle, he will.




Happy Living, Morgan

Jessica

Like my friend, Jessica, I wasn't born in the same town I grew up in. Actually, I have moved about 15 times throughout my life. I've been back in my hometown for the last four years, but I got a chance to experience so many different towns and lifestyles across the United States. Same with Jessica, who was born in California, spent her younger childhood in Arkansas,
and ended up here in Maine. This is why I can relate to what she wants to do before she kicks it. Simply to travel around the world. It may sound very basic, but I understand what she means to want to see outside our great country. We've both seen quite a bit here, that instead of being scared, or intimidated by foreign countries, it's like an exciting, thrilling adventure to see and experience other cultures and far way places. Reading and watching on television about these places aren't enough; we've always dreamed of actually being apart of it. I loved Jessica's answer, and hope that one day she'll be able to show me pictures and tell me stories about her travels. Who knows, maybe we'll go to some of these places together!

Jessica's Top Five Destinations

1. Ireland



2. Scotland


3. Greece

4. Italy

5. England


Happy Living, Morgan

Kayley

One of my best friend's is obsessed with aquatic life. I think it's so cool, and what she's already done is truly amazing. Did you know that there's a part of a lobster trap called the "kitchen?" I only know this because my friend, Kayley, is pretty experienced in the world of lobster fishing.

She never misses "Shark Week" or "Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel and Jaws is her favorite movie of all time.

Her mother even sent her a sympathy card when Roy Schieder died. (Police Chief Brody in Jaws)

So, when I asked her what was on her top list of things to do before she kicks it, I shouldn't have been surprised with her answer. It's one of the craziest things I've ever heard of, and will probably be one of, if not the, most creative answer I get.

Kayley said that she's always wanted to go to Port Lincoln in Southern Australia to take part in a Great White Shark Cage Diving Expedition.

I told her she was crazy, especially when I saw pictures of what takes place. It would definitely be a once in a lifetime experience. I truly hope one day that she gets to experience her dream of swimming with the sharks.

Happy Living, Morgan

Pleased to meet you!

Life is crazy. It goes by so fast. It never ceases to amaze me when the calender lands on a holiday or birthday, and forces me to take note at the passage of time in my life. In my 28 years, I have had many unexpected turns down this road called life. That's what has made it so great. I'm not saying that everyday is happy and blissful and adventure filled. I've had more than my fair share of bad days. My great experiences and the people I've met along the way are what make it all worth it.

One thing that I always promised myself I would do in my lifetime is getting my bachelor's degree. I didn't take the conventional route after high school, like going to college, but conventional has never really been my style. Now, I'm a "non-traditional" student, but I'm almost halfway to my graduation day goal. It's been a lot of work and commitment, but I know when they call my name to accept my degree, it will have been all worth it.
I wonder what other people have on their "bucket-lists". What are things people want to do before they inevitably kick it?

(You know, the bucket)

None of us know when it will happen, but maybe we should start thinking of things we would love to do before we die. This will be an interesting topic to explore!

Happy Living, Morgan