If you can Dream it Friday

As I was blog hopping last night, I noticed that everyone seems to have such fabulous lives. All sorts of people are traveling around the world. I love to travel...or at least I used to. And then---came my 2 crazy yahoos. Traveling with them isn't exactly what I would call--"fun". So, I started thinking about all the crazy places I've been. Here's a walk down memory lane in a little place called ChungHua, Taiwan!

About 7 years ago, I taught English in Taiwan to little itty bitty Taiwanese kids. Loot at that sea of black hair! If you ever want to know what it feels like to be in the minority---go to an Asian country. Sometime the only white person that we saw was ourselves in a mirror. You know you've been there too long when YOU even stop to look at a rare white person. If it looks crazy, that's because it was. We worked nearly every day for VERY long, tiring hours. (Total preparation for being a mom). You can tell by the dark circles under our eyes. But those kids were worth every minute. Hilarious! Oh good times, good---times.

Here are a few of my roomies on two very RARE but separate vacations in Kenting. (I definitely need a new bathing suit). Rach is a familiar face! Wish I knew where everyone was now. Which brings me to my "dream it Friday"....

Some of these little bitty people were 3 years old when I knew them. Like I said, THAT was 6 years ago. Can you imagine how old these little people are NOW? I can only dream what their lives are like now...ShellyShan, Hansel, Euen, Tiffany, Jake, Jack, JoAnna...I've forgotten so many names. Help me out Rach!

So I say "thank you" to all you itty bitty Taiwanese kids because while living my dream so many years ago, each of you prepared me for living my DAY to DAY dream NOW.

These 2 are my dream come true!

If you can dream it Friday

On Monday, I mentioned that Farmboy & I braved the Parade of Homes with our 2 little ones. Well, here's the house that made it all worth it:

I know, it doesn't look like much--but why don't we take a peek inside.

This house has:
A giant copper water fall in the front entryway. It extends from the top of the stairs all the way to the basement.

A club house & indoor basketball court & of course one of these:

Yes, an indoor football field. (You can't see the several TV's on each side of the field)

Now this bathroom may not seem that cool to you, but I LOVED it. Complete with changing room for heading out to the....

Pool (multi-level)

and of I'll take one of these as well: You guessed it, A water slide!

Not to worry, if you don't want to go for a swim in one of the three pools, then just lounge around out here & keep an eye on your youngsters:

This is a covered patio (I think)-complete with fireplace, tv, mini-bar...

Or if you'd rather do a big of crafting on the side: While the kids play in this glow in the dark tunnel under the staircase.
Or perhaps you're rather watch the game...or 3 different games in this sport center (complete with full kitchen)

Pretty sure this is where I'd find my 2 men...

I don't think I'd mind spending time cleaning this bathroom: All copper baby!

It would be a pleasure to do a bit of laundry in a room like this.


Or maybe I'd like to just take a nap in this room:


Well, I've just showed you some highlights here. I didn't even show you the bedrooms, kitchen, wine celler, office, front room, game room, school room, or DANCE room. I think that there was a TV in every CORNER of that house! Pretty sickening if you ask me.


Oh, I almost forgot...this house has copper everything...even the outside. And the wood throughout looks like this:

And the price....well, pennies! only $4.2 million. Grab it while you can.

If you can dream it Friday

I know that it's been a while since I've done a "Dream it Friday"... I guess I don't have nearly as many dreams as I thought. But here's one. I've never been much of an outdoorsy person, but I've always wanted to be. I love to be in the moutains & camping. Perhaps it's all those awesome Girl's Camp memories. Most of all I love all the food you get to eat when you are camping. Like SMORES! But let's face it, I hate the preparation & clean-up involved. And now that I have kids, it's quite a hassel.

Tomorrow morning, we are headed to Colorado to visit some very cool people (I'm so glad that Graffiti decided to comment...). We are planning a day visit to Estes Park. Trying to live the dream.

If you can dream it "Friday"

I found this cool playground set & started dreaming about what kind of backyard I'd love to have SOMEDAY! I grew up with a big backyard & someday I'd like to have one just as big. Ah...someday. Love the tire swing.

If you can dream it "Friday"

On my way home from Italy (mission), I met a man who inspired me. As we talked, he suggested that I make a list of all the things that I wanted to do in my life--no matter how simple or ridiculous. I never forgot that conversation, and that's exactly what I did. I made my list:

1. See Jerusalem
2. Visit Ireland
3. Visit Australia--Dec. 2001
4. See Napoli and Pompe--July 2000
5. Get married in the Temple--April 9, 2004
6. Make a CD with R-D
7. Learn to Snowboard--Jan 15, 2001
8. Learn to play the guitar/piano
9. Work in China/ Taiwan--Aug 30, 2001
10. Learn to fly a plane
11. Make a hopechest--Dec. 2000
12. Grow Tulips--Spring 2005
13. Live near Aunt CC--Dec 2006
14. Ride a Camel
15. Throw baby shower for Tina Sparkle--Jan 2006

What turned into a few things is now 4 pages long (well over 100 things). As I complete them I make a check mark and put the date. I'll never forget that man on that plane. I'll never forget how I felt like I could do ANYTHING in life.

This Friday, I'm dreaming of #8. A few days ago, I started (again) taking piano lessons from Nonna. So far, I've practiced everyday! Not bad for a mamma of 2. Thanks for Nonna for never giving up on me.

If you can dream it "Friday"

Sometimes, I simply dream of organization. I don't know where I found this "dream office space"--and it may seem like something small to dream ---but, if you saw the corner that currently houses our computer junk, you'd understand. Of course, I do realize that having a shelf that low to ground is very kid inappropriate. What we really need is a shelf so high up that you'd have to be sitting on a bar stool or a ladder to reach. Who would have ever thought that I'd have a child that's considered "tall"...