Background: I turn 40 in December, and one of the random items on my bucket list (thanks to the silliness of my bro-in-law!) is to create a pyramid scheme. I originally planned on skipping this task because pyramid schemes (and MLMs) make me feel a little yucky — promising incredible wealth with minimal effort while most people involved end up in financial strain. SO I’m switching things up and creating a positive pyramid scheme — one that is focused solely on generosity. In fact, I promise you will lose money ($1) by joining this pyramid scheme. But your generosity will allow non-profits in our community to care for and support the people around you, and that’s a win for everyone.

Okay, friends, it’s been a few months since I shared my 40th birthday bucket list, and boy-oh-boy do I have lots to tell you.
First of all, surprise, I’m pregnant. And trust me when I say SURPRISE!

To catch you up to speed, I have a birthday bucket list to complete before I turn 40 next December. There are 10 randomly selected items on the list, and I have one year to accomplish at least 6 of them.
Without further ado, here’s my 40th birthday bucket list.

I turn 40 next year, a reality that absolutely cannot be true. But my family has a tradition for the year prior to a milestone birthday. We create a bucket list of tasks and adventures to accomplish before the big birthday.

Our shoulders were bouncing up and down as we held our breath to keep from laughing. I dug my fingernails into my hands, furrowed my brow, and did not dare to even glance in her direction. Just the thought of her holding in the same laughter I was stifling was enough to send me over the edge. It felt like a full-on workout to keep myself from laughing.

We all have a story…or lots of stories that swim around in our brains, waiting to be told. Here are a few of mine—they’re embarrassing, ridiculous, and a little awkward.

For this month’s post, I’m resurrecting an old poem of mine for the sake of spring. I hope you enjoy it.

I’m sure I’ve listened to more than a thousand sermons in my lifetime. But it’s not often I can remember a direct quote from any of them in particular.

I do, however, remember one from Mark Driscoll, “The Cussing Pastor.”

One of my college professors let it slip during class that she was sleeping with the superintendent of a nearby school district. Scandalous, I know.
But…