2013 Bucket List - #34 Go Snorkeling

Ummm, yes! No need to rub your eyes, to adjust your screen or even refresh this page. The task above is indeed correct. Yours truly accomplished this task while in the great island of Barbados, and quite honestly, it was something I didn't see coming either.

After all, lets just get to the obvious statement in the air right now - I can't swim. I suck at it. I'm terrible. And to be honest, if you threw me in the ocean, I'd probably just start getting ready to meet Jesus. My swimming ability is about a 5 out of a 100. Although, I'd like to believe I have a great excuse - while many kids were learning at a young age or even during their early teen years to swim, I was still dealing with post surgery effects on my left leg. So, the issue was never in the cards.

But with all of that said, by way of the wonderful fellas that work at Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises in Barbados, I was able to go out in the Caribbean Sea and snorkel, courtesy of my trusty life vest. Ahhhhhhh, God bless the person that invented the life vest! What a wonderful, wonderful device. So as I paraded around the waters with the only object separating me from death (literally) around my body, I was able to use my limited swimming skills sans left leg (pretty much a one finned style) to see turtles and a cool shipwreck.

I know, I know...looks more sports bra than life vest

Growing my confidence (and somewhat, my damaged ego), I wasn't the only survival-ill-equipped person on board, as some others struggled and declined to enter the waters again at the ship wreck site.

I'll hang my hat on that...at least I showed up and tried. And that's hardest part in life, right?

Either way, I snorkeled. Yes, with mask, snorkel, and of course, my new best friend...the life vest.

Maybe one day I'll take swim lessons. Maybe when I have a kid, and they are learning also, so that it's not so embarrassing. For now, I'll just stay close to the shore.

#34, Go Snorkeling, completed. Boom.

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence. 2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before. 3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are. 2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched. 3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America. 3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse. 2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key. Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass. Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos. Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope! As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path. This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts. Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more. Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season. Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

3 Up 1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask. 2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with. 3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? Ho

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog