Predictable is something that I will never be.

I crave variety in all aspects of my life and admittedly, the word “routine” is one of my least favorite.

I am a free-spirited, Midlife Mompreneur; however, I don’t attribute this trait to the state of my biological clock. I make an effort to surround myself with people of all ages. The younger ones keep me current; the older ones keep me grounded. #lovinglife #foreveryoung

I’ve been this way my entire life and therefore it is highly unlikely that it will ever change. For example, rarely will you see me with the same hairstyle from month to month. My fashion sense is such that my closet could have a style zip code of its own. It’s definitely not on an Olivia Pope level, but I’m not earning Gladiator income either. Some folks would rather I conform. In response I say, “Conform for what?”

I am just as comfortable in a pair of jeans and sneakers, as I am in a designer evening gown and stilettos. One never knows, what to expect from me, and I like it that way. To no one’s surprise, sometimes I even trip myself up with the unexpected. I heard the actor Jude Law say something awhile back that made me feel as if he had climbed inside of my brain and stole my thoughts: “My only obligation is to keep myself and other people guessing.” Wow, I couldn’t have said it better!

I often warn people to stay on their toes and peep the “What Will She Do Next” show. Now, more than ever as I am unapologetically learning to embrace my greatness and find my grown woman voice. In the words of motivational speaker and entrepreneur Lisa Nichols, I ask, “God, help me get out of my own way, so that I can do what I am here to do.”

Now, back to the mission at hand, which would be to share with you a snippet of my most recent adventure. Yes, I have a Bucket List (BL) and it consists of approximately 50 items, some big, some small, some simple and some requiring nerves of steel. The latter items on the list will likely require a glass or two of the ’94 du Bellay (shout out to my fellow Scandalistas and Scandalrati peeps). If only this fictional libation truly existed, however, as per Madame Shonda Rhimes, it DOES NOT!

Happily, I can now place another of my BL items in the Mission Accomplished file.

Several weeks ago, I completed a 40- hour class that required me to retain information about some very interesting things.

For example, did you know:

• The only difference between a Martini and a Gibson is that the former gets an olive garnish and the latter, three cocktail onions?
•  All drinks served with tonic, should have a lime garnish?
• A Cosmopolitan is simply a Kamikaze with cranberry juice?
•  On average, a 120 lb. woman would be approaching a dangerous blood alcohol content level (intoxication) upon consuming her 4th drink in an hour span of time?
• The average shelf life of bottled beer is 110 days?
• There are drinks called Cordless Screwdrivers, Alien Secretions and Mind Erasers?

Who in the world comes up with these things!?

If you haven’t guessed by now, my fait accompli, my latest bucket list accomplishment, is the completion of Bartending School. And not just any Bartending School, but the National Bartenders School (NBS).

NBS is a private vocational school, licensed by the N.J. Department of Education and has been in business for 30 years. Graduates get an Approved Bartending Certification that is good anywhere in the U.S.A. and does not expire.

From the setup to the breakdown, there is a reason for everything that goes on behind the bar. Glasses, garnishes and other equipment should be” at the ready” before a professional bartender mixes his/her first drink.

The instructors at NBS walk you through every step of the process. 40 hours of instruction leaves no coaster unturned, including some very interesting bits of information that we often take for granted:
• For all you Long Island Ice Tea drinkers, check to see if you receive your slice of lemon with your next drink and if the drink is shaken AFTER the Coke is added.
• Your traditional Martinis, Manhattans and Rob Roys should be stirred, not shaken because you don’t want to” bruise” the grapes (Vermouth).
• Cognac is brandy, but only brandy made in Cognac, France can be called Cognac.

The course includes a plethora of bartending vernacular and In order to graduate and receive my certification, I was required to pass a written exam, as well as successfully complete a timed mixology practical -make 12 drinks in 6 minutes or less. No pressure, of course!

Take a look at this video that demonstrates the hands-on testing process.

Video Rights and Permissions Granted By National Bartenders School

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Fortunately, I received great instruction from the owner and lead instructor Lambert, as well as from another instructor named Andrew. There was ample time for practice and always an opportunity for questions.

Overall, it was a great, learning experience, and I would recommend it highly to anyone looking to perfect their bartending skills, whether for business or pleasure. It is, however a VERY intensive course, and it requires great commitment. You EARN your certification and upon graduation; you are more than ready to step into any bartending role. Following my 40 hours of training, I walked away with a new- found respect for bartenders and the reassurance that I could keep up with the 20-somethings who were in training along side of me. However, more importantly, I walked away as a Certified Mixologist and with another item crossed off my BL.

Now, my next step is to put these newly acquired skills to use and I don’t mean at my next girls’ night out gathering or Scandal Finale party. How nice it would be to to have an opportunity to combine these skills with another BL item, which is to own and operate a beachfront bar & grill in the Caribbean. White sand, the ocean, reggae, soca and calypso music, under a few palm trees a la Olivia and Jake….. Ahhhh!

In fact, I already have a name for the lovely establishment, and it starts with the letter “J” (Wink).

So now that I have given you a glimpse into what’s on my Bucket List, how about sharing something  from  yours?

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THIS PAGE WITHOUT SHARING AT LEAST ONE ITEM (PREFERABLY MORE THAN ONE) FROM YOUR UNIQUE AND EXCITING LIST!

Remember, sharing IS fundamental and life has an expiration date.

SO LIVE IT TO ITS FULLEST!

Peace to you and happy living!

Cheers!

Jacqueline