Laurel Through My Eyes

Lately I've been obsessed with lists; grocery lists, to - do lists, action item lists for work, home improvement lists, you name it I've listed it.

On a napkin, typed into my blackberry or written on a yellow legal pad. Making lists is actually a stress management technique; one that works for me. When you get overwhelmed you make a list. I wonder if that's where the idea for a bucket list came from, overwhelmed with the thought of mortality? Just list all the the things you want to do before you die. 

I've even heard of a F- It list. Let's say the 'F' stands for Forget, although fans of Cee Lo Green know better. The "Forget It list" is a list of things you couldn't care less about, things you NEVER want to do. For example, Join the Tea Party, would be high on my "Forget It" list.  I respect your right to join but its just not for me. Why this sudden fascination with lists?

Lately I've been very busy. I  recently bought my first home, a foreclosure that I'm slowly remodeling. I'm helping plan my family reunion. I'm a bridesmaid, again, and work is always hectic. It can get a little stressful, therefore I list.  So, when I decided I should explore my new Laurel community a little more, what did I do? One guess, I made a list! 

Here are the top 5 things I want to do in Laurel within a year.  1.  Make an entire meal using only ingredients purchased at the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Laurel.  The Amish come to Laurel to sell fresh produce, meat and homemade goodies. Who knew? I didn't.  I wasn't even aware this place existed until I came to Laurel. I'm not much of a cook but this just seems like an interesting challenge.

2. Visit Laurel Park. Yes, I know its closing due to competition from slots planned for Anne Arundel County.  However, I still want to at least see the location before it is redeveloped.  Laurel Park was founded in 1911 and was a staple of Maryland horse-racing for over one hundred years. It's part of the history of this community and I want to experience it.  Maybe it's because the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, or perhaps I have Gold Cup Fever but visiting Laurel's horse racing track seems like a must.  Blame the interest in horse racing on my parents. They made a yearly pilgrimage to the Preakness when I was younger. I was one of the only ten year olds I knew who could name the last Triple Crown winner.

3. Attend a Laurel City Council Meeting - I believe in being active in your community. Decisions are made at City Council that affect all residents in Laurel.  I want in on the decision making, I've always been a bit bossy. Maybe one day I'll even join a committee, run for office, rule the world - just kidding, I'll set world domination aside, for now, and just settle for attending a Council meeting.

4. Visit at least three Laurel Parks, as in Parks and Recreation

5. Go to the Grand Opening of the NEW Laurel Mall. OK, so this can't be done THIS year. This one will be years in the making but apparently the Laurel mall has a new builder and plans are underway to renovate it. No, really, this is happening.  More seasoned Laurel residents tell me this mall has been in "renovation" status for years. I've read up on it and apparently this time it's different.  I haven't been to the current Laurel mall but I'm looking forward to the renovations and a fabulous shopping experience.  Obviously Laurel offers more than this list of five can handle so I'll be adding to the list frequently. 

Please help me out, what are your Top 5 MUST DOs in Laurel?