By Heather O.
Faithful reader Erin Marie has offered us a great giveaway–a box set of 4 family friendly DVDS! Here are the details:
Official Best of Fest presents the best of independent films for families. This box set of DVDs gives you four film festival award winning movies in one curated collection. The four family films in this set represent a unique collection of beautifully shot and produced films that will both inspire and entertain the whole family. Mother of Mine, Viva Cuba, Expiration Date, and Saints and Soldiers create a complete collection of films with unmatchable quality.Here’s how you enter to win. Leave a comment below saying what you would do if you had only 8 days left to live (This ties in with one of the movies, Expiration Date. Erin will choose a winner in 72 hours, which is, um, help me out here…. Sunday. We will announce winners on Monday morning. Extra points for being extra funny, and points deducted for general sappiness. I have never seen these movies, but I’ve heard great things about them, and I know our family is always looking for a movie we can enjoy together.
Ok, get commenting!! I want to know what y’all will do if you only had 8 days to live.
This is going to sound totally immature but I would go to Disneyworld. I have always wanted to go and have never been. I love Disneyland but Florida just seems so far away.
Comment #1 by JoleneMarch 27th, 2008 at 7:49 pmWell, first I’d shoot an email to Church headquarters to see if there’s any lesser-known doctrine about the existence of Sam Adams in heaven, because I always liked their beers in my pre-Church life and I think I’d feel better about dying knowing a Pale Ale was waiting for me.
Next, I would stop cleaning the bathrooms.
Then the five of us would hop a flight to Belfast and bum around Ireland. Hopefully I’d keel over in a field rich with green clover but close to a train station.
I will also eat copious amounts of peanut butter as my time approaches, culminating with one of the ultimate IBS forbidden fruits: pizza. I’ll consume that before we all go cavort in my keeling clover field.
Do you think Bill Clinton would accept a collect, person-to-person call from me in Dublin? I want to yell at him for muddying the sexual waters for teenagers. And then I want to yell at Newt and O’Reilly for being inflexible, stuffed shirts.
Too much to do! Can I have ten days?
Comment #2 by KermitMarch 27th, 2008 at 8:19 pmIf I had 8 days left to live I would hire a camera crew to follow me and my family around. That way when I passed my children would have videos of all of us together and I would be able to document as many stories and memories for them to have for the rest of their lives. That way whenever they miss me or seem to forget me they will always have the videos and can hear me tell them that I love them.
Comment #3 by KristineMarch 27th, 2008 at 8:19 pmI would quit my job, take my husband of 7 months and go to Europe. In a fast plane so we didnt’ waste time. We would talk about the meaning of life on the eiffel tower and cuddle…a lot.
Comment #4 by NatalieMarch 27th, 2008 at 8:31 pmI’d spend time with my extended family and my dog too.
I’d write a lot of thank you notes, telling people that I loved them. I’d ask for a lot of forgiveness — not for my eternal sake, but so people knew I was sorry for the stupid things I did. I would comment on everyone’s facebook…the people I’m friends with and stalk, and want to talk to but don’t.
And then I’d kiss my husband again for good measure.
That’s what I’d do.
As a single woman with no kids, I’d cash out my savings and retirement, and go buy me a husband, and have a honeymoon to die for! And then on the last day, I’d go to the biggest amusement park I can find and go on every scary roller coaster that I was afraid of before. Because it’s not like the rides can kill me now!
Comment #5 by erin17March 27th, 2008 at 8:45 pmI would dine at the French Laundry
Comment #6 by SaraMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:02 pmI would take Baby Girl and Himself to Disney World, so I could experience their first time with them
I would voice my opinion on everything - for good measure
I would spend money on all those things I’m too cheap to spend money on - like aged, imported cheeses, king crab and other lovely things
I would travel to the New England coast … unless it was the dead of winter, then I’d have to reconsider
I would write a letter to Baby Girl telling her to try everything once, learn to love avocados, travel and drive Himself crazy in my place
I would spend my last, quiet days in the blissful haven of my childhood wilderness - on the mountain, by the lake, with family and far away from bills, jobs, phones, e-mail and the never-ending pile of laundry
First I would buy a ton of duct tape. Heaven forbid if I were to die how my husband would cope with out children. It would be kind to make sure he has a way to keep the twin’s diapers on. And well since my three year old has made it his mission in life to keep us humble by shedding us of our worldly possessions, hubs needs a quick fix for just about everything.
I’d need to write like crazy to record every blessed thing my children have ever done. Hubs isn’t good on details, and I know he’ll mess up the important stuff. Hell I don’t know if he’ll remember the kids birthday without me. Of course the 10 year old would help with dates.
Probably freeze as many meals as I could too. I have to make sure the kids have stuff to eat besides hash browns and eggs until hubs learns to cook. And no honey, just because pickles are green doesn’t count them as a veggie.
Hopefully I never die, but if I was, I could see myself doing all of the above.
Comment #7 by Lisa HillMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:09 pmI think i’d give up celibacy
Comment #8 by SingleintheCityMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:10 pmI’ve only got 8 days to live and I can’t be sappy? Gee wiz people, it’s my last 8 days, ain’t it? I can do what ever the heck I wanna! If I found out I had only 8 days left to live I’d be way sad. Mostly sad for my husband who I would be leaving with 4 young children. And you expect me to squeeze in everything I ever wanted to do in those days?? There’s nothing that I’d want to do for myself. Screw seeing the world or visiting awesome places. Who cares about living it up unless it’s done with your family and friends. I’d spend all my time with my loved ones talking, playing games, having fun. And all of those 8 nights when my kids are in bed, I’d be busy loving my husband. The poor guy. I’m not even really dying and already this is making me feel all sad! This is a terrible thing to think about. Ugh, I hate it.
Comment #9 by apple pieMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:10 pmI would have another wedding/honeymoon with dh except that we would also invite all our family, friends, and acquaintances (so you’re all invited, of course) on vacation to where dh and I spent our honeymoon in an amazing all-inclusive resort on Cozumel, Mexico. We would spend a week partying it up with all of them one last time. We wouldn’t waste time on formal pictures but instead hire a photographer to take candid shots of everyone all week long to be put into a book for whoever wants it later. We’d gorge ourselves on amazing, fatty foods and toast one another to express love and appreciation for those we most care about. This would all happen next to the beach with pools to play in and unlimited virgin pina coladas. I would conquer my fear of scary ocean beasts and go scuba diving and we’d just play all day in the sun.
Then on my last day alive I’d go to the temple with everyone. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my last 8 days than that.
Comment #10 by StarababaMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:13 pmI am torn between spending time would travel to Texas, Arizona, and California to visit all of my brothers and sisters and parents. Then I would take my own little family to Italy and stay there until I died. My husband and I have always wanted to go to Italy and dying would be a great excuse to go into debt to do it. Plus, what could be better than dying in Florence?
Comment #11 by BethanyMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:25 pmI would stop cleaning, like that’s even a question… and let the kids skip school. I think we’d just sit around and play board games. And everyone would get to sleep together in the family room in sleeping bags on the floor. We’d stay up late and eat junk and play together.
Comment #12 by JustineMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:34 pm8 days… hmmm… I’d want to visit family, but I’d also like to travel. So many places I’ve never seen… can I travel with my family? Australia is where I would go. And I’d do all the crazy things that I’m usually too afraid to do… because it wouldn’t really matter if I died a day or so early, right?
Comment #13 by MelissaMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:38 pmIf I had 8 days to live, I would throw a HUGE party. I’d invite anyone I’ve ever been related to in this life and I’d invite all the friends I’ve ever had, including all my anonymous blogging friends. We would have the party on the last day (this is to ensure that all the people could get to the party location on time, which is somewhere fun. I honestly don’t know, nor do I care because I want to see everything before I die. Literally. I want to see THE WORLD. But since I only have 8 days, that ain’t happening…) and this party would be a party to end all parties! No expense would be spared! We’d eat, and dance, and sing, and dance, and laugh, and talk and eat some more!
And then everyone would cry because I was the best party-hostess and I was dead.
Comment #14 by cherylMarch 27th, 2008 at 9:51 pmOK, this is one I won’t read the comments on.
For the most part I would live all eight days like they were regular days with the following add on activies.
Day #1
I would write a lot. A lot of emails to dear friends. Letter to the kids to be opened on special occasions. Etc.
Day #2
I would search for my replacement, sending out my charming family’s resume that I wrote on day 1. I would take cute pictures of my hubby and talk about what a great 1st wife I’d be in the eternities. “No really, I wouldn’t lord it over you. No ‘haha-I’m-the-first-wife-you’re-only-the-second’ It would never even cross my mind. Really.”
Day #3
I’d buy new underwear and socks for everyone. The new wife would be appalled by the state of the underclothes. Must not scare new wife.
Day #4
I’d rent a bunch of family friendly videos (that I can’t normally afford) and crash with the kids for a day of popcorn, pizza, movies and arguing over who’s got the best spot.
Day #5
I’d destroy all “fat pictures.” I’d hate to leave evidence like that to be found by the new wife. Must not scare new wife.
Day #6
I’d plant bulbs with the family. Thousands of flowers to remind the angel-monkeys of me.
Day #7
I’d register my kids in public school. And take all my junky old stuff to Good Will. Must not scare new wife.
Day #8
Comment #15 by JamiMarch 27th, 2008 at 10:11 pmI’d kiss everybody and hug them. Point my husband to wife #2. Bear my testimony. Then go die somewhere else.
I’d love to write about what I’d do if I only had eight days left to live, but with four weeks left of being pregnant, I quite simply can’t, because dang it, after eight months of having this kid in my belly, there’s no way I’d go dying before I get to see him. And we’re moving in two weeks into our first house and I have to paint all the main rooms, and the pink bedroom (may I never be crazy enough to paint a room pink…ever). So, dying is quite simply out of the question right now. It’s against my own personal rules anyway.
Now, if the situation were different, and I had not forbidden myself from dying, and was not pregnant and about to move into my first house, then I could perhaps consider it. I would, of course, need access to a transporter, to avoid travel time, as I desperately want to go visit Japan, and Spain, and either Seattle or the British Isles with my husband. There’s plenty of other places I want to go, too, but even with a transporter I don’t think eight days would be quite enough to fit them in. And I would need a guarantee of instant privacy wherever and whenever, so that we could make out on the beach, and in the rain, and generally have a lovely lively time. And we would go eat at one of those restaurants where a single meal costs over $100, because I have always wondered if the food really is just That Much Better in order to cost that much. And I would have to drive a really fancy shmancy super-fast sports car (I really like the Nissan Skyline, for instance) on a race track or the Salt Flats or somewhere where I can go as fast as the car can possibly go without worrying about breaking the law or running into anything.
This is, of course, assuming access to unlimited funding as well.
Oh, and you can add the moon to my list of places I’d like to visit thanks to my transporter device. That’d be freaking awesome.
And I’d eat lots and lots of flan, and homemade strawberry ice cream, and chicken and dumplings. And I would adore having access to a magic fruit basket each morning full of perfectly ripe fruit.
Yes, my last eight days of life would have to occur in a world where sci-fi and fantasy were realities.
Comment #16 by kaduseyMarch 27th, 2008 at 10:23 pmOh, can I add to my comment? I forgot to mention I would tickle my husband a lot, because I have yet to find anything quite as enjoyable as torturing him and having him laugh about it. And I’d want to blow something up, in a really big fiery explosion. Preferrably with some odd chemicals mixed in so you get cool colors of flame. And I want to go see the volcano in Hawaii that’s been erupting for longer than I’ve been alive, and get up really close so I can see the lava, because lava is one of the coolest things ever.
Comment #17 by kaduseyMarch 27th, 2008 at 10:43 pm1) Quit my job and spend the rest of my time with my family.
Comment #18 by SilverRainMarch 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm2) Write letters to all the people who have influenced me for good.
If I had 8 days to live I’d throw a big party for my friends and have a great time saying “Goodbye!” I’d also quit work, give up sleep and spend every possible moment with my husband; I’d also fill a journal full of thoughts and letters from me for him to read so he can have something to turn to when he misses me.
Comment #19 by Proud Daughter of EveMarch 27th, 2008 at 11:13 pmI’d rent the biggest, fanciest houseboat ever and spend the week at Lake Powell. Everyone would be invited. Family, friends, etc. etc. and we would just spend the whole time playing games on the beach, going boating, tubing, skiing, cliff jumping or whatever. We would also eat the most fattening and delicious foods, and drink as much Pepsi as we wanted. I would never feel bad about no make-up and bad hair days, because I would never change out of my swimsuit (except to shower and sleep). Also, I would require that I never be put in charge of cooking, cleaning, packing, unpacking, buying ice at the marina or holding that ugly orange flag for the other skiers, because I absolutely hate holding that orange flag. I also would get my choice of the beds and the best life jacket (even though I will be dying soon, I should still try to preserve my life the entire 8 days). To top it off, just because I have never done it, I would like to drive the boat from one end of the lake to the other (if there is time). And I will have Hugh Jackman on hand to lotion me up every three hours…that is if my husband does not object.
Comment #20 by AmyboBamyMarch 27th, 2008 at 11:23 pmI would spend each of the eight days doing what I love most. I would eat a home cooked meal made by someone I love every morning for breakfast. I would eat at a diner, greasy spoon, or sandwhich shop with a good book to read for every lunch. I would eat at a different restaurant with friends and family every evening. I would read and sing with my children before going to bed every day. I would talk with and make love to my husband before going to sleep every night.
And through it all I would have 3 maids, a certified diaper changer, a chauffer, and 2 personal secretaries so that I could be free to fully enjoy my enjoyments.
Comment #21 by LizzyMarch 28th, 2008 at 1:15 amI think I’d go to the temple. I know these are judged on funny and creative, but really and truly, I think that’s what I’d do. I’d bring Mr. M along with me. And write letters to my boys with important things they should know as they grow up. Except I’d cry too dang much doing it and the papers would get all wet. Oh, and I’d make sure Mr. M knew how to access all our accounts and important papers. Make sure our bills were paid.
I’d look up my family history to remind myself of who I was about to meet, although my grandma could probably introduce me to the entire spirit world.
I’d clear out my closet and donate all my clothes to Goodwill. Ask my family to come visit and see if mom would cook for me. There is no better food than mom’s cooking.
Comment #22 by Mrs. MMarch 28th, 2008 at 1:23 amJust enjoy everything around me without having to worry about all the things we always have to worry about-cleaning, laundry, making food. And of course the sappy make sure all my family knows I love them stuff.
Comment #23 by Richelle FMarch 28th, 2008 at 2:02 amHonestly? If my wife would allow it, I would spend the first seven days playing all day long with my kids and enjoying “wholesome recreational activities” with my wife.
On the final day, I would invite everyone I knew to the church for an all-day, pot-luck party - then spend the final night talking with and just holding my wife as I slip away. That’s how I want to die, and I don’t care one bit how sappy it might sound.
Comment #24 by RayMarch 28th, 2008 at 2:11 amI’m sure I would spend the first day in a depression. Feeling sorry for myself and crying over the fact that I wouldn’t be there for my girls.
After getting over that I would have to have many long and thoughtful talks with hubby discussing things such as should he take a second wife (yes) and the traits she would need in order to be a good wife and mother. Actually, I would want to talk about this, hubby would not. I may have to leave this info in a letter.
Next I would fill my days with my family. Probably spend every last second with them and explain things like death and where mommy would be going and how we would all see each other again.
I would definitely need to hold all of my family members a lot more even though the 3 and 5 year old think they are to old.
I’d like to say that since I really didn’t have to worry about food being bad for me anymore, that I would constantly eat out at all my favorite restaurants, but truthfully, I think my focus would be on my family. Of course if we happened to need to eat out for a meal or two I wouldn’t have any problem suggesting my favorite Italian restaurants (which would mean ANY Italian restaurant).
Time would be spent cleaning up loose ends. Making sure the will was in order. Lining up childcare or a nanny since hubby would have to go back to work and who would take the kids…
After all of this family time, the kids would probably be driving us all crazy so I would then arrange for a babysitter and escape with my hubby for a weekend away of fun and ahem, frolicking.
Comment #25 by HugeMarch 28th, 2008 at 3:01 amI would try to cram all the time in I could with my family, write my kids at least one letter for their adulthood, record my voice reading or singing or something, actually get a few pictures of me (I’m usually the one taking the pics) (I wouldn’t do that if I looked like I was going to die any day, though), cuddle lots, and remind my kids about the plan of salvation. A lot.
I’d make sure hubby could take care of our finances (with all the accounts and passwords, that could take some time…). And I’d give him a list of names of potential good second wives. (And maybe a list of those who are banned?)
Comment #26 by m&mMarch 28th, 2008 at 3:32 amI’m afraid to enter. If we won the movies, would we actually have to watch them?
Comment #27 by Jane @ What About Mom?March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 amWell, I am really happy with my life. So I don’t know that I would do much different. I would definitely write my boys and DH some letters. Then probably try to stay off the computer and just have fun with them!
Comment #28 by SheridanMarch 28th, 2008 at 5:12 amI would for sure tell everyone I know that I love them…after I did that I would take a trip with the whole fam to Hawaii.
I would eat everything I’ve ever wanted to eat and can’t because I’m always on a diet.
I would make sure my kids knew that I would be spying on them from the other side so that anytime they did something really bad they would remember that I’m looking at them and would be really disgusted.
I would make sure my husband knew that anytime he was getting intimate with his new wife I would be spying on him too with tears running down my face.
And…I would also really try to get him to not want to ever remarry anyway because she would always be the second wife (basically a slave to me for eternity) and he wouldn’t want to put any woman through what she would have to face in the next life.
I would do a lot of crazy sexy things with the hubby…so that if he ever decides to remarry he she would never be able to compete.
I wouldn’t clean a thing the whole time…that is for dang sure. We would go out to eat for every meal.
I wouldn’t be doing anything that requires being high off the ground. I would do a ton of things that require water.
I would for sure write letters to my kids. Probably a little on the mushy side.
I would cut myself out of every picture that I hate. The ones I really like I would make a little bigger so they could display them around the house to remember me by.
I would make sure I visited everyone I knew no matter how far away they lived.
And I would do a whole lot of repenting and hoped that it counted even though it was deathbed repentance.
Comment #29 by JanealMarch 28th, 2008 at 5:14 amFirst and foremost, I would plan out which dessert I would make for each of the 8 days. German chocolate cake, choc chip cookies, baklava, cherry pie, apple crisp, momspumoni cake, lemon pound cake, etc. I love dessert, and I wouldn’t want a night to go wasted.
Second, I would write letters to my husband, my two kids, my siblings, and parents, and my best friend, letting them know what they meant to me and what to do after I’m gone.
Third, I would plan my funeral. No one likes planning funerals, so I would do it for my husband.
Fourth, I think I would do what I normally do (without the cleaning of course). Make breakfast, go to the park, play tennis, take naps, take walks with my family, talk with loved ones, play with my kids.
Comment #30 by amelia bedeliaMarch 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pmI’d eat all of my favorite foods (including ridiculous amounts of my favorite fatty ones), dance and finally take a bubble bath in private.
Comment #31 by AmandaMarch 28th, 2008 at 4:48 pmI just sold my house and am in the process of buying a different one. If I only had eight days to live, I would take the house money sitting in my savings account and take a wild and lavish trip around the world. And NOT have to move all of my stuff out of storage and into another place. Wow, now I’m really wishing I could do that.
Comment #32 by Mary EllenMarch 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pmI’d repent.
Comment #33 by HeathermommyMarch 28th, 2008 at 10:10 pmI’d take photos of my kids to try to express how I see them.
I’d make everyone I know a mix cd and it’d be the best mix cd you’ve ever heard in your life.
Comment #34 by Susan MMarch 29th, 2008 at 6:12 pmIf I only had 8 days, I’d be mad. Mad because I spent over a year getting pregnant, 8 months growing twins, and you’re telling me I wouldn’t be able to at least ENJOY them for a little bit?! That’s just not acceptable. I would choose not to die in 8 days, and change it to years. And maybe a a 0 to the end of that too. Because there is no way I’m dying and leaving my husband to raise a 2 year old and 2 infants.
Comment #35 by SafireMarch 29th, 2008 at 11:46 pmI’d go buy new makeup and get a haircut, a manicure and a pedicure. Might as well leave the old body looking decent.
Then I’d do all the things I love about having a body. I’d swim in the ocean, dance, and eat chocolate. I’d play harp a lot.
I’d spend most of my time with family. I’d finally get lots of pictures taken of myself (since I’d be looking GOOD!), and I’d write a long letter for my baby boy. I’d tell him to love Jesus, and to go the temple, and that I know that prayer works.
Then I’d be a mess, so I’d have to go eat chocolate, and then I’d make out with my husband.
Comment #36 by GuinevereMarch 29th, 2008 at 11:47 pm