Do any of you have a bucket list or a list of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket.”

I have accomplished quite a lot of my bucket list items, but I am always looking for ways to check off other items on my list.

One of the things on my bucket list is to visit all 50 states. I am so close to accomplishing this goal. I have gone to 49 states and have only Hawaii left to visit. I had to laugh when someone told me I may have to get a gofundme page to do so.

It seems it is so out of reach for me. But then, so were all the other 49 states.

I have to say, I have enjoyed seeing every state I have been to. I love traveling in case you have not already figured this out about me since I tell you so often in my columns.

I shared with you when I went zip lining across Rupp Arena with my homemaker group. That was another bucket list item accomplishment.

I think bucket lists are fun and it get a little joy each time I accomplish something on my list. It gives my life a little more adventure.

This past weekend I accomplished another goal on my list when I went to a concealed carry class at Gateway Christian Church in Mount Sterling.

It seems every time I have wanted to go to a conceal carry class in the past it just was not the right time.

I now know why — because this class was the perfect class for me and the instructor, Jason Shortridge, was wonderful.

He and his helper, Nathan, were excellent and serious about the class. They gave us insights into the class I think I would have missed elsewhere.

Both instructors have connections to the police force. They were able to answer every question or concerns anyone had.

I have to admit, I hung onto their every word since they told us we would be tested.

While there were several ladies in the class, I was surprised to see the amount of men taking the class. Many said they were only used to shooting a rifle or shotgun, and could not seem to fire a pistol.

Before we began to shoot, they were told not to be surprised if the women did better than they would shooting at the target. Of course, this brought a sigh of relief and a giggle from the ladies in the class.

We were given a test over the book part of the class which we thoroughly went through for several hours. I learned how to clean a pistol, and we were taught the difference in the different pistols available on the market.

Before the class I just knew a pistol to be a pistol but not what a Glock, a revolver or a semi-automatic or the other different types were.

We were taught the correct stance for shooting and how to load and shoot each one properly.

We learned the Kentucky statutes for firearms and the legal liabilities a person should know while carrying a firearm and if they do have to shoot someone.

I was happy to know I did well on both the test and the shooting portion of the class. Shocked was the better word.

When I looked at my target, I was actually pretty proud of myself. My husband called me Annie Oakley and said he was proud of me, too.

Before I left for the class, he definitely had his doubts of my ability, but did try to teach me about the proper way to shoot. He taught me correctly and that was about all I knew before I took the class.

I was told I made a 96 on the book test, which turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. The instructors did all they could to make you feel at ease and tried to give you tips on how to improve your shooting abilities, they also noted when we ran across something that might be on the test.

I really think this class would be advantageous for any one to learn about the laws and proper use of u a pistol in Kentucky.

We were given a sheet to show what states allowed you to carry a concealed weapon and those that don’t.

We were taught what to do if stopped by police while carrying your weapon.

All who took the test will have to have a background check by the police before their license will be issued.

I took the class with one of my best friends, M.K. She had also had this on her bucket list to do.

When we completed the class, we had to give one another a high five. We both were relieved and proud we had checked another thing off our lists.

Go on and dream and make a bucket list, who knows just what you may get to accomplish in life.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.