Totally off of any subject currently but ... I could use some ideas/input.
The Backstory:
- An aunt of mine died last May, and one of her goals (which she accomplished) was to visit every state. My cousins took her in the year before she passed to the last three states and took pictures. They then printed a small coffee table book using the pictures.
- I am in the process of making my own "Book of Accomplished Bucket List Items" inspired by my aunt and motivated by the loss of my dad. Since I can do all of the planning and formatting and whatnot using MS Publisher, I can also use this to avoid spending money somewhere else.
So, that counts. If not as debt dumping, then at least as not debt adding. 
- The book will be in at least 3 sections - part 1 is visiting every state and state capital. part 2 is visiting international destinations. part 3 is kind of catchall miscellaneous.
- Every state gets a 2-page spread. There is a map of the state in the upper left corner, in the middle third of the page bleeding into the gutter will be a picture of me in front of the "Welcome to <State Name>" picture, and in the bottom left corner will be a picture of me at the state capital. The space left has the state & capital name and date of visit (top), and basic descriptions of the pictures (who is in them, any special/unique circumstances, etc.) The facing page of the spread will be an accumulation of pictures from travel through the state.
My solicitation for input and ideas -
- As a watermark behind the table of contents, I can't think of a good picture that I can use. I am already using a map of the US for the front cover, so I was thinking maybe a state flag? or the US flag? Picture of me in full "explorer" gear?
- Do I set up the table of contents alphabetically, or in the order I visit?
- Should I wait until the book is "finished" (It'll probably never be completely done, as I can always find something else to add to it, but the Whole 51 and International 15 are kind of sets to themselves) to print and bind it? Or should I forgo binding and get a really good quality binder and print pages as I accomplish them?
- Should I approach this as a single large book? Keeping all the info digitally will be pretty easy to keep for a long time, so I could wait until I'm locked away in a nursing home to print it to remind me of all the stuff I'll have done. Or, should I take each current section and make it a mini book, printing them as they are done?
Anyway, just wondered what other people might thing.
P.S. I was working on writing this out when ...
... happened.
Lots of congratulations and pixie dust being sent your way!! You do realize that the peanut has like a built in extended family of aunts and at least 1 uncle that are going to want to know everything. I wouldn't worry about TMI, we want details too!!
Hey, I love kids. I just don't want one of my own. Now, if I could figure out a way to always have someone else to change the diapers, I'd reconsider. ;-)
) You are trying to rationalize this...don't worry...you are in the range... 
