One does not think too much about bucket lists when one is young. You’re too busy rushing forward to be concerned about the things you’re not doing. At least for me, during my first five decades I was full steam ahead, go-go-go, to-do list in hand busily checking off items and then quickly moving on to the next adventure. Hey, I’m a Virgo, of course I had a to-do list: don’t judge.
Something started changing the closer I got to Club 50 status. There’s been a small yet perceivable shift in perspective. I’ve found myself asking this question quite a bit lately: To where am I sprinting? Hmm…
Image provided courtesy of http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=75114&picture=red-fire-bucket-filled-with-water
In celebration of my upcoming 51st birthday this month, and to remind myself to slow down – change the sprint to a stroll – I’ve put some thought into filling my bucket with 51 ideas. Some of these thoughts are tangible and specific goals, others are a bit more philosophical. All represent this crazy southern Irish gal’s glance back over her shoulder for a little inspiration.
In no particular order, I would like to:
- Master the art of a decent pie crust. This one is kinda embarrassing – as a good southern gal I should have this locked up.
- Grow my hair out one more time.
- Hold my grandchild. No pressure Jimmy, none whatsoever…
- Be published by Huffington Post. I think this post would work nicely, don’t you? HuffPost50, HuffPostWomen, anyone, anyone?
- Splash in a fountain in Italy.
http://gickr.com/results4/anim_6a71e430-5dac-0cf4-d5ef-86066f55cea2.gif
- Meet a U.S. President #Nerdalert.
- Sit in the gallery during a State of the Union address. #Supernerdalert.
- Talk less/listen more.
- Host a party for my high school buddies, but not a “reunion.” Just a good ‘ol fashioned throw down. TLHS Class of 1981, you in?
- Learn to play golf. I’ve got the left-handed clubs all ready to go.
- Score tickets to a Prince concert – must figure out how to get backstage.
- Meet George Clooney.
**Full disclosure – this #12 has been in the bucket a long time…
- Visit my family more often.
- Dedicate some significant time to yoga.
- Finish my genealogy research. I currently have a full list of my great-great grandparents, and I can follow some lineage back to the 1500s. But I would like to dig deep to discover more family stories.
- Find hidden treasures along the “World’s Longest Yard Sale.” Occurs first week of August each year. Would very much like to do this with my Dad. http://www.127sale.com/
- Sip real French champagne – in France.
Image courtesy of http://pixabay.com/en/cherry-hand-handheld-matina-red-88403/
I’m on the verge of having my good southern girl card revoked if I don’t give #18 some sincere attention.
- Appreciate the Hubs more – Thanks Hon.
- Attend an auction. Any kind of auction. Well, except a livestock auction; I really don’t need to acquire cattle.
- Learn to use a power saw. I know, tempting fate here.
- Volunteer more. Mom and Jimmy: you’re my inspiration for this one.
- Be a seat filler at the Academy Awards. This is not an urban myth: http://www.seeing-stars.com/ShowBiz/SeatFillers.shtml
- Honor my size 11 feet – they make me, me. Left-handed, green eyed, it’s all good.
- Learn all the words to “Hook” by Blues Traveler. For inspiration, watch this EPIC lip sync by Emma Stone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLBSoC_2IY8
Image courtesy of http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2014/08/11/08/37/margarita-415360_640.jpg
I may be close on #26. Practice, practice, practice…
- Converse in sign language.
- Publish Magic Fishing Panties. Hello, publishers? Call me. 1-800-havefulldraft.
- Not be such a Virgo/make peace with being a Virgo.
- Promote #Embracethecougar as a national movement.
- Remember that when in doubt, give ’em the benefit of the doubt.
- See the Aurora Borealis.
http://giphy.com/gifs/3rZ653BSZb5qE
- Be kinder, everyone carries a bag of rocks.
- Give up quest to understand men, they are truly a completely different species. Don’t think so – I give you Exhibit A: farting.
- Laugh at all the wrong parts of a movie. Oh, wait, I can definitely mark this one off my list.
- Write one great, memorable line of dialogue.
- Get serious about flossing.
- Be unpredictable.
- Build a sandcastle with a 5 year old.
Image courtesy of http://www.gratisography.com/
- Learn to drive stick.
- Beat Hobbit at Words With Friends. Oh, YOU know…
- Find the perfect mascara – and then buy cases of it so when it’s discontinued I’m not left high and dry.
- Visit Niagara Falls – Canadian side. Bonus: stay in the kitschiest honeymoon suite possible. Heart-shaped bed kind of kitschy.
- Leave a kick-ass epitaph.
- Start a national dialogue about “life on the balance beam.” Maybe women don’t want to “lean in” and be the boss, maybe what we want is to be happy and have a balanced life. Sorry Sheryl.
- Write in wet cement.
- Have good reason to throw a drink in someone’s face. Or, perhaps have a drink thrown in my face, for good reason. It just seems so dramatic!
- Learn to read tarot cards.
- Do an unassisted pull-up.
I’ve shown you mine, now you show me yours – what’s in your bucket?
And a very Happy Birthday to all my fellow Virgos out there.
Cheers,
Kimba
Wonderful list! I found myself nodding and agreeing with most of your even being published on Huffington Post! Loved this!
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Rena regarding the whole HuffPo thing.
Awesome and fun list…I found myself mentally checking off those I’ve done….would love #12.
Somehow I get the feeling that #12 may be in a lot of buckets…
New to you and your gals and despite having 25 more years on you, never made a bucket list- not even mentally. So this is inspiring and your items are fun and some doable. One that I will put on my list is : lobster mac & cheese. Easy right but how many calories?
Darlin, the stuff in the bucket doesn't have to be good for you – go ahead and make that lobster mac & cheese, the calories be damned. Can I come over when it's ready?
I have a friend who met George Clooney and has a photo with him. It is possible!
#JEALOUS!!!
Love ot Kim, such fun and I share some in common with you, Huffington post- lets do it this year, and I am growing my hair long again now
thanks for you joy
love
Suzie
A toast – to both of us being on HuffPo this year. You'll have to send me pics as your hair progresses – or perhaps a blog post? 🙂
Great list. You’ve inspired me to write one too 🙂
Would love to see your list – what's first?
Love the list! You’ve inspired me to write one 🙂
EL (abookgeek.com)
Wow! That is quite a list. And for the record, I used to be seat filler at the American Music Awards!
No way! What was it like to be a seat filler? Did you meet many of the "beautiful people?" Did you have to dress up? Were you on TV?
You've inspired me yet again Kimba! I have a Bucket List but I got bored with it and after reading yours I know why – it's mostly made up of BIG things. It's not that there's anything wrong with big things it's that to keep the list interesting and me moving forward I think there needs to be a mixture of different types of adventures. I used to focus mostly on travel because I love it so – problem is I've checked off all but 2 places I want to visit and then I just never updated the list. Sounds like an excellent weekend project!
Marty, I would love to see your second version of your bucket list. I was amazed at how many ideas I came up with when I didn't limit myself to really big things like going to Italy and France (well, I guess meeting Mr. Clooney is kind of a biggie as well).
I had your # 32 (Northern Lights) on my list and accomplished that on an extended stay in Alaska this past winter. Amazing, stunning, unbelievably beautiful, magical!!!
My current list-
Visit each state in the US
Live in Alaska
Go fishing for Halibut and Salmon
Get a job I love either helping animals or doing something hands on like construction, decorating or organizing
Travel around Europe
See Coldplay in concert
I HAVE fished for halibut and salmon! The title of the next book – "Magic Fishing Panties" – is from those epxeriences. It. Is. Awesome. Do it. I have a great fishing lodge in Sitka to recommend if you're interested.
Excellent list! And, as another Virgo, I celebrate with you! Let me know when you make that perfect margarita!
Happy Birthday Sister Virgo! Cheers (raises margarita).
On the flossing those little plastic handles things are the bomb!
Those little plastic thingys ARE awsome.
I don't have a bucket list – but now I want one. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Lana – so, what's your first item/entry?
Gee, I've only accomplished 7 of yours! Quite the list.
Skiing in South America in our summer is one of mine. All 50 states (got 6 to go.) oh, and yeah, the book thing…..
Drew, you're working on a book? That is awesome, I want to hear more about this. And, would love to know which 7 on my list you have accomplished. If you met George without me we are gonna have words…
Kim, you had me smiling in agreement at number 1!
I enjoyed your post and what struck me most is how simple, genuine, and achievable it is. Great reminder that it doesn't take a life of grandiose dreams and achievements to be happy.
My Mom always told us that good things come in small packages. To me, that doesn't mean diamonds – it's about enjoying the simple beauty and pleasures of life.
Like enjoying (and sharing) a melt in your mouth pie crust that you created with your own hands 🙂
Marla, I need some serious help with the pie crust. Other folks make it look so easy!!
My list is so serious and yours is so much fun! I love it, and all of your choices sound great. Except (sorry) the Prince concert. If Frank were still alive I'd say him. (You can tell the differences in our music choices!)
I love your post!
LOL – Frank Sinatra? Now THAT would be a fun backstage pass!
You know, I don’t really have a bucket list, per se. i just do what I feel like doing, and that feels really good.
Bucketless is the new black – I like it!
You have some very achievable lists, go at it!
Thx, I'll let you know which gets scratched off first.
Kimba, I just bought myself a chainsaw. Come help me cut some trees if you want to try that in place of the skillsaw. I've operated a skillsaw many times – they're boring…
Kathi
Deal! On my way with margaritas and some lobster mac & cheese!
Great list! Most of my bucket list revolves around travel. Can't wait to read your post when #12 finally happens!
LOL – from your lips to the Goddess' ear.
Wow, you have a much longer bucket list than I have! Though mine was just my "before I hit 60 list" and I have 3 years for it. Since you asked: http://fiftyfiftyvision.com/the-awe-list-age-with-energy/
Hey there first name twin – keep me in the loop as you progress over the next 3 years.
Your list inspires me to compose my own. I have until December. I vote for you to be published by Huffington Post! Thank you!
Hey Mary, thanks for the vote of confidence. Let me know how that December list turns out.
Nice ! 26812Yes but 21NO
Aw, come on – think how many trees I could take care of in the back yard, live a little!
Go skinny dipping in the moonlight…
LOL Barbara, I think I can help you with that request in the very near future!
I love your list! I need to formalize mine in writing, rather than all these random thoughts. Your Jimmy has already done one of the things on my bucket list – ride on a Zamboni!
Tina, you would look AWESOME on that Zamboni jump seat!