The Bucket List
2007
"You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you."
-Carter Chambers
When I first think of a bucket list I think of those things I have always wanted to do, experience and enjoy before I die. I think of the cliches about buying a corvette and driving it over 160mph. I think about places many would travel, or experiences so fantasy like that inevitably may not be obtainable.
However, when I had to sit down and think of the 100 things I want to do before I die... I wanted to add 100 more.
Life is broken apart in stages. Birth, adolescence, teenage years, twenties, the rolling thirties, parenting, career, grand parenting and retirement. Well... at least that is my interpretation. So.. through it all, are we given chances to follow these dreams and goals as we age? Or are we asked to develop this list and accomplish it right before we die?
The question of death is something hard to understand as a child. A few parents know just exactly what to say to encourage life and death's revolving door for their children. For me, death is an anamoly to life. I guess I just don't want to think about it. But, I have had to the urge to travel the world and I guess the first step is to write it down and see what possibilities I have to endure.
I know there is supposed to be an extensive list to reach bucket list status, but, here's my top 20.
1. Go to Boston and watch a New England Patriots game
2. Ride the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building
3. Write and publish a book
4. Have pizza in Italy... Margherita with real buffalo mozzarella
5. Eat crab on the East Coast
6. Take a culinary class
7. Audition for a role on a television show or movie
8. Write a screenplay for a film
9. See all the movies on the AFI's Top 100 list (I've seen about 50 of them)
10. Write for a magazine and be the featured article
11. Horseback ride beach side
12. Go to all the islands of Hawaii (I've been to 2)
13. Be in the audience for a live taping of Saturday Night Live in New York City
14. Stay in a cabana on the beach for 4 days
15. See a Broadway play
16. Go to Smithsonian Museum of American History
17. Go indoor rock climbing
18. Have a Halloween costume party
19. Watch an old film on a projector screen outside under the stars
20. Own a piece of clothing from a famous designer
So I do leave you with these two final questions....
"Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?"
- Carter Chambers
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Comments
Hadn't thought a "bucket list" until seeing the movie--then it stuck me that some of their items in the movie involved places I had already been to. I've done five of the items on your list... mostly due to traveling (one of my passions.. along w/ movies and baseball).
Your post gets me to thinking I should sit down and make my list... though I've done a number of things that would have been on an original list already.
Cranky Cuss... glad to be back. I guess my list is kind of amateur and childlike, but.. hey.. I have a lot of life ahead of me, and the East Coast has been calling my name for years. Your suggestion is brilliant. It makes sense. Plus.. my little girl is my number one priority, and you nailed it.. time is limited. Love hearing from you!
Bernadine... I am curious what it was that you called your list. Hmmm... but, I do like the lifestyle list concept. Italy would be just incredible. Just incredible.
jali... XOXOXOXO
scanner.. I hear ya.. sometimes its about putting it down on paper and realizing we can obtain our dreams, we just need to want to obtain them. You are always a great mentor to me. Thank you!
Kathy.. oooohhh Paul McCartney and Space Shuttle lauch? Yes!!! That is a wonderful desired list item. Love it!!! Thanks for the warm welcome back. You are such an inspiration to myself and others.
moviegeekjn.. dude!!! You rock. The shout out on your post today was incredible. Thanks a bunch!!! So glad you made your list. Your list kicked my list's butt.. but, I am going to have to add a few of yours to mine ;-)
Dr. Spudman... thank you for the welcome back. Kindness is so grand when it is recognized so thank you. Keep at your list... its a gratifying goal.
Keka... I hear ya!!! As we age, change and develop new tastes it is like the bucket lists goes through a recycling stage. That is the one thing that makes these lists so powerful... they evoke change and growth in each and every one of us. Thanks for reminding me about whippersnapper times... that was hilarious!!!