Summary Post
A few years ago I started a bucket list. It was no big deal. I wrote about it a little here back in 2008 when I was bored at my desk job and had the post-college itch to do something bigger than send faxes for a living.
I had forgotten all about it until we moved and I found it in a box labeled “KATE PERSONAL.” It was weird to read. Did I ever really think I would learn to juggle?
So I updated the list, which was hard. It’s always so tempting to add humblebrags of things you already did. Like, I’ve seen the pyramids and the Leaning Tower of Pisa–but it was never on the list so I can’t cross it out. I did add a few things (go sailing) and take things off that I know I’ll never do (juggle, meet Julie Andrews).
After revising the list, I posted Part One in early January and ended by toasting the new year, kidding that if I accomplish even one of these things–it will be something to celebrate.
Days later, I couldn’t get that ending phrase out of my head. I thought: I am 26 years old. I am able bodied. I am in charge of my own life, my own adventures. If I really want to do these things, I should just do them.
So I am.
After some careful thought and consideration, I am taking 2012 by the horns. Every month, for the remainder of the year, I am going to tackle an item on my list of things to do before I die.
I am doing it because I can, because I need to, because being a bloggermomwife can make you so stagnant, because next New Years Eve, I want to say that this year, I really lived.
In preparation for this unveiling, I did a few things. First I did a little soul searching (and before you delete this blog from your blogger dashboard because I wrote “soul searching,” hear me out). I took a long, hard look at my list and deleted things that I didn’t actually want to do. Like grow grapes. I don’t actually want to grow grapes.
Then I chose 12 out of the 35 things I had left and assigned them to a month.
Obviously some of them I couldn’t chose due to money or logistics. For example, I can’t very well have an unexpected Hollywood kiss in the middle of a big city street if I’m expecting it (are you listening Baby Daddy?). I also can’t take anyone to Greece or England or start a white dress collection on our current budget.
I can start a book, however. I can learn to run. I can go a month without Internet (I think).
I looked at the calendar; I considered the seasons, the weather, the details. I researched legitimate flash mobs.
And then I committed.
Admittedly, I am scared. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m most scared of cutting my hair. My hair is my vanity, my “one beauty” as Amy March might say. Lord help me when I’m actually sitting in the salon next to the scissors. I may need wine. Lots of wine.
But the thing is, I’ve always wanted to do it. So why not do it now? Maybe I’ll learn something. I hope I learn something.
Full List
Marry True Love
Write A Book
Have A Hollywood Kiss/City Street
Skydive
Throw A Colossal Party
See Coldplay Live
Drive Across the US
Be A Mother
White Dress Collection
One Month Without Internet
Swim With Dolphins
See England
Write and Perform A Great Song
Be Part Of A Flash Mob
Rock Climb Without Dying
Float In The Dead Sea
Raise A Puppy
Climb A Very High Mountain
Play With Baby Tigers
Experience Short Hair
Learn How To Run
Sleep On A Boat
Make Sushi
Spend 6+ Months Abroad With My Family
Take The Kids To Greece
Touch An Elephant
Wear My Wedding Dress Again And Look Awesome In It
Raise A Pig
See Brazil
Write Manifesto
Shower In A Waterfall
Go To A Music Festival
Actually Learn Guitar
Throw A Costume Party
Make A Music Video
Trace My Roots
Be An Extra In A Movie
Mother Gently
Keep Plants Alive
Meet Tina Fey
Go Sailing
Be A Great Wife
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Stay tuned for details on the first and last weekday of every month.
Here’s to new beginnings, new experiences, and most of all–trying not to fail.
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