Bucket List

A friend has inspired me to think about a bucket list.  I'm not sure what is on her list, besides learning to salsa, but the conversation definitely made me think about my own goals.  Sometimes we get so caught up in day to day living, just making ends meet and making sure everyone is fed and clean, that we forget to really live.  It is those extra little things that make life worth while, otherwise life is day after day of drudgery.  The beginning of a new year offers a promise of change and it is as good a time as any to think of your bucket list.

What are your dreams?  What would you like to accomplish?  What kind of example do you set for your children and others?  Your goals don't have to be big, just meaningful to you.  Maybe you just want to read the whole Bible in one year rather than climb Mount Everest.  Go for it.  If you are 60 something and think you are too old to learn to surf, think again and make it happen, even if for only one day.  This year, set aside some me time and take a painting class or learn a different language.  You may find that whatever you attempt is not really something you want to continue doing but at least you'll know.

Many of the things on your list won't be that hard to accomplish, it is more a matter of making time to actually do it and looking at your options.  I'd always wanted to learn to dance but didn't dream there were any opportunities in my little home town other than ballet and hip hop for children.  Then I was introduced to a young Mexican who has now been teaching me Latin dancing for 2 years.  I have envied my friends who are wonderful amateur photographers, while making excuses for my own photos.  This past fall it became obvious our trusty point and shoot was on it's last legs so I decided to get a decent camera and take a class.  I found a local one day class scheduled this January and received a Cannon Rebel for Christmas.  I've already taken some nice photos and you'll be seeing some here soon.

The point is that everyone should have a list of things they'd like to do and to work at achieving at least some of them.  Instead of plopping in front of the TV tonight, get a piece of paper and write down the things you'd love to do, big and small.  Think how good you'll feel when you can cross something off and say "I did it!".

Here is a sample of my bucket list.
Travel to somewhere in Europe, Italy being high on the list.
Travel to somewhere in Africa.
Learn basic Spanish.
Climb down into the Grand Canyon.
Finally have a decent yard and landscaping while learning more about growing things.
Have a small green house so I can grow vegetables year round. (Ha!  I have a black thumb!)
Grow more flowers, especially to attract birds, bees and butterflies.

     OK, not the best photo but not bad for someone who really still doesn't know what they are doing.  There are a lot of buttons on that camera!