This week, blogs across America are all about Thanksgiving plans, food, family, drama and, of course, gratitude. I, too, thank the Lord for my blessings and have shown gratitude to friends and family, today and every day. But right now, I’m just thankful to be on my sofa with my laptop and a glass of wine.
While I have plenty to be thankful for, dare I say that there is also so much more that I desire? I’m not talking about a flat screen TV or a MacBook (I’ll let you guess which was for literary emphasis and which is truly something on my wish list). I’m talking about what I hope to get out of life. Seeing that I’m only, well, young, I think it’s fair for me to aspire to and hope for more, even on Thanksgiving.
I had an exchange today that got me thinking about my “bucket list.” So I figured I’d share it with you. With no chronological order implied, here’s a list of the things I hope to do before I kick it:
1. See each of the 50 Nifty United States. And I don’t mean drive through, or even stop for gas. I have to actually stay there with the intent to experience something in that state for it to count. (Last I counted, I think I was at 20.)
2. Earn a living writing about something that matters. Y’know, like bucket lists.
3. Become a family with Braden, a man I love and his children. That’s about all I’m going to say on this item.
4. Finish my Master’s degree. I have only four classes left, so this one should be in the bag.
5. Bring my invention to life. Currently, it resides in my head. I have no idea how to do anything about it, so for now it will remain where it’s been for two plus years: 123 Lauren’s Brain, Laurenville, USA.
6. Raise my son to be strong-willed enough to go after what he wants and not be walked on or taken advantage of, but compassionate and considerate as well. Lucky for me, I have a great partner in my quest to accomplish this goal.
7. Start my own magazine. Seriously. In about a million years, but seriously.
8. See a Cubs game at Fenway Park. Uh-huh, I called it a “Cubs” game. (You thought I was going to say “see a Cubs World Series win,” didn’t you? This is MY bucket list, not the Cubs’!)
9. Achieve financial freedom to the extent that I am without debt, able to provide for my son, enjoy my life and give back to those who made it possible.
10. Visit the towns in England where my ancestors lived, and the towns in Germany where my dad and his family lived.
11. Learn how to speak French. And if I pull that off…
11a. Visit France. All of it.
Okay, after actually putting that on paper, I’ve realized how short – and achievable – my list is. I think I’m going to get started on it.
Tomorrow…
What’s on your list?
Coincidently, a blogger you’ve seen around MLI, Jamey Stegmaier, wrote a related post today: “What I’d Do If 2012 Were Real,” proving he’s a much deeper thinker than I am. Check it out!
Previous MLI posts related to My Bucket List:
My Contribution (This is why I blog.)
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m an old guy and have been lucky to see most of mine, They include family man, doc, mandolin picker, golfer, and writer.
About all that is left for me is a published book (geting close) and grandchildren. ( a ways off) I’ll come up with some more though.
Hope you’ll viist my blog. As far as I know I am the only physician bluegrass fiction writer on wordpress.
drtombibey.wordpress.com
Wow, Dr. TB! You’ve accomplished some great stuff. Good luck on the book (AND the grandchildren). What’s your book about?
It’s funny how the list changes throughout the course of life. I’m happy I’ve blogged mine so I can see how it changes over time by way of accomplishment as well as shifting goals and priorities! Hope you finish (and continue to develop) yours!
Thanks for your comment. And of course I’ll stop by your blog!
Lauren,
It is a medical legal mystery solved by local bluegrass musicians. As one touring pro said, “Doc that has to be fiction.” It is but, it is still the truth, at least except for the fiction parts.
You will enjoy your blog. I have learned a lot from my readers since I started mine in 2007.
Dr. B.
Maybe I can help with #8, it would be a blast!!!!!
Joanie, you read my mind!
Hey, Joanie and L … I’m going too … just make sure it’s a Summer game! Not Spring or Fall … I’m a wimp and don’t like to go to games unless it’s sunny and warm.
I have a Bucket List, too. 1) To go to France with L
, and 2) to see L’s invention in stores.
Oh! Don’t wait too long on that invention thing. A couple of years ago I was dreaming up a mat with artificial grass for dogs to pee on indoors. I even planted real grass in a flat container for my dog to help along the thought process. But, I had NOoooo idea what to do about my invention. This month it is on the cover of the Harriet Carter catalog and I have seen it on t.v. AAAAaarrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!
Good luck to you!
Loonbait, something similar happened to my grandfather. Let’s see if we can get some help for Lauren … I’m sure someone in blog land knows how to put together an application for a patent … CHALLENGE: Help LAUREN file a patent application for her invention!!
Mom! You’re awesome (and embarrassing).
Doesn’t that always happen? You saw I missed the boat on the Roomba, didn’t you? It seems like in order to get anywhere with it, I’d have to either a. spend a lot of money or b. risk that someone else steals it because I put it on the table before protecting it. I probably don’t know what I’m talking about. I haven’t done a ton of research. A blogger friend, Jamey Stegmaier, suggested I check out this website, Quirky. It’s a new social product development site. And there’s also Kickstarter, but that seems to be for media projects more than products. I think ought to just keep writing and let someone else invent stuff.
Nope. Your invention is so simple and useful, that it is almost divine (Hah! how do you like that description?).
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