I want to do that before I die!
That phrase has almost become almost as cliché as they come, being muttered by drones wandering the cubical mazes making a theoretical list (ok, some people actually make a list) and never crossing a single adventure off of it. I've begun to wonder as the drones wander... Do they make these lists as a crutch? Do these idlers and settlers use the classic "Bucket List" as a way to have hope that their lives will magically one day turn into something fantastic? Newsflash, kids, good things don't come to those who wait. Great and mind-blowing things come to those who get off their asses and open the door themselves. There is something to be said for patience (it is a virtue, after all... and we should all strive to be virtuous, right?) and not being too hasty, but where is it written that we need to wait until our retirement to live life until it hurts-so-good? I wouldn't want to be a senior citizen trying to climb 530 steps to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral and have my hip pop out! Though, dear readers, I did manage this climb on the one day it was sunny in London and I was wearing a skirt. (You're welcome, German tourists, hope it wasn't too distracting from the centuries of history and culture surrounding you.)
I started asking my most interesting and dearest friends if they had ever taken the time to sit down and pen out their "Bucket List" out. A few had compiled a tangible list, to no surprise, and I was fortunate to have them share their sensational, albeit some nonsensical aspirations with me. A few souls admitted it's on their notepad in their iPhone (good God where would we be without them?) for constant editing. There was a scattering of surprises, though, that caused me to stumble when they shrugged their proverbial shoulders when admitting they hadn't put much thought into it or muttered, "There are things I want to do before I die." Oy.
Some of the entries were outstanding. My sister's boyfriend and my dear friend, Chris (who specifically asked to be credited with his), wants to live in a tree. No, really. He also wants to stay in the Hobbit Shire homes in New Zealand. I applaud his remarkable and distinguished list, as it reminded me that "Travel Asia" isn't enough when it comes to figuring out my list. One of my favorite people on the planet, Benton, rocked my world with some of his entries, though I shouldn't be surprised as his mind is one of evil genius married with eccentric splendor. Only he could come up with having his outgoing message recorded by the voice of NPR, Carl Kasell- classic Benton. What threw me was his final submission: he wants to be struck by lightening. My initial reaction surprised me; I was exhilarated. What a rush! The ultimate 'To-Do' is death, really, so this should probably be his last, but he most likely considered that while assembling his list. Richard, an old friend and stellar soul, has a concise and well thought-out list; his entries ranging from playing catch with his father on the Field of Dreams at Cooperstown (family sentiment) to scuba diving with sharks and moving to Las Vegas for an entire year. I love the variety and brilliance of some of the tasks these amazing people came up with. I decided to dive a little deeper.... into something they call, "The Inter-Web". Some up-and-coming thing all the kids are using. We'll see if it takes off.
think there is a substantial difference between "The Bucket List" and some things you wouldn't mind doing. These things should incite riots within you, raising exhilaration to new heights when you discuss it or- gasp!- make plans to cross it off your precious list. For example, I have been to both Disneyland and Disneyworld, and one day would like to visit TokyoDisney, but I must admit it is more because of my ridiculous obsession with Japan than it has to do with Disney. If I am in Paris or Hong Kong, I won't prioritize spending my money or time wandering around a theme park. Therein lies the key: prioritizing. Everything on my Do-It-To-It Bucket List is prioritized from this point forward!
Granted, I wrote one when I was 15 or so, then again at 18, but they have fallen victim to Spring cleaning or mistaken identity of a grocery list, one would think. In this age of ludicrous technology, why not pry into random individuals most private desires, much like you are doing to mine? I might as well make sure there is nothing I am missing out on! I first and foremost had to grab something tangible to put these hot little ideas down on. I know myself, I am a list maker, and if I am going to make these dreams of mine a sweet reality, the list needs to be as tangible as I desire them to be. (Besides, that gives me something to scrapbook later! Oh, in case we haven't met, I'm a massive nerd. Alright, back to my list.) I started by making two separate lists: Badass Adventures That Made Me Who I am & You Jealous and Adventures That Won't Happen If I Am Sitting On My Sweet Ass. Admittedly, that's a bit wordy (even for myself, the Wordsmith) so I simplified: Things I Have Done and The Bucket List, respectively. I wrote as much as I could, as quickly as I could to get things rolling along before picking the brains of random people all over the world.
I found that most individuals ambitions revolve around accomplishments, such as Masters Degrees & eliminating debt, and travel. As I found myself scrolling quickly through blogs, lists and forums it hit be: I've done almost all of these. How fortunate am I to be scribbling furiously in this bright lavender ink (I keep it real) over the Benn-There-Done-That side of this experiment? I did manage to find a few I hadn't done or even considered, one I even added to my own list. It felt amazing to fill the blank pages with my adventures and accomplishments, even the smaller ones we often forget about, like witnessing a sunrise from its inception or getting slap-you-in-the-face-drunk. Conversely, there are some things that I just cannot bring myself to put on my list, but you bet your ass I will proudly put them on my list of accomplishments should I ever find myself in that position: getting arrested, streaking or breaking someones bone.
Go whitewater rafting May 2012, Peru
Learn to Salsa dance in South America November 2011, Quito Ecuador
Celebrate New Year's Eve in a foreign country Montañita, Ecuador 2011-2012
Sing karaoke solo 6/5/13 Gunpowder & Lead, Miranda Lambert (Thanks, Mom!)
Use a fire extinguisher 10/28/11 Thanks, Nik Cherwink!
Move overseas Ecuador, 2011
Set a World Record 32,673 Luche Libre masks worn @ Angels Game 5/10/11
Attend Coachella April 15-17, 2011
Be in two places at once Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador 2012
Attend Carnaval in South America Carnaval de Barranquilla, Colombia February 2012
Drink Guinness in Ireland Study Abroad, May 2005
La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival in Okinawa, Japan
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
Hot air balloon ride
Brew homemade beer Amie Ann Amber Ale - Sept 2011
Visit a nude beach
Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia
Visit every country in South America
Fill up a passport before it expires
Learn to surf North Shore, Oahu - Dec 2012
Save someone's life
Live in Japan
Fire a flamethrower
Join the 100 Club (countries)
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
Cage diving with sharks
Dine in the Sky
Swim in the Dead Sea in Isreal
Death Road in Bolivia (I assume cycle... We shall see...)
Wing Walking
Go snowmobiling
...
BAM. Let's do this.
xx.a
That phrase has almost become almost as cliché as they come, being muttered by drones wandering the cubical mazes making a theoretical list (ok, some people actually make a list) and never crossing a single adventure off of it. I've begun to wonder as the drones wander... Do they make these lists as a crutch? Do these idlers and settlers use the classic "Bucket List" as a way to have hope that their lives will magically one day turn into something fantastic? Newsflash, kids, good things don't come to those who wait. Great and mind-blowing things come to those who get off their asses and open the door themselves. There is something to be said for patience (it is a virtue, after all... and we should all strive to be virtuous, right?) and not being too hasty, but where is it written that we need to wait until our retirement to live life until it hurts-so-good? I wouldn't want to be a senior citizen trying to climb 530 steps to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral and have my hip pop out! Though, dear readers, I did manage this climb on the one day it was sunny in London and I was wearing a skirt. (You're welcome, German tourists, hope it wasn't too distracting from the centuries of history and culture surrounding you.)
I started asking my most interesting and dearest friends if they had ever taken the time to sit down and pen out their "Bucket List" out. A few had compiled a tangible list, to no surprise, and I was fortunate to have them share their sensational, albeit some nonsensical aspirations with me. A few souls admitted it's on their notepad in their iPhone (good God where would we be without them?) for constant editing. There was a scattering of surprises, though, that caused me to stumble when they shrugged their proverbial shoulders when admitting they hadn't put much thought into it or muttered, "There are things I want to do before I die." Oy.
Some of the entries were outstanding. My sister's boyfriend and my dear friend, Chris (who specifically asked to be credited with his), wants to live in a tree. No, really. He also wants to stay in the Hobbit Shire homes in New Zealand. I applaud his remarkable and distinguished list, as it reminded me that "Travel Asia" isn't enough when it comes to figuring out my list. One of my favorite people on the planet, Benton, rocked my world with some of his entries, though I shouldn't be surprised as his mind is one of evil genius married with eccentric splendor. Only he could come up with having his outgoing message recorded by the voice of NPR, Carl Kasell- classic Benton. What threw me was his final submission: he wants to be struck by lightening. My initial reaction surprised me; I was exhilarated. What a rush! The ultimate 'To-Do' is death, really, so this should probably be his last, but he most likely considered that while assembling his list. Richard, an old friend and stellar soul, has a concise and well thought-out list; his entries ranging from playing catch with his father on the Field of Dreams at Cooperstown (family sentiment) to scuba diving with sharks and moving to Las Vegas for an entire year. I love the variety and brilliance of some of the tasks these amazing people came up with. I decided to dive a little deeper.... into something they call, "The Inter-Web". Some up-and-coming thing all the kids are using. We'll see if it takes off.
Skydiving, 2nd time, 2009
think there is a substantial difference between "The Bucket List" and some things you wouldn't mind doing. These things should incite riots within you, raising exhilaration to new heights when you discuss it or- gasp!- make plans to cross it off your precious list. For example, I have been to both Disneyland and Disneyworld, and one day would like to visit TokyoDisney, but I must admit it is more because of my ridiculous obsession with Japan than it has to do with Disney. If I am in Paris or Hong Kong, I won't prioritize spending my money or time wandering around a theme park. Therein lies the key: prioritizing. Everything on my Do-It-To-It Bucket List is prioritized from this point forward!
Granted, I wrote one when I was 15 or so, then again at 18, but they have fallen victim to Spring cleaning or mistaken identity of a grocery list, one would think. In this age of ludicrous technology, why not pry into random individuals most private desires, much like you are doing to mine? I might as well make sure there is nothing I am missing out on! I first and foremost had to grab something tangible to put these hot little ideas down on. I know myself, I am a list maker, and if I am going to make these dreams of mine a sweet reality, the list needs to be as tangible as I desire them to be. (Besides, that gives me something to scrapbook later! Oh, in case we haven't met, I'm a massive nerd. Alright, back to my list.) I started by making two separate lists: Badass Adventures That Made Me Who I am & You Jealous and Adventures That Won't Happen If I Am Sitting On My Sweet Ass. Admittedly, that's a bit wordy (even for myself, the Wordsmith) so I simplified: Things I Have Done and The Bucket List, respectively. I wrote as much as I could, as quickly as I could to get things rolling along before picking the brains of random people all over the world.
Himeji, Japan 2006
I found that most individuals ambitions revolve around accomplishments, such as Masters Degrees & eliminating debt, and travel. As I found myself scrolling quickly through blogs, lists and forums it hit be: I've done almost all of these. How fortunate am I to be scribbling furiously in this bright lavender ink (I keep it real) over the Benn-There-Done-That side of this experiment? I did manage to find a few I hadn't done or even considered, one I even added to my own list. It felt amazing to fill the blank pages with my adventures and accomplishments, even the smaller ones we often forget about, like witnessing a sunrise from its inception or getting slap-you-in-the-face-drunk. Conversely, there are some things that I just cannot bring myself to put on my list, but you bet your ass I will proudly put them on my list of accomplishments should I ever find myself in that position: getting arrested, streaking or breaking someones bone.
Playing with baby tigers, 2010
One of the most inspiring people I have ever met was only in my life for a short while before she left our advertising agency to travel the world and increase her badass levels to incomparable levels. Laurenne Sala: author, freelance writer, creative director, comedian, producer, story teller, cultural guru (my opinion) and general hottie. She uses words like 'vagina' and writes up mock-interviews with God, calling him a douchebag because he won't get off his Blackberry. She traveled the world because she damn well felt like it and she's on of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her blog is the highlight of my day, and with a name like Humans Are Funny can you blame a girl? She wanted to attack life, not sit back and hope the right people meandered into her office at the right time. She puts herself out there, breaking pretty much all the social standards and rules we try to abide by, and she does it with a gorgeous smile and no shame. I feel fortunate to have someone as such a stellar example of someone taking life by the balls and forging her own path, not giving half a damn about what others might think she is "supposed" to be doing.
The thing I hate the most about advertising is that it attracts all the bright, creative and ambitious young people, leaving us mainly with the slow and self-obsessed to become our artists.. Modern art is a disaster area. Never in the field of human history has so much been used by so many to say so little. - Banksy
Don't worry, Banksy, she plays for both teams. Advertising and art, that is... Hopefully she forgets she gave me permission to use her in this blog because I can't bring myself to delete that. Maybe humans are, in fact, funny... Regardless, Laurenne was brought into my life for a specific reason, as she has never been far from my mind and I see her wearing an attitude rivaling the one I am tailor-making for myself at this point in time. Laurenne reminded me of my list, and I am fortunate enough to say that I have inspired a few others, in my asking, to make theirs and start making plans.
Every body dies, but not everybody lives. I'm not going to allow death to be my greatest adventure, I want to welcome it with a smile and an eased sense of satisfaction. Hopefully, as the title of this entry boasts, death will not keep me from my list of adventures I am about to share with you. Please note, it has been simplified greatly because listing every place I want to visit would be ridiculous. More will be added...
Adventures That Won't Happen If I'm Sitting On My Ass
See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
Go scuba diving
Ride a dogsled
Attend an Olympic event
Visit all 7 continents
Visit all 50 states
Finish learning Japanese
Write a book
Finish learning guitar
See the 7 Wonders of the World
-Machu Picchu, Peru 05/27/12
-Great Wall of China, China
-Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
-Taj Majal, India
-Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
-Stonehenge, England
-Colosseum, Italy
Play one song at an open mic night
Drive on the Autobahn
Attend a World Cup match
Attend Burning Man
Go sailing
Paint a self-portrait
Participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony
Attend an opera
Float down the Amazon River
Ride a unicycle
Write with a quill
Seal Island in South Africa
Ride an elephant in Thailand
Milk a cow
Ride in a helicopter
Go on an African Safari
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival in Okinawa, Japan
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
Hot air balloon ride
Visit a nude beach
Climb Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia
Visit every country in South America
Fill up a passport before it expires
Save someone's life
Live in Japan
Fire a flamethrower
Join the 100 Club (countries)
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
Cage diving with sharks
Dine in the Sky
Swim in the Dead Sea in Isreal
Death Road in Bolivia (I assume cycle... We shall see...)
Wing Walking
Go snowmobiling
...
BAM. Let's do this.
xx.a
