My 'Bucket List'

I have been spending the past few days reflecting upon things I want to change in my life. Some are little, some are big. Chris Guillebeau's wonderful book " The Art of Non-Conformity" is inspiring me to not only make New Year's Resolutions; but to make New Life Resolutions. In the book he describes making a life plan as similar to planning a wedding; but adds that it is better to plan for a big, meaningful life than a big wedding! Part of the process involves writing down what a perfect day would be like; start to finish, and then begin to arrange your days so that your 'perfect day' elements are included. Another exercise is to create a life list of goals you wish to accomplish before you die. Some call this a 'bucket list.' I am still working on my life list; but here are some of the things I've come up with so far...

• Make my yard beautiful
• Lose those extra pounds and be healthy
• Try cross-country skiing in Eastern Washington
• Learn verbrato on my violin
• Dress with flair
• Be more active in my church
• Write and publish book(s)
• Memorize the book of Hebrews
• Travel to Scotland, Holland, UK, South of France, Italy, Cape Breton, Turks & Caicos, the Deep South, Rio de Janiero, Texas, New York, Africa
• Swim in the Sea of Cortez
• Sleep under the stars in the desert and hear a coyote howl
• Find the perfect haircut
• Look up old friends and make new ones
• Own a little cottage on a beach
• Inspire my grandchildren
• Stop hurrying
• Stop being afraid of things, people, and confrontation-say what I think
• Live the Word
• Teach
• Remodel the kitchen and bathroom
• Be myself

This list is growing; and I've withheld some of my most personal items on it. It is already making a difference in my life. Though it's chilly out today; I went for 2 walks with the dog (healthy goal), and spent an hour in the garden pulling dead weeds and clearing winter debri (gardening goal).