A Bucket List

A bucket list is a set of goals you'd like to accomplish before you kick the bucket. The following are some things I think about doing. A lot. They are some of the goals on my bucket list.

1. Visit Israel, New Zealand, and New York
I've always wanted to visit Israel since I was little for its spiritual significance, its history, and its culture. I've desperately wanted to go white water rafting in Rotorua, New Zealand, for several years. I also want to spend a week in New York just attending Broadway shows and experiencing the city that never sleeps.

2. Skydive
I have a serious fear of heights, so doing this will put the final stamp on me conquering that fear.

3. Go totally blonde
I've been a brunette my whole life and just once, I want to see if it's true that blondes have more fun.

4. Surf successfully without my knees shaking
No boogie board stuff here. I want to stand on a longboard, hit the wave just right, and ride it through in true surfer fashion.

5. Go horseback riding again.
I grew up with horses. I used to break and train them in college. While still in college, I had a horseback riding accident and broke my neck. Thank the Lord I wasn't paralyzed, but I did have a lengthy recovery time. Haven't ridden since. It's time to get back in the saddle.

6. Run in the Boston Marathon
I think with perseverance, I can get there. A friend who's already run it twice has offered to run it with me. Oooooh- my body trembles a little at the pain it will go through, but I would LOVE that feeling of accomplishment.

7. Start a program to give homeless kids support and education
In my career, I've seen how much value even a little support, whether it be educational, emotional, spiritual, or financial can have in the life of a homeless child. So when I retire in a few years, I've got a plan in place I want to follow towards this goal.

8. Learn to dance, Bollywood style
I love the style of dancing and the costumes. I think it would be great fun.

9. Visit my beloved Mexico again without any concerns about the violence.
I grew up hearing my great grandparents, my grandparents, and my mom speak so lovingly of their homeland, Mexico. We've made many visits there, but haven't been lately and will not be able to go in the foreseeable future because of the horrendous violence.  The border areas we used to frequent are some of the worst. My heart breaks for Mexico.

Some of these are fairly lofty goals, but you won't have lofty achievements unless you have lofty goals. I would love for my last words on this earth to be, "No regrets."

What's on your bucket list? You know, the only thing that makes something impossible is you thinking that it is.