There’s just something about the term “bucket list” that I don’t like. Maybe it’s the implied pressure of getting the thing done before you die. Or maybe it’s the acknowledgment that death is coming eventually.
Instead, as a replacement, I offer you my list of “Non-Everyday Things That I Think Would Be Cool To Experience”.
The list is in no certain order, and just to make it more interesting, I’ve ranked each item according to how likely I think I am to actually have these experiences. I’m not trying to speak pessimism into existence and ruin my own dreams, I’m just trying to be realistic.
I tried not to overthink the list, and also wanted to keep it to things that I have control over. Also, although I would greatly enjoy these things, I would not consider my life a failure by any stretch if I end up not doing any of them.
Ok- as Mr. T might say– “Enough with the jibber jabber!”
Here’s the list:
Go To Norway
Why?
It looks like a really beautiful country, and I especially love winter. I’m also interested in the traditional cultures of the area. They run a half marathon in Tromso that I’d love to do. It starts at 2pm but it’s in totally dark outside!
Likelihood of me actually going to Norway: High
Get Eagles Season Tickets
Why?
If you have to ask, you don’t know me very well at all. Go Birds! The sad news is that season tickets are extremely hard to come by. About 10 years ago I took a stadium tour of Lincoln Financial Field, and one of the other people in our group had recently been awarded (the right to buy) season tickets. Her dad put her name on the waiting list the day she was born. She had just turned 23! Of course you can sometimes buy them from somebody selling theirs, but $$$$$$!!!
Likelihood of me actually getting Eagles season tickets: Damn Near Zero
Travel In Europe For A Month
Why?
I’ve never been to the continent and there are so many things I’d like to see, learn and do. I love road trips, so rather than take several smaller trips, I’d prefer to roam around freely for an extended period.
Likelihood of me actually traveling Europe for a month: Moderately High
Run A Marathon
Why?
I’ve been running (with varying consistency) for years now and the idea of completing a marathon has been gnawing at me for a long time. I just want to see if I can do it. So far I’ve set out to attempt it several times, but have always been foiled by injury, lack of discipline, or mental weakness. I believe I’m capable of overcoming all of those- but will I?Likelihood of me actually running a marathon: High-ish
Finish A Half Marathon In Under 2 Hours
Why?
I’ve run a bunch of half marathons before and, like every runner, I always want to get faster. But my fastest half was my first one, over 10 years ago! Since then my training has been sporadic and I’ve only matched that rookie race level of fitness one time since. I know I’m no speed demon, but generally speaking 2 hours is only considered an average time anyway. I’d like to get fit like I was a few years ago, work on running faster, and see how it turns out.
Likelihood of actually running a sub 2:00 half marathon: Moderate
Ok, now just to drag this on a little longer, let’s eliminate one thing from the list and lock in another one. This is based on how much I value the items, not on cost or likelihood, etc…
Cut Off The List:
Finish A Half Marathon In Under 2 Hours
Why Cut It: Because it really doesn’t matter. Who cares if I run slow, I’m glad to able to run and handling that distance takes a decent amount of physical fitness whether you’re the tortoise, the hare, or something in between.
Locked In:
Go To Norway
Why: The place has always just really intrigued me for many reasons.
Five O'Clock Shadow 