Emily’s Top Five: Bucket List for 2011

Emily’s Top Five:  Bucket List for 2011

I have already explained how I rank everything. In a perfect marriage with my rankings, I also make lists. A lot. In fact, I make lists of lists to make. I wish I were kidding. Now, most of the time my lists stay stuck to the forgotten side of my fridge so far out of the way that I forget they are there. And when I clean out my purse, it typically involves pulling out random, wadded up post-it notes of things that I have jotted down while at work. Perhaps I should add “Organizing My Lists” to my to-do list. But the best feeling in the world is crossing something off of the list. Finally remembering to pick up Pledge in the grocery store, returning the RedBox movie that is slowly collecting dust on my mantle while quickly draining my account, and finally cleaning out my outdoor closet (Eek. Spiders!) are all little victories that just beg for a dramatic celebration when I pull out my nifty post-it pen and put another bold black streak across my “Live.Love.Appreciate.Enjoy.” magnetic notepad.  In fact, if I accomplish something that isn’t on my list I write it down just to cross it off. It feels that good.

Because I believe dreaming and doing should never be mutually exclusive, I have made a list of 5 things that I have been wanting to do for a while. They are things that I absolutely want to do in the last 6 months of 2011. So here it is:  Emily’s Bucket List for 2011. Keep me accountable. I promise to post pictures.

1. Get a Passport and Make Plans to Use It

I travel fairly often, but I have never left America. This has to change asap. I can’t take it any longer. I will be getting a passport this year and I will be planning a vacation abroad before the year is over.

2. Be an Active Volunteer

One night every month I volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville. If you aren’t familiar with the organization, check it out. They are doing incredible things in this city by taking care of the families of our sick children. What a blessing to have them right here in our backyard. We need them.

My volunteer night is always a highlight of my month.  It gives me a purpose and reminds me that I am a part of a world that is so much bigger than myself.  This year, I want to find an additional organization that needs me. I have time and love and smiles to give.

3. Learn to Make Pasta

I was talking to my Dallas Friend tonight and she gave me the run-down on some yummy pasta that she had eaten from Macaroni Grill. Mushroom Ravioli with Cream Sauce. Okay, that actually doesn’t sound that great to me because I don’t care for mushrooms or cream sauce, but hearing about her ravioli combined with the fact that I had just finished my first Thai food experience at The Smiling Elephant where I had PadThai with rice noodles reminded me of a little goal of mine.  I want to learn how to make my own pasta… like the actual noodles. I hear ravioli noodles are easier for beginners, so that will be where I start. Have a great recipe? Do share. Want to help? We all know I’ll need it. Come on over. 

4. Attend a “Welcome Home” for Soldiers

I have always seen welcome home events at Fort Campbell highlighted on the local news.  I always think, “Wow. That would be the coolest thing ever to witness all of these soldiers proudly coming home from war and being reunited with their families.” I get this overwhelmingly proud and patriotic feeling just watching the thirty-second news spot. These people deserve to have homemade signs waved in their direction, loud eruptions of cheers, and seas of grateful citizens decked out in red, white, and blue attire every time they bring a plane of warriors home. I will be one of those people soon. I’m really excited. This might be my favorite thing on my list.

5. Go Skydiving

I am convinced that I must go skydiving. I don’t really remember what planted that idea, but it has been in the front of my mind and hasn’t faded for a while. I almost bought a groupon with a friend, but, fortunately, this chronic googler did the research that I clearly had not done and determined that the company offering the deal had a horrible Better Business Bureau score and a shady past. Not the kind of company I want to sky dive with. Note to self: Google.

So here’s to new adventures, new foods, new experiences, and new challenges. What’s on your bucket list for 2011? Make a list. Cross things off. As Matt Maher sings, “This is the first day of the rest of your life”. Make it count.

Want a little glimpse of my Lifetime Bucket List?

1. Watch the Ball Drop on New Year's Eve in Time's Square.

2. Write a Book.

3. Start a Charity.

4. Own a Vacation Home on the Beach.

5. Be a Foster Parent.

6. Ride on an Elephant in Africa.

7. Run for Public Office.

8. Be a Really Awesome Wife.

9. Go Zip-lining in Hawaii (Hopefully to be crossed off soon).

10. Visit All 50 States.