This list is originally from supermoney. It's a generic list but with more realistic "suggestions"/orders.
1. Learn a foreign language
I kind of did this already - Spanish and German. I think I basically got to the point where I need to live in Madrid or Berlin (or both!) for a few years to really master them. I mean seriously, how expensive can that be? Oh wait, I only have 104 days. Well maybe by 42.
2. Travel abroad
Done! I've been to Spain (NOT LONG ENOUGH) and England and France and Germany (NOT LONG ENOUGH) and Canada and Mexico. I'd like to go more places but I've got a pretty good start I think! :-)
3. Dye your hair
Done! I was actually proud of myself when I stopped dying my hair! Of course now I'm considering taking it up again - maybe just this once...
4. Take a class in something weird
Let's see, I took silk painting with mom once and that was awesome. I took improv which is weird to some people. I took a sourdough class with collin which was really fun. I took Tai Chi in college which was memorable. I also have a bunch of classes checked/circled in the Durham Arts Council catalog - maybe I should take one of those!
5. Test drive a fabulous car
Once I rented an Infiniti G35 for the weekend (accidental upgrade thank-you-very-much) which was pretty sweet. I like the idea of driving a race car better than test-driving a car I can't afford to buy.
6. Write a letter to yourself or your future children
Again, this is a good idea and I will definitely add this to my list!
7. Become a regular at a Capoeira or Zumba class
Once I was walking down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki and found myself behind this group of folks in Capoeira abadas and every single one of them had the single greatest ass I've ever seen in my entire life. I would love to be a regular in a Capoeira class but I'm thinking Tai Chi might be more my speed. Literally.
8. Live/work/volunteer on a farm
Oooh! That sounds like something I really wish I would have done before I got too fat and tired. :-) I guess it's still not too late to volunteer every once in awhile. Maybe I'll find a nice tomato farm...
9. Sing/dance/speak/act in front of a large group of people
Done! Improv! I also did theatre in high school and community theatre when I was a kid.
10. Break one bad habit
I thought I had broken my habit of biting my nails but that seems to have reemerged as I've gotten closer to 40...
11. Send someone a handwritten card or letter
Done. So many times. I regret that this has gone out of fashion.
12. Become a mentor to someone
Not sure anyone wants or needs my advice...
13. Take a road trip
Mom and I have taken a few awesome road trips. Key West with Richard and Isaac, San Francisco to Portland, and San Francisco to Asheboro, NC. I think one could always take more road trips, especially with those they love. It's a great experience.
14. Grow a salad for dinner
Bucket List! I just worry that I've gotten too old to learn how to grow vegetables. Is there such a thing?
15. Have a green smoothie
LOL - so many times. I did live in San Francisco for 5 years, y'all.
16. Watch the movie “This is 40”
Ugh. Reluctantly added to Netflix DVD queue.
17. Forgive an old foe
Forgiven I guess, since I can't remember any old foes. Except that one, and you don't mean her, do you? Surely not.
18. Buy something expensive for yourself
Does a PhD count? I mean I had to work for it sure, but it wasn't cheap either.
19. Tell your friends and family you love them
What kind of person gets to 40 without doing this? Or am I supposed to call everyone I love the night before just in case I actually disintegrate or forget who I am?
20. Do something you’re afraid of
This is very general. Everyone has probably done something that scares them, right? Performing improv was scary every time, even the rehearsals, so I guess that counts. I also snorkeled and had a panic attack when I swam over the edge of the shelf. That was scary as shit. Oh, and I got a PhD. Scary. So I guess this one is covered. Although I still think ziplining might be appropriate.
21. Watch a documentary on an issue you don’t understand
Done. But now I understand it. Love documentaries. Wish there was one about turning 40. I did a search and found one that was in French. All the answers, right in front of me but so far away...
22. Do a house sit
Like in the Holiday! Sounds awesome! But no.
23. Learn how to create a fancy dessert at home
I did recently go through all of my recipes and I have a couple that would be very interesting to try. I mean, I am trying to lose weight before 40 but if it's required by my bucket list who am I do deny myself?
24. Clean out the attic and basement
Since both are crawl spaces and inaccessible to normal-sized humans this is unnecessary. thank god.
25. Volunteer at a hospital or retirement home
Does a Senior Center count? Then done.
26. Go skinny dipping (in the moonlight if possible)
Again with the skinny-dipping! Technically done and definitely in the moonlight. Who goes skinny-dipping in the middle of the day? Although it would be a great way to avoid those pesky tan lines.
27. Go camping by yourself
I would like to do this. This is a good activity. This scares me and also is something I've wanted to do for a long time. This might make the list. Although I might actually do it in the back yard.
28. Attend service at a house of worship of a religion you’re not familiar with
Done - I converted to Episcopalianism which required me to start going to an Episcopal church which was really weird and awesome at first. I would also like to try a Quaker meeting. I know that said religion and all of these are Christian but I would feel weird going to a place of worship for "THE EXPERIENCE MAN" - that doesn't seem respectful to me.
29. Watch a silent film
Done! I'll watch a lot more by the time I turn 40, too, since I think I'm going to try to watch the AFI Top 100 by then!
30. Swim in the ocean
Done! I can't imagine life without having floated around in the ocean, being pushed and pulled by the tide and feeling little fish swim in and out and I can't imagine never having seen the little crabs and things finding their hiding places and without having stood and watched the waves come in and go out and feeling my feet sink deeper and deeper into the sand until they are covered and then stepping back out and I'm like 6 inches taller.
I need to go to the beach soon. I miss it.
I especially like the way this article closes:
"This is just a basic list to get you warmed up. Think about your life, your dreams, your goals—what keeps getting pushed back, what do you still really want to do? What’s important? Make time for the things that matter."
Good advice.
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