My mother recently called to ask me for my Christmas list. Trying to tell myself I'm not a greedy little kid for making out a list, particularly since it was requested, I thought about what I might like. In the end, I did my best but also admitted that I really do like whatever they pick out for me, since my family tends to have much better taste than I do.
It sort of became a philosophical question, the more I thought about it. What DO I want? Not just for Christmas, but for my life? And then, what did I want to accomplish?
After sending off the email which basically listed my clothing sizes, favorite stores, colors, and scents, I pulled out my old "Things to do before I die" list, to see how I'm doing and what's changed. I think it's time to update it, going to put down the checked off stuff first:
XX Learn to knit (Did this! And found I really, really love it)
XX Sit front row center at a concert (Did this, by accident! Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
X Own home (Sort of did this. Had a condo, sold it.)
XX Go back to school (Did this! Bachelor's degree)
X Fall in love (Obviously, I should have added "forever" as a descriptor. Still, beggars can't be choosers, and I'm glad I had the experience.)
X Publish a book (Again, I should have been more specific. Will add "novel" and "in paperback" in a different entry.
Get lasic for eyes
Achieve high school weight
Learn to play the fiddle
Places to visit:
XX Las Vegas
Australia
Smithsonian
Grand Canyon
Paris
London
Find waterfall with a cave under it
Publish a paperback (or Hardback) novel
Go scuba diving
Get "Master" certification in crochet and knitting from Crochet and Knitting Guilds.
Broker World Peace
Own yarn shop (frankly, I think world peace is more likely)
In trying to compile, amend, and update this list, it's become pretty clear that I've been pretty lucky. I've been able to do pretty much everything I'd like to do, and the rest of it really isn't that far out of reach. Maybe I'll never win the lottery or anything, and I don't think anyone could do everything they want to do, but I've done a lot of things I never thought I'd do, stuff I didn't even know I wanted to do. I've learned how to make soap and candles, and brew my own mead, wine, and alcohol. I'm learning how to bellydance, and I've earned an Award of Arms in the SCA. I get to go camping several times a year. I have wonderful friends. My family is fantastic, loving and supportive.
I'd like to think this epiphany means I'll be a happy, content person, grateful for my many blessings, and I shall now live happily ever after.
Ya, right.
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1 comment:
Great list! I've been lucky enough to do some of the things you still have left. Paris and London are both wonderful, and quite achievable. The Grand Canyon isn't far away -- we should do that together some day! Call me! I haven't been there since I was a kid. Scuba diving is tough, but if I can do it, anyone can.
Glad I stopped by to catch up with you a bit, and glad to see that things are going mostly pretty well. I've missed you.
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