Of listys and buckets

Well hiya.

For some reason, I've been inspired lately to create a bucket list of sorts, although I am LOATHE to call it that since I hate the idea of my impending demise hanging over my head. (what if I finish the list? Do I then die from lack of goals? YIPES.)

At any rate, it occurs to me that while I was at school and penniless I let go of making new dreams. I think this happened for a few reasons:
a)I was SO busy! I almost had no time to think about eating, let alone creating goals other than getting endless papers in to my teachers on time.

b)I was penniless, and when you are penniless it seems more responsible not to create too many unattainable dreams. Most dreams require money as well as effort/time, and since I had none, I thought it easier to save myself the heartache of LONGING. For example: I stopped going to the mall. Seeing the latest fashions, and shiny new pretty things was hard on me since I knew I wouldnt have them. (This sounds selfish, and maybe it is, but I'm being honest-so why dont you lay off the judgement, ok?)I think there's something to that whole losing your dreams idea, but I dont think I have to unpack it all right here. Maybe you can go watch that scene from the Shawshank Redemption where they listen to the Opera music in prison-it pretty well sums up what I'm thinking about all that.

Here are a few of the things that have made my list so far:

*ride in a hot air balloon
*Go to Ireland
*have a signature cookie recipe (to be passed down and kept in the family)
*own a piano
*learn to play piano
*write something worth reading
*own and wear cowboy boots
*take a vow of silence (even if for only a short retreat)
*pan for gold
*complete a race (running or biking or skipping-i care not what sort)

I'm sure there will be much much more. And I am excited to share the events and stories as I cross things off my list-except for that cookie reciepe. You'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hand.

Love love love.
(and life goals)
Jess