Life list

 I kind of dislike the term "bucket list."  I don't know why -maybe it's the imagery of a sloppy floor mopping bucket frozen over on my back deck (this actually exists...), or maybe it's the way it makes it sound like a list of things to check off "done it!" style to add to your cosmic resume.


I like the idea of a "life list" better - just stuff I really want to do in the next few years of my life.  Usually mine are about the way I want to feel - free, untethered, adventurous, brave, open, curious, intellectually creative, slightly uncomfortable in my surroundings. Over the years I've had a ton of dreams that have come true. These are the next set I'd love to make into my reality:

• Ride a train through East Africa

• Buy a condo in the city

• Volkswagen Westfalia!

• Work for National Geographic

• Write a letter to the top three people who have inspired me most

• Go to Newfoundland with Ky

• Camp on the Alaska Marine Highway System

• Track wild dogs

• Read all books in the Avalon series

• Sleep under the stars (no tent!!)

• Take Ky to my childhood vacation spot in South Dakota

• Learn to play the harmonica

• Live for a year overseas

• Become a visiting professor at a certain foreign university I love