Sunday, November 18, 2012

If I Die Young

Lots of people make a bucket list of things they want to do before they die, and a lot of people will go on to do those things during retirement when they've saved enough money and the kids are out of the house. I think it's a great way to visualize all the things you want to accomplish, see, and do in this lifetime, and I really respect people that get to fulfill even one thing on their bucket list. But what if you don't make it to retirement? Or what if the things you wanted to do you are no longer able to because of bad health? I know it's a bit dark, but there's always a chance I'm not going to live to be 90, with 20 great-grandkids, and a content life of love and happiness.

I had a mental list of things I've always wanted to do, but instead of making it into a bucket list, I decided to make it into a "things to do before I'm 30" list. Because however sinister it may be, I might die young or lose my physical ability before my time. I know I might not accomplish everything on my list before I actually turn 30, but I'd certainly like to try.

Things to Do Before I'm 30

1. Volunteer or work overseas: Whether it's for a month or a year, I'd love this experience abroad to see new things, meet new people, and get to know myself better.
2. Visit a new continent: I've been to Europe and Africa, so I'd love to see some of South America, Asia, and/or Australia. I am really looking into a work holiday program in New Zealand, so number 1 on my list might help me kill two birds with one stone.
3. Read the best 100 novels of all time: I understand that this list could vary greatly depending on who you talk to, but I'd just like to read as many classic novels as possible, and hopefully I can hit 100 before I'm 30.
4. Visit Washington D.C. and New York City: I've never been to the east coast except for Florida, so I would love to see New York City and our nation's capitol.
5. Return to Europe: I love Europe. So I'd really like to go back and see some sights I might've missed the first 2 times, and I would really want to go with family this time, because my parents have never been to Europe, and I think they would love it.
6. Get a Master's degree: At this point, I intend on getting a degree in Physician Assistant studies, and I hope I can accomplish this by the time I'm 30.
7. Pay off student loans: This might not be that reasonable seeing as how I could be finishing up or continuing a master's program at age 30, but it's a nice thought.
8. Start an IRA: I happened to read about IRAs in a flyer my dad had a few years ago, and I think it would be really financially responsible of me to start a retirement account at a young age, just so I (and my future family) have less to stress about.
9. Run a marathon: I've ran in 5Ks, but I've always wanted to run a marathon. I think it would take a lot of discipline and integrity, which I could always use more of.
10. Audition for a reality TV show: I've already fulfilled my dream of being an audience member on Price is Right, but I think it would fun to audition for Real World, or Survivor, or American Idol. I doubt I would get on any of those, but the thrill of trying would be enough for me.
11. Write a novel: I have a lot of kooky ideas in my noggin, and I think it would be awesome to write a novel. I wouldn't necessarily even try to publish it, I think finishing it would be enough for me.
12. Learn Spanish: I took a couple semesters in college, and I am planning on taking the next level next semester, so this goal is actually not too intangible. Spanish is just an important language in American culture, and I think it'd be a good skill to have.

13. Be a vegetarian for at least a month: I've always wanted to try it, just to see how I can do, and because it would help keep me thinking about what I'm eating. However, I really do like eating meat, so this might be tougher for me than one might think.
14. Learn guitar: I have a guitar, but I have no idea how to play it. I would really like to learn.
15. Go to a world-renowned party: I think it would be amazing to see Carnaval, Mardi Gras, or Oktoberfest, and experience the culture of an event of that magnitude.
16. Attend at least 10 concerts for bands I've never heard of: I love going to concerts, and I really enjoy when I find new music to listen to. What better way to explore than see someone play live?

I'm sure I'll want to add things to this list as I get older, and it might become a bucket list after I reach the ripe old age of 30. But for now, these are the things that I dream about accomplishing. Here's to hoping that I don't die young, and get the opportunity to say that I lived my life to the fullest while I was still able to enjoy it.