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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

the neurotic person’s guide to creating a bucket list

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Ok. I need to make a confession.

I’m not really one of those “bucket-list” kind of people. Personally, I wince at the idea of making more lists for myself, even ones that are intended to add fun and excitement to my life.

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Honestly? I prefer to create my bucket list after-the-fact. Does this sound confusing? It’s really not, this is how it works.

I do something really cool. I add it to my list. And I immediately check it off.

And voila!

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It’s instant success. Stress-free, no extra planning. And it feels so good.

(I call this my neurotic person’s guide to creating a bucket list. Do you think it could go viral?)

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However, I did stumble on this photo which has this wonderful list that immediately evoked all kinds of warm, dreamy feelings of my summers from long ago. Only problem is, no amount of squinting or eye-straining helped me read the small print so this is what I decided to do.

I decided to make my very own summer bucket list using this one as my inspiration (i.e. I copied some it, gulp. Is it still plagiarism if I give you THIS link?)

Anyway, here’s what I came up with.

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My Summer 2013 Bucket List

Yep. This is it. And I really like it because well,-- first of all it’s totally achievable-- but it’s also a list about simple moments.

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I might even blog about a few of these because I know how you love to hear about those random moments in my life (that’s a joke)

and because

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(please tell me you know who this is)

a few of these are ones I haven’t done in ages…

How about you?

Tell me what’s on your bucket list for this summer.

xoxo

Leslie

 

 

17 comments:

Patty said...

Blueberry picking; swimming with my kids; a tea party with the girls; trip to some antique stores.

Brandy~GreyLaneHome said...

Those all sound amazing and totally achievable. I'm laughing at how you check off your bucket list though. I can't make list I just can't stick to them, unless there is some boss and a paycheck involved. I'm to free spirited for bucket list, but I'm liking yours. Seems super cool given my latest events. I should tackle some soon.

Unknown said...

The beach, walking (which is an issue right now with a broken ankle), mojitos under the stars, time with my grandsons. (Nancy Sinatra?)

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Leslie! I love the summer "bucket list". I printed it out and will place it over my desk as a reminder. I hope to enjoy a few of the items each day!

Leslie said...

Leslie that last photo is so funny! Okay.. I totally get what you are saying. Making lists creates stress for some of us, so perhaps we are better off simplifying things and setting a realistic (not low!) bar. I think the simple things in life are often some of the BEST and most memorable. xxleslie

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I love that your bucket list contains simple moments (the one's we often overlook) and that it is totally achievable! I am a list maker for sure. But my lists are usually pretty short-term, as in what I need to accomplish in the next week or so. It keeps me on track and I just love checking things off! But I've never really made much of a bucket list. ... Have fun with your list!

A Few Pennies said...

OMG; Nancy Sinatra, of course! lol well, I love your ideas and I want to hear your stories, so blog away at it. Great idea for summer bucket list.

The Divorced Lady's Companion to Living in Italy said...

Have a conversation under the moon. That's my aim for this summer. And try not to buy too many shoes! Xxcat

Unknown said...

I am going to use your list as my inspiration....it will be passed on to family as well! Brilliant! Thank you! p.s.Love you to check out my blog sometime! xx

Art and Sand said...

I am a list maker - big time. I had a bucket list of 100 things to do long before the movie came out. I have always made a summer project list and usually did about 85% before school started again. This summer I began with my 30 Days of Pinterest list - trying to do/make things that I had pinned over the years.

Just this week, I have been thinking about the fact that retirement allows me to do whatever I choose and I don't have deadlines. So, I am giving myself permission to not just create, but sit in the garden and read, go for long walks and the major item - do something each week that we don't usually do. Yesterday i needed to find a Paper Source to buy some specific glue for bookmaking (by the way, what is your favorite color?) and so Steve and I drove to Thousand Oaks for the glue. Had he not been with me, I would have spent a fortune on so much cute stuff. Then, we headed through the hills to Malibu and stopped at Neptune's Net overlooking the ocean to share a plate of shrimp and chips. We have not stopped at Neptune's in 15 years. We had the top down, the sun was shining and I wasn't playing a game on my iPod, but just enjoying the day.

And, you are not alone. I have done some reverse lists too.

Unknown said...

Ahhh great post! I have more dancing on my 'list' too! Summer feels so good for me. Now that the school year is out (I'm a school psychologist) I am enjoying the freedom and time to be creative. Yesterday I was in Sacramento wedding gown shopping with my 82 year old mom. I'm guessing that isn't on your list;). We had so much fun. Love your plan for summer and I'm sure you will kick it up like Nancy Sinatra!
xx, Heather @ Stylemindchic

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

I know who it is, I just don't know what the heck they're doing! LOL! I like your idea of the reverse bucket list! The thing that bothers me about Bucket Lists is the death part. I don't want to feel like as soon as I finish the list, my time is up or that if I go without finishing my list, I'm a failure. Talk about neurotic! :) One major thing that I have always wanted to do, and I mean for most of my life, is ride a horse on the beach. I've seen it on television - the horse galloping along, the water splashing up, the white wispy clothing blowing in the breeze - doesn't that sound neat? Maybe some day I'll actually do it! Hugs, Leena

Lori said...

I love attainable goals! Your list is wonderful ~ I would love to do all these plus: cottage days ~ walks on the beach ~ bonfires ~ road trip to some place new & treasure hunting.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love a bucket list of simple moments...they are what make up our lives after all. And do you think Nancy is singing "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'"? Such a blast from the past...

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

I actually am a little like you, I do not have a bucket list. I have been incredibly blessed in my life, I have traveled the world, seen and done fabulous things, I am lucky to have earned an MA and studied for two years for a PHd, I have a fabulous family and really great friends. Everything that is important in life is already a part of my life, my life is not going to be better or worse if I climb Mt. Everest or learn to skydive. Don;t get me wrong, if that is your dream by all means go and do it. But also know this, there is great joy in the smile of a child, and time shared with your family. The "little moments" are what you will remember as you age...

I would give anything to have my grandparents back, oh the special moments we made and the memories we shared make me smile each time I think of them.

Thank you for sharing your summer bucket list. I love it!

Donna@anangloinquébec said...

Genius! I love the idea of creating a bucket list for the summer. I am not a list person either but this is such a manageable chunk of time that I think it might motivate me to shake up my summer.
Thanks Leslie. :)

Monica said...

I'm all for the concept of doing something cool - then writing it down - then checking it off! Love your lovely ideas too.

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