Bucket List (or How I Want to Hug a Manatee)

I know I may seem a little young to be creating a bucket list, but these are things I would really, seriously like to accomplish before I go up to the spirit in the sky.  Not thinking about them until I’m too achy and forgetful to go through with any of them doesn’t sound like the smartest idea at this point.  So here goes!

1. I want to write a children’s book.  I don’t know whether or not I’ll be able to illustrate it myself, and I have no idea what the story is at this point, but it would be amazing if I could get a book published.  I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was a child.
2. I want to go to Ireland.  Both my husband and I are really interested in visiting this part of Europe, so I’m hoping it’s a real possibility someday.
3. I want to travel down the west coast.  I want to see Seattle, Portland the redwoods, the beautiful Northern California shoreline, San Francisco, and so much more.
4. I want to have children and try to not perpetuate societal stereotypes while raising them.  I know that they will face these stereotypes in media and at school, and probably even around my own family and friends, but wouldn’t it be amazing if we were able to raise children who didn’t fall prey to the pressures put on them by societal norms?
5. I want to be in a production of Urinetown: The Musical.  It’s one of my favorites, and it would be so fun to be a part of it.
6. I want to sing in a choir again.  I really miss being part of an ensemble, and I know there are opportunities out there for me to participate.  I’ve just been too busy or lazy.
7. I want to actually finish making afghans and blankets.  I know this is a silly one, but I’ve never actually been able to make myself finish crocheting an afghan or baby blanket.  Hopefully this one can be accomplished in the next year or two. :P
8. I want to go on a tour of Europe.  This may go with the Ireland one, but I really would like to see England, Spain, Italy, and France (despite Dave’s aversion to all things French :) ).
9. I want to travel to Hawaii.  I never used to want to go to Hawaii.  I’m not really a tropical-island kind of girl.  I am much more likely to turn into a shining lobster than a golden-tan beach babe.  However, I have seen such beautiful views in Hawaii now (and I hate to say it, but some of this desire has come from the movies 50 First Dates and Forgetting Sarah Marshall), and I’d really like to experience it firsthand some day.
10. I want to see a manatee in the wild.  Manatees are one of my favorite animals, and I’d really, really like to see one.  If I could safely swim with one, even better. ;)
11. I want to swim with dolphins (in a safe, controlled environment).  Definitely not one for danger...  :)
12. I want to come up with more goals in life.  I am not an adventurous girl, at least in the reckless sense.  I definitely don’t like things that pose a great risk of bodily harm, so you won’t see “sky-diving” or “bungee-jumping” added.  However, I really would like to have more things I really want to do on this list.  It was difficult to think of just this many.  I don’t know if that’s because I’m scared of new things or because I don’t want to disappoint myself if I don’t accomplish them, but I’ve got to get over it and start getting more motivation in my life.

Here’s to great years ahead!  And a picture for the road.  Are you serious right now?!

And this video!!