My List

I have a new secret indulgence. I realize that this television program is geared towards the teen population, but I can't help it. I love watching "The Buried Life" on MTV.

If you are not familiar with the show, the premise is simple. Four young adults graduated from college and couldn't find a job. They made a list of the top 100 things that they wanted to do before they die. Each episode they try to cross something off of their "to do" list while helping somebody in the community accomplish something on his/her list.

Watching this show has forced me to think about my own life and what I want to accomplish. In the past I have focused on professional goals and aspirations. Lacking a road map to achieve my professional dreams and feeling stalled often results in my feeling worthless and frustrated.

I have decided to re-frame my thought process. Excluding professional dreams, what do I want to accomplish with my life? This is my list of the top 10, in no particular order.

1. I want to learn how to dance. I have no rhythm and lack any semblance of grace, so this is a lofty goal. I would love to be able to step onto the dance floor and capture an audience by impressing them, not because I knocked them over into the punch bowl.

2. I would love to take professional cooking lessons. I don't want to go to culinary school because I'm not interested in being critiqued and pressured, but the idea of working with a professional, teaching me techniques and tricks, is intriguing.

3. I want to learn how to water ski. Unfortunately I'm not sure how realistic that goal may be, but I'm going to hold onto it.

4. Going on a bike ride with either Lance Armstrong or George Hincapie would be a dream come true. Earlier this year I would have included Floyd Landis in this list. Unfortunately he admitted to cheating and I have lost respect for the man.

5. I want to be in a play. Specifically I would like to be in a production at a Children's Theater. I think it would be such a unique experience to be performing in front of Robby and his peers. I think that I would make a great witch in Hansel and Gretel!

6. I would love to be part of a make-over show. It really doesn't matter who hosts the show as long as the make-over includes hair, make-up and wardrobe. The idea of being transformed under the guidance of a professional is enticing. I have no real sense of style so I am a blank canvas ready to be taught.

7. I want to hike the Appalachian Trail. I grew up along this iconic route and have dreamed of hiking its trails since I was young. I hate camping and try to avoid peeing in the woods (reference the lack of natural grace and make the appropriate inferences) but I would love to do something out of my comfort zone.

8. Being a "schloog" at the Tour de France would be my dream vacation. If you are unfamiliar with the term, a schloog is the name for the intoxicated fans on the side of the road during mountain stages. They often wear outrageous costumes and run alongside the riders as they cycle past. I already have my costume picked out!

9. I want to be on a parade float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. It just sounds like a lot of fun and a great experience.

10. I want to make a impact on the lives of others beyond my immediate family. I have been trying to figure out how to help others through my experiences. Like everybody else, I suppose I just want to know, should anything happen to me, that I mattered. I want to leave some sort of legacy, something that Robby can be proud of someday.

This list was difficult for me to compile. I have been having a hard time allowing myself the luxury of "dreaming" lately. Daily stresses and obligations seem to trump seemingly frivolous thoughts. If I were to add another item to my list, it would be

11. To allow myself the luxury to dream freely and to pursue my passions whenever possible.

What's your list?