Monday, April 4, 2011

Just Like Morgan And Jack, But Without The Unlimited Funds

Saturday was a gorgeous spring day, perfect for sitting outside.  Well, not really.  It was 45 degrees with overcast skies, but we have a covered porch and a heated pub table, so we pretended it was.  Add in great music, a lovely bottle of Chardonnay and some good conversation and it wasn't such a stretch.

I don't recall how it came up, but Mr. Willoughby and I started talking about all the places we'd like to go and all the things we would like to do.  Before long, we realised we were making a "Bucket List" (list of things you'd like to do before you die, if you haven't heard the term or seen the movie).  It was informal, I didn't write any of it down on paper, though, maybe I should have.  Not because either of us plan on dying anytime soon, just because I think having your dreams and goals in black and white is sort of motivating.

If I did write them down, I would have to make two separate lists because Mr. W and I don't always want to do the same things.  That's not to say that we don't have similar interests, but he is more daring than I am and he doesn't suffer from a paralyzing fear of heights. 

Skydiving is an example of something we may not ever be able to do together.  It's on his list, but not on mine.  I can easily picture him sitting on a plane, dressed in skydiving gear, a look of excitement and anticipation on his face as we approach the jump point.  I can also see him fearlessly jumping out of the plane in an all out adrenaline rush then landing on the ground, ready to do it all over again.  If you put me in that scenario, I would likely be sitting on the plane, dressed in skydiving gear, a look of fear and horror on my face as we approach the jump point.  When it came time to jump, I would have to be shoved out of the plane, sobbing and screaming.  On the plus side, if I survived, it might cure me of my fear of heights.  On the other hand, it might not.

Strangely, I like the idea of hang gliding.  I know that doesn't make much sense since I have that pesky fear of heights, but it's something I've always wanted to try and it's something Mr. W would like to do, too.  When we vacationed in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we watched people hang gliding over the dunes at Kitty Hawk.  Landing on sand seems pretty safe, so I think I could do it.  I'm not saying I wouldn't be sobbing and screaming, but I would probably do it.

Surfing is another activity we probably wouldn't be able to do together.  A few years ago, I was pinned under a series of powerful waves while swimming in the ocean.  The water was no more than two feet deep and I was only about 20 feet from shore, but I couldn't get up or get my head above water to take a breath.  It was terrifying and left me afraid of the exact sort of waves that surfers live for.  My husband may have to conquer surfing on his own, but I'd be happy to stand in ankle deep (maybe knee deep) water taking pictures of him while he does it.

Some other items on my list are:  Catching a sailfish (catch and release is fine with me, I just want the thrill of catching one), going white water rafting, re-learning to speak French, visiting all 50 states (I've been to about 20), learning to play the piano, and owning 365 pairs of brand new socks so I could wear a new pair every day (you laugh, but what is better than the feeling of new socks?).   I have other items of the more personal improvement variety.  You know, get in better shape, botox the hell out of my face (kidding, I think), etc.

Mr. Willoughby's list includes:  Learning to play the guitar, running a marathon, riding in a powered parachute, owning a 1964 Cobra, and learning to fly an ultralight (and, eventually, a plane).

I'll be sure to update you when we accomplish any of the items on our list.  We don't have the unlimited funds that Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman had, but I think we'll be able to make some progress over time.  I just got ten new pairs of socks, so that's a start. 

What's on your Bucket List?



Willoughby

11 comments:

Matty said...

I have to laugh at how you describe how you imagine yourself trying some of those unnerving feats. Not everything is for everyone, even among spouses. I remember you talking about vacation at the outer banks, and we go there routinely too. I saw those people hang gliding over the dunes and it does look like something fun and exciting to do. I would definitely try it along with sky diving. I guess if he needs a buddy, I'll go with him. My wife would be the one standing next to you taking the pictures.

My list includes seeing the Phillies play in certain stadiums around the country. This would require booking a flight, hotel room and of course getting the tickets.

And oh yeah, I love the feel of soft new socks too.

Bill Lisleman said...

Maybe you read my post on taking a glider ride. Anyway, I would suggest that over a hang gliding ride because I think it lasts longer.
Good post.
All the best on that sock collection.

abby jenkins said...

socks. I totally get it.
Hope you are able to check off everything on your list(s)!

L.B. said...

I know someone who could help Mr. Willoughby cross of the "run a marathon" off his list... How could would it be for you and Mrs. LB to cheer your respective hubbies on during a marathon?? Let's see... somewhere in between Cali and Michigan... I've heard good things about the Oklahoma City Marathon :) And actually, I'm even considering a marathon in Wyoming for this year.

As far as a bucket list... crazy... Mrs. LB was just asking me to make a list this weekend. We've sort of talked about it off and on but she was like "Well, let's just right some stuff down."

I'd say most of mine would revolve around travel so not sure how many of those would actually happen but one of them is to visit Perth. To me, that seems like the most remote location, well, the most remote *livable* location on the planet. Also, climbing Mt. Kiliminjaro might make it onto the list.

Another one is to watch a Boca Juniors-River Plate game in person, down in Buenos Aires. Think Yankees-Red Sox, Giants-Dodgers, Michigan-Ohio State... all times 100. It's the most heated and intense soccer rivalry around and I want to be part of one.

I think those three would be the start of my bucket list. How many items comprise a bucket list? 10? I was thinking of having a 10-item bucket list. Is that not enough?

I like your lists as well. I guarantee you that both me and Mrs. LB would have very different lists and that some things I'd love to do, she would loathe. So we have some similarities in that regard as well.

Unknown said...

1. Get back into running...darn doctors say I lost too much weight!

2. Take art classes and allow my inner artist to become free

3. Move back to the prairie

4. Write and illustrate that poetry book idea I have forming in my head

Great post my friend!

Betty Manousos said...

Surfing and skydiving is something I wouldn't dare imagine.
My Bucket List: Gym,
Long distance walks and biking.

What a delightful read!

Big hugs!
Betty xx

Joanna Jenkins said...

I've gone hang gliding and didn't particularly enjoy it (It was on an old boyfriend's bucket list so he gave it to ME as a b-day present-- thus the "ex" boyfriend part)

I was going to skydive but it did not go well for the guy who jumped before me-- not well at all so I passed. (That was a friend's bucket list and I went along for the ride-- I blame it on my youth.)

Paris is at the top of my bucket list, so is spending a month in Italy taking cooking classes-- Note both keep my feet on the ground.

so jj

Mary Bergfeld said...

Interesting how his and her lists diverge. Most things on my list involve more travel to remote places and writing a novel. I get the sox thing by the way.I hope you have a good day. Blessings...Mary

Jenny said...

I think sometimes I just want 'catch up on my sleep' on a bucket list.

That doesn't seem like it's happening anytime soon either!

OK, yeah, number two would be 'own a beach house'.

Attila the Mom said...

I made a list a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with heart failure.

On the list were a few people who had made a difference in my life--just little things that happened in my youth that changed my outlook or helped shape my character.

With the help of the internet I was able to contact a few of them. I wrote them notes of appreciation---explained how that little slice of life effected me.

Most hardly remembered me or the incident, but were very surprised and pleased to know that someone from their distant past remembered them with appreciation and affection.

:-)

Unknown said...

At the moment, it's hiring a cleaning lady. Arrrggh. I postponed Friday and then Saturdays cleaning and now, here it is, a beautiful Sunday and I'm cleaning up my little pigsty. Sigh.