Bucket Lists
I've been thinking about some things I want to do before I'm unable and wondered if others have the same thoughts or have actually worked through their own bucket list. Here's a few of mine, which not surprisingly involve travel.
1. Train trip - which I'm doing on April 8th - heading on an Amtrak Empire Builder from Minneapolis to Seattle. My mother is having surgery next month so I thought I'd take the train, relax, read, see the sights etc before having to settle in at my parents for a few weeks. I bought a one-way ticket since I don't know how long they'll need my help. I'll fly home.
2. Rent a motorhome or RV of some sort and camp for a week or two.
3. Revisit Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise but no camping - nice resorts and hotels only this time.
4. Rent a houseboat on Lake of the Woods and fish with DH, DD, Son-in-law and grandchildren.
5. Visit the Vatican - I've sent in a deposit and signed up for a pilgrimage this Fall.
6. See my youngest daughter get married to her long-time boyfriend.
Anyone else? I'd love to know...
Amy
Comments
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I remember after I was diagnosed in January 2011 feeling like there were so many places I still hadn't seen, stuff I hadn't done. The thing is, I'd experienced many wonderful times and already done a lot up to that point, was family focused and appreciative of all life's blessings.
Still, in some respects I hadn't pushed hard enough for some of my deeper desires. As the first year of dealing with bc and its big treatments was winding down, I started making plans for adventures. Dh and I took a weekend trip to New York City, a dream come true. We did lots of touristy stuff and I was especially thrilled to see the Statue of Liberty and tour Ellis Island as all my grandparents were immigrants who came thru there.
Another trip: Dh and I visited the Grand Canyon. A most memorable moment for me was seeing a teenage boy overwhelmed with emotion viewing the GC for the first time. I was thrilled for his experience.
Other things I've done that I always wanted to do: see a Cirque de Soleil show, see a Riverdance show, learn tai chi, visit a park in nearby Wheeling WV when the massive tulips plantings are in bloom, take our son to Williamsburg Virginia and show him where his dad and I were married. I also snorkeled, LOVED it, and that was in the Bahamas, never dreamed I'd ever go there. This year, we visited Mount Rushmore which I'd always hoped to see and it was soo very memorable.
I was also deeply appreciative to be around toattend my son's college graduation ceremonies last May. He'd been a high school senior when I was dx, and at the time, I just did not know what kind of life expectancy I had.
Altho we have a trip planned for the Smoky Mountians later this year as well as some fun day trips, and I look forward to it, these days I'm not as focused on outside adventures. I just feel very content with life at home and doing things around here. I'm actually thinking about how our lives will be when dh retires in less than 10 years. My gosh, I honestly believe I'll still be here...
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I love your optimism Mrs M and you're right the importance of family and home cannot be overlooked. I saw Riverdance just this past weekend. It was a smaller version of the original as they were commorating the 20th anniversary. It gave me happy feet and now I'm watching YouTube to try a little fancy footwork of my own. I'm Irish by heritage so feel a natural attraction to all things a Celtic.
Thank you for sharing a little more of you, although you've always been generous in that regard and I appreciate it.
Amy
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My bucket list is to continue living the way I did before cancer....but with one change. I don't put things off anymore. I'm well aware that there might not always be a next year, or three years from now, or ten years from now.
My BFF and I have been going on small hiking trips for years. It's our girl time and an opportunity to reconnect without our other life roles being forced upon us. We kept saying we would hike Acadia National Park in Maine in the next 5 years. Last year I was diagnosed with a brain met. We decided to do it NOW. So last September we hiked Acadia. It was an amazing experience. This year's hiking trip will be to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. We are living in the NOW.
My hope in doing things in the NOW is that when the day comes that I'm not here, the people I love and care about will have the memories of the moments and of me.
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It's interesting that some of the things we all want to do is to adventure. I think it's important to get out of our bubbles and explore, whether it's nature, history, another city, or just looking at our own worlds from a different view point.
The one thing I have always wanted to accomplish is getting to all 50 states (airport layovers don't count). I'm in a strict competition with some friends to see who can do it first. Right now, I am up to 44 and have 6 to go. I plan on doing 3 this year (Indianna, Colorado, and Idaho) and 3 year next year (Oregon, Oklahoma, and Arkansas). I can't wait to be a 50 stater
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I did the one major thing on my bucket list -- go to Russia. Did that the year after I was diagnosed.
Since then I've basically lived as I always have, with an adventure or two along the way. I grew up in Asia so I've seen a lot of places and had a lot of experiences. I don't have a long "wish" list.
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Becs, what a terrific goal! So great that you've been to so many states; our country has incredible beauty throughout.
Goody, I agree with your NOW mentality. I sometimes get frustrated with those around me who want to put things off; its nice your friend is on the same page with you in that respect and the hiking sounds so inspiring.
A couple of other things I did was (1) take a Segway tour, which I did with my son; it was incredibly fun. and (2) went to Cedar Point and rode the Millennium Force roller coaster, considered the best/one of the best in the world. It was beyond fun screaming the entire 2 minutes and 18 seconds of the ride.
One reason for doing all these things is that, in the end, I want my family to remember that I kept on living, even when the rug got pulled out from under me. I also didn't want my husband to feel guilt that there were things I wanted to do but never did. When I was first diagnosed, he was so upset for me and to "make it better" he wanted us to just jump a plane to go see the Grand Canyon because he knew I'd always wanted to see it. Such a haphazard trip held no appeal to me; instead, I took time to plan an organized excursion to the area which was far more satisfying.
Here's ds and I on the Segways:
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Great photo Divine.
My stage 4 dx was one month ago, so I am still new at this. Although my first dx was serious, I knew this was coming. Today I am taking my DH & adult DD & DS to Hermosa Beach, Calif. I'm in Idaho, so we will fly to LAX. I have been lucky to travel more than most. Lots of places I would like to see. Certainly MT. Rushmore, Savanah.
Off to catch a plane & consider this topic.
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Mrs Divine, we go to the Smokies several times a year. We love it there. Maybe I will see you, lol.
I really don't have a bucket list. I am such a simple person. We have a wonderful home with a pool and a fire pit. I have 1000s of flowers out there. We call it our resort. During the summer there's really no place I would rather be than home with my family. We do go to the mountains and the beach several times a year. Rather I live 20 years or die tomorrow, I admit I have had a wonderful life. I am doing what I would be doing if cancer had never entered my life. Wishing everyone the best.
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Amy, what a good thread! I don't have a lot on my bucket list. DH & I traveled by motorcycle all over the US & Canada when we were younger, but we're driving across Canada this fall in our little convertible sports car. We camped for the first 25 years so this time, no camping. I want to go zip lining somewhere on that trip.
The only things that I have changed is now we visit with friends & my dad more often. If someone invites us somewhere, we go, if there's a concert that we think we would like, we go. If we feel like going out to dinner, we go. My MBC diagnosis has spurred us to "live", not knowing how long we have on this earth. GG
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I envy you Kandy having a home in a location where a pool and resort-type backyard makes perfect sense. Our climate is not conducive to a pool, although many of my neighbors and friends do so I try to pretend I'm at a resort as much as I can. My DH however is a homebody. He could live out his days going to bed at 9PM or earlier, building furniture in our garage and walking our goldendoodle, Murphy.
I doubt even if I had an extra million dollars to spend, he'd permit a pool. He is however a good sport and has indulged me with many wonderful trips. Sometimes I feel like a spoiled brat, always wanting more. But in the end, I do realize and appreciate, my life with our six children and six grandchildren nearby is worth more than trips and pools.
I love hearing everyone thoughts on this topic. Thanks for contributing...
Amy
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No great bucket list here. I have always been a traveler and hope to keep exploring the world as much as I can. I have s granddaughter and a grandson on the way. Of course, I had no control over that happening, but the joy of it is amazing. I just want to keep enjoying life and not sit back until I have to
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My living list (prefer that term to bucket list) keeps growing, but I've managed to cross a number of things off of it. I had the privilege to be working all online teaching college coursesthe first 3 years after diagnosis which made travel easier. I've gone to Machu Piccu, the Panama Canal, Ireland, France and Italy, Vegas to see multiple Cirque shows, and Hawaii to name some. I got put on full-time at one of my colleges this year; so, I've booked up my summer with trips to Bermuda, St. Martin, southwest Utah (Zion Natl Park, Bryce Canyon, Northern Rim of Grand Canyon) and a Canada/New England cruise. I've also realized that after the cruise I'll only have 6 states left; so, this next school year/ summer I'm going to be focusing on crossing those off.
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See some grandchildren! Travel to Paris, Italy and Hawaii. More if there is time and money. Learn to play my guitar well enough to play for people. Make a very special piece of jewelry for my closest friends. Other than that I am a homebody too and really enjoy where we live. So for me just hanging out and tinkering around my house brings me contentment. Just wish my kids lived closer to spend more quality time with them. divine, gorgeous picture there. Your son looks a lot like you!
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Thanks, artist. That was in wild, wonderful Wheeling WV at Oglebay Park, just an hour from home. It is beautiful there, it's alsowhere I went to see all the tulips in bloom one spring. We don't always have to travel far for memorable experiences. Kandy, your backyard sounds terrific, I want to come take a vacation there!
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Mrs Divine,
You are so welcome here. Just let me know when you are coming.
This is a few pics of how it looks -
Kandy, I think I will put "visiting Kandy's resort" at the top of my bucket list. Your yard looks just beautiful.
Lynne
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Lynne,
Thank you. It is awesome here, especially during the summer. I get so depressed when fall comes, lol. I love hanging out back there. It's surreal.
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I like "living list" too. Here's mine.
1) This one is a bit controversial I know, but I want to be a mom. Old-fashioned pregnancy isn't an option anymore and adoption is tough at Stage IV but we are looking into surrogacy.
2) We want to bring FIL to the US for a visit. He's in his 70s and has never traveled much so we think it would be an incredible experience for him. With his age, this is one we want to tick off soon.
3) I've been very close with my 16 year old nephew since he was born do I want to see him hit all the milestones....graduations, weddings, etc.
4) Travel wise, husband and I want to visit so many places, but top of the list is Asia, Croatia, Russia and more of Africa. We also want to visit Northern Spain (been separately but not together) and I want to take him to my old stomping grounds in Ireland (study abroad) and Southern Africa (Peace Corps).
5) We want to help his nieces do study abroad here when they are old enough.
6) I want to complete a Marathon swim. Was going to do it this year but we will see how it works with the crainontomy recovery...I'll attempt it at least
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Love living list, bad at user names.
I'm an RPCV too
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Yes, Living List is much better! Kandy, I am very envious of that back yard! I would hate to see Fall come too and would spend the better part of my day out there. We are actually going to put our house on the market and try to downsize to a warmer climate, just down the mountain about a half hour away. A really nice backyard will be at the top of my Living List! That is quite a list there Bad! May we all keep adding to them and ticking items off one by one......
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Kandy, your backyard is simply beautiful and I can see why you're content to spend lots of time there. We've driven through the upper part of the Blue Ridge Mountains along SkyLine drive through Shenandoah National Park and I must say, for me, it is the most beautiful, sacred land and scenery I've ever seen in the United States. The sweeping panoramicviews along SkyLine drive are breathtaking. So I'm looking forward to seeing the Smoky Mountain region. How lucky you go several times a year.
Artist, happy new house hunting
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So I know we often talk about things that we want to achieve and life goals that we want to hit before cancer takes an even worse toll on our bodies. But I have just received an amazing opportunity that I want to take FULL advantage of, so I want to hear more about things you want to experience or trips you want to take.
My doctor nominated me to the little known Dream Team at Sloan Kettering. It is like an adult make-a-wish program run by anonymous staff, volunteers, and "well-connected NYC society people". I spoke to the social worker yesterday and she wants me to come up with a list of 5 things that run from almost improbable to easily achievable that they can run down. However, she said that most international trips are out of their range of things they can do.
I am meeting with her again on Friday during my chemo session to discuss my list. Here is what I have so far:
1) Golden Globes and/or after party
2) A trip to Sun Valley, Idaho or Aspen, Colorado (2 of the 4 states in the US that I have not yet been too)
3) An amazing spa trip to Canyon Ranch
4) Tickets to Hamilton and dinner at an impossible to get into restaurant
Any other ideas?? What would be on your top 5 list?
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Becs, what an interesting list. And I'mso happy that you have an opportunity for one of these to come true.
On my list of "likes" I would include a a balcony suite on a super big cruise ship, the type that have the Broadway shows, umpteen food buffets, headed to Jamaica and would snorkel while there, maybe do a jetski thing and parasailing.
A really big trip I'd love would be to see the Great Wall of China. Maybe Paris, London and Rome.
Closer to home in the U.S., where I find there is an endless list of absolutely incredibly beautiful places to visit, but a few I'd like to see are New Orleans and the Gulf shores with a side trip up to Graceland, the Redwood forest in California, Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska might be kinda cool, too.
I'd also love a tour of the inside of the White House
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Getting tickets to Hamilton alone would be a miracle! Whatever happens, it will be a wonderful treat
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wow! How cool! So happy for you! Ok so this may be cheesy, but I am totally obsessed with the tv show the blacklist. I would love to meet any cast member or get to watch a taping of the show. Maybe something like that
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Paris and Italy is #1 for me. Then maybe spend some time in Figi. Front row tickets to a U2 concert and meet Jackson Browne!
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Thanks for the input! I met with the social worker yesterday and after chatting for a half hour, she approved of my doctor's nomination of me! She is passing my list on to the committee.
I also granted them permission to use my name and story for any internal and/or external press. I figured it could only help draw attention to our cause.
They said it might take a while, but once I have an update, I'll make sure to let you ladies know
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Becs, Congratulations !
I live 70 miles from Sun Valley & my daughter lives there. So much to do there in the summertime. They have a symphony show, that goes on in August, world class, all free. You can get there early & sit in the pavilion or sit on the lawn. They have a enormous screen, so if your on the lawn you can still watch the musicians. I could go on & on, we have been going up there for 38 years. Golf, tennis, hiking, swimming. It truly is world class resort. They have a website ( of course ).
Kandy, very cool outdoor space. Love all your rock, rock in the pavers. It looks like paradise & a labor of love.
Enjoyed reading everyone's ideas, perspective.
Bad at users, positive wishes that a baby could be part of your life
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DH and I started working on my "Things To Do" list two years ago. We bought an RV and went to Disney World for a week. Didn't work out as great as we had planned because quite a few family members invited themselves to join us and kinda messed up our itinerary.
Treatments and surgeries have made it difficult to make a lot of plans, but we have managed a few:
I'm going to Germany, Paris and London in October. DS and his fiance are going with me. I have family in Germany (younger sister currently lives there, mom lives with her).
We had plans with friends for a week long beach trip this spring, but an injury has put that trip on hold.
Working on planning a long weekend trip to NYC, and hope to see Jersey Boys (musical) while there.
Once I'm no longer working, DH will take a month off from work and we plan to take the RV across country. We'll do the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Redwood Nat'l Park, etc.
We are homebodies for the most part, and we enjoy our garden, birds and hummingbirds. We also like to kayak on the river nearby, and I look forward to many more trips down the river, and rocking on the front porch.
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Love reading everyone's list/perspective. Becs, what a chance of a lifetime!!
I crossed off two items on my list early on: to see the desert and visit China. Planning those trips kept me busy and my mind off cancer. After those, it was more about just living, like just wanting to survive DD's teenage years. LOL.
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