Sometimes life events give you a wake up call. While I have never had a bucket list, I have in more recent years been aware of the importance to grab opportunities. If you want to do something and the opportunity arises, try to it where possible, particularly if distance or money is not an object.
On attempting a new bucket list at the age of 53, such a list does not include anything too risky or strenuous like jumping out of planes. The younger me may have done so.
When compiling the list, I also got my wife to guess what I would have included to make sure I had not missed anything good. As it turned out, we were thinking along similar lines.
Have you ever listed a bucket list? Below is mine with explanations and likelihood.
2 week Cruise
My wife and I decided several years back we would like a cruise holiday. The timing appeared appropriate as we both turned 50 and would be a way of celebrating. Covid of course put pay to that idea but I think this will definitely happen. Certainly P&O cruises from Southampton would be ideal and we are getting the passports sorted currently.
A great way to travel, setting off into the high seas on a ship full of entertainment and food! When looking at You Tube, these modern day cruise ships are massive and have everything. Cinemas, theatres, shopping malls, restaurants, outdoor activities and so much more. There is just so much to do and of course, you have port stops as well to visit destinations. For us, the destination is probably more the cruise ship and decent port stop off would be a bonus. Destination wise, the choice is likely to be the med.
This is definitely happening and the plan is now this year. We are already looking at You Tube videos checking our cruise ships, availability and trying to find out as much information as possible.
Visit Australia
While I would love to do this, it is pretty unlikely. Expense and journey time being the main challenge. This is probably one on the list that I should have tried to achieve when single and younger. I know quite a few ex work colleagues who have emigrated to Australia. Sydney would of course have to be top of the list as the main attraction and of course the outback.
Living and growing up in the UK, we do hear a lot about Australia and of course, many have relations who live out there. The weather would of course have to be a bonus and the Australians are known for being very friendly. I think if this ever happened, it would perhaps would be good to do when retired as you could stay a while.
Maybe when we retire.
Appear in Neighbours as a background artist
Okay, this one is very unlikely but if I got to go to Australia, I would definitely go to the Neighbours set (if available to see) and Pin Oak court which is Ramsay Street. I absolutely love Neighbours but the ultimate would be to arrange to be a background artist/extra. How good would it be to briefly feature in your favourite show?
Now most people that are in the background tend to feature in Harolds cafe or within Lassisters complex. For me, the ideal would be to be walking in Ramsay Street, as a window cleaner or postman and featuring near Karl and Susans house. Ideally Paul Robinson and Karl/Suan Kennedy also in the scene
I can dream! Likelihood is probably zero. My wild card.
Visit Egypt
When younger I worked for a travel agent (Thomas Cook) for about 13 years. Most bookings in the shop were for Summer Sun and the odd cruise. Occasionally you would get a more interesting booking like a Nile cruise with Thomas Cook holidays in Egypt.
You tend to hear many mixed reviews about Egypt but it would be fantastic to see the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings. A wondrous, mystical and ancient place to visit with wonders of the world.
Possible but unlikely as I do not believe my family have the same interest in visiting.
Las Vegas – Magic Shows
Being massively into magic, I would love to go to Las Vegas. Some very famous magicians have shows there which includes Shin Lim and Penn & Teller and others. Any visit would have to be timed with Magic Live which is a magic convention normally in the Summer.
Las Vegas is of course full of things to do and attractions. A visit to David Copperfield’s Magic Museum would also be on the list but likely to be impossible as invite only.
It is possible but unlikely unless I went on my own or other magician friends. My family may be interested in the Las Vegas general experience but not the magic element.
Edinburgh Fringe
The Edinburgh Fringe is a massively popular event with many shows. One man shows, unusual productions, comedians and magicians. Many shows are available to book and the main draw for me would be the magicians and comedians who put on a show.
I have never had a holiday in Scotland and I would love to visit and go to the Fringe. A holiday in that area during August could be possible.
A possible bucket list item. Maybe for 2025 if I convince my family to a holiday in Scotland.
Appear on TV quiz/Reality Show
Life is about grabbing experiences and some reality and TV quiz shows are more appealing than others. I am not a shy person so would be up for an appearance on the Jimmy Carr show “I Literally Just Told You” as it seems like a lot of fun. I would like to think that I would be quite good observing and remembering information during the show. It could be quite difficult though as so much is happening that you have to remember. Jimmy Carr is also hilarious.
I would also be interested in applying for “The Traitors UK” and I suspect that the application process is full. However, I know that I am not fit enough as some of the tasks require a high standard of fitness.
Certainly possible to apply for “I literally Just Told You” the next time that the applications are open. Then just a question of luck but as competitive, so while unlikely to be chosen, you have to be in it to win it! The Traitor though is a no and will not be possible.
Write and self publish a book
I have already started work on this particular item. Writing started on a memoir that I intend to self publish. More details to follow but I started work on this in late November of 2023. The original plan was that I would have the book ready by July 2024 but now a more realistic date is July 2025.
While I enjoy writing, I am quickly learning that a memoir is much more difficult. Research takes a lot of time and planning chapters carefully to write an interesting read, without repeating yourself is difficult. In part this will be down to effective editing.
If I keep motivated to keep writing and overcome writing challenges, this is very possible to achieve next year.
Disney world
My daughter wants to go to Disney and to guarantee good weather, it makes sense to go to Florida to visit Disney World. I last went to Disney World with my sister in 2000 (maybe 2001). We had a fantastic time and there were just so many things to do. We spent two weeks which included driving around the Keys in Florida.
The challenge is money as this would be quite expensive. My wife probably would not be keen on the flight times either.
Probably unlikely to happen with us visiting DisneyLand Paris instead.
Volunteer/fundraiser
I am looking for a way to give back to the community. After reviewing local community posters, lots of volunteer posts appear available. I have a particular interest in assisting homeless charities or cancer. I took a few photos of ads at the local library today and will continue to look.
Ideally I would like to give 2 or 3 hours of my time a week. My niece Bridget is inspiration here as she volunteers in a charity shop. In the past I have volunteered and need to do so again.
This should easily be possible. Hopefully I will find the right post that I can assist a charity with during 2024.
