Happy New Year, Everyone!!!
Happy New Year!
The New Year is here, fireworks have faded, and partygoers have headed home. The next common tradition is to write out those resolutions intended to improve our lives in the coming year.
Well, New Year’s Resolutions always left me feeling like a failure; the emotion amplified as year-end approached and my resolutions remained just words on a paper. The flab stayed (or grew), the exercise routine never started, the clothes in my closet didn’t get replaced…you get the idea. So, I stopped making resolutions years ago without any regrets!
Instead, I developed a list in my head of Things To Do in my lifetime. It wasn’t until I watched “The Bucket List”,
Bucket List -The Movie
I realized that was exactly what I had. A Bucket List! I just never had a fancy name for my ‘wish list’. In lieu of a New Year’s resolution blog, I thought I’d share my evolving Bucket List with you in the hopes you’ll share yours, too.
A few things I’ve already crossed off my list:
saw Mt. Rushmore,
hiked Mt. Si,
went on 2 wild and crazy road trips with my amazing daughter,
danced with my equally amazing son at his wedding,
enjoyed 10 of the 58 National Parks;
rode motorcycles in two week-long camping trips with my husband,
Heading into Glacier National Park
tried artsy-fartsy projects (glass fusing and pottery painting),
started this blog,
won NaNoWriMo,
volunteered at “Rock & Worship Roadshow” concert,
tried eating/cooking new ethnic foods,
discovered my life’s purpose: share my story to help others.
Still to do:
ride our motorcycles to Sturgis;
Sturgis Rally
Courtesy: ultimatemotorcycling.com
go on a vacation or camping with all our kids;
travel to each state in the union (29 to go);
hike a section of Camino de Santiago in Spain,
gain greater understanding of God;
adopt another dog from the pound,
experience the rest of the National Parks (48 to go),
ride a motorcycle coast to coast,
read the Bible cover to cover;
see my sister again,
volunteer at Union Gospel Mission,
continue learning to be the best wife/mom/mother-in-law/friend/daughter I can be,
take a backpacking trip between Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes,
learn to say hello in 10 languages,
learn some dance moves,
courtesy: cosmosmagazine.com
convince hubby to learn some dance moves,
get a stamp in my passport,
go zip-lining (maybe),
improve my “Spanglish” to Spanish,
write and publish my memoir.
How about you? What’s on your Bucket List?
inspired2ignite 
Jun 23, 2013 @ 21:17:23
Jan 08, 2013 @ 12:59:58
This is such a great bucket list! So many good things ahead for you in 2013. And it looks like you really made the most of last year – way to go, lady!!
I wrote out my 2013 Bucket List last week too. 🙂
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Jan 08, 2013 @ 19:37:30
Hi Audrey! Thanks for stopping by! That’s awesome you wrote a Bucket List, too! 😉
Happy Travels in 2013!
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Jan 08, 2013 @ 05:05:05
You’re invited for coffee! Pop over to my blog!
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Jan 08, 2013 @ 06:26:29
Thanks! I’m grabbying my jacket and am on my way! 😉
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Jan 06, 2013 @ 17:03:15
I agree doing things because you see the need to and not out of any guilt feelings is always the best way. I am going to continue to do the things I need to do and improving myself day by day. Good luck with your bucket list!
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Jan 06, 2013 @ 21:33:20
I love that your goal is to improve your self every day! That’s so awesome!
Thanks for stopping by!
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 18:21:12
I’m going to read about how you reconciled with your mom. RIght now. Because I need to understand how to do that. Find something lovely among the rubble.
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 20:08:32
Hi Renee, it is possible to find beauty among the rubble. It might not look exactly the way we want, but I am grateful for the reconcillation we had.
I wish something similar for you and your situation.
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 16:37:22
Exciting bucket list, and great post. Here is mine, that has been posted by my computer for the last year at least – all items are in progress at some level: Grow old slender, wearing soft flowing clothes; Sing a song with my heart and soul; Add something beautiful to the world; Write my book; Live in a cabin in the trees; Write grandma’s and Mom/Dad’s histories; Write a book of family stories; Get rid of stuff and live simply; Use my education; Forgive everyone everything; Abandon myself to joy.
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 19:31:33
Hi Diane, I love your Bucket List!
Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year!
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 09:43:50
Blessings, Denise!
So glad to have found you through Susie. Our journeys sound quite similar actually. I’m also on a spiritual path that includes forgiveness (some for childhood abuse), travel, and embracing my gifts as a writer. I love your bucket list and applaud your courage.
I think you’d enjoy my blog as well: journeytowildness.blogspot.com. I’ve become a follower of your blog. Would you consider returning the favor? I think we have a lot to teach each other. 🙂
Peace for the new year,
Melanie
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 19:30:07
Hi Melanie…Welcome! I’d love to come over and check out your blog! Thanks for the invitation!
Happy New Year, and Thanks for coming over from Susie’s Wild Ride!
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 07:17:31
i like your list… when i think of bucket list I think of things I’d like to do but probably won’t like go the the Great Wall of China and travel stuff…… it’s the simple stuff that doesn’t make the list becasue I THINK BIG instead of think grand and good…. oh and I have zip lined – the climb and jump was worth the flying, it was cool! Thanks, I stopped over from Susies – check out ‘Clothing Tags’ @ Making the Days Count
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 19:28:13
Hi Clay, Thanks for coming by from Susie’s party! I’ll head over to your blog, too, and check out the fun there!
I know what you mean about The Big Stuff for a Bucket List. The Great Wall would be amazing…there are several things like that for me, too -I left them off as well.
Thanks for the encouragement on zip-lining…Time will tell 😉
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 04:51:27
Jan 04, 2013 @ 20:18:45
HI Denise! Susie sent me over…Love your bucket list and how many things you’ve already completed. I have this bucket list in my head….but I think I should probably write it down.
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 19:26:06
Hi Kitt! Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to read what’s on your Bucket List!
Susie has awesome parties, and fun new friends to meet! 😉
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 18:36:43
I love your done list, particularly the part about your Mom and Dad. And I LOVE you (penstamon?) photo in your heading. Good luck on that list! (here courtesy of Susie)
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 20:07:51
Welcome! Susie has such a great party, and so many wonderful new friends to meet!
Heading over to check out your blog, too!
Thanks for stopping by to visit!
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 18:17:44
You have crossed a ton off your list girl! Way to go! 48 more parks… that sounds adventurous! 🙂
Thanks for bringing this link to the party! Have fun chatting up the guests. There are a lot of new faces and they are Wildly clicking away!
Have fun and thanks for coming!
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 20:07:02
Hi Susie! You wild thing! You surely do know how to throw a good party!
😉
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Jan 05, 2013 @ 09:04:58
Thanks! I am so glad that you came!
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 17:32:15
Hi Denise! Susie sent me over from her Blog Party. Man, I have a big bucket list too but there never seems like enough time to do them all. Nice post! Happy New Year!
Phil
http://www.blog.theregularguynyc.com
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 20:05:34
Hi Phil! Thanks for stopping by! Susie always throws a great party!
Hope you get to at least one thing on your bucket list!
Heading over to check out your blog!
Happy New Year back atcha! 😉
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Jan 03, 2013 @ 14:14:30
I don’t have a bucket list, but my advice to everyone who has one is to get going and not leave it until you are too old to pursue it.
For many years I wanted to travel the Australian Outback for a couple of months or more and after we sold our sugar cane farm and moved into town, we talked about it more . . . but we left it too late. Hubby has had four heart attacks. His heart would not support bypass surgery. He is on maximum medication and can’t do much at all. Now I feel I would not be able to cope with the trip either. We left it too late . . . but that is OK because the desire has also diminished.
I hope you get to cross more items off your list this year.
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 14:35:44
Words of wisdom, to be sure. Thanks for sharing your story, and encouraging others not to wait.
I’m sorry for your husband’s health, and the sadness of not making the trip to Austrailia.
Thanks again for sharing.
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 15:47:07
You are right, a bucket list is a lot better and more fun. 🙂 So many great ideas – what to do first?! 😉
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 16:06:55
Hey, Patty! Can’t wait to hear what you’ve got up your sleeve for 2013!
That cruise you went on was pretty amazing!
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 17:47:49
It won’t be anything as exciting as the cruise I am sure, but God always something interesting in our future… 😉
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 21:07:41
He sure does!
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 08:37:51
Gosh, I don’t have one. It’s made me think though, and then I get overwhelmed. I am coming out of a year of overwhelmed and decided my theme for the year is going to be JOY, so we’ll see where that leads. You are inspiring Denise!
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 11:45:28
Hi Marsella! I can’t wait to read what your Joy theme turns out to be! 😉
Happy New Year!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 23:30:16
You’re are incredibly inspiring, Denise. I’ll have to think about my list and get back to you… You have me dreaming. Hmmmm. 🙂
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Jan 02, 2013 @ 05:13:26
Oooh, I’m excited to see the list later, Lori! You’ll have some amazing stuff, I just know it!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 19:16:15
Great accomplishments and I like your list. I shared my 2012 accomplishments on my last post. My bucket list for 2013: seriously start writing one of my book ideas, clear away the clutter in our house (a year-long chore), continue moving up in TaeKwonDo and learn how to use a weapon without hurting myself, be more patient with my daughter, and get involved more at church.
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 22:40:26
Thanks, Kathy! I just read your list and it is wonderful! You did some hard things last year, and your bucket list for 2013 is very impressive.
TaeKwonDo sounds amazing! I wouldn’t want to startle you in a dark alley! 😉
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 11:11:16
You are a wonder,can you pick up your bucket list? Happy New Year and I look forward to more of your posts.
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 16:29:22
Hi lexiesnana! Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!
Ha ha, well, I might have a longer list than I have days remaining, but I’m going to do my best to mark them off! 😉
I’ve already thought of another thing to add: Polar Bear Plunge next New Year!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 07:11:38
I thought the bucket list was funny! Great post! Way to switch it up!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 10:14:02
Thanks Jasmine!
Happy New Year!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:40:21
Happy New Year! Congratulations on accomplishing so much on your bucket list. You certainly do have an adventurous side! I don’t have a bucket list; maybe I should think about it. 🙂
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 07:00:04
Hi Ruth! Oh, I highly recommend a Bucket List! You can already add NaNo to it!
Happy New Year! Looking forward to reading more of your blog this year! 😉
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 05:08:08
love what you have done and are going to do–I call mine a life list as I live in denial that I am going to die–there is no motorcycle on my life list–you are far more adventurous than I, I am adventurous in my mind (ha ha)
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:49:42
Happy New Year! To be sure, your adventurous mind could probably take you on some exciting trips!
Thanks for stopping by!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 03:50:47
You’re amazing, Denise. Well done with all you’ve achieved so far (especially with the relationship issues) and best of luck for the future list. And you’re too clever by half winning the book blogathon! It makes me tired thinking about that!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:40:21
Hi Yaz! Happy New Year!
It’s funny, actually…I think the relationship issues are my greatest accomplishments. The other things are just frosting! 😉
Thanks for stopping by!
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 02:04:44
WOW! You are certainly going to have an interesting year, Denise! I don’t know what glass fusing is, but it sounds interesting…
Happy New Year to you and I hope to read about everything on that bucket list in 2013! 😀
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:39:13
Hi Dianne! My list is a ‘life-time’ list, but there is at least one thing being crossed off in 2013!
Glass fusing turned out to be nearly idiot proof, so my piece turned out well enough I have it on display! (I am Not Artsy-Fartsy!)
Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures, too! 😉
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 01:26:25
Love it! I just might write down my own bucket list! I loved the “Convince my hubby to learn some dance moves.” Mine doesn’t dance, at all 🙂
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:35:49
Happy New Year! Yes! Write out your Bucket List! It’s so fun to think of places to see, things to do! Now the dance moves…it will be easier to go ziplining than to get my hubby to do dance moves…
My daughter and I went through Nebraska in the middle of the night on one of our crazy road trips. We drove into the parking lot of Cabella’s at 4 am just so we could say we’d been there. Then headed north to Rushmore, the BLM horse reservation, Carhenge, and so much more! 1800 miles and 5 states in 3 days. Oh yes, please do add a road trip to your Bucket List! 😉
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 13:21:11
Wow, you truly are adventurous, lol! I’m already working on the “short” list, like what we can accomplish this year. Hopefully another great family vacation :-).
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 16:32:18
Hey there! I like your idea of a ‘short list’ -one specific to the year! Great thinking!
Hope to read about a fantastic family vacation you come up with! 😉
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 01:23:52
That reminds me…my son learned to say “I love you” in about 15 languages when he went to his military academy in PA – there were kids there from many different countries. Funny how he chose “I love you” to learn. Anywho, nice bucket list. I sort of have one of my own (as I do not care of resolutions either). And I loved that movie! My biggest bucket list item – see Wales. If I don’t get there, I have the pictures Mom took when she was there. Here’s “Hello, how are you?” in Welsh – Helo, sut wyt ti?
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:27:13
Happy New Year, Karen!
What a great idea to learn “I love you” in various languages!
I hope you make it to Wales! I’d love to see Ireland, it’s not on my Bucket List but I might add it one day.
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 00:26:58
What a wonderful list of accomplishments – and future plans – Denise. A great insight into your sense of adventure and heart for family, friends and God. Let me know what zip-lining is like if the opportunity arises!
Keep being a wonderful blessing to the blogging community,
Ali
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Jan 01, 2013 @ 06:24:29
Thanks, Ali! 😉 The zip-lining…well, that’s been on and off my list a few times. Sometimes I feel brave and put it on, then I get chicken and take it off!
Happy New Year!
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 17:32:55
Hi Denise,
If you ever feel bold enough to try zip-lining, I can think of a couple of brave souls to join you! (smile) Granted, when I was caught – after the fact – of having gone zip-lining recently, I was asked a) why the bucket list and b) is the will up to date. (love parents, really).
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Jan 04, 2013 @ 20:06:29
ooooh! Good to know I could have some company if I decide to try defying death!
😉
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