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I started a bucket list about ten years ago. A cherished friend of mine passed suddenly, and it messed me up a bit.

No one expected his death. Maybe he did, but everyone else I knew was surprised by it. A day after I got the news, I realized I had a crap-ton of unfinished projects, some of which were projects I’d promised to do for other people, with my only saving grace for those being that there wasn’t an expected finish date.

But still. A lot of unfinished projects, a lot of things I want to do, a lot of experiences I want to have, but didn’t because “I’ve got time.”

Some of my bucket list has been crossed off because I accomplished it. Some will need to be removed/replaced because of my age or physical condition, or a financial reconsideration.

Like the skydiving one. I don’t want to achieve professional level, but personal enjoyment would be nice. What stops me?

Money. A single jump costs a lot, and kids cost a lot of money, too. Something about care and feeding and being a responsible parent or something weird like that.

Thus, I am willing to settle for an indoor skydiving experience, and call it close enough.

Other items are a little more tricky, like acrobatics/silks/Spanish hoop. I can find a studio and take lessons, but do I have the time and the money and the dedication enough to get good enough for a recital?

I’m still working on that question.

A concealed carry permit is on the list, but after consideration, a gun safety course and additional range time with the instructor counts instead of the full on CCW. I don’t need a CCW, and honestly, more deep thought makes me question whether or not I really want one (this isn’t a gun rights issue or whatever, this is just I’m not as interested in guns to constantly keep up with the range time and the tiniest changes in the law, and I have problems breathing around the cleaning solution) so I’ve called it even.

It’s weird, because everyone knows what a Bucket List is. A few people even make a Bucket List.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone Editing a Bucket List, have you? What would you put on your Bucket List? What would you take off after careful consideration?

I mean, I did remove the riding a great white shark while slapping it’s ass with a hockey stick, screaming “hiyah, bitch, hiyah” after thinking about it, because there’s no way I’m going to accrue enough money to do it. A Pet the Sharks Adventure Tour, would do, though.

As I review my Bucket List and pair down the desires a wee bit, I find myself wondering what I can replace some items with. Some are easy, like I’ve mentioned above; others, not so much.

I have found the Bucket List helpful in my darker moments–some of my list items are a bit whimsical and can be achieved in an afternoon, like ziplining. Sure, it wasn’t across some great gorge in the middle of South America, but the one I found was adequate for my needs, especially considering a small heights thing I have.

Other items are a little more serious, and require more time investment, planning and all that. Looking at those items can be downers–Will I ever get off my ass to do that?

What would you put on a Bucket List?