To Do Before I Die

The term “Bucket List” never appealed to me. Instead of planning out a lot of things I’d like to do before I kick it – I’d rather live every day like it’s the one and only.

Some of this stuff is downright crazy, but you only live once (maybe? not gonna pretend I have that answer).

Forget Regret. Live Life.

Chinese orphans photo: sheilaz413

# 1 Volunteer In A Chinese Orphanage.

I remember the moment this became a dream. I was five (maybe six?) and Dateline was on the TV.
Oma was in the kitchen – I can still smell the soup on the stove.

The screen showed a row of baby girls in high chairs in a Chinese orphanage – then the dry voice crackled through the television “babies, just like this are dying every day in China from a lack of human contact.” The anchor woman continued to talk about how – even with proper shelter and nutrition – the lack of physical connection, will lead to the eventual death of these babies.

“We need to go hug Chinese babies, Oma.” I proclaimed as I walked into the kitchen, hands on my hips.
My arms weren’t very big yet, but the dreams were.

# 2 Attend A Proper Tea Ceremony In Japan*
* preferably with Haruki Murakami

Something about the intricate details and dedication to ritual simply enchant me. With each ceremony there is a procession and order that is adhered to, a piece of each family’s history is served through each action.

The tradition is steeped for thousands of years, but your tea for a few perfect moments. What’s not to love about this?

Tea ceremony in Japan photo: mrhayata

# 3 Free Diving With Great Whites

Imagine one of these graceful giants swimming up to you – nose to nose. Just thinking about it gets my palms sweaty and my heart pounding- ready to jump off the ship and into the water.

Where else can you find such a marvelous and vicious creature matching your curiosity ounce for ounce?

#4Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan

Since my first experience with Meteora, Greece – monasteries have become one of my favorite places to visit.

The lore and fables that have stemmed from this particular Monastery are tied in with the very roots of Buddhism, and I’ve no doubt that when I make the hike up the path, I will wish that I was on the back of a flying tiger, too.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan photo: Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)

# 5 A Boat Ride in the Congo

Not many little girls live their childhood dreaming of the Congo as a lush playground of possibilities- but I’m not exactly average.

Raised on stories of adventure all over the world, I can’t tell you how many days of childhood were spent playing “Congo boat ride” with impromptu crocodile attacks, pirating, and screams.

#6 Cable Car in Switzerland

Maybe it’s the awesome Ricola commercials but the idea of taking a cable car through the Alps (obviously there’s hot chocolate involved in this fantasy) is one of the very few times I choose to withstand a cold climate.

There appears to be something magical in the stillness of these mountains, and taking them in from above simply captivates me.

#7 Spending The Night Alone On An Island

It could be the city life eating away at any semblance of personal space and solitude, but there’s few things more tempting to me than cuddling up in the sand and letting a blanket of sun envelop me.

The fact that I am the only one on the island is pure selfishness and desire to be FREE.

Elephant Nature Park

# 8 Riding An Elephant / Protecting The Elephants

Uh oh. This actually used to be very high on my list — but since my outstanding & powerful visit to the ENP in Chiang Mai, Thailand I’ve reformed my thinking and am now repulsed by this act. (take a second and educate yourself as to why this is so, so wrong)

Instead of subjecting an intelligent creature to a pointless act for my amusement, my wish has transformed into simply spending more time with these magnificent beings. My favorite ele in the world goes by the name of Sri Prae and in less than a month I will be kissing her trunk, and watching her adorable son, Navann, bring joy to the whole park.

# 9 Write The Story

Everyone has a story inside.

Mine’s been stewing since I learned to string words together, but they never leave me faster than when I sit to write “THE story”.

One day, I will find a way to reach inside and wrap my fingers around these words, pulling them from the deep literary organ* and drag this story out of my body.
Then I will smash my heart against the white screen, watching the black letters follow the flow of the cursor and sit back, praying it came out right. One Day.

*this must be the liver – hence the prolific alcoholic author stereotype

#10 Do What I Want

Oops. This might be considered cheating since it’s not an “event” but a motto — it’s still just as important.
Life is shorter than any of us know.

[quote] This post is part of the Elephant Nature Park Blog Carnival. Elephant Nature Park is celebrating ten years of success protecting the Asian Elephant, educating tourists and tour operators alike that there is another way for us to interact with these wonderful animals.
Please take a moment to visit their website, visit their Facebook, and connect with them on Twitter.

Help protect these gentle giants. You make all the difference. Thank you [/quote]

In Memory of Adam Bromley, whose life and work made our world a better place.