This morning, I started thinking about all the things I’d like to do in life. And then, I realized, I don’t even have a bucket list. Sure, there are things I’ve said I’ve wanted to do, but I’ve never written it all out. Creating a bucket list is important. It’ll helps me focus on my dreams and motivates me to knock them out. There are several wishes that I’ve left out, but I’ll add them as I remember!
MY BUCKET LIST
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1. SPEND ONE YEAR TRAVELING THE WORLD
I’m sure you’ve thought about it too. I want to spend one year overseas traveling. I’ve been planning it for the past year and will eventually do it. I’m only young once and it’s the perfect time in life to do crazy things. A lot of people think it’s an impossible dream, but people do it all the time. I don’t want to look back on my life and wish I had done things differently. It’s time to explore things outside my daily bubble
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2. CAMPING IN THE WILDERNESS WITH A TENT.
I’ve camped in my backyard and on school trips, but never out in the wild. I want to hike up a mountain, find a spot, pitch a tent and camp. I want to roast marshmallows, eat beans from the can, roast hot dogs, sing awful campfire songs, and wake up with freezing toes! And of course, I don’t want to do this alone. That’s just creepy!
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3. I WANT TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD (CHECK!)
I have been a Disney lover since I was a kid. I’ve dressed up in all kinds of Disney costumes, played Disney characters in theater, watched all the Disney movies, but I’ve never made it to Disney world. I’ve wanted to go since I was a kid. I know when I do go, I’ll turn on full kid mode and have the time of my life.
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4. VISIT CALIFORNIA
I’ve been to just about every single state, but I’ve never been to California. I want to travel the entire California coast. I’ve only imagined what California is like from all the movies and photos on Pinterest. I want to climb to the Hollywood sign, drink wine from the Northern vineyards, walk down Rodeo Drive, take a Celebrity bus tour, and maybe even go back in time and visit some Laguna Beach spots.——————————————————————————————————————————————
5. HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH
Horseback riding is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve been looking for a fun place to horseback here in the Carolinas. I’m thinking about going on a trail in the mountains. But riding a horse on the beach sounds so tranquil and I’d love to do it. I don’t know why I haven’t done it yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list! Maybe I’ll do it in France, or California!
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6. GO TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY
I’ve been to fun derby day events, horse tracks during the derby, but never the actual Kentucky Derby. I love love love making Derby hats. It would be so much fun to actually wear my hat to the Kentucky Derby. Now that I’m in the south, I have no excuse to miss it!
I don’t even like mint juleps, but I’d order one if I was there.
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7. GO ON A VOLUNTEER TRIP
I love to volunteer, but I’ve never volunteered overseas. Spending my time and money to help out others would be so fulfilling and life changing. God gave me helping hands and I’d love to take a break from my life and put them to use. I also think it helps you realize how much you have that others don’t and why I should be thankful for my life.
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8. I WANT TO ZIPLINE (completed)
The only zip lining I’ve done was at my elementary playground. It was about 12 feet long and 4 feet tall. I want to hipline over the water, in the mountains, or in a forest! It looks so liberating and fun! I was about to do the one in Vegas, but they shut it down the day before. Darn 🙁
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9. VISIT THE GRAND CANYON SKYWALK
Talk about gorgeous. Who wouldn’t want to put this on their bucket list? I would love to spend the day hiking the Grand Canyon. I want to capture the sunrise/sunset in the sky over the Canyon. Maybe I’ll camp there! The only downfall? The scorpions and tarantulas! ewy!
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10.CONQUER THE CANNOLI
I know this seems silly, but the cannoli scares me. They’re so delicious and well crafted. I want to be able to construct the perfect cannoli! I’ve been reading cook books, watching cooking tutorials, and ordering them everywhere. Soon, I’ll work up the confidence to make my own.
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11. GO ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI
When I was a little girl, I used to dress up like a safari guide, take my friends around the backyard on my Barbie jeep, and pretend that we were on a real African safari. I guess I never really grew out of it because I dream of going on a safari everyday. I would love to see Elephants, Lions, and Giraffes in their real habitat.
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12. STAY AT A BED & BREAKFAST
Ive seen them in the movies, on my road trips in the south, and on Pinterest, but I’ve never stayed at a bed and breakfast. I’ve always thought about how fun it would be to run one. I’m sure it would be a lot of work, but the fun kind. Maybe one day! I’d actually love to stay in a haunted one!
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13. GET SMALL TATOO
I’ve always told myself that I’d never get a tattoo. But life is too short and sometimes doing something you’d normally never do gives you the biggest fulfillment.
Tattoos stand for forever.
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14. MEET THE DETROIT LIONS
If I were to meet any of the Detroit Lions, I would go complete fangirl. I’ve been around a couple while working at the soup kitchen in Detroit, but I never actually had the change to “meet” them. I’ve been to so many of their games, but meeting them is my ultimate goal. I still get goosebumps watching their games. #onepride
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15. PLANT A GARDEN
My mom was obsessed with flowers when I was a little girl, and she still is. She used to construct gorgeous gardens. My parents even had their own gardening business together. We used to win yard of the month all of the time. One day, I’d like to make gardens just like my mom used to. Her gardens were magical.
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16. DRIVE THE ENTIRE ROUTE 66
I want to take two weeks off from my life and travel our Mother road. That’s 2,451 miles. All I would need is a camera, a friend, an awesome playlist, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the road. And obviously tons of gas money!
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17. SEND AWAY MY WORRIES IN A BOTTLE
I would love to write down all of my fears, my bad thoughts, my sad moments, and struggles on a piece of paper, lock it in a bottle, and let them sail away. Sometimes you have to let go and never look back in order to move forward.
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18. BUILD AN EXTRAVAGANT GINGERBREAD HOUSE
I’ve wanted to do this every single Christmas, but never have. I usually make my own ornaments and sugar cookies. I want to enter a gingerbread house contest and present the most extravagant gingerbread house ever! I’d have to donate it when it was over otherwise I’d be tempted to eat my own house.
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18. SPEND A WEEKEND AT A SKI LODGE
I’ve only been skiing a couple times in my life and both times I was impressed with how well I did. But, I’d love to spend an entire weekend at a ski lodge during the winter months. I’d love to take a skiing lesson, swim in a heated swimming pool and cozy up next to a warm fire in silly socks.
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19. DRIVE A LAMBORGHINI
I know it’s totally superficially, but I really want to drive a Lamborghini. LIKE BAD! I’ve been obsessed with them since I was a kid. I used to buy all the toy lamborghinis and race them with my brother. My mom was 24 years old when she drove her first Lamborghini while living in Italy, so I have one more year to live in her shoes.
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20. GIVE GRUMPLES A BROTHER
This won’t happen for awhile, but I’d love to get Grumples a brother. I’m going to wait a couple years, buy a house, and then look around for a brother. I might name him Vinnie!
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21. BUY A REALLY NICE CAMERA, LIKE REALLY NICE.
I’m a blogger. Shouldn’t I already have a realllllly nice camera? Yes and no. I have some nice cameras, but I’ve never worked up the courage to buy an expensive one. I’m really bad at dropping things…and I have to get over that first.
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22. I WANT MY OWN COFFEE SHOP
Later in life, when I’m settled and ready to stay put, I want to open my own coffee shop. I dream of this all the time. I want it to be full of books, welcoming, and cozy. My head is full of so many ideas for it. It would be THE place to get your coffee 😉 So in five to ten years when I open my coffee shop, will you stop in?
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23. HIT THE JACKPOT PLAYING A SLOT MACHINE
I love going to the casinos and I love playing slots when I’m in Vegas. One day, I hope I can hit the jackpot . I want to have a fat check in my hands with my picture up on the casino wall. My parents hit their jackpot last year and now it’s my turn.
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24. VISIT THE WHITE HOUSE (check)
I’ve been to D.C. but I’ve never visited the White House! It’s a must and I’d love to do it soon. I don’t live too far from D.C. and will have to make the road trip soon. I’m thinking Christmas time. I don’t know if I’ll do a tour, but I certainly want to see it from the gates!
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24. GO TO COACHELLA
Maybe next year or the year after the next I’ll make it to Coachella. I have to knock going to California off my bucket list first. I enjoy coachella from my couch browsing the fashion on Instagram, Pinterest, and ENEWS. I want to actually live in the moment next time 🙂
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Cindy says
If you go to California, don’t just do the LA thing. It’s a tad overrated. Also hit San Fran and San Diego. Huge differences in those areas… and LA is honestly nowhere as pretty as the north and south.
Taralynn McNitt says
Good to know! I’m excited to do some LA things, but definitely more exciting about the vineyards and the northern part of the state!
Michelle says
I love your bucket list! I’m from Utah, but live in Chicago now, and about half of your list can be done out west! The Grand Canyon Skywalk while cool, is a lot like the Willis Tower Skydeck; cool but overrated. Hike to Havusupai Fals instead, you won’t be disappointed! As for a ski lodge, I would recommend Park City, Utah, or Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Not that you ever will, but I’ve always wanted to drive Route 66 and no one will go with me so I’d love to go with you! And I grew up with a vegetable garden my whole life so if you or anyone needs advice on that subject, I’m full of info lol! I love your blog, reach your dreams, I’m rooting for you!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh cool! I used to live in Chicago. I’ve been to several places in Jackson Hole when I was in seventh grade on the great western. It’s absolutely beautiful.
And if one day I decide to drive the route 66 and can’t’ find someone to go with, I’ll be right back in the comment section looking for you!
Thank you so much for all the info and ideas! You’re awesome:)
Bethany says
1. Missions trip to India
2. Run a marathon (already did a half!)
3. Make an eternal impact
Taralynn McNitt says
Nice dreams! & awesome job on the half!
Paije says
Visit all 7 continents!
I keep my bucket list notebook next to my bed. Every time I think about something I want to do, I write it in there.
Can’t wait to see you blog about your bucket list accomplishments!
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s an awesome dream! You kind of sound like me, always coming up with new bucket list things!
Kathy says
Been drawing up my own list recently. Myself, my hubby and our 2 preschool children travelled Europe for just over a year in 2004/5 and it was just awesome.
Head of my bucket list is to visit the fictional Tara Plantation and The Homestead in Georgia, from ‘Gone with the wind’. Next is an early retirement and 15 years in a motor home travelling the world!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow that would be an amazing trip. That kind of makes you and your husband the coolest parents I know!
It’s funny because my mom named me after that movie!
Angela says
1. See the Norrhern lights and do a hike through Lappland (Finnland) an do all the typical thing like sledge rides with dogs (sorry if it is wrong i’m from Luxembourg so english isn’t my first language)
2. Stay at least two weeks in London and don’t do the tourist things but live it the London style
3. Dysney Land
And there are so many things staying fit, buying an renovating a house on my own and and and
Greetings from Luxembourg Europe is waiting for you !!!
Taralynn McNitt says
That would be incredible, and your english is great:) Your dreams are pretty inspiring xo
Angela says
Thank you an thanks for replying this means a lot to me 🙂 ♡♡♡
Jane says
Definitely take the time (1 year or more) traveling the world. You won’t regret it. It’s NOT IMPOSSIBLE!! Anything is possible if you just do it and don’t wait around to do it. I quite my job in the US and did it. I fell in love so much, that I most like won’t return and will continue traveling for the rest of my life. If you have savings, you’ll be fine. People think it’s expensive, but you actually realize that you spend more money at home, then money overseas. You could even teach English, which would allow you to travel and have new experiences. This is something you’ll never regret! 🙂
Jessica says
The Grand Canyon is amazing but check out the yelp reviews for the skywalk, a lot of people were disappointed by it. The hiking there is not to be missed and I highly recommend staying in the park and star gazing.
Karen says
I love love love your bucket list! A few of them (camping, B&B) I’ve done but loads of the rest are things I NEED to do. I think #1 on my bucket list is travelling for sure! I want to see everything – New York, Norway (the northern lights, imagine), Australia, Asia, Japan, Macchu Picchu, California beaches, I could go onnnnnnn and on. At least because I’m Irish I can get to Europe easy enough!
Kayla says
Please do not get a dog from a breeder or store and make sure to rescue or adopt! It’s is so sad watching hundreds of playful, loving family dogs get gassed/killed each week at my shelter because people want puppies to show off for a few months. Do some research on breeders (it is just awful to get a dog from one) and look into rescue groups, petfinder and shelters. There are tons of hypoallergenic dogs, esp golden doodles bc they were a “fad” a few years ago and families are giving them up now.
Katie Brodbeck says
The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis is a haunted bed and breakfast!
Tiffany says
1. Run a half marathon
2. To get my own horse
3. Visit Montana
Jessica says
I think making a bucket list is a great idea! Currently, I do not have one, but I think you’ve inspired me to make one 🙂 On the top of my bucket list is:
1. Travel the World
2. Build my Dream Home
3. Strengthen my Yoga Practice
Tomiko says
I agree 100% with Karen. ADOPT!!! “designer dogs” are a dime a dozen at shelters! you can get on lists to hear about when the breed you want comes to the shelter. I HATE HATE HATE breeders and puppy mills!
Jess says
I would definitely love to visit your coffee shop!
My three things are 1) Travel around Massachusetts and maybe even live there 2)Take my parents and brother on an amazing holiday somewhere 3) Go back to see New York again
Niki says
You should really go to Savannah GA for your haunted B&B. The most popular one is 17hundred90. You have to book a year in advance! Also the Hamilton-Turner Inn. It’s kinda pricey but you can’t put a price on the bucket list! Also read the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before you go. We go to Savannah GA several times of year so if you need any help just let me know!
Erin says
Great list! A lot of those are on mine as well. I’ve been to Sacramento before, but wasn’t too impressed. Can’t wait for my honeymoon. We are going to Cali and hitting up Napa, SF, LA, San Diego, and lots of places in between driving down Route 1. Super excited! Also, Matthew Stafford is HOT.
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says
Visiting disney world is on the top of my bucketlist, Tara! All those things you mentioned are all the things I wish I could do.
Carrie says
I love your bucket list! I am an Arizona girl and I would have to say that the Grand Canyon is absolutely stunning! It never gets old. Tarantulas are harmless and slow, I wouldn’t worry about them! I would highly suggest going down the Bright Angel trail if you’re only day hiking. Otherwise, Havasupai falls is gorgeous, just make sure you have reservations and are prepared to backpack down to it. I’m honestly not a fan of LA but I love California, especially San Diego. If you want to go to Disneyland in Anaheim (near LA) you should get a day-hopper pass and go to California Adventures, it’s literally right next to Disneyland.
Ariel says
There are a lot of things on your bucket list that are on mine too! 🙂
Number 1, 2, and 3 for me would be;
1. Visit all 7 continents and all 50 states! Even if it’s just driving through!
2. Open my own coffee/bakery shop! I’d name it Morning Oven Mitt. there would be divided into two rooms, one with books, magazines, a great study/reading spot. The other room would be a social fun spot, with games, music, etc. And the last front entrance would be where people can order fresh baked goods, healthy meals, and of course awesome coffee.
3. Learn to fly an airplane! I love to travel and if I could fly myself places that would be amazing!
Mallori says
1. Conduct the Tran-Siberian Orchestra in Carol of the Bells
2. Dunk on Michael Jordan
3. Marry Clay Matthews. Go Pack Go. 😛
Allie says
If you make it to California, I highly recommend going to the northern coast. See the redwood forest, it’s incredibly majestic. It’s a beautiful, beautiful area that is quite different than southern Cali.
Jordyn says
Love this! Such fun goals! Great point about writing them down, I’m going to start my own bucket list!
Carley @ Optimistic Health says
Great list! I can relate to some like visiting the white house or staying at a ski lodge.
Some of mine would be;
1. Going to Europe.
2. Going to Alaska.
3. Publishing medical research (nerd alert).
Nikki says
That’s a great list!
You mentioned traveling for a year. I have a couple of friends who are doing this currently. They have been traveling for over a year now and have been updating a blog about their travels. What’s nice is they also mention HOW they did it… they talk about getting the money for it and have budget breakdowns for each place they go.
Thought you might find it helpful!
http://eastorouest.com/
Ashley Gabrielle says
I really like your list!!! I really should do a post like this! This is the second list goals list I’ve seen today on a blog. I also want to do a volunteer trip and go to Coachella.
I have so many goals but three of my bigger goals would include graduate from college, travel abroad for a semester/travel Europe and get into my top school for grad school.
Lucie A. says
Wow, that’s just an amazing and inspiring bucket list! I hope you get to travel around the world soon and if you have any questions about that, I would be happy to help you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lucie, You have totally inspired me! You’ll be the first one I look to for advice!
Amanda says
I love this! I created a bucket list about a month ago, and it feels so good doesn’t it?
1. Make a difference in at least one persons life
2. Run a half marathon
3. say at least one positive thing every day
Thanks for this post! I love the goals you have, and that you believe in yourself enough to do it all 🙂 Can’t wait to hear when you complete each one, because I have no doubt you will!
-Amanda-
Rebecca says
Dear Taralynn! I am from Switzerland and currently traveling the world for 9 months. I did volunteer work for 3 months in Vietnam before (I worked in a daycare for disabled kids) and both of these things were the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. Going on such a long travel was scary and a big step, but I didn’t regret it even a second. It’s life changing, you experience so much and meet soooo many awesome people. I am traveling on my own and it’s no problem at all. Leaving and saying goodbye to your beloved ones is the hardest part – after it just gets easier and you feel better with every day you travel. So keep on planning and let your dreams come true! Let me know if you have any questions!! xx
Ashley S says
Saw this on living social today and thought it could help you with your bucket list …. plus Savannah is a great and haunted town 🙂
https://www.livingsocial.com/events/cities/179-savannah-hilton-head/1224480-ferrari-or-lamborghini-autocross-experience?cvosrc=email.blast.digest_dailyus&utm_campaign=digest_dailyus&utm_content=179&utm_medium=email&utm_source=blast
Ashton Jury says
I had no idea you’d never been to California! If you do ever make it out here I recommend checking out Disneyland if you can (since it’s the original) and some of the little beaches in Orange County. I live in Seal Beach CA and I swear the landscape hasn’t changed since the 1960’s. Also Newport, and Huntington Beach. You should probably just drive the coast. 😉 Since I know you’re a diner fan also check out Ruby’s there’s practically one on every pier. Enjoy your trip to France I just got back from there myself!
Ally Browning says
Check out Living Water for a Mission Trip (www.water.cc) – I have gone on two mission trips with them and I can’t tell you how awesome it was! It would be fun to go again and I’d love to join you!
Shyann says
I don’t have an order for mine yet…
But I so badly want to see Rome, so much History and stories! Love it
I need to see the Greek Islands, Santorini especially! Got obsessed with it since watching the Sisterhood of the Travelling pants!
Skydiving
PS: When you do your African Safari you could also knock the Zipline off – we have tons of Amazing Ziplines through Mountains & 1 in like a Mini Rainforest area here in SA!
Amanda says
I don’t really have a full on bucket list, I always think of doing it but can never seen to get all my hopes, wishes, and dreams down. There is too much. I just moved to Florida from North Dakota because of my husbands job. So I started small, I put together a Florida bucket list!
Here is my top (I think) out of the list,
1. See an alligator in the wild. (Also, hold a tame alligator!) Don’t worry, I respect them and know not to feed them or try and go after one.
2. Watch a shuttle launch, up close! I’ve always been amazed by aircraft, good thing I married an Airman. 😉
3. Last but not least, go on a cruise. I love the ocean, I couldn’t imagine anything better than living in the middle of it with my husband and kids for a few days!
I have plenty more.
Liz says
You could hit 2 birds with one stone by doing this in California!! http://www.safariwest.com
Bec says
This list is great Taralynn! I love reading your blog and it has inspired me to start my own. I look forward to reading of the day when you get to open up your coffee shop. Thanks for being inspiring!