July 27, 2010

Okay, 40, You're Up. Let's See What You've Got


The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.  ~Norbet Platt
 As promised, for my 40-eth birthday, I have composed a bucket list. Some of you may have noticed I am greeting the idea of having a 4 at the beginning of my age number with a bit of trouble. Not too much, but more than I expected. I don't feel 40. As a matter of fact, I wish I could go back and do my 20's again feeling the way I do now. Kind of. Some of you may know what I mean.
As I began this undertaking, I was a little down, and I had 5 things listed. And I was stuck. Really? FIVE things before I kick the bucket?
So, I reviewed my list of things I'd done during my 30's. Then I thought of a few more.


  • Hiked through a rain forest
  • White water rafted near and far
  • Toured a cloud forest canopy on a zipline hike
  • Swam with sharks
  • Climbed Chichen Itza
  • Explored Palenque
  • Swam in a cenote
  • Became a dog owner
  • Climbed Heart Mountain

And I started to kick into gear, because there are a lot of cool things I haven't done yet, and I started to remember faded dreams and little goals, and if I feel like I could do my 20's over again, can't I put some of that energy and confidence into accomplishing a few of these things? Wouldn't that be SO much more beneficial then just wishing? All of a sudden, my 40's don't seem so forty-ish. They just seem... next.

My Bucket List
  • Visit Ireland, Wales, and the island of Anglesey, which is my maiden name
  • Learn conversational Spanish
  • Build a house (or rather, have someone build a house I helped design, for me)
  • Have 10+ novels published
  • Visit Machu Picchu
  • Write something non-LDS
  • Keep my back as strong as possible 
  • Get my personal story in book form
  • Be a better swimmer
  • Learn to fly fish
  • Play piano more often (I'm not great, but I could be better)
  • Take a latin/ballroom dance class
  • Own a jet ski
  • Go on a cruise
  • Visit Israel
  • Rent a catamaran and sail the British Virgin islands
  • Grow a beautiful cottage garden
  • See all of Cary Grant's, Kathryn Hepburn, and Audrey Hepburn's movies (for my feelings about Cary Grant, read here)
  • Get a college degree (I'm this close)
  • Eat in Italy
  • Participate in NANOWRIMO
  • Achieve HARD level on Rock Band drums
  • Take photography classes
  • Create a home with a comfortable, welcoming, joyous atmosphere
  • Be a temple worker
  • Learn some Tai chi
  • Ride a bicycle built for two


What do you think?



12 comments:

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Happy Birthday, but bucket list at 40? are you feeling alright?

Krista said...

Haha, David! I just thought, "Why not?" You never know! It was actually fun after I got going, and this way, I can add to it. Thanks!

ali cross said...

I LOVE this! I'd be tempted to scoff at your ambitious bucket list if you hadn't already accomplished so much! You are amazing!

Happy Birthday Krista! May all your dreams come true!

Shelli said...

Does this mean we should count you in for our next BVI trip? Would LOVE that!!! Happy Happy Birthday sister dear!!! Love you!

Norma Rudolph said...

Happy Birthday freind!
Really 40 is no big deal. I can say that because I'm 50 (had Mary when I was 39) and I still feel like 20. I like your list and hope you get to do all of them before you turn 50 and start a new list!

Suzanne said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE your idea of doing a bucket list. I'm 2 1/2 years from 40....can I still do one now? You're an inspiration!!

Ann Best said...

Forty sounds YOUNG. I think I was a bit fried thinking gosh, I'm forty; but now I'm 70 and would love to be back there! A bucket list - what a novel idea. Most of my list would be what I've already done. But with good health, at 70 or 80 there are still things to do. You've GOT time to do much on your list. So do them! And Happy Birthday!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I totally know that wanting to relive my 20's feeling (I don't feel like I really LIVED mine). Gotta say though, you've already done so much! And your bucket list is just more awesomeness that I'm sure you'll get around to (seeing as you have another four or five decades to go yet).

Happy Birthday - hopes it's been fabulous!

Trev said...

I'm pretty sure that you need to do a good portion of that with your sister and her adoring (or adorable, whichever is fine) husband. BVI....check. Ireland....check. Cruise....um, well, ok. Italy....check. Swim.....check. I could go on and on.

Bernie and Ginny said...

I can't believe you are 40 and still just as pretty as the first day I saw you. I think that your kind of beauty goes deeper than your skin.

Krista said...

Thanks, everyone! I'm thinking 40 is going to be great! Mom and Dad J, you are sweet. Trev, you're on!

Now, somebody rub my bunions.

Val said...

Glad you enjoyed your 40th... I was so pleased with mine in march that I vowed I'd turn 40 again next year...lol.. But when you consider the alternative to celebrating birthdaies 40 is not so bad... Congrats on the book... my blogs may not be all that interesting but take a peak if your interested...
Val in Newfoundland Canada

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