Life is short. Here’s my bucket list.

A couple of weeks ago on the drive to Midway before spring break, a friend asked me where I would go if I had to choose one place in the world to travel to. Of course, with how indecisive I am, I couldn’t pick just one destination. There are so many places I would love to visit and adventures I am eager to experience in my life. In fact, I have a rather lengthy bucket list I would like to accomplish in my lifetime. So, in the spirit of this question, here is a condensed version:  

1. Finish this column on time

Self explanatory. It’s already late … sorry Claire. 

2. Sunrise and sunset on every continent 

So simple. So ambitious.

3. Skydiving, preferably in Hawaii

Sorry, mom. I talk about this all the time and it drives her insane. The Hawaii part is great. The jumping out of a plane and parachuting (to my possible death) part … not so great. 

4. Backpack through Europe

My best friend's mom has talked to me, extensively, about how she took a few months after college and did this by herself. My friend and I want to do it together. We’ll see if that actually happens. 

5. Northern Lights

I really, very badly, want to take a trip, stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern lights. How cool would that be?

6. Learn how to play the piano 

This one seems pretty achievable, but then again, I am quite possibly the least musically inclined person ever. Just ask my old piano teacher. Sister Geraldine was a sister at a local congregation, Sisters of the Divine Redeemer, and she was sorely disappointed by the capabilities of my brothers and I. I’m determined to learn for both her and my second-grade self. 

7. Egypt

One word: Pyramids. I want to see them. Also, the Nile River and the Sphinx. All must-do’s in Egypt, or so I’ve heard. I mean, we spent all of that time in middle school learning about the Egyptians, so why wouldn’t I want to go see everything in person? 

8. Visit every U.S. National Park with my brothers

A couple of years ago my brothers, my dad and I went on a trip to Las Vegas, Utah and Arizona. We hiked in Zion and visited the Grand Canyon. The following year, we did a California road trip and explored Death Valley, Joshua Tree, King’s Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. Along with a few others, I think we’re up to 10(ish) parks, and I want to make it to all of them.

9. Antarctica

I’m not really sure how I’m getting to this one. I’ve done the research; I just need to acquire the funds. When that (hopefully) happens, I’ll do the polar plunge and see some penguins. 

10. Kilimanjaro

This is another ambitious one. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, for plenty of reasons (African safari, mission trip, etc.), but for some reason, I want to hike Kilimanjaro. Just think about the view from the top.

11. Honorable mention: Run a marathon

The Holy Half counts. Stay posted. 

I have about 100 more bucket list items that I would love to cross off, including more sentimental ones that pertain to family and friends, but I don’t want to be too sappy here. I’m not sure if I’m being naive or just too ambitious, but I’ll keep dreaming and, hopefully, I will make it through all of them. I just want to have a life well-lived.

Of course, I’m open to hearing any, and all, thoughts, suggestions, edits or additions you wonderful readers have for my list — my email is below.