Here's to Kicking the Bucket... list (Part 1)

If you have ever been engaged in a conversation with me for more than 18 minutes, chances are I have mentioned my "Bucket list." 

I don't talk about my Bucket List to say "Oooo looky at all the 'cool' things I have done." Because honestly, most of them aren't cool. They are probably borderline nerdy. But I've come to terms with this. My Bucket List is important to me a for a few reasons: 

1. I love making lists. (I briefly mentioned this in Three Step Game Plan back in August) 

2. God has designed me to be a person who enjoys working towards things and having goals-- even if they are nerdy goals. 

3. It makes a great conversation piece. 

4. Gives me an excuse to do some pretty random stuff. 

5. I can revel and thank God for all of the awesome little things in life that make me happy!

That being said, I didn't start my list after the movie came out. I began writing it long before, back in December 2003... Which if my calculations are correct, that is two months shy of 8 years ago (Holy cheese and crackers!) Of course back then I didn't call it a Bucket List.. Rather it was "Things to do before I die" list. 

Obviously, many new things have been added over the years, (and a few things checked off) and some have become a little deeper/profound. But that's the great thing about a bucket list-- it doesn't HAVE to be profound. I once was chatting with someone about starting their own bucket list... and they said they didn't have anything "worthy" or "profound" to put on their list. After I scoffed (silently, I hope), I reminded them that it doesn't have to change the world. Do they really think that me "Breaking glass with a hammer" is going to make a difference? It will to me, but that's about it. 

My Bucket list is in a small, simple black journal.... Today, I am going to share some of the random things I have done so far (I mark the date and place/event so I remember) Then tomorrow, if you are bold enough to tune in again, you will see things that I am still working on. 

Brace yourself: This could get random.  (The ones in bold I count as especially hilarious and non-profound) 

CHECKED off the list...

(Note: This list is not exhaustive... but you get the picture) 

• Go to college: K-state, 8/18/04
• Fall in love: Brandon L. Knobloch, Summer 2009
• Get married: Brandon, October 2, 2010!
• Be on TV: Polar Bear Plunge, 2006
• Travel Overseas: Spain/Portugal, Jan 2006; China, June 2009; Italy 2010
• Meet someone "famous:" President George W. Bush, White House, July 2005
• Go to a KSU game: Manhattan, KS September 4, 2004
• Wear a tiara: Alpha of Clovia Crystal Ball, March 11, 2006
• Get ears pierced: Manhattan, KS, Aug 2004
• Go to a Clay Aiken Concert: Hutchinson, KS Sept 10, 2004 (Hey, don't judge me...) 
• Get a fantastic job: Heartland Works, Inc, July 2010
• Learn to "really" dance: Salsa/Brandon, Sept 2010
• Walk on a beach/boardwalk: New Jersey, Jan 2008
• Be in a wedding: Nicole & Kyle Wainwright, Soloist, Aug 2008
• Teach: Catalyst Class, Manhattan, KS 2008
• Go to Auctioneering school & become Certified auctioneer: March 2009 (seriously... Have gavel, will travel) 
• Go to church regularly: Eternity, Jefferson City, MO Nov 2009
• Wear a Bikini-- confidently: Summer 2010
• Read the Bible daily: May 19, 2009
• Run 1 mile w/out walking: Manhattan City Park, March 30, 2009
• Eat Kobe Beef: Paducah, Kentucky, April 2, 2011
• Take a self defense class: Boxing, Manhattan, KS Spring 2009 (Sr yr well spent!) 
• Learn about wine: KSU, Spring 2009 (See-- great semester!) 
• Run a 5K: Herington, KS March 19, 2011
• Go Skinny Dipping: Sorry, details will remain anonymous :-) 
• Police ride-a-long: Citizens Police Academy, March 2009 
• Own a Pet: Sweet Justus, Fort Benning, GA May 17, 2011
• Make a perfect omelet: Manhattan, KS February 19, 2011
• Cut Hair for Locks of Love: Manhattan, KS March 19, 2011
• Fill an ENTIRE Journal: Pink Bible journal, Jan 23, 2011
• Learn to make sushi: Fort Benning, GA 2011
• Successfully complete a Sudoku: Fort Benning, GA July 19, 2011. 

I thank God for helping me to experience some of these things-- it is a reminder of the little opportunities that I can take some extra joy in... Do you have a bucket list? If not, I recommend making one-- just let your little joys flow onto the page-- you don't have to show anyone! It's between you and God. 

To me, kicking the Bucket List (and the things on it) is one part of my life that I count as "More Precious than Rubies." 

Checking it off the list, 

SGK 

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:2-3