Yearly Bucket List; I Need Your Ideas!

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I’ve had a Bucket List for years, but I’ve never created something with definite times. In the last year, I’ve been to 7 countries, got married, got pregnant, went sky-diving, bungee jumping, paragliding, base jumping, rock climbing, sailing, cruising, canoeing, canopy touring (zipping), jet skiing, windsurfing, dog sledding, helicopter touring, rappelling, trapeze swinging, caving, kayaking, and swimming with beluga whales and dolphins all with a bucket list in mind and an open heart.

My husband and I consciously thought about where we’d like to live in the world, chose southern California, quit our permanent positions, sold everything we owned, packed the car with what was left, and moved across the continent to our dream location. We want to live a life of fairy-tales with attention to every spectacular moment along the way.


I’m not certain, even with a bucket list, that I can top the last year, but I’m in the process of thinking about a list for this year. Since I’m 5 months pregnant, I need to be realistic about my expectations, saving time for my family and enjoying the everyday events that will unfold before me. Being pregnant, however, doesn’t mean that I need to stop my life completely or give up the things that have defined me in the past like travel, teaching, learning, and experiences new adventures.

I’ve created this list with hopes of altering it over the next couple of weeks and creating something definite by the end of the month. I’m sure I’ve left things off and add impossible things as well, but heck… it’s my list.

So here goes…

Bucket List for One Year:

1. See a sunrise

2. Travel to a new country (Or Hawaii)

3. Take surf lessons

4. Deliver my baby girl

5. Finish the nursery of my dreams for my baby

6. See Winter in Venice (Las Vegas)

7. See all of my immediate family

8.  Try stand up paddle boarding

9. Lose the “baby weight”

10. See one Wonder of the World

11. Buy a house in Orange County

12. Ride an elephant

13. Reach 5000 followers on my blog

14. Spend at least 7 hours a week doing planned exercise (I’m 5 months pregnant ;)

15. Visit a new state

16. Sleep on the beach

17. Fly an airplane

18. Learn how to make home-made baby food

19. Go whale-watching

20. Volunteer for a new organization

21. Make a new recipe a month

22. Teach my baby girl how to swim

23. Go on an unplanned road trip

24. Do Downtown Disney

25. Take a new class

26.  Conquer a fear

27. Attend a play, a ballet, a concert, and a musical

28. See LA from a helicopter

29. Take a helicopter flight lesson

30. Take the Catalina Ferry and spend the day in Catalina

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290 thoughts on “Yearly Bucket List; I Need Your Ideas!”

    • Thanks! Even during pregnancy and after the baby is born, I’d like to live my life to the fullest. Just today I went on a helicopter tour over Los Angeles with Celebrity Helicopter Tours. Stay tuned for a recap. :)

      Do you have any suggestions to add to this year’s list?

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

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      • You should add sleep to your list! Because in a couple of months it’s going to be enough of a feat to qualify as an adventure sport…Hee. Just kidding. It’s an impressive list, and congratulations! Looking forward to hearing more. :)

      • Wow! You have accomplished a lot, and your list & blog are inspiring. If you go to Hawaii, how about hiking the Kalalau trail in Kauai http://kalalautrail.com/. My husband and I tried the long and sometimes scary hike on our honeymoon. It was amazing, although you would have to do it after baby… congratulations!

    • Wow! Now that would be ambitious for me! I may be willing to try a new recipe a month; that sounds more doable. I’ll add it now. :)

      My idea of cooking now includes Mac & Cheese, pre-made dinners from Costco, and a select few pasta dishes, and that’s only since I married my husband. Before that, I loved to eat out regularly.

      Thanks for the suggestion; keep ‘em coming.

      Lesley

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      • I’ve been scouring recipes over the last few days and taking notes on my favorites. They will most certainly make up my new food experiences over the next year. I suppose I owe credit to their posts and may find a way to recognize them on my blog.

        Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

        Lesley

    • This is a tamed down list for the year and maybe I’m a bit ambitious, but that’s never stopped me before. :)

      Do you have a list? What are some things you’d like to do this year?

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  7. Hey Lesley, I love the power of a list. Something I’ve been trying lately is letting people know when I’m grateful for them. I’ve been trying to write a letter or send a ‘just because’ gift at least once a month to someone to show my gratitude. It sounds a bit soppy and vague but I’ve found that it means I am more aware of all the wonderful things and people around me, and people appreciate the thanks. I have a tendency to get busy and often need to slow down and acknowledge the great people around me. Also, I think ‘throw a party’ is on my list every year. There is something so satisfying about gathering the people you love, having a good feed, a drink and a dance.

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    • After reading your comment, I called my mother and my sister just to chat. I know how great it feels to receive a thank-you letter or a little gift from someone. Now that I’m pregnant, I cry over commercials so soppy has become my middle name.

      I’m adding it to the list now. :)

      What are some things you’d like to do this year?

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Reply ↓

  8. Downhill biking. You should definitely try downhill biking. It’s a great adrenaline rush and demands your full concentration. You don’t have to go for the most extreme parts, but just ride according to your own confidience. Cycling fast down a hill in a medium dense forest can be challenging enough.

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  9. One thing I started before the kids were born was a book of love letters for the kids. It is not only full of my feelings about becoming a mommy and life lessons, but also my hopes and dreams for Jae and Chloe. It gets difficult to write in it consistently after the baby arrives so I was only able to do this for their first year.
    So here are a few other “mommy” related ideas for after the baby arrives.
    1. Journal for baby
    2. Find a moment for yourself each day. Even if it is to just brush your hair or teeth :)
    3. Go on a date with your husband each month. (Keeping a book of love notes for him might be a good idea too.)
    4. Have a dance party to kid’s music.
    5. Go to the zoo. Act like a monkey.
    6. Make a sand castle. The baby can watch this year.

    You are an amazingly ambitious lady! Good luck with the rest of your list.

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you for the beautiful mommy related ideas. I’ve been keeping a journal and I love the commercial where the father creates an email account for his daughter and sends her little, important emails throughout her life. I’ve been trying to keep the journalism aspect in check before the baby arrives and hopefully after.

      I’m sure you have a beautiful family with children that feel loved.

      Thanks for sharing,

      Lesley

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    • I’ve been thinking about creating a “Mommy List” besides. There are some great ideas here. Maybe I’ll start to put something together this week. That seems like a great direction to go in!

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      • Regarding the Mommy thing – I am the mother of 3 children (16, 15 & 12) and have found it absolutely wonderful that I decided when they were young to write down most of the funny, sweet, wondrous things the kids did through the years…Because as time goes by, YOU FORGET. I just found some of the old stories not too long ago and so enjoyed reading them because it opened doors to the past that had been long closed. The kids had forgotten much of the things as well so we all enjoyed the remembrance.

  10. Hmmmmm, unless you plan on shipping the baby off somewhere, you need to also include being with her in your plans. *S*. So how about: staying calm with the baby when she cries for no discernible reason, exposing her from Day 1 to art and music, being flexible with your needs and wants in a manner that permits her to grow in an emotionally healthy way, learning to prepare baby food at home instead of using the commercial brands, and doing all that on a lot less sleep than you crave. It will be a great year!!

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    • I love the idea of learning to prepare baby food at home instead of using the commercial brands and I recently purchased a Baeba 4 in 1 steam cooker – blender to help with the preparation.

      Although it may seem like a long list of things to accomplish with a baby on the way, I did keep that in mind while I was making the list.

      1. See a sunrise (I can’t imagine this will be too difficult this year since I will be up all hours of the night with my baby girl).
      4. Deliver my baby girl
      5. Finish the nursery of my dreams for my baby
      7. See all of my immediate family, including my grandparents (Most of my family will be traveling here to see the baby when she’s born)
      9. Lose the “baby weight” (I hope to walk with her regularly and even use the baby jogger as time permits)
      21. Make a new recipe a month (This could easily be for the baby or for my husband and I)
      25. Take a new class (I have several pregnancy classes and other parenting classes scheduled for the upcoming months)

      Many of the other things on the list are for upcoming trips like seeing Winter in Venice, seeing a wonder of the world, and doing a helicopter tour over LA will all be accomplished before the baby is born.

      I’ve wanted to start a family for a long time now and substantial preparation has gone into the process, but I’d still like to travel and have new experiences; they’ll just include a beautiful baby girl now.

      Reply ↓

      • Preparing baby food at home is so ridiculously easy, you’ll be able to cross that one off your list with no problem! I made my own baby food for both my kids. Saves loads of money and is really convenient. I actually did a post on my blog about making solid food. If you’re interested, here it is: http://kansascitykatie.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/solid-food/.

        Love the bucket list. Inspires me to set goals and identify things to accomplish for ME in 2012. I doubt mine will be as ambitious as yours though!

      • I love your Solid Food post and I’m sure it will be a great help! I’ve copied it to my email.

        Any bucket list or list of goals is an inspiration, regardless of length or ideas.

        What’s one thing you’d like to add? I love to hear other ideas.

        Lesley

  11. How about teaching your baby to swim! I think they have to be a few months old but my friend’s done this in a special class and it’s wonderufl to see him swimming underwater!

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    • I’ve added it to the list! Great idea! I love the ocean and swimming; it holds most of my favorite childhood memories.

      Keep the great ideas coming; they are appreciated.

      Lesley

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    • I love the video idea! I always have pictures but we often forget to take the GoPro with us. I’m definitely going to incorporate that into my list this year.

      Thanks for a great suggestion!

      Reply ↓

  13. Ok, love, so you are pregnant with bambino number 1. This is the best time of your life. One thing I will add to your list is #4A “Learn to accept a new level of vulnerability.” It is hard to imagine the level of this change as you sit at 5mo, but let me know your perspectives once you have seen the other side. It’s all a beautiful journey – this life. What one can “do” in life and the level to which one can learn to “feel.” Together is a most awesome combination.

    All my best.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the beautiful comment. I’m already learning a new level of vulnerability just being pregnant and it grows substantially monthly, weekly, and even daily. I can’t imagine the complete change once she’s born.

      Growing up in a family with three brothers and two sisters and a huge age gap has taught me a few things about enjoying the beautiful of children and life. I can only hope that my baby girl will love life and adventure half as much as her mother. She is a precious gift and I want to make the most out of every day that I get to spend with her. I will be a stay-at-home mother, which will give me the opportunity to watch her grow and develop into a young lady. I want to experience it all with her and my husband. :)

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

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  14. You are so incredibly lucky.You have done so much, I think you may need to have a rest, make no plans for a while, just see what happens! The new baby will be the boss for a while anyway, and you will probably find yourself spending lots of time, just sitting gazing at her, reflecting on things, and then planning a future with her included. I am inspired now to make a list, and start doing all the things I want to do, and plenty I should have done long before now. Thanks for the inspiration!

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    • A lot of the things on the list incorporate a new baby like:
      1. See a sunrise (I can’t imagine this will be too difficult this year since I will be up all hours of the night with my baby girl).
      4. Deliver my baby girl
      5. Finish the nursery of my dreams for my baby
      7. See all of my immediate family, including my grandparents (Most of my family will be traveling here to see the baby when she’s born)
      9. Lose the “baby weight” (I hope to walk with her regularly and even use the baby jogger as time permits)
      21. Make a new recipe a month (This could easily be for the baby or for my husband and I)
      25. Take a new class (I have several pregnancy classes and other parenting classes scheduled for the upcoming months)

      Many of the other things on the list are for upcoming trips like seeing Winter in Venice, seeing a wonder of the world, and doing a helicopter tour over LA will all be accomplished before the baby is born.

      When my baby girl arrives, I plan on spending every second with her and she’ll be the sole focus in my life, but I don’t work and I will be a stay at home mom so there will be lots of time to try a few new things along the way.

      I hope that you make a list; it really can have an impact on your way of seeing life.

      Good luck and let me know what turns up.

      Reply ↓

    • Zip lining in Costa Rica was spectacular. The views were amazing and there was a good amount of adrenaline involved. It truly is a unique experience.

      Out of the 34 countries that I’ve visited, Italy is in the top 3. I hope you make it there :)

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

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  16. If you reach 5000 followers, let me know how you did it lol. If you do Yosemite, keep going and hit Glacier Park in Montana and do the Road to the Sun. Astounding vistas and views. You might consider Waterton Park in Alberta as well (we had an encounter with a grizzly there), just a bit north of the entrance/exit to Glacier Park. 23 is a blast, just did that and it worked out well.

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    • I’ve been averaging 80 followers or more a week for the last 4 weeks so I thought 5000 in a year was reasonable. 80 X 52 = 4160 and I already have 470 + 4160 = 4630

      I’ve only been blogging for 2.5 months though so I may be way off. It’s a goal though.

      I’m going to look into Glacier Park in Montana now. That would cover two items on my list and is worth checking out.

      Thanks for the suggestions,

      Lesley

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  17. Hmm. I’ve done 9 on your list in the first paragraph.
    I would like to encourage you to definitely try the surfing (I was out again today in NYC in my new wetsuit and loved it) and stand-up paddleboarding – fun even if it’s just laughing when you and your friends fall off the board!.
    Even though you’ve scuba’d and swam with whales, the aquarium at Epcot in Fla lets you dive in their tank. Unbelievably cool.
    Other stuff (I think) you need to do -
    - Snow skiing (alpine, but cross-country too if you feel you must)
    - Dinner at the top of a ski mountain (for us, it was a thrill riding up in the snow cat)
    - Mountain biking (i’ haven’t tried it yet, but would like to)
    - Luge/Toboggan (because it shouldn’t all be easy stuff).

    And keep blogging so I can keep living vicariously through you!

    Reply ↓

    • What are the 9 that you’ve done? I’d love to hear about them.

      I own a surf board and I’ve tried surfing; I even took a lesson in Costa Rica, but my level of success has been minimal. I’d like to stay on the board regularly! I love being in the water so the learning process has not been too painful :)

      I haven’t tried paddle boarding yet but the more I think about it, I’m going to look into it this week.

      “Dinner at the top of a ski mountain” sounds like a great plan and doable this year. I’m going to look at the availability around here before adding it to the list but it’s a great idea!

      A few of the other suggestions like mountain biking will have to wait until next year’s list because of pregnancy restrictions but many others have suggested it so it must be a great experience.

      Do you have a list of things you’d like to do this year?

      Thanks for reading and commenting and keep the great ideas coming,

      Lesley

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      • - got married. Smartest thing I ever did, to the most wonderful woman in the universe.
        - went sky-diving – Static line, then later on, a tandem.
        - rock climbing and rappelling – In the Shawangunks at New Paltz, NY. First “extreme” sport I tried.
        - sailing – Mostly out of Port Washington, NY, but I once crewed on a boat for the Around Long Island Regatta. That will be an upcoming post for me, I’ll ping you when I write it.
        - jet skiing – Last time was in Florida, North Hollywood, but my wife and I did a tour on jet skis in Key West, Fl. Her first time on one, and couldn’t have picked a better introduction!
        - windsurfing – I. Sucked. At it. Moving on…
        - kayaking – this was my wife’s idea, and it was a great one. Storage space is the only reason we don’t have our own.
        - swimming with beluga whales and dolphins – did swimming with sea life at Epcot on my tank dive with them. It really is incredible. And when I learned to dive in Turks and Caicos, a dolphin just showed up to hang out a while. Unbelievable!

        bungee jumping, base jumping, dog sledding, trapeze swinging, caving are all on my list, when I can get the opportunity. Next will probably be a trip to Portland OR for bungee.
        My wife won’t do several of these, but she said she’d hold the camera!

      • Congrats on the wedding! We were married in Jamaica in January where we were able to do the trapeze and rock climbing in our wedding attire. We also went jet skiing and windsurfing while we were there and hoped to try kite boarding but the weather wouldn’t cooperate.

        Although I’ve been swimming with dolphins and whales, one has never just showed up in the ocean before. i think I would have been a little intimidated. What a great experience for you though!

        Good luck with your bungee jump; I’m sure you’ll love it. There is something so liberating about free-falling through the sky, even if it is only for a few seconds.

        Keep me up to date with your adventures. I love hearing about the travels and new experiences of others.

        Thanks for your continued support.

        Lesley

  18. Fantastic list Whew you will have a very busy year ahead (and that’s just with baby) :-) Good for you not giving up your travel goals and dreams with a baby on the way. You should continue doing what you love and modify as necessary to accommodate the newest addition. I wish you luck and look forward to following your blog as you make it through your bucket list.
    I would suggest checking out the following blog (if you haven’t already). http://walkingontravels.wordpress.com She is a mother and has continued to travel with child. I think the experiences gained by the child are priceless.

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  20. Without a doubt, children change your life. They intensify experiences, they make you look at everything differently. My children were and continue to be – 22 and 19 years on – the very best part of life. Reading your blog and seeing how much you have done, I have no doubt that you will naturally add in time to just be. Be a mom. Be still. Lay down in the grass and look up at the sky. Stare for long periods at the face of your child. Watch her sleep.Watch her wake up. Watch her. But not hover and stop her from learning about life. Enjoy her scent and her noises and the nuances that are her. Don’t rush through life; just drink in every moment.

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    • Beautifully said :)

      I’ve been surrounded by children my entire life and from my brothers and sisters of all ages to the children I taught in school, they’ve filled my life with a joy that can only be described as perfection. Now that I’m going to be a mother, I often reflect on what’s to come and how truly blessed I am. Seeing the precious little clothes, smelling the baby powder and hearing her heart beat on the ultrasound have given me new eyes to life. I look forward to showing her the world and supporting her along the way.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; I look forward to hearing from you again.
      :)

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    • I’ll actually be in Vegas in November but I think it’s going to be a busy few days. We’re taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, staying at The Venetian, going to a few shows, doing the Winter in Venice full experience, and hoping to get the Ferrari driving experience in there as well.

      It would be nice to meet you though so maybe we could figure something out. I’ll send you more details when the schedule is more concrete.

      I love reading your blog and viewing the pictures. Keep posting :)

      Lesley

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      • Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your feedback. I am also just starting out, so this is a new world for me. I haven’t had nearly the travels that you have, but I am eager to go to as many countries as I can to have unique adventures.

        And yes, I would be happy to meet up, even if it’s brief. Please let me know when you have a better idea of what your schedule is looking like. Hopefully I haven’t missed you. =)

        Best.
        HB

  22. Hi Lesley!

    I’m so glad I found your blog. Congratulations on your baby girl, what an exciting time! I love your outlook on having a baby, it’s simply another little person to share adventures and experiences with and by no means does life have to stop! Best of luck to you and your family, I will look forward to reading more!

    Caitlyn

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    • I love your blog and I’m sure will have lots to discuss in the upcoming posts. Your header picture is stunning!

      Your Decorating for Fall! photos and ideas are inspiring.

      Keep posting,

      Lesley

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  23. You are going to be an amazing mom. And you WILL keep traveling. Heck, deliver your baby girl than head to Hawaii on your first trip together. It’s easy, laid back and fun. It’s what we did when my son was born. Now we have baby #2 on the way. It’s a little scary facing the unknown and thinking of traveling with two, but heck, if I can head to China with a 20 month old on my own, I can handle 2 of them no problem. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Enjoy the last few months of your pregnancy. Don’t worry about the baby weight. Kids naturally make you loose weight as you run after them and forget to eat cause of all you are doing (I don’t recommend not eating though!) Plus your travel spirit will keep you fit no problem.

    Reply ↓

    • It’s encouraging to hear that others are traveling and enjoying new experiences with children by their side. Congratulations on the second child on the way and what I’m sure is a beautiful family already.

      I’m not too worried about the baby weight. I’ve always had a very active life-style and a more active metabolism.

      Do you have any up and coming trips planned?

      Keep that adventurous spirit; you’re an inspiration to other adventurous travelers.

      Lesley

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  24. Thanks for “liking” my blog–I’m enjoying the 30 days of travel blogging through bootsnall.com; I’ve connected with a lot of other travel fiends like myself!
    Our son–now 14–has been on the road with us in various ways since he was 3 months old, and we took him up to my in-laws for Thanksgiving! Before that, we took him on a tour of the State Capitol building (we had family in) in a little “kangaroo pouch” (one of those things you wear the baby in front) at the tender age of 6 weeks. He’s been from Missouri to up and down the East Coast, Canada, and parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland by plane, train, and automobile– he’s always ready for adventure!
    Enjoy the young years with your firstborn–they go by swiftly, and are like nothing else in the world! Parenting is an extreme sport, in many ways….
    Mary

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    • I’ve looked into bootsnall.com after reading your comment and I’d love to write for them. I’m going to review their policies and go from there. I’m glad you mentioned it! :)

      Traveling with your family provides hope and inspiration for me and my dreams of continued travel after the birth of my baby girl.

      Keep up the travels and the great posts. Where are you off to next?

      Thanks for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

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  25. First of all, congratulations being pregnant! Secondly, I am so envious of your life!! I love your list, especially the unplanned road trip! I have no doubt you will achieve everything (and more) on your list, (you’ve inspired me to make one) and I wish you all the best for the future!
    You’ll be the coolest mum ever and everyone here knows you’ll do fantastically well in everything you do. xx

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    • Thank you for the encouraging words. Being a new mother is the most important aspect of my life. On ultrasound days, like today, I wake up at 5 or 6am without any hope of going back to sleep. I’m so excited to see my precious baby girl’s little fingers and toes and her beautiful little nose that is so defined already. I can’t wait to show her world and have more new experiences with her than I ever thought possible.

      Do you have any goals that you’d like to meet for this year? You should create a list! I’d love to hear some of your ideas.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s greatly appreciated.

      Lesley

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  27. p.s I forgot to include my suggestion of abseiling down a waterfall… it’s exhilarating! of course that’s a suggestion for after the bubs is born. Best of luck to you and your family :)

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    • I can’t believe I haven’t done that yet but it will make next year’s list for sure. It may be a bit ambitious for this year but it sounds right up my ally.

      Where did you get to do this?

      Thanks for a great suggestion,

      Lesley

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    • I’ve copied this list to my email and I’m going to create a similar post-pregnancy list. It’s beautiful and perfect, and quite funny to me right now at 5 months pregnant.

      Thanks for the best suggestion of the week!

      Lesley

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    • I did see the Northern Lights and they are beyond words. I lived in northern Manitoba for two years so they became my evening backdrop while I was there.

      I’d love to hear what you come up with for a list! Other ideas are inspirational!

      Let me know what you come up with.

      Lesley

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  30. I LOVE Stand-Up Paddleboarding! I love that it’s so chill, but still requires your attention. I’ve taken my dogs out on the board and my friends have taken their kids who were as young as 1 year at the time.

    If you haven’t been to Lake Superior yet, I recommend heading to Bayfield and sailing around the Apostle Islands. My family adores it and it’s a great way to spend time together. It’s not too tough, either, if you have someone along who knows what they’re doing. The last time I went, I got on the boat 1 hour after getting 11 stitches in my knee. It made it difficult to get around the boat, but it was a good excuse to soak up the sun and the views.

    Good luck with your bucket list!

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    • Do you think I could try SUP while pregnant? I’ve asked a few others, my doctor included, and they don’t see a problem with it, but it’s helpful to hear it from someone with experience.

      Lesley

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      • You could definitely do it while pregnant! I would recommend first trying it on a smooth lake before the ocean, but if it’s a smooth day on the ocean you should be fine. As you develop more of a baby belly I would start on your knees before you work up to standing. The nice thing about SUP is that you’re not going too fast and the water makes for a cushy landing. Have fun and enjoy!

  31. Ah! This is really cool. These are ideas that are totally cool and yet completely doable, even for me, a high school student. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is soso fun (and apparently a great ab workout). Find somewhere beautiful, rent a board, and enjoy the beautiful world you live in! Keep up the good work, and keep us posted as you cross these things off your bucket list!

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    • I figured since I’m living in southern California, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing needed to be on the top of my list. I’ve been meaning to try SUP for months now but it just always seemed like something else came up. I have a wet suit and it still fits so I’m hoping to cross that one off of my list within the next few weeks.

      Do you have a list for this year or in general? I’d love to hear some of your ideas.

      And by the way, anything is doable for a high school student. I taught high school for 8 years and I learned that the first week.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

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  33. Wow, that was some year you had! Amazing. Congratulations on the baby, also. No doubt you will have lots of exciting adventures with her. I can’t of much to add to your list that doesn’t require you to be, well, not pregnant (ha!) but how about something like trying a new food every week? Different cultures, different foods. Might even be some inspiration for your next trip.

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    • my husband suggested a new food each week or at least each month and I was a little too quick to dismiss it. Others have suggested this as well; maybe it’s time I give it more consideration.

      Thanks for the great suggestion,

      Lesley

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  34. Fun list! You’ve got me thinking now that I should also really come up with a solid list of plans. I have plenty of voices in my head that tell me what I’d love to do or see, but maybe I should get it in writing!

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    • Let me know what you come up with! Others ideas are always the best inspiration, even if I add my own little twist.

      Thanks for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

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  35. Thanks for liking my blog! I came to see you, and found I am enthralled by all that you are doing/have done/want to do! If you would like to do the sunset on the top of a mountain in Santa Barbara, I have a spectacular view from my patio. We can sit on clouds [down patio furniture] and see it set over the ocean. I also have a friend that owns an adventure company, and does Stand Up Paddleboarding with groups all the time. If you are in Santa Barbara, let’s do one or both of those things! I think she also does Yoga on Stand Up Paddleboards, but I do not have the coordination for that! :)

    Reply ↓

    • Wow! Thank-you and I’m going to talk to my husband tonight about visiting Santa Barbara again. We went paragliding there a few months ago, before I was pregnant, and we regretting not spending more time there. I love to meet new people and I’m going to try to make it happen :) I’ve added your email and I’d love to stay in touch.

      If you’re in the south before then, please let me know!

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

    • Simply put, I have a husband who is an crazy as I am ;)

      We love to travel and experience new things so we make it a priority, starting with a list.

      Do you have any suggestions? It’s always the ideas of others that inspire me as long as I add a few twists of my own.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s greatly appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  37. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I’ve been catching up on your blog and really enjoying reading about your zest for life.
    On a similar line to Elizabeth’s comment I would add:
    1) Plan ‘x’ number of days/evenings out with your hubby. Once your baby has arrived it’s nice to be able to schedule some husband and wife time every now and then.
    2) Organise a network group for new mummies in your area to enjoy some pamper time together on a regular basis (the husband’s can take charge of the babies).
    3) Read Hypnobirthing: the Mongan method : a natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing. Regardless of how you plan to have your baby this book is brilliant. It puts your mind into a really great place and has a relaxation CD with it too.
    4) Plan a timeline to see the other great wonders of the world with your baby.

    Good luck and keep writing :)

    Reply ↓

    • I’ve started to find a network of new mommies and I think it will help with all aspects of life. Not only do I hope to spend time with them but I’d like to spend time with their children, and vise-versa, to create “hubby-date-nights”.

      I didn’t hear of Hypnobirthing: the Mongan method, but I’m going to look into it today!

      Thanks for the great suggestions. Keep up with your blog; you have some great ideas.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  38. Hey Lesley,
    Really enjoyed your post. Have you tried:

    1. Doing absolutely nothing for 5 days. Or 10 days. As in no reading, writing, TV, talking etc, pretty much just lots of staring at the wall. It’s wild. Change your life, oh-crikey-this-is-challenging-but-also-exhilarating kind of wild.

    2. Pilot A Stunt Plane – with UFly extreme in Motueka NZ. Tried it a few months ago and can vouch for it 100%. It’s awesome. Consistently rates as one of the best adventure things to do in NZ. You fly the pane and do stunt rolls, loop-de-loop things. And you’re flying over the Abel Tasman National Part, which is an awesome thing to do even the right way up. Might have to wait post baby for that one:) http://www.uflyextreme.co.nz/

    Best wishes for bubs and things, Lisa:)

    Reply ↓

    • Doing nothing for 5 days would be totally beyond my capabilities! I have a hard time doing nothing for 5 minutes – or even 5 seconds sometimes. Since being pregnant, I’ve really slowed down from teaching 8 hours a day, coaching several sports, being physically active, tutoring, teaching ESL online, and volunteering. Now, I enjoy writing, reading, walking, and lots of eating :)

      I think a stunt plane would be a great addition for next year’s list. I’m not even allowed in a hot air balloon pregnant so a stunt plane may be beyond my abilities… this year. It’s a great suggestion, though, and I will add it for a future list.

      Do you have a bucket list? Do you have things that you’d like to accomplish this year. I’d love to hear about them.

      Thanks for commenting and keep them coming,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

    • My husband did have a position arranged before we left, although it all came together within less than a month.

      I was on The Price is Right a few months ago but I never made it on stage so I’m hoping for that :)

      I couldn’t be more excited about the baby. I love the process and I can’t wait until I can share the world with her and my husband.

      I love your The Cheat Day post. Sometimes make me sick and my husband asks why I still consciously choose to eat them, but sometimes it’s just worth it. ;)

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

    • Thank you! Traveling and adventure have shaped my life as much as family.

      Do you have a list of things you’d like to accomplish this year?

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  41. Hi Lesley, thanks for dropping by my blog. I’m in the process to make it a dual language blog. Btw, looking at your bucket list.. Quite ambitious. For the “Beach” and “National Park” as per your list,.. try Malaysia. We have one of the 10 most beautiful beach in the world and the oldest Rain Forest National Park as well… How about Scuba Diving?.. Google for Sipadan Island then… :-)
    http://www.hueoflife.wordpress.com

    Reply ↓

    • I’ve tried to be as realistic in creating my list for this year as possible considering I’m five months pregnant. Both the beach and a national park surround me here in California and are within driving distance. Although I’d love to add Malaysia to my list this year, it seems more realistic for next year’s list. The beauty and mystery of Malaysia has always fascinated me and I hope to visit there within the next two years.

      As for scuba diving, I’d like to feel more comfortable with snorkeling first since sharks are one of my greatest fears.

      Thanks for the great suggestions and they’ll make the top of my next list.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  42. Lesley, if I could learn to do one thing well in a year, it would be the tango. I took a lesson once, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried. I also think cave diving would be a frightening extreme experience, if you didn’t try it as part of your caving adventures.

    My favorite travel experience is this one. I dreamed of going to Paris from the time I was small. Unfortunately, a smothering mother and my devotion to her caused me to not leave the country until I was 33. (Like you, I made up for lost time with gusto. :) ) It is my husband’s favorite city, and he took me there one November before we married. My first overnight ocean flight. No sleep. I arrived to a gloomy place in a grumpy mood. Why did I ever want to travel? I asked myself.

    MTM had defined plans for me, though. He shuttled me onto a train, and we rode into the city. Train tracks = ugly, especially in the rain. I was miserable. We arrived at Gare du Nord, and MTM was determined to get off there. In the haze of the sleep deprived, I followed him underground from exit to exit to exit. He could never make up his mind which stair to take, and I couldn’t understand why he didn’t just pick one already so that I could go to bed.

    Finally, he started up a stair. When our heads broke the surface, the clouds parted, and I saw blue sky and light. I looked to my left, and there was Notre Dame, dappled by streaking sun. I couldn’t believe I was there, that I was seeing something I’d dreamed about for so long.

    I cried.

    And, then I hit the bakery and had my first pastry. :)

    You don’t need inspiration for your travels, but I hope you see a place that moves you to tears in the coming year.

    Reply ↓

  43. My Happiness Project:

    Shake hands with Wes Anderson
    Learn to say “no” without feeling guilty
    Skydiving over the Carpathian Mountains
    Taking a road trip without any destination
    Dating Mr. Wrong
    Scuba diving in Tuscany
    Touring the Mediterranean Sea
    Bungee jumping
    Watching the NY Theatre Ballet’s Swan Lake
    Learn Japanese
    Taming a Shrew :) )
    Tightrope walking
    Cross my country on a bicycle.
    Dive in a submarine
    Make a difference in at least one person’s life
    To visit Kiyomizu Temple in Japan & The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
    Fire a pistol
    Live in a foreign country for six months
    Read every novel that has won a Pulitzer Prize, in the Fiction Category.
    Watch the American Film Institute’s (AFI) 100 Funniest Movies
    etc :)
    What can I say…I’m a dreamer!

    Cheers from Bucharest, Lesley :)

    Reply ↓

    • There’s nothing wrong with being a dreamer; it’s how I got to where I am in life. My family has always said that I was crazy and out of my mind to want so much out of life but it has never stopped me and they’ve loved the journey along the way.

      Let me know when accomplish each of your goals; they will fuel my desire to conquer my own and “Make a difference in at least one person’s life”.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  44. Lesley, thank you for “Liking” my post on my blog. I do have some challenges for you to add for THIS year:

    - Have a natural birth in the water (if you can do so with a dolphin – in Hawaii)
    - Sew a pair of mitten and send them to a random orphanage
    - Plant a tree on the day you birth your daughter
    - Race a car (I professionally race – I got you :)
    - If you celebrate Christmas, give everyone of your gifts to someone in need

    Boom!

    Reply ↓

    • You have a beautiful outlook on life – “So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you’ve never been hurt.”

      I love the idea of sending something to a random orphanage. I think I’ll do that today!

      Have a great day and thanks for reading,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  45. After your daughter is grown up a little (or maybe before she is born), look into the Acajatuba Lodge on the Rio Negro in Brazil. My wife & I went in 2003 and didn’t want to leave. Thatched huts, pirahnna fishing, wildlife tours, pink dolphins and caipirinhas galore. Accessible only by boat and they turn the generators off at night. Rustic. We didn’t want to leave. Not a place you want to take kids.

    Reply ↓

    • Hopefully I will be able to experience Brazil with my child and my husband. I haven’t set foot in South America yet and it is, without a doubt, the place I want to visit most.

      Your time at the Acajatuba Lodge sounds magical!

      Thanks for sharing.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  47. Ride up to 18,680ft asl in Great Indian Himalayas battling the cold winds and high altitude with no oxygen for your bike to burn the fuel even.

    I am sure you will love the challenge catching with the breath, since your adventures surely are breath taking, more ideas are full of adrenalin, once you are ready to rock on.

    Best wishes for the baby :)
    M.

    Reply ↓

  48. I dont know how you did it , but I believe you are living the life I was supposed to have! Which makes it funny I have done one of the things (sort of) on your bucket list- I had the chance to swim with a shark…not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    Reply ↓

    • Swimming with sharks is not on my list because I’m actually terrified of them! I’ve done some amazing, crazy things in my life but I can’t seem to overcome that fear. Congratulations to you for doing it. :)

      Do you have a bucket list or a list of goals?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  49. Lesley – awesome the things you have done!! And the dreams of great things to come!! Have you taken the Alaskan Ferry – from Seattle to Alaska through the great North Passage? (Inland Passage) I did it years ago and it was most amazing and beautiful. A great journey. I also love the glaciers in Alaska. I lived in the Arctic for a year and that was pretty wild too. I hope you come up with some great adventures for the upcoming year.
    Best Regards
    Jim

    Reply ↓

    • I didn’t take the Alaskan Ferry but I did visit Alaska a few months ago, before I was pregnant. We flew in a helicopter, landed on a glacier, went dog sledding, and rode the aerial tram all in one day. It was an insane weekend to say the least.

      Although I haven’t lived in the Arctic, I was in Norway House, Manitoba for two years. There were some days that it was so cold the diesel would freeze in the buses, which was the only time school was cancelled. It was intense at times.

      Were you working in the Arctic?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  50. Seeing you list just reminds me how much I still need / want to do in this world! I have a bucket list also (although not as adventerous as yours : ]) and its filled with all of the things that I would love to accomplish. Just know that even through you pregnancy, you inspire me! … *Runs out to do something great tomorrow* ^_^

    Reply ↓

    • I just happened to notice the comment about making your own baby food. We’ve done that with all our recently adopted children and are getting ready to start again (bringing home a baby this week). I highly recommend making your own too and just wanted to encourage you in that :-)

      Reply ↓

  53. This is great!! You have got an amazing spirit! Bless you!

    Addition to your annual bucket list (your list is already impressive and super!!!)
    “Get on an healthy diet (more of fresh fruits and vegetables) and get enough sleep ” – actually sounds simple and will be good for you and the baby this year!
    “Start a journal for your baby and log all the beautiful small things you did for her when you were awaiting her arrival – It will be a great present for her to cherish when she grows up”

    All the best on your baby! And thanks for liking my post ! Appreciate it!

    -srividya

    Reply ↓

    • I started a journal when I became pregnant and I’ve been adding to it daily. Taking the time to write in the journal gives me a few minutes to relax and reflect on the process. I’m happier than I ever imagined possible and I can’t wait until I can show her new places, cultures, and adventures.

      Thanks for the beautiful comment and I wish you all the happiness in the world,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  54. Thank you for sharing your bucket list, Lesley…I think I will work on making my own photography bucket list for 2012 and challenge some of my photo-buds to do the same thing. :)

    Reply ↓

  55. Thanks for checking out my new blog, sandysojourner. I also have one sandysojourner.tumblr.com devoted my 500 mile solo hike of the Colorado Trail this past summer. You are embarking on the most challenging and rewarding adventure of your life–parenthood. Best of luck!!

    Reply ↓

    • 500 miles! You could actually sing the lyrics to “I would walk 500 miles” and it would be accurate! Congratulations.

      I see parenthood as my opportunity to show my child the world and give her opportunities beyond her imagination. So far, I’ve lived a great life and I know that will only get better the second I hold my precious little girl in my hands. even now, when I feel her kick, it brings a smile to my face. I like to take time during each day to reflect on how I’d like to raise her and be there for her. I’ve started a journal with some of my ideas and I’ll share it with her when she’s old enough.

      Good luck on your travels and keep me posted on your up-coming adventures.

      I never mind a link reminder to check out someone else’s blog so please feel free to keep them coming.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  56. Great list! Hawaii is a must! Would love to offer some suggestions…even a shark cage dive so you can change that list to actually seeing a shark! Making baby food…have you ever heard of a vitamix?

    Reply ↓

  60. My parents started dragging around the world since before I can remember, without worrying too much about what I would eat or how I would be entertained. It gave me a permanent wanderlust I followed through over the course of my life and fantastic memories. I hope you do the same with your baby.
    I love your blog – and, when you can, if you haven’t yet, sunrise in Venice (not the Vegas one) should be on your bucket list.
    Will keep on checking in.

    Reply ↓

    • It’s encouraging to hear positive comments from the child’s perspective.

      I was fortunate enough to see a sunrise in Venice a few years ago during my Europe backpacking trip. It may have been through wine hazed eyes, but it was still magnificent.

      Do you have any travel plans coming up?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

    • I’m timid when it comes to underwater activities. I have an unimaginable fear of sharks, which has drastically limited my snorkeling or scuba diving adventures. Hopefully, within the year I will build up to something like this. It would make an excellent addition for next year’s list and I’m going to forward the link address to myself so I don’t forget.

      Thanks,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  62. Hi Lesley! As you know by now, I’m a big promoter of the North Cape ;-) But if you ever come this way, here are some things you might want to add to your bucket list, if you haven’t done them so far:
    1. See the midnight sun.
    2. Go on a midnight hike and watch the sunset and rise in less than an hour.
    3. Hike to the northernmost point of Europe.
    4. Dance under the Northern Lights.
    5. Experience polar nights.

    You bucket list for next year is quite impressive and I wish you the best of luck with it, as well as becoming a mother.

    Take care,

    Erica

    Reply ↓

  65. I don’t know if you plan to breastfeed or not but if you are you could add successfully breastfeed to your list because sometimes it can be tough and might not go as planned and if you do succeed it IS an accomplishment. It also helps in your quest to “lose the baby weight.” It is way handy too, if you will be traveling.

    Reply ↓

  66. You really are someone after my own heart. I’ll never stop until I drop, but the trouble with bucket lists is that they get longer, not shorter. Here are a few things to consider for the future (I know the baby has first priority now):

    Take a horse trek in Mongolia (the best trip I ever took)
    Raft the Burnside River in Nunavut, Canada to be in the middle of the caribou migration
    Go dogsledding with the Thule Inuit in Greenland (my project for April)
    Climb a really big, really beautiful mountain that isn’t too technical (Kilimanjaro, the Eiger via Mitteleggigrat, Rainier – all guided if necessary, as you’ll have just as much fun)

    Reply ↓

  67. I am a bucket list maker as well. I love your ideas, I vote you go to Hawai’i you won’t regret it. =] This has really inspired me to make a bucket list for the upcoming year as well. I’ll also help you reach your 5,000 by following. You go girl ;] As for an idea… do you like running? I’m training for a half marathon so maybe put your 5 hours of exercise a week into a goal? Run in a race maybe? Or ride an elephant!

    Reply ↓

    • I ran in a marathon last October so I’ve crossed that off of a previous list. my idea of 5 hours a week of scheduled exercise was to incorporate private, quiet time with my husband. We walk together each evening during the week to talk about our day and come up with future plans. Exercise is a major part of my life but it is usually though just hitting the beach, walking, shopping, and daily events.

      I rode an elephant when i was younger but I’d love to do it again. I’m not sure if I’ll have the opportunity to do it this year because I’ll have limited availability, but it’s definitely on my life list. I’m not certain it’s possible in North America. :)

      What are some things you’d like to accomplish this year?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

      • Hooray for your marathon accomplishment! I think that is awesome you are making it a priority not only to exercise but spend time with your husband. Thats awesome!

        For this upcoming year I’m hoping to be at an intermediate level of Spanish and Indonesian (that might be a little to much to take on but you have to try), I want to run in my first marathon, travel back to Indonesia and see my self appointed indonesian family, start college, and maybe rock climb? Still working on the list =] Thank you for the inspiration!!

  69. I was thinking about this on the way to work of all things… and here’s my bucket list for next year (or two)…
    1. Drop my working days to 4 days a week. It does mean looking for another job, but hopefully I can do this within the same company.
    2. Enrol myself in at least 1 editing class to learn the art of editing my manuscripts.
    3. Edit at least my first two books.
    4. Enrol myself in a ‘Pitching to Publishers and Agents’ class to learn about the art of creating a winning query letter/book proposal.
    5. Send more query letters to agents.
    6. Explore the possibilities of self-publishing.
    7. Experience white Christmas and NYE in NYC!!!!!!! (so excited about this :D )

    Nowhere near as comprehensive as yours, but it’s all about baby steps for me :)

    Reply ↓

    • Any list is a great list! Besides, you’re setting goals and that’s what it’s all about. Editing and publishing can be tough work but when you have ambition, which you obviously do, it makes the process a little less stressful.

      Good luck with your list. When you cross something off, let me know. I’ll be a cheerleader :)

      Reply ↓

  70. Lesley, thanks for stopping by my blog! I am just about as adventurous as you… On my way to Phuket this afternoon :) I’ve read a couple of your posts and have now subscribed to read more. Continue enjoying life to it’s fullest…. My one bucket list item… Scuba dive off the Great Barrier Reef.

    Reply ↓

  72. Love it! I have a bucket list swirling around in my head, but I have yet to write it down. You have some great ideas! Hawai’i is a must, I lived there for three years, and have some amazing memories from that time in my life. You can cross a lot off your list there. One thing that is a MUST is the helicopter tour in Kaua’i, I saw some of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life on that ride. Good luck with all of your new adventures!

    Reply ↓

  73. I don’t have any ideas to follow the things you’ve already done; I just wanted to say how much I admire your sense of adventure. Your year has been more full than many people’s lives. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the adventure of parenting, except perhaps the 03:00 parts.

    Reply ↓

    • I take it back:

      1. Anan Bear Observatory in Wrangell Alaska
      2. Polar bear dip on 1 January in Barrow, AK (northernmost city in the US and one of the northernmost in the world)
      3. Hike the Pacific Crest trail
      4. Read at least 1 book every day to your daughter (this is one of mine with my son)
      5. Take a photo of your little one every day (another of mine)
      6. Breastfeed for the WHO recommended 2 years (6 months exclusively)
      7. Tell and/or show your daughter and husband that you love them in some way every day

      Epicurious.com is super helpful for recipes; you could probably do more than 1 a month!

      Reply ↓

      • I love 4, 5, and 7 and I’ll add them to my Parenting Bucket List, which I’ll post shortly.

        As for recipes, one a month is plenty ambitious for me; I hate cooking ;)

        Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s really appreciated,

        Lesley

  75. I am so glad you had stopped by my blog so that I could find yours. I have read through several of your posts this morning and your energy positively jumps off the page! Love the posts. Love the blog. Love the energy! I am looking forward to following your adventures as you become a mama (Congratulations!) and accomplish your bucket list goals (Congratulations, in advance!).

    Reply ↓

      • I was raised by parents passionate about travel. Together, they circled the globe probably 7 times. My father would buy my mom a new charm the first time they visited a new city. By the end of her life, she had 7 bracelets loaded with memories of an adventure filled life.

        Raising children who loved to travel was important to them. They hauled 9 children (ages 4-14) to Hawaii and 2 years later to Europe for the summer. Later, they introduced us to Mexico and the Caribbean.

        They had done their job well. I was bit by the travel bug–hard. My husband and I have traveled to Mexico, through parts of Europe and Greece, the Caribbean, into Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and miscellaneous other states along the way. (We call our 1st born “our favorite Italian souvenir.”) As it was to my parents, raising our children with a love for travel and, more importantly, a curiosity for the world around them, is important to both me and my husband.

        We have taken them to Alaska, Mexico, into Canada, the Caribbean, and through several states. If our pockets were deeper, their travels would be wider. Someday, as I know our family travels are not yet done. However, we were thrilled when our 17 year old applied for and was accepted into a program run through the US State Dept. this past summer. She spent a month in Mongolia, living in the capital city, in a rural town, a ger camp, and was even able to attend Nadaam, their national festival. Her tales are amazing!

        I believe giving kids the curiosity to travel and the courage to follow their dreams is the best gift we can offer. Having kids may change the way you travel (for a short time), but it is worth it all the way! Happy trails, to you and your husband, and your little one on the way!

      • I’m continually humbled and inspired by the drive and passion that others feel for travel. It adds character and understanding in a way that is not possible otherwise.

        Good luck with your adventures and keep me posted.

        Lesley

  76. Love the list…. I have always wanted to be on the Price is Right! I remember coming home from kindergarten and watching it and I am in my 30′s now!

    Making babyfood is easy I did it! Blogger Carrots are Orange has a ton of puree recipes on her website. All you need to make babyfood is a steamer baskets and a food processor and something to store the food in. Do not bother with fancy gadgets.

    Good luck on achieving all of this but do not be surprised if you want to slow down a little after the baby is born and move a few things to the following years list!

    Reply ↓

    • I’m sure I’ll slow down when the baby is born, but believe me when I say, I took that into consideration when making this year’s list. :)

      I was in The Price is Right audience a few months ago but I never made it on stage. I’m hoping to get up there this time.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  78. the real question is…where do you find the time and money? i’m just getting started on doing the things i always wanted to do. your blog is inspiring in doing so

    Reply ↓

    • I’ve made it a priority since I was a teen to travel and experience new adventures regularly. I don’t splurge on anything else in life. My daily expenses are rather minimal; I don’t wear make-up, I cut my own hair, I don’t eat expensive foods, and I rarely buy new clothes or when I do it’s usually at second hand shops. It’s not that I’m cheap in those aspects; it’s just part of who I am. I have no desire to live in a huge house or drive a fancy car. I’m completely content in my two-bedroom condo, although that will change when my child arrives, and driving my Saturn. Where I do focus a lot of my attention, time, and money is on travel/adventure. As a teacher for 8 years and a student before that, time was never a concern. There was always Christmas Break, Spring Break, and summer vacation. Now, I’ll be a stay-at-home, and I use the term loosely because I will not be at home very often, mom so the adventures and travel can continue when my husband has vacation and daily for my daughter and I.

      Reply ↓

  81. Very inspiring indeed! My wife and I have “moving to a place like california” on our list, among business ventures, landscaping improvements, and community involvements.
    One thing you could add is start learning a new instrument so you can sing/play lullabys to your baby. In my experience babies love Ukuleles.

    Reply ↓

    • My family is full of musical talent but I’m afraid I’m lacking in that area. I happily sing, out of tune, during the day and enjoy various kinds of music but that seems to be the extent of my capability when it comes to music. I was thinking that when she gets a little bit older, we could take lessons on the instrument of her choice, but that is for a much later list. :)

      Do you play an instruments?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  82. Based on what you’ve done so far, I have a hard time imagining you have too many fears left! You have done what so many people only dream of. When I was pregnant, someone I worked with told me he was disappointed because he thought I would do so much more with my life. Raising a child is a challenge but that only makes each and every goal so much more worthwhile. Although it’s not very adventurous a goal on my list is to read to my son every day for as long as he’ll let us. Thanks for sharing your list…it’s very inspirational! :)

    Reply ↓

    • Reading to your child daily is inspirational. You are making a huge difference in his life by doing so. As a school teacher with a focus on Literacy and English, I commend you for it. I personally know the difference it makes. My baby girl is still four months away from birth but I’ve been told that she can hear and I’ve been reading allowed since I found out that I was pregnant. We recently purchased 140 Little Golden Books for her and I will continue reading to her as much as possible.

      How old is your son?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

      • He just turned four yesterday and I can’t believe how fast it went! #27 is really great entertainment for both of you too. I remember how much more he would kick when I went to a concert or a show! :)

  83. Hey thanks for dropping by my blog.
    I love your list. Do you know the movement among bloggers called project day zero? it’s setting a deadline of 1001 days to do 101 challenges. It isn’t just a bucket list of big adventures, it lists some small ones too which you otherwise wouldn’t make time to do. There’s a website, and on the tab on my blog where my list is there are links to a gang of people doing it. Nice because you can blog about it too. Good look with this list. Make sure your homemade baby food is organic because shop bought baby food, whatever you might think of it, is regulated to have less pesticides in than the food adults eat.

    Dave

    Reply ↓

    • I’m going to look into project day zero today!

      As for the baby food, we live within walking distance to an organic foods store and it will be the only place I buy products for baby food. I’ve made the complete transition myself since I’d like to breastfeed as well.

      Thanks for the heads-up with project zero.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  84. You are so awesome Lesley!
    I will help out your 5000 subscribers goal by clicking the subscribe button :)
    A bucket list is a great idea, I don’t have one really but I have a goal to do something creative everyday.

    Reply ↓

  85. Your courage to tackle the world is inspiring. I heard the Magic Bullet on the infomericals actually works and is awesome at making baby food. You earned another follower. Can’t wait to read about you checking off more of this list. Indiana has caves, if you haven’t gone exploring in them yet.

    Reply ↓

    • I currently own the Magic Bullet and I’m hoping to purchase a Kalorik Baby Food Maker 5 in 1 Steam Cooker . I’ve heard great things about them and look forward to practicing my baby food making skills with it.

      I can’t wait to show my daughter new cultures, places, and adventures; we’ll tackle the world side by side.
      :)

      Reply ↓

  86. OK Miss Overachiever – the jumping out of planes, bungee jumping stuff is all great – what I want to know is how on earth you have been blogging for 2.5 months and averaging 80 new followers a week – c’mon there’s got to be a blog post in that for all of us languishing in the single digits!
    Congratulations on all your achievements.

    Reply ↓

    • hahaha :)

      I’m not working during the day since I’m pregnant and living in the US as a Dependent under my husband’s work visa so I spend a good part of the day networking. I search wordpress.com regularly for interesting posts and take the time to “like” and comment on as many as possible. I also post at least every other day and try to keep the information exciting. Finally, I try to personally comment on each response to my site, liking other posts from readers. Since you took the time to respond, I’ve searched your site for my favorite posts and added a few new “likes”; it keeps the process going and holds the attention of new readers.

      Other than that, I just write about my life and hope for the best. :)

      Thanks for reading,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  87. Wow, you are like my alter-ego….the exact opposite lifestyle to me! You are quite the powerhouse of energy aren’t you?!! Congratualtions on the imminent baby, she’ll be born in a wetsuit and noseplug if you’re anything to go by!!!
    How did you end up being so…GOGOGO?!! That sounds a little odd, but I totally admire people who are all action and adventure. Were you always like that? Or did something trigger your adventurous lifestyle?
    Either way, I definitely agree with the girl in your last post who said “I want to be YOU in my next life!”. My bucket list is small and mainly home-based in comparison, not that that’s bad,…but I wouldn’t mind a little of your adventurous energy to rub off on me!!! It’s all ‘Learn how to sew a piece of clothing’, ‘sell more of my photography and art’, ‘make a new recipe a month’ and ‘pay my electiricty bill on time’….HAHAH, nah! Anyway, just thought I’d take a moment to spot and honor a truly positive and fantastic approach to life. If I was the sort to say…”You go girrrrl..” HERE would be a very appropriate place! But I shan’t! x

    Reply ↓

    • I can only hope that my baby will be born in a wetsuit and nose plug; I love to swim and the year-round access to the ocean was one of the driving factors in moving to California.

      Regardless of the size of your bucket list or what’s on it, it’s inspiring that you have one. Keep up with the new additions as you complete your list.
      :)

      Reply ↓

  89. Wow! I am amazed at all the things you’ve done. It is pretty much everything on my list :)
    And it is incredible that you still have things on your list. Love your zest for life!

    Reply ↓

    • What is something on your list that you’d like to accomplish soon? I love to hear other ideas and hopefully add to my own.

      Your post, Trapped, is exactly why I moved to southern California.

      Good luck with your adventures,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  90. Your adventure list is quite impressive. It got me thinking about my “dull life’ in a new context. I have had some adventures that I took for granted in a way. I recently was on an elephant. Could not coax my daughter on for the ride. She wanted to go on badly, but got intimidated when we got up close at the top of the platform. She has Downs and the unexpected is a regular part of life. Keep blogging – great posting the adventures !

    Reply ↓

  91. Wow that’s an awesome list. As a fellow lover of adventures and adventure sports… I’m totally impressed! No suggestions because I can imagine the first year of your baby’s life will be adventure enough! :-p But the home-made baby food and new recipe should be pretty easy to cross off.

    Best of luck!! :-)

    Reply ↓

  92. Your pictures of your adventures are amazing. I love the one of you bungee jumping. I never done that, but I am going to be rappelling down waterfalls in Costa Rica over the Christmas/New Year holidays. One thing I would love to do if I had the opportunity and if I was brave enough…walk across hot coals. Thanks for visiting my blog and liking my post, “Look! It’s a dragonfly.”

    Reply ↓

  93. You have done a lot of pretty cool things in your life and it looks like many more are coming. I think that the coolest thing you have done however was to decide where you wanted to live and left everything to make it happen. I wish I could do that but I’d never be able to pick one place… so I keep moving around :)
    Good luck with the upcoming adventures!

    Reply ↓

    • Diego,

      I was fortunate enough to experience zip-lining in Costa Rica last year. It was an inspirational journey that I’ll continue to cherish.

      Have you ever been to Costa Rica? They have some of the longest zips in the world!

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  97. Very inspiring! I moved to Colorado so that I could do some of my life list stuff. One of the biggies for me will be taking snowboarding lessons this winter (not really feasible with a baby on the way for you). :) You have a great and reasonable list for an expectant mother. I saw that you have the new recipe a month idea–I would suggest one of those months attempting to make bread. It is fun and not as hard as you think it will be. :)

    Reply ↓

    • Growing up in eastern Canada, I had lots of snowboarding opportunities. Now that I live in southern California, I’ve become water focused; it was a major reason for choosing the sunny state.

      When I was home a few months ago, my mother showed me how to make bread but I’ve yet to put it into action on my own. Maybe I’ll give it a try this month!

      Thanks for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  98. I have been a single parent for practically the entire life of my children. I have forgotten how to do anything other than simply survive. But, this year, I started to think first about focusing on me for a moment (if I don’t take care of me, I can’t take care of them) and then to start to travel more with the kids. You are such an inspiration. I will have to sit and think about a list of what I want to do/accomplish over the next year.

    By the way, I used to make and sell homemade baby food. Simply. Steam, puree, eat. Steaming is necessary with the first foods because the baby’s stomach may not be able to handle the raw, yet. Apples, carrots, peas are wonderful first foods. Avocados are great because you can just scoop them right out and eat.

    good luck.

    Reply ↓

    • What’s just one thing you’d like to accomplish this year? I love to hear what’s on the top of other people’s lists.

      Thank you for the baby food tips. Since this is my first child and I don’y even cook much for my self, I’ll take all the support I can get.

      Good luck on your new adventures and take time to think about yourself as an important part of the family. When your happy, others are happy as well :)

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  99. Consider mastering some indoor sports like table tennis, billiards or chess. They may not be as exhilarating as tandem skydiving, but they shouldn’t interfere with your pregnancy or childrearing. Plus, they’re sure to start some conversations and widen your access to the world. Once you work your way back into more physical challenges, how about fencing?

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  100. Wow! You are seriously inspiring! I can’t believe all the things that you’ve done, and all the things that you plan to do – even while pregnant. I think I’m going to try to put together my own bucket list – I turn 26 in a couple of weeks, so I’m thinking I should be [un]creative and come up with 26 things to do while 26. Good luck reaching 5000 followers – I might take a page from your book…maybe aim for 100 to start with! By the way – a trapeze act in your wedding dress? That is absolutely brilliant!

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  101. Your pictures are AMAZING!!! I started my bucket list the other year and each year I plan to accomplish a few things. Some are big goals and some are just little things I’ve always wanted to do.

    - see Old Faithful erupt
    - cage diving with sharks
    - stay in a hostel
    - skydive
    - stay in the ice hotel
    - see the Pyramids
    - go on a cruise
    - go to a corn maze
    - go to the Kentucky Derby
    - serve food at a shelter on Thanksgiving
    - whale watching
    - ride a camel
    - and many, many, many more…

    I keep adding to my list when I hear some great ideas. There are some many great places to see and exciting things to do it is hard to imagine that my list will stop growing.

    Thanks for sharing! Now to get back to writing a new entry for my food blog. That is something I should add to my list to be a little more regular about posting to that.

    Don

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  102. Gosh! Your list is dizzying to me! As well as the time frame, but I sincerely wish you luck and would love to read all about it. One of the things on my bucket list is to get a kiss from a walrus. Weird, I know, but ever since I was 8 and went to Sea World I have been madly in love with them and wanted one to kiss me. Or at least to meet one. I also have a long list of musical artists on my list who I want to see in concert.

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  103. wow, lots of courage! you’re a brave woman :) out of all you’ve done, i think i have the most respect for quitting your job and moving somewhere you think you’ll be happier. that had to have taken lots of guts!

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  104. Where do you find all the time and the energy!? You must be absolutely full of beans :)
    Good luck with your bucket list… I’ll help out with one – I’m going to “follow” you!

    Reply ↓

  106. Pingback: Bucket List « Chasing the Blackwood Marathon

  109. I was going to ask if you’ve always been this adventurous or happened to have an epiphany one day, but I just read your “About” page. 30 years with no plans of stopping in sight, impressive!

    Anyhow, raising a healthy, intelligent, and kind child is the only suggestion I can think of for your bucket list atm.

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  110. Goodness gracious. Thank you for liking my blog post. You are spectacular!!!! I’m giving you a follow!!!! Looking forward to seeing what else you come up with on your bucket list!! :)

    What about an African Safari? Have you done that yet?? :) It’s a dream of mine someday!

    Reply ↓

    • I haven’t done an African Safari yet, and it is most definitely on my bucket list, but I’d like to wait until my daughter is a little older, or born, before I make this journey. It would mean more to me to have her and my husband at my side.

      Thanks for the suggestion and for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  111. Hi Lesley,
    Let me just chime in with everyone else – go for Hawaii. I took my son there just after his second birthday. He LOVED it. You should be able to knock out quite a few bucket list items there. As for additions to your list, living on a boat for 6 months or more.

    Reply ↓

    • What are two of the top things on your bucket list? I love to hear the expectations of others and often find ways to incorporate them into my own life.

      Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  113. Hi Lesley
    I can recommend Thailand for numbers 1, 2, 12 and 16! Amazing country, especially if travelling proper, and the islands are the best, Koh Pan Ghan etc (we plan to go back with our baby girl some time soon!). Riding an elephant is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Love the list!

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  114. this sounds like a wonderful idea! a bucket list for a year… the “new” new year’s resolutions i guess :) i wish you all of the best!

    Reply ↓

  115. Pingback: Sharin’ da Lovin’ | Transitioning Mom

  117. YOu have an amazing bucket list and an even more amazing list of things that you have achieved in the past year. Keep doing all the amazing things and inspiring the rest of us. :)

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  119. Just a few ideas here, and thank you for visiting my blog. You are very gracious to like a post.
    1. Visit the Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon. White Water Raft down the Colorado.
    2. Visit someone in the hospital who has been paralized from a motor vehicle collision and become their friend.
    3. For a volunteer organization, Camp New Hope Oklahoma, Inc. Providing direction for children with a parent in prison. http://www.newhopeoklahoma.org. Just a few hundred dollars to make a childs journey better.
    4. Go to see the broadway musical “Wicked”.

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  121. Wow Lesley! You’ve really inspired me. I love to travel and go on as many grand adventures I can get my hands on but I have to say You Rock! You’re gonna be the coolest mom ever.

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  122. Lesley your list is impressive,
    Maybe a camping trip to the jungle. I have done that and loved it when the monkeys, birds and other sounds woke me up every morning. You might have done this one :)
    Learning a new language that is quite an adventure too.
    I have German as my next language to learn.
    Woww you life is full of excitement Wish I had a companion to do so many things, Have done a few but would love to do more.

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  123. Thanks for liking my latest recipe! I love how you’re not giving up on travelling just because a little person will be joining you – I’ve lived in over ten countries and find it difficult to imagine giving it all up completely one day. Let us know how travelling with a young baby works out – I have a feeling you’ll have some great tips soon.

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  124. I’m a mother of two (both under 3 years old), and I think you are missing one essential item on your list (that’s for the time after your baby girl arrives) – SLEEP! Good luck with the blog and the baby, and hope you get some rest in between the busy schedule!

    Reply ↓

    • I considered the excessive sleep that the baby and I would require when making this list; that’s why I included a blend of adventurous outings, travel, and home activities. Since making the list, I’ve already taken a new class and seen LA from a helicopter. On Wednesday, I will See Winter in Venice (Las Vegas), and on Thursday I will see a Wonder of the World (Grand Canyon). I’ve already booked my helicopter lesson, the whale watching tour, and a trip to Catalina before the baby arrives. The nursery is one book shelf painting, which is my husband’s job, away from being finished and I recently learned that I can ride an elephant right here in Orange County! I’m well on my way to completing the list and I didn’t even reach a month yet.

      After the last year, I’ve truly learned what I’m capable of accomplishing in such a short time and even though life completely changes with a newborn child, I know I’m still capable of achieving all of my dreams.

      It must be an amazing journey to have two children under 3 years of age! What are their genders? Ages? Being a mother is the most anticipated activity of my life. Growing up in a family with two sisters and three brothers has made me enjoy the presence of children even more. I can’t wait until it’s my own.
      :)

      Reply ↓

  125. Leslie, I thoroughly enjoy your adventurous Iifestyle and your seemingly unending desire to grab onto all that life has to offer. You recently read one of my posts on the Joys and Pains of Parenting and that brought me to you! I too had a bucket list and completed some of the items before I became totally disabled. Now my bucket list has changed. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life’s travels were the reefs off of Bermuda. I took a daytrip on a catamaran and went out to the reefs to dive. It was then that I realized God had created an entirely different universe right here on earth. I hope you get an opportunity to visit Bermuda and take a day trip. It is one I believe you will remember the rest of your life. I look forward to reading more of your exciting experiences and perhaps even secretly living a little vicariously through your bucket list. :)

    Reply ↓

      • I was so lucky to have experienced so, so many things before I became disabled. I hitched all the way up and down Hwy. 1 in California and stayed in Big Sur. I flew a helicopter, had a date pick me up in a lear jet. I swam in the English Channel, Pacific, Atlantic Oceans and the Gult, I traveled to England. A friend flew me around in a B-52. I saw Janis Joplin in concert and lived with the Allman Bros. Band family of friends…gosh there were so many wonderful experiences it would take pages to write them down. So, even though my body says no, I still have my memories where I go! Now, I am reconnecting with extended family, researching my ancestry, making purses and selling them, designing greeting cards and placing them in stores. Also on my bucket list is to travel to Italy. As you suggested, I am celebrating every day I am still on this earth, finding joy in the smaller things, and keeping myself as busy as I can.

    • Do it! Make a list of things you want to do this year and make them happen. I would have never thought I could accomplish so much in one year, but I always seem to pass my wildest dreams when I put it to paper. Just this week, I booked our trip to Vegas, a flight over the Grand Canyon and my first helicopter lesson.

      What are two things you’d like to do this year?

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  128. I didn’t realize it first, but I re-read it….. you are pregnant….. and you are jumping off the bridges……..
    Is it ok, I mean should you be not more careful ?

    I am 8,422 miles away, but still I am getting a bit tense….. I think you should take care and be careful. :)

    As far as list, I must say it is very inspiring one. I think I ought to start making one. :)

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    • I am pregnant, but I went bungee jumping 2 months before I became pregnant :)

      Sine I only started blogging three months ago, my posts are a mixture of old and new experiences. I would never consider something so extreme while carrying a baby. She is the most important thing in my life; I don’t even get in the car without putting my seat belt on now. My extreme adventures can wait until long after she’s born.

      Reply ↓

  130. (after pregnancy of course) With Winter season approaching, how about snowboarding! Being born and raised in Lake Tahoe you would think I was born with bindings! A few years ago was my first attempt at snowboarding! Woohoo! – my kids had a good laugh and I had a blast! :)

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  131. Amazing list Lesley! This is the first time that I come to visit you blog and I want to read it all!!! :) It is wondeful to know that there are people so alive and motivated like you. Thanks for sharing and I promise to come back soon to read more!

    Reply ↓

  132. Great story, I don’t have abucket list for a year but I have one for everyday, and it always starts off with be happy it’s a good day to be above the grass. Ever thought of learning to cook on in a dutch oven. We have been teaching Chuckwagon Cooking school for years, you can check out our latest video on my website, wwwkentrollins.com Thanks for the inspiration and I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving

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  133. I love the idea of a yearly bucket list! I have a “10 Things” list but the psychology of calling it a bucket list lends these goals a little urgency. I’ve also got a mom list for my son, which has included things like “See the Nutcracker performed by a world class dance company” (check!) and spend a month in Puerto Rico (next summer). Parenting is the ultimate adrenaline rush!

    Reply ↓

    • What are some of things on your “10 Things” list? I’m always looking for inspiration. :)

      I talked about the idea of a family list with my husband and he loves it. We will have things for each of us and try to accomplish them for everyone.
      :)

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  134. Seven countries!? That’s awesome! Traveling all over South America and Europe is on my bucket list for sure. You seem like a very motivated and energetic person that I am sure you will acomplish it all! And don’t forget to blog and let us know about your adventures you encounter in the process :)

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  135. Dear Lesly,
    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and I apoliogise for being tardy with expressing my gratitude! Anyway, some of the things on your bucket list are totally do-able in India, especially from my home-state of Kerala! So here goes…
    1. See the sunrise. There is nothing like seeing the sunrise from the backwaters in Kerala…you should stay in a houseboat. I’m telling you, houseboats are the new yachts.
    10. See one Wonder of the World: Come to India! Le Taj Mahal.
    12. Ride an elephant: Come to India! Specifically Kerala. Elephants galore. And nice ones, too!
    16. Sleep on the beach: Come to India! Goa is perfect.
    18. Learn how to make home-made baby food. I’ll post some DIYs on my blog. It’s easier than you’d think!
    All the best for a happy pregnancy and healthy baby!

    Reply ↓

  136. Visit Siwa Oasis, Egypt’s most isolated Berbers’s settlement.
    There you will explore the ‘Great Sand Sea’, do ‘sand skiing’ on white dunes (some of them reach over 500 meters). For the food try a sheep cooked under the sand and end it with their amazing tea, smoke some hash while enjoying traditional live music and dance deep in the Sahara desert.
    In the village, don’t forget to get into a ‘Donkey Cart’ and enjoy a chat with a very friendly child driver!
    Did I mention that it is located in a deep depression that extends below sea level!

    Keep exploring :-)

    here is some photos for Siwa Oasis:
    http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.106442405203.194764.868115203&type=1

    love your posts.

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  138. Stumbled on your site as result your liking my walnut chocolate chip pie on my blog! Like your blog.

    I say you should visit Nepal–In one trip you will be able to check off your bucket list #’s 1, 2, 10, 12, 20, 21, 23, 25, and probably 26. I lived there for six years, so hit me up if you need pointers!

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  139. Awesome list! You go girl! :)

    Thanks for checking out my blog – I’ve had an ongoing list for years and revise it about twice a year. I’m currently at 223 done of 423. Lots accomplished and still lots I want to see and do!

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  140. You know this probably isn’t something for right now, you expecting and all, but think about Bicycle Touring. I just finished a tour From Yakima WA down to San Diego CA, more specifically Chula Vista and I met whole families that were touring on bicycle and its an amazing experience. It only cost me about 8-11 dollars a day, but you may wish to spend a little more as I was willing to do with out certain ‘luxuries.’ But, bets to you and yours. Love your blog, keep em comming.

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  141. Wow! That’s a super-impressive bucket list! I hope I get to do half of what you did this year in my life! Thanks for reading my blog and liking my post. Your site is awesome, so varied and with such wonderful pictures! Best of luck on the list and the baby!

    Reply ↓

  142. I wrote a bucket list last year of things to do by the time I hit 30 (I’m 25 now) and a couple of the things I really want to do are rollerblade down Venice beach or go to the opera and I REALLY want to see the Panama Canal! Some are really simple but I still can’t wait to get them ticked off :)

    Can’t wait to read about things you manage to tick off x

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  145. I am sorry that I did not have the patience to read all the suggestions and the comments, so hopefully I will not be repeating anyone’s idea. It feels like there’s a lot of “doing” and less “introspection”. What about meditation?
    Especially after having a child…

    Reply ↓

    • I take time daily to think about what I have and what I want from life; it’s time like that that helps me create a yearly list. It may not be a typical form of meditation, but it is time for reflection and insight into the future.
      :)

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  146. Pingback: Bucket List Inspired | my dad's a geek

  150. I have a group of ffriends who get to gether for infrequent Goal Club meetings where we come up with a few categories of ideas: In a year, In 5 years, Just for Fun, and Can Be Done (meaning immediately)
    You have inspired me to get this going again more seriously.
    To your list I would add eating dinner or sleeping over in a lighthouse http://www.lighthousepreservation.org/dining.php and while you’re out here in MA doing that, try our whale watches, I go every year and am overwhelmed every time.
    Build something over 6′ tall out of snow
    Why not try a triathalon or marathon
    Give substantial and long term support to a person in need (and no I’m not talking about your precious baby on the way).
    Sit still long enough in the wild to have a wild bird eat from your hand

    Enjoy!

    Reply ↓

    • We booked a whale watching cruise for Sunday. It’s grey whale migrating season so it should be fun.

      I don’t think I will be traveling east this year, unless it’s to visit my family in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and anything to do with snow will not work.

      As for the triathlon or marathon, I ran in a marathon two years ago and at 6 months pregnant, I’m thinking it will not make my list this year :)

      You have some excellent, creative ideas that I’ll definitely be returning to for next year’s list.

      Good luck with your Goal Club and I hope you accomplish all of your dreams.

      Happy Holidays,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  151. I need to start my own yearly “bucket list”. Sometimes with work being the way it is, I don’t take time to think about the things I would regret not doing…

    I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, bungee jumped off a crane by the mountains in rural Korea, climbed to the largest Buddha in Hong Kong’s Tian Tan, fossil hunted up and down the east coast, and traveled all around the major cities in Asia…

    But I think there’s a lot left on my bucket list, like seeing the cherry blossom festival in Japan, spelunking in Mexico’s Cave of Crystals, riding every roller coaster in Cedar Point, and simpler things, like falling in love, taking an impromptu road trip, etc…

    LOVE your blog :)

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  154. I want to be you also, like the first comment says … well, minus the “deliver a baby.” At 54, I think I better skip that one but I’ve done it twice already so got you beat on at least one. : ) Great list and good luck accomplishing it! Gave me some ideas for my own list.

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  155. Pingback: 2012 Bucket List – Adventure Awaits! « SAXtreme Magazine

  156. Wow! I am astounded! You have done all that in one year! I’m sure you can add a dozen more items to your next year list then. But well, may be the baby will help you miss some of them. :)

    If you want to see a wonder of the world and ride and elephant, come to India! :)

    Reply ↓

    • Each year, I try to make everything on my list possible. This year is quite unique and I wanted to save as much time and energy as possible for the baby without giving up all travel and adventure along the way. I think I’ve create a doable compromise that makes me extremely happy.

      I saw the Grand Canyon two weeks ago as a Wonder of the World and I’m going to ride an elephant this weekend, but India is on the top of my list for travel.

      Good luck with your travels,

      Lesley

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  157. You have a rockin’ list! I especially love that you’ve encompassed all of you. As a mom, there are many times that you get swallowed into that role & forget about the pre-baby you, and don’t get me started on the pre-baby body. SIGH!! Seriously though, motherhood will be your BIGGEST adventure. Even so, keep adding to that awesome list, it’s a great way to keep motivated. I know it helps me.

    Abrazos,
    Sapphire @ Life with My Pollitos

    Reply ↓

  160. Wow pretty nice bucket list you have there
    I just did my first bucket list on my blog and thats why I go here and there on others blog to compare
    check it out if you want so ideas even though mine isn’t as long as yours
    Great bucket
    have a good one
    Vincent

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  161. I think an annual bucket list is a great idea! Much more exciting than making a resolution (which usually involves giving something up or having less of something you love). Why not plan to do everything that will make you happy and create memories that will last a lifetime? Excellent plan.

    I just crossed off my #1 item for 2011 by taking two gourmet short courses at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and I’m just starting work or my 2012 list.

    Happy Holidays to you!

    PS: I’m not sure how far you have to go, but I just clicked the follow button to help you out with #13 on your list :-)

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for the support with #13! My official count as of this morning is 3925. In November, I gained over 1000 followers and it brings a smile to my face each time I open my account. I’ve been averaging roughly 80 new followers a day so I might reach my goal of 5000 by the end of December, but I’m more than happy where ever I end up.

      Good luck with your adventures and gaining new things in 2012. Let me know how it turns out. :)

      Happy Holidays,

      Lesley

      Reply ↓

  162. Lesley, I see I’m rather ‘late to the party’ with this comment, however, I have a request for a blog written by you (maybe this was already in one of the comments, I admit to not having read them all).

    I would love to hear where you got your love of live, optimism and love of adventure from.

    You sound amazing!

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  163. Looks like you have your work cut out for you! So very excited for you and hubby on your exciting news! No need to stop the adventure – just change a little! I remember reading stories about people cycle touring with baby in tow (when old enough of course!!!)

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  164. Do a triathlon! A sprint triathlon this coming spring or summer would be a perfect post-baby fitness goal! Love your blog and will be coming back more to read all about your travels.
    Kelly (from the ethos team)

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  165. Pingback: 2012 Bucket List – Adventure Awaits! | Indulge – Travel, Adventure, & New Experiences

  166. What an incredible Bucket List! We know a lot of students who have about half of those on their lists (plus graduation!!). What about… entering a photography contest? (Your shots are breathtaking — seriously, you can do it!)

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  167. We started a Family Bucket List this year, but it is more geared towards our Wisconsin Bucket List because we are moving from Wisconsin to Texas and we wanted to make sure we experienced as much of WI before we left so no one can say, “You lived there all that time and never did ____?”

    It is awesome and so much fun and we have even roped my sister and her family into doing it with us… It’s a pretty long list, but so worth it…

    The one that we have had the most fun doing is, “Being tourist” in our own city… sounds kind of dorky, but when you live somewhere for so long you start to forget or miss all of the small things that visitors see when they come to visit your state.

    Good Luck and Congrats on your soon to be new addition to your family :-) They are fun if I might say so myself (we have a total of 6 children, 23, 18, 16, 10, 5, and 4)…

    If I can give you another idea check out: http://www.babymakingmachine.com she is a momma who started a project called 365 Love Letters. It is a pretty neat and awesome idea and it is so fun to go over and check out her letters for the year. They are all letters to her daughter with a picture to go along :-)

    Oh yeah and one other idea, LOL! Learn how to make one outfit for your child, be it something that is repurposed from old stockings (leggings :-) ) or a super cute hairbow…

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  168. Great ideas! I love travel, but not much of a daredevil so I enjoy reading your blog to see the experiences through your eyes. I saw ‘whale watching’ up on that list. Did you know in the Philippines you can go swimming with whale sharks? I haven’t been yet, but I’d like to. It looks amazing.

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  171. Lesley thank you for liking my post, i probably would never had found you otherwise. Your blog is very impressive, i love your sense of adventure, and the idea of living your life today, instead of waiting until you retire.
    We are starting to incorporate our girls (5 and 6), into our planning process (which means we include their ideas in our lists), and so far this is our family bucket list for 2012. It changes a lot, so i expect it to look different in a couple months. We’ve done a few of these before, but we are not opposed to going back. You’d be surprised to figure out who between us and the girls came up with the idea; by the way you’ve given me an insight into a post i’ve been working on. Thank you vey much!

    Places/countries to visit this year with the kids, including the one thing that we need to see or do.
    -Las Vegas and the grand Canyon
    -Plymouth in Ma and trace the pilgrims steps
    -New york to see the Statue of liberty
    -Niagara falls in Canada
    -A weekend in Washington DC to take a picture of the girls in front of the whitehouse.
    -Hawaai
    -Colombia – Catahena/cali
    -The pyramids in Egypt
    -kenya

    Other items
    -Learn how to ski
    -Learn to speak Spanish
    -Become a better tennis player.
    -Introduction to Karate
    -Take dancing lessons
    -Take a new class
    -Complete a family journal.

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  172. Great list. I wouldn’t dare to do half of the stuff that you have already done – I’m far to scared of heights. I have a suggestion for you though – life modelling for an art class. It’s an experience I think everyone should try at least once.

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