Bucket List – a list of things to do before you die; comes from the term “kicked the bucket” {source}

Today’s prompt is to share my “bucket list”.  The idea of creating one for my entire life is rather intimidating.  Instead, I’ve decided to create a b-list of 10 things that I would like to accomplish in 2012.  If you haven’t created your own b-list, why not think about it?  It’s a great way to set some goals for the year 🙂

1. Visit the South Island of New Zealand – I would love to do this, but I’m not sure if it will come to fruition.  Chris has a lot of traveling this year, and if I want to cross this one off the list in 2012, I may just have to do it myself with Joe in tow or with a friend who doesn’t mind traveling with a baby.  We’ll see!
2. Run a 5k or two {in public} – My friend Dorothy and I are already planning to run one later this year.  I added the “in public” because I typically run 5k on my treadmill 4 – 5 times a week.  Running with other people is different, though, and running on something other than a treadmill is definitely more challenging, in my opinion.
3. Start a women’s Bible study – I’ve already been organizing with some of my friends to start this up come February.  So excited!
4. Lose 20 pounds – I didn’t pull this number out of thin air.  I’ve been successful in losing the baby weight + more, but I want to keep that number going down.
5. Make more homemade convenience/mix foods – This is something in which I’ve only recently become interested.  I’ve made homemade granola bars {several varieties}, breakfast cookies, cereals, and more.  I would like to master some healthier versions of my store-bought favorites as well as try to bake up some things that we can’t get here in New Zealand {ahem, graham crackers and nilla wafers, to name a few}.
6. Take a photography class – This can be either online or in person.  I’ve heard good things about the website Clickin’ Moms and want to check them out.  Doing an online class might be the best way to manage with Chris working so much and me being at home with Joe.
7. Complete the Blog Dare with Bloggy Moms – Why am I doing a “Blog Dare”?  Good question – I guess it’s because I would like to have inspiration that doesn’t always come from Joe or Chris.  Writing about those 2 guys and our life together is great, but there’s only so much material I can draw from before it gets monotonous!
8. Create a home-management binder – I joined a site called List PlanIt* a few weeks back.  I like to make lists, but I don’t believe in letting lists rule your life.  In my opinion, the purpose of a home-management binder is to keep things organized and from getting out of control… the binder shouldn’t control you!  I’d like to create my own using the templates and printables from List PlanIt.  If you’d like to create a binder or are a list-maker, you should check them out.
9. Finish Joe’s Baby Book – Right now, this book has about 3 pages filled out.  Whoops.  I’d like to add some more to it and continue to do so till his 1st birthday and see where we go from there.
10. Start a mom’s walking group – I’m not sure about this one, but it’s been rattling around in my head for the last few months and I figured that I’d better go ahead and write about it.  I think it would be fun to connect with other mums in my area, and walking is a great way to do that.  Joe and I walk a lot, so maybe we could do a weekly or bi-weekly thing where other mummas + kiddos can join in.  Nothing fancy or over-coordinated… we’ll see!

Coming up with 10 things was harder than I’d anticipated.  I thought I would just sit down and they’d roll right off the top of my head.  Nope!  I’m glad that I took the time to think about them, though.  It helps give me a slightly better framework and sense of direction for the year.

OK, my lovely readers – what’s on YOUR bucket list for this year?!

*FYI – I earn a small amount for each new membership to ListPlanIt that is purchased using one of the links that I listed on my website.  I think it’s important to be open and transparent about that 🙂