My Bucket List
In the movie "The Bucket List" two fictional senior citizens played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, discover they are dying from terminal illnesses. Wanting to go out with a bang rather than a whimper, they formulate a list of things to do together before they kick the bucket; hence the movie title. Here they are: There is nothing really flash here except for the holiday. I hope to complete all or as many as I can, depending on the time constraints. Perhaps the items may change once I really find out that I am dying, but I doubt it. Sitting back here now looking at my bucket list, I wish I had made this an annual event from the age of twenty. It would have been interesting to have seen the change in ideas and priorities. For those young enough I will leave that one up to you. For those that have not seen the movie, I have included a video that shows what a great movie "The Bucket List" is. Enjoy!
This movie had such a very profound effect on me that I have drawn up my own bucket list. But unlike the two in the movie, I have no idea of when I might be confronting Saint Peter or Lucifer.
Considering the life expectancy of an Australian male is 78.5 years, I have, touch wood, 26.4 years to go before I drop. Perhaps a little bit more, considering my father is 81.3 years of age.
As my wife will be partnering me on this one, I have asked her to add to my list of things to do in the period leading up to my death.
Organise and go to my own wake. Write letters to my children. Commence home renovations. Holiday in England, Ireland, Scotland and Paris. Make shawls for our son’s unborn children. Give my children the items set out in my will. Spend quality time with our children. Dine at the finest restaurants. Live like there is no tomorrow. To live out the rest of my life with dignity. 
To be continued...
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Peter:
This list could go on and on - it's difficult to make a short list.
At the top, I suppose, would be to be with my Queen every day and make her life as wonderful as I can.
Second would be my world famous visit to Tahiti for a nice long vacation on the beach, etc.
I hope your wishes come true.
Happy trails.
Hi Swubird. From the beginning I knew my list wouldn't be long as I want to concentrate on the more important things in my life before I depart, whenever that may be!
Having spent so much time away from home with work, family was always going to be number one.
I hope your wishes come true too.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Peter
I submitted a comment and it didn't appear so I had to retype it this time. Hopefully you won't get two of them from me :-)
I have to agree with you about this film. The bucket list has become one of my all time favourite movies...having watched it a total of 8 times now and not be tired of it. The Passion would be my first all time favourite.
I commend you at getting your bucket list "to the point". As Swubird says..."its difficult to make a short list."
I can see where your experiences as a nurse plays into your last wish on your bucket list.
Myself? I'd love to visit Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Germany ... heck all of Europe if could afford it. I would need at least another 50 years to get everything on my bucket list done!
Anyways my friend I do hope things are going well with you down there.
Take care.
~JD
Jeff and I also want to see this movie, Peter. Will wait until it's out on DVD.
What a super bucket list!!! You two touched my heart.
Spending quality time with your children would be the biggest gift of all.
Hugs, JJ
Hi JD! Great to see your site back up and running.
I wonder if it's our age that draws us back to it time after time. I imagine it would because we perhaps see ourselves in the characters.
Touch wood, it doesn't happen for sometime. A bloody long time to be exact.
I have seen the Passion and I loved it. I can't say the same for the wife as she refuses to watch it for some strange reason.
The trip to England etc were my wife's idea. I really had no idea that she wanted to go to those places until I asked for her input.
Everything is just fine downunder. My two jobs keep me busy and I'm still loving them.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi JJ! You haven't seen it yet! Just as well I didn't tell you how it ended. That would have spoiled things for the two of you.
Mind you, the movie title sort of gives it away.
Take Care,
Peter
Oh Peter, stop it stop it stop it, it is not time to think about death, lol. Oh you made me and my husband laugh. I think live like there is no tomorrow can cover lot of things for your bucket list. BTW I don't see Canada on your list, lol. Oh Peter, you such a wonderful character and it is always my pleasure to visit your blog. Anna :)
Peter, I'm so glad that I came by today. Your Bucket List isn't that different from what I'd imagine mine to be. Family is a priority for me too. And dining well and traveling would be on there too.
I've no desire for skydiving or race-car driving or big game hunting. I believe as I've grown older I desire less accomplishment, more being.
My bucket list is to live long enough to be an embarrassment to my kids lol.
Hey Peter,
"Kick the bucket" what an interesting expression lol (and I thought we had some interesting ones in Portuguese lol).
Mate, the way things are going you might live until you're 100 years (unless you're an alcoholic, a smoker, a crack-head and other negative addictions)!
Now, you're list:
"Organise and go to my own wake" LOL LOL just like Queen Mother! I find it a great idea...that way when you live your body and drop by your wake you won't say "Hey, this is not what I asked for!"...
"Holiday in England, Ireland, Scotland and Paris" all excellent choices! You will love it :D!
It seems to me that you already spend time and dedicate your love to your kids, so I think that it will continue to flow naturally until you leave.
Making shawls for your unborn grandchildren...do you make shawls, Peter?
I loved the video: such a great movie...I must watch it!
I love both leading actors, and I know that I won't be disappointed!
Great post, Peter, great post!
I wish you a delightful weekend !
Cheers
Great Bucket List Peter!! I personally just want to do a few must things before I pass on, the first and foremost is to watch a Total Solar Eclipse, started saving money for one, because for the next 10 years or so they are in far away places.
Hi Anna! Don't worry, I hope (touch wood) to be around long enough to see my children have children, and their children have children.
Taking that into account I think it's still a good idea to be prepared, just in case of emergencies. Just like today, when I did my Will.
I'd love to go to Canada. My brother has been there and he loved it.
Perhaps you and Bob, can let me know the good places to check out if ever I go there.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi San! I'm totally happy with my list. If ever I have to use it, I hope that the time leading up to the one big final event will go quick, be pain free and that I'm not a burden to the ones around me.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Jayne! I did that a long time ago and unfortunately I continue to do just that. I don't mind being the subject of a good belly laugh, as long as it's all good fun.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max and congratulations on your wedding! May your years together be long, fruitful and full of fun and love.
I know they say be careful for what you wish for, but in my case I hope all of the above get me straight between the eyes.
As for the wake idea, I got that from a friend who passed away many years ago. He held his own wake whilst still alive. I think it's a fantastic idea!
The shawl idea was added by my wife. The only thing I'll be doing, will be picking the colour and telling her what a great job she did.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Bob and thank you. I just hope I get what I asked for!
I see the next Total Solar Eclipse will be in 2017. That's not that far away! Perhaps if we start to pass the hat around, we can get you where you want to go!
Take Care,
Peter
Glad to hear that Peter.
Hey it is always nice where I live, lol, kidding aside East coast and West coast are the best for traveling, in the middle is a bit dry, lol.
My self after 20 years being in Canada, we finally visited Rockies, and east coast. It was the best experience, land is huge and powerful.
Thanks Peter for your comment back. Appreciated. Anna :)
Peter, I sincerely doubt Lucifer will be graced with your presence. You are too good to be bad.
I have not seen this movie yet, but it's on my list of those to see.
As for my "bucket list" I've had some wonderful opportunities come my way throughout my life for travel, dining, and, most importantly, family.
However, there is always room for more. I suppose I should post something on this topic so I don't use up all your space here.
Have a great day!
Hey Peter,
Thank you so much :D!
LOL picking the colour and telling her what a great job she did? LOL It seems like a great plan to me :D!
I agree with you on the wake!
Have a splendid day!
Cheers
Now we've had that movie from the library sitting here and we really must sit down and watch it! Hmmm a bucket list...seems like a good idea.
Hi Anna! I'll let you in on a little secret. I've never been overseas. Sad isn't it?
Canada sounds great and if ever we get a chance to actually step off this part of the planet, we'll make Canada a priority.
When? Hopefully before I get news that I'm going to kick my bucket.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi The Muse! I wouldn't be too sure about that. But you never know, luck may come my way one day. Touch wood!
So you haven't seen it yet. I'm amazed! It's a must see. Take a tip from me and get it now. Then let me know what you think of it.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max! Just to let you know, I also come in handy for other things around the home besides looking after the garden and picking the colour of shawls.
As we're looking after my son's german shephard, I also make a great human pooper scooper!
Now, did you wear something old and something new at you know what?
Have a splendid life and Take Care, Peter
Hi Windyridge! Watch it and watch it NOW! Please!
It is both sad and happy and at times it had me rolling around the floor, whilst reaching for the tissues!
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Peter!
"Just to let you know, I also come in handy for other things around the home besides looking after the garden and picking the colour of shawls." - my kind of human being :D!
"As we're looking after my son's german shephard, I also make a great human pooper scooper!" - LOL LOL is he a nice dog at least? I am asking this because I was bitten by a german shephard when I was 8 years old :(...
"Now, did you wear something old and something new at you know what?" - this time (civil) I only wore something new....but in the big one, I will wear something new and something old (my mom is the one taking care of the old thing - let's see what it is).
"Have a splendid life and Take Care" - thank you ever so much, my dear friend *hug*! I am touched :)!
Have a superb weekend, Pete!
Cheers
well my list cant even start
Hi Max. Our german shepherd Diego is a very, very nice dog. Like you I was also attacked by a very large dog many moons ago, so when I heard we were getting him, I wasn't too keen.
But he has won me over with his childish antics and his great football skills.
Say hello to your mother for me and may your days together with your chosen one, be all made in heaven!
Take Care,
Peter
Hey, Pete!
Diego is a nice name :D!
My mom says "hi" to you (I called her) :D!
And I must thank you for your generosity :D!
Have a great week, my friend!
Cheers
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed
reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
Hi Sarah! Your comment is most welcome and I'm over the moon that I have a new reader.
Any comment is great in my books and I hope you got something out of coming here as I did visiting your site.
I see we have something in common as I found the advise on your site spot on concerning treadmill workouts and exercise.
Take Care,
Peter
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