As The Minutes Fade Away

The To-do-before-you-die list, the Bucket list, what a classic! Everybody has their own take on it, some record their dreams, some record their targets, some just record some things they like the idea of going. I'm in the last category. My list is a series of realistic ideas, some targets, some fun things to do. So what do I think my current (these lists should be dynamic, organic, growing and changing with ones tastes and ideals) list should be? Read on...

• Own Property - doesn't everyone want a little place to call their own? I'm not looking to build a property portfolio or anything, just have a place for me and mine

• Be a healthy BMI - This is for my own good. I shouldn't even have to put this onto the list.

• Road Trip USA - A classic. The land of driving seems to be the most appropriate place to undertake this age-old (okay, maybe not that old) tradition.

• Drive Highway 1, Bottom To Top - This would also tick off the entry above. This has got to be one of the best ways to experience sunny CA.

• Drive Manual - Officially. I can do it, just want to get that lovely pink card giving me credit for it.

• Visit 20 Countries - I think it's important to see new places, different cultures. 'Nuff said.

• Go On A Wine Tour - Just a wee one. Some friends, a bit of booze - it's all good.

• Cook A Heston Blumenthal Perfect Meal - This is to provide some incentive to spend days in the kitchen and buy all the specialist equipment and ingredients. I'll probably make the burgers, see it they're as good as mine.

• Get Promoted - I don't plan on being the bottom of the heap all my life.

• Read The Whole Bible - Or, indeed, any other holy text. This sort of reading in both enlightening and interesting.

• Read War And Peace - The novel of good intent. Will I fail to finish like so many others?

• Do Community Work - And not by court order. Just some local volunteer work. Good for you, good for others.

• Make Successful Croissants - A classy effort in the kitchen. I need to atone for those short-crust dog droppings I sculpted after a day of effort last time.

• Make A Superman Costume - Everybody loves Superman.

• Go To Oktoberfest - A touristy thing, but the epic celebration of beer should be an experience to remember.

• Plant A Tree - Preferably on my own piece of land. A tree that grows me food would be even better.

• Grow A Vegetable Garden - Doing my bit for the environment as well as cutting my food bills, bettering my diet, and getting me outdoors.

• Have A Chili Con Carne Cook-off - Great food, a bit of competition, something I've been meaning to do.

• Eat At A Michelin Starred Restaurant - I've already done this (at Number One, Edinburgh for my 21st birthday meal), but would love to do it again. Expensive, but an amazing experience for those who love food (who doesn't?).

• Learn To Ice Skate/Rollerblade Properly - It's a lot of fun which I imagine would be a good deal better when I'm not hauling myself off the ground half the time.

That's my list currently. It doesn't include all my hopes and dreams, it just provides an achievable checklist for my inspiration, be it for motivation, leisure, or to provide me with entertainment in a dull moment (if such things exist).

Looking again at this list, I wonder what it says about me. It is said that people often reveal more of themselves through writing than they intend. Writing this list, somewhat personal to begin with, must reveal all sorts of things about me, not that I could really, effectively unpick my own psyche. No matter.

What are you putting on your list?