Smithsonian Magazine Grand Prize Winner By Jia Han Dong
Over drinks last week, we watched the final performances of Johnny Cash on YouTube, and I sobbed in fear knowing the messages he crooned would affect our family one day. Last night I read Smithsonian, June 2012, “The Multiverse of Love,” about Roseanne Cash. Apparently, she is one “of the most gifted singer-songwriters of our time.”
Her songs, according to the article, are “doomy, painfully romantic, intense and dark.” I thought about Johnny Cash who knew his days were numbered when he sang his heart true to meet his maker.
Was he satisfied with his life’s achievements? Would you be?
I have so much to do, and I challenge you to carry this series forward. Write a list of 20 things you still want to accomplish before you leave this world and stamp them on the blogosphere as part of your legacy. I have a hunch why this inspiration (which can be positive or not) hit me, and I’m going to make an indelible mark right here.
In no particular order of import, here are the 20 things I want to do before I die:
1. Learn Spanish
2. Become a glass blower
3. Write my book on the gem markets of the world (I’ve been to many) and one on how to buy colored stones
4. Earn enough income to put my daughter through a Bachelor’s degree
5. Hold my grandchild
6. Play the piano
7. Be a gemologist
8. Find true love via a soul mate
9. Endow a foundation in memory of my sister, Tracey S. Soulati, MD, who died at 36-years-old from rare cancer
10. Attend four grand slam tennis tournaments
11. Travel to Brazil and shop for tourmalines
12. Zipline in Costa Rica above the canopy
13. Rent and RV and drive to the Grand Canyon with my daughter and sisters’ kids
14. Buy a comfortable mountain home with satellite access that could be where I retire, if ever I do
15. Never say good bye to my parents
16.Rid the world of child abusers, child molesters, rapists, abusers of women and drug-addicted moms
17. Travel the world with my daughter
18. Take a Mediterranean cruise
19. Pay off my debt and stay that way
20. Stay healthy enough to pass peacefully without disease or need for costly medical care and without burden to my family
Who’s got a list?
My list in no particular order.
1) Learn French so I can chat with one of my best friends in her language and not just have her always speak in the only language I know
2) Go see the four tennis grand slams in one year
3) Play a tennis tournament on grass, clay and hard courts in one year
4) Go to Tour de France and stay for every stage
5) Visit my good friend in Santiago, Chile and tour the entire country
6) Visit my good friend in the UK/France
7) Create a foundation for kids in poverty to teach them tennis and give them opportunities
8) Live on an island
9) Live in a foreign country for a year or two
10) Drive a ferrari (really fast)
@debdobson62 And the list goes on; we learn about someone when we read their list. Thanks for adding yours, Ms. Dobson! I think we’re gonna pair up to hit those 4 Grand Slams!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing
Would love to pair up to hit those 4 Grand Slams!!
@debdobson62 You’re on!
Hey Jayme,
My list is way too long to share. I think it’s up to about 100+ items and although it’s constantly growing I make sure to complete (or begin) at least 3 per year. Also, I’m hoping to go skydiving in September. I have always wanted to be one of those nutty people that has “serious thrill issues” (quote from Crush in Finding Nemo – If you haven’t seen it, you must!). Also, the last item on my list is to be completely fearless… So I’m going to take a leap (literally!).
Also thanks for sharing! It’s good to spend a few minutes every day thinking about your BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for your business but also for your life! Thanks for the reminder to reflect :)Enjoy the day!
@GeoffReiner So lovely you came over, Geoff! My, my; skydiving? One thing I will never accomplish — fear of falling, and thus those roller coasters are also off my list.
Maybe I should add #21 — be fearless and take some audacious inspiration from you!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing
Step 1 is to face your fears! You can come skydiving with us if you want to… 🙂 And #21 sounds awesome!!! Thanks for your comment!
@GeoffReiner Mine has to be more oriented to “embrace what I hate” and that’s money. I’ve never had an abundance and when I was younger allowed myself to be manipulated by a snake and suffered 7 years whilst clearing my credit. I still manage poorly; yet, somehow I’m more open to understanding its use.
I don’t have a list. But your list is beautiful. Can’t wait to watch you check these off.
@jennwhinnem Wait! I just made this up last night; truly! I challenge you to put down 10. I know you can (but, only if you want to!).
This was not as easy as I thought. Here’s my brain dump on my blog http://thecontentcocktail.com/2012/07/19/the-bucket-list/
@C_Pappas You did sa-weet for taking this forward, Lady! Thank you! You’re right, it’s not as simple as it sounds. As said, I wrote mine last night and didn’t know I’d struggle with the last few.
HA, I see your challenge and will follow suit over the weekend. I studied some geology as a kid, I sill have my little pocket guide my mother bought for me. I love crystals and geodes. Favorite stone is my birth stone, amethyst. Also have a fondness for mica and obsidian.
@susansilver Awesome! Amethyst is my birthstone, too, Susan!! Lucky number 13…excited to see your list and please come back and post the link here, OK?
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing Voila, C’est fini! My post is much longer than yours. I ended up writing a paragraph to explain each item. Feels good to not be writing about marketing or media for once.
http://cirquedumot.com/bucket-list/
No list per se, but a big goal of mine matches your #14. Hoping to do so up in ericamallison ‘s neck of the woods.
French, instead of Spanish, though your choice would be more useful in everyday life.
@adamtoporek Come on up! The weather’s great! 😉
Great list, @Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing – a few even brought tears to my eyes. 🙂 I’ll have to take up the challenge. Have a blog post circling in my brain now that’s got me all fired up. Just need to carve out the time to do it.
@EricaAllison @adamtoporek I’m sorry. Who are you?
heee heee
Great having Ms. Spot On in the house! I’m excited we have several takers for this blog series to have some legs. Mind you, I had no list; wasn’t even thought of until last night in a spur-of-the-moment, writing-this-post-longhand inspiration.
OK, a new post!! C’mon already! 🙂
@adamtoporek ericamallison I think I owe you, Adam, for bringing Ms. Allison over. Thanks for that!
How about a Top 20 List in Customer Service? No one said you had to follow this exactly?
Let me share a big clarification…I had no list before last night! These are in the moment; those of you dudes who said “I have no list” were in the same spot I was until I sat down to write it out of my head. So, c’mon!
What a therapeutic way to share a personal side without revealing too much at all.
I want to see you ziplining in Costa Rica! But I’m concerned there are a couple of things on your list (never say goodbye to your parents) that you can’t control. I also didn’t know your fascination with rocks (OK, OK – colored stones).
@ginidietrich See what you learn about peeps? Please take on the challenge, Twin!
I misread your list and saw ‘Glass Bowler.” Took me a moment to realize what had happened.
@TheJackB Blower, Bowler -it’s all in the same soup.
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing No soup for you! Next.
I’m surprised this blog post didn’t have the title, “20 Sex Positions I Would Like to Try Before I Die.” Hehehe….
I figured since the latest tactic you borrowed from @TheJackB worked so well (Should Video Be Like A Nude Beach?), you would just build on from there – Lol!
Okay, so hopefully my humor isn’t too inappropriate…
I would love to meet you in Costa Rica to do some zip lining – fun stuff!
Hey, loved the brief Skype session too; sorry for the lack of time… Let’s do it again soon, okay?’
Cheers!
@Mark_Harai @TheJackB Uhmmm, Oh My.
Nice! My list will run way too long. I think beyond a hundred. I found a few things touching in your list, like never having to say good bye to parents. Tough. Some things in life are just too much to accept.
Here’s some tidbits from my list : write a book that becomes such a huge success that I never have to do anything again (more like a dream actually); travel the world, learn at least four languages (besides the three I actually know!)
@Hajra Hey, Hajra…I can speak conversational Farsi and German; I minored in German in college, but all that literature translation has easily been forgotten. My Farsi is still third-grade level reading and writing, but I get by easily enough. Rusty for sure.
P.S. This reply is in reference to your note over @C_Pappas ; thought I’d combine them!! Thanks for sharing some thoughts…I still challenge you to take up the series at your house; heck, you can stamp your legacy with a longer list!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing @C_Pappas I will definitely put this in the pipeline. As it is I am planning to post very regularly over at my blog; this might help me fill in the space! 🙂
Farsi is one language that interests me; and if I get a chance, I might learn it. I know English, Hindi and Urdu. I can read, write and speak Arabic; but I can’t understand it! Maybe a few words and sentences here and there; but still not fluent at it!
@Hajra @C_Pappas Wait, don’t you live in the UAE? How does that work?
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing Contrary to popular belief almost everyone speaks English here and manages well! Really! But yes, knowing a few words always helps.
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing And we know how to ask for our shawarmas! In Arabic! 🙂
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing I took the challenge here! http://hajrakvetches.com/2012/07/20-things-before-i-say-goodbye.html
Much of my list would run way too personal, but yeah – there are so many things I’d like to do. And it’s interesting seeing everyone’s similar interests. FWIW, but a few of mine:
– French would be my language of choice – because I’d love to live in France, or at least vacation in Paris for a month. I want the time to truly appreciate that city.
– Have some F&F Jonesing for an Alaskan cruise but I’m with you on wanting the Med, including Greek isles.
– Some sporting events are on my ‘lottery’ list – The Kentucky Derby; not into horse racing but it’s the event itself that’d be a cool experience.
– Wine country. Make enough $$ to visit some great wine regions all over the world. South Africa would be the bomb.
– Become a better cook. It’s all about time and the tools and the talent; still want to develop this skill.
– Learn. More about art and literature and history and all the things I still don’t know. Which is basically everything.
@3HatsComm I love your partial list here; Wine in South Africa? I didn’t know! You’d need to head directly on over to Australia, too! Thanks for sharing, Davina!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing OMG! I’ll have to get you to try some South African wine… lots of good stuff, if you can find it. (Avoid cheapy, critter wine.)
I can help you with #’s 1 and 12, Jayme! ¡Pura vida!
@mikepoynton Hey, You! I accept! Now where have you been? Busy, I hope and G plussing all over for you hotel client! I looked into coming down with books from library and all. Decided my kidlet just needs to be a tad older to accomplish that gorgeous country of yours.
Lovely seeing you, Mike! Thanks!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing I hear ya on the kid thing. Let me know when you want to pull the trigger. I can help you out with recommendations. Stay cool in Chi-town!
I can’t bring myself to comment on this today, with what’s happened in Aurora, Colorado. It feels irreverent, yet I realize that our “Bucket Lists” are even more relevant in moments like this.
I’m thinking about all those lives cut short in the blink of an eye.
Young people in general believe they have all the time in the world. Those of us who’ve lived long enough to realize that every moment is a gift to be cherished are privileged to have been given that awareness. Know what I mean?
My #1 Bucket List item changed today, from living on the road in an RV to simply appreciating this moment, right here, right now. Just being grateful for life, and not taking it for granted.
@New England Multimedia I. Love. This.
“My #1 Bucket List item changed today, from living on the road in an RV to simply appreciating this moment, right here, right now. Just being grateful for life, and not taking it for granted.”
I. Am. In.
@New England Multimedia Thank you for acknowledging Aurora, Michelle. We all need to be grateful for our life and do better than the best we can to make every moment count.
Love #2, learning to blow glass is on my bucket list!
@BucketListJrny Wait, your ID is actually Bucket List Journey??? That’s amazing. You’re gonna have so much fun traversing this series! We have one over @C_Pappas and now over @susansilver I hope you share your post here, too, and thanks for stopping in!
Ah! Now I see you. I hope you fill all the list with ‘job done’ and then some. Billy
@Billy_Delaney Any chance you’d take up the meme, Billy? I bet your list would be fantastic — like write an epic novel or something.
How exciting! @ginidietrich took up the meme and today on @spinsucks is her 10 things. @Hajra also shares her post today/yesterday joining @C_Pappas cirquedumot .
I see common themes in these posts and also in those who answered in comments. I will revisit this topic; you’ve all inspired me to think further on this!! Thank you!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing @ginidietrich @Hajra @C_Pappas cirquedumot Geesh, I better get busy!
@Mark_Harai @ginidietrich @Hajra @C_Pappas cirquedumot No more excuses. Add jasonkonopinski to the list, too!
O.K. Jayme.
I’ll post it in a little bit.
@Billy_Delaney Please return with the blog link here, OK? Cool!
A list of sorts:
Record, via video, my life for my kids.
Using a by the decade format, put together a collage of the things that I did, didn’t do and wish I had done.
The places, people and things that I saw, met and engaged in. Read them my poetry. Sing them my songs. Tell them my favorite jokes. Let them see the man their Father became.
Got into blue water in a 20ft Flicka sailboat: it has been around the world, is a trusty vessel and much admired by any real blue water sailor. I’ve harboured this wish for a long time. Maybe in my 60’s I will get to do it. Count on it too!
Visit France again. Ride the trains and just look at the scenery. Sit still on a street corner all day and watch the people. Travel along the Canal Midi. Major waterway down the middle of the country that gives you a view not often seen. Visit the museum of the French Foreign Legion. Visit Alpe D’huez and be amazed at that climb for a cyclist.
Speaking only French and blending into a culture I am keenly associated with as an Irish Gaul.
Take Amtrack across the country with my wife and let her see the whole shebang from the comfort of a private cabin. All the while just talkin’ and resting and reminiscing and thinking as the land rolls bye. Go from Chicago to Portland, down to L.A. tthen back to Chicago. Then down to Louisiana and across to Jacksonville Fla and up to New York. The home via Cleveland. Takes about a month to do right. That would be sweet.
Note:
I have lived in Africa, Europe and North America. so a lot of things are already done. I’ve been to many countries, sailed upon many waters, and visited and tasted many cultures. These things on this list are my biggies. I do have others, but they are for another day…
@Billy_Delaney Ah, a world-traveled season business mind; things should get very interesting once you get your platform established – you have lots of valuable experience and insights to share with the community : )
Cheers Billy!
@Mark_Harai @Billy_Delaney Indeed.
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing @Mark_Harai I believe I do have something to bring. I will do my best and thankyou. Billy
@Mark_Harai Thanks Mark, You are one of my online standards to follow. So, I’ve a lot to live up to and emulate. The platform is coming… from an honest and truthful place that I live in. Billy
@Billy_Delaney One of the keys is your starting point… I like where you live and so do consumers who will spend their hard earned money for results you can get them.
@Billy_Delaney You did not disappoint. My goodness. This is heavenly, peaceful and spiritual. Thank you for sharing yourself.
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing You are one of the most honest online voices I know. There is no echo here at all. Original my darlin’ you are just an original. Billy
My blog link is : MyMarketingCompass.com
my blog link is: http://www.mymarketingcompass.com
Here’s today’s post from Jason Konopinski
http://www.jasonkonopinski.com/2012/07/24/10-things-i-want-to-do-before-i-die/
I’m so excited!
Here’s calling for Kaarina Dillabough to join this challenge.
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing Ok, you got me:) I’m up for the challenge and will complete it!
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing The post will appear tomorrow. See what happens when you motivate (cough, kick me in the butt)?
Love this!! You really have m thinking and composing MY list! Thx
I took the challenge here is my list: http://kristinesimpson.com/2012/07/26/20-things-to-do-before-i-die/
@Kristinesimpson Just read your bucket list, Kristine; thanks for playing, sharing and sharing here, too! You know elementary Chinese? That’s #RockHot! (And, early congrats on marrying your true love??!!)
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing Thanks!
This has got to be one of the most rewarding blog posts of all time (next to “let’s define PR which also went global for various reasons).
Thanks, everyone for taking up the torch and pushing it onward. It’s amazing to “see you” all. I’m a proud mama blogger.
Amazing, Jayme, what you have ignited, you really have lit a torch and now it goes around the world.
Lovely to know that you are into gems, I am about to have a ring made set with a turmaline, what a coincidence.
These lists are too fun to read – and too daunting for me to think about. Love the travel, mentioned it on Jayme’s post – that’s what I want to do more than anything .. the eat/drink/play through lovely places. I’d want (the time, the money, the freedom) to be a traveler, not a tourist.
OMG, I’M SO CRUSHED TO READ NO. 9! TRACEY WAS MY OB GYN. I WAS HER FIRST PT TO HAVE THE HONOR OF HER GOING THROUGH MY ENTIRE PREGNANCY ALTHOUGH SHE’D DELIVERED MANY BABIES BEFORE MINE. SHE WAS SO CALM & HELPFUL BEING THAT I WAS ONLY SIXTEEN. I’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR HER FOR YRS SINCE I RETURNED TO CA FROM IL FIFTEEN YRS AGO. SHE WOULD BE PROUD TO KNOW THAT HER FIRST BABY IS NOW A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE ON HER WAY TO COLLEGE & I AM NOW A NURSE RETURNING TO SCHOOL THIS FALL TO OBTAIN MY BSN. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS TRYING NOT TO SHED TEARS. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT, GONE TOO SOON. BE BLESSED.
In honor of my sister and on her behalf, Portia, I applaud you and send you the love she would had she been on this plane to receive you. What a fitting comment for this post; to know that life is fleeting and the days we have to accomplish what you have in the face of adversity are numbered.
Timely you’ve found me to learn this news. We said so long seven years ago in October. In July each year, I bring her kids — two boys– to stay with me and see their grandparents. They are with me now, and your sorrow is ours as we watch the eldest boy who is so much his mother.
Even after this long, I, too, shed wayward tears; it’s so hard not to when you remember a loved one lost. Kiss your babies every day no matter how old and big they get to be. Thank you, Portia. Much warmth to you.
How fitting you found me and this post, Portia, to honor my sister’s short life and to show how fleeting our lives with so much to accomplish in numbered days. I applaud you for your achievements; Tracey would be so proud and on her behalf I send you her hug and smile knowing you have overcome.
Hug your babies every day no matter how big and old they get. Every July I bring Tracey’s two boys to me to visit and see their grandparents. We watch the eldest who is so much his mother.
Thank you for sharing. I know.