The Bucket List.

My Own Bucket List.

1. Write a Memoir: Memoirs used to be the domain of famous people, but now it’s open to people no one ever heard of! Frank McCourt became well known after he wrote Angela’s Ashes. I’m interested in it for myself - “who am I?”, and also as a record for my children. Creative writing is one of my favourite retirement hobbies.



2. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: The highest mountain in Africa, almost 20000 feet. For me this achievement would represent courage, strength and adventure. Active retirement living!



3. Go to China: To see an ancient civilisation, a modern political state and an economic miracle.



4. Write a prize winning short story: The Listowel Writers’ Competition would be an example of the standard to which I aspire.



5. Get back in touch: We all have people in our lives, personal, business or romantic, who were once an important part of our circle, and the relationship ended on a negative note.



6. Sing at the over 60’s talent competition in the Cork Opera House: This is an outrageous goal relative to my modest talent. But hey, I sang at the Village Inn at Newport Beach, CA and that will surprise many!



7. Drive across the USA: Now more than ever “Yes We Can!" I want to ride with the Montana Cowboys and follow the trail of Steinbeck’s migrants from Oklahoma to California.



8. Visit Graceland: I love Elvis? Who doesn’t? My occasional party piece surprises and entertains. Elvis, Buddy Holly and others brightened the 50’s, as we were waiting for rural electrification!



9. Do The Grand Cannon Skywalk: And visit “Bright Light City ...” Viva Las Vegas!



10. Dive with turtles in Mozambique: I’ve done the Great Barrier Reef (2008) and dived with sharks in Margate South Africa (2003), but Mozambique represents one of my flights of fancy.



11. Be The Keynote Speaker at a major conference: This ambition is influenced by my membership of Toastmasters International.



12. Do something extraordinary for that special person: Too personal to elaborate.



13. Learn something new: I have inherited a love of learning from my parents and mentors and this goal is life long. A language (Irish) and a musical instrument (Keyboard) are examples of opportunity in retirement.



14. Attend the opening night of La Scala, Milan: And hope to hear an Opera by my favourite composer Giacomo Puccini.



15. Make a difference in a stranger’s life: In fulfilment of the Rotary motto “Service above self.”



16. Begin again with a new career: That’s why I created www.retirement-stories.com



17. Make someone laugh ‘till they cry: And join them in the laughter!



18. Stay forever young: Age gracefully and seek new ways to be “young.” Then I could truly retire happy.
    
    

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