Bucket list

I hate the term ‘bucket list’ and have only used it as the title of this post for the purpose of brevity. In general I try to avoid using terrible phrases popularised by mediocre films.

That is completely different, of course, to using great phrases popularised by entertaining films. I often drop ‘You talkin’ to me?’ and ‘Hasta la vista, baby’ into casual conversation. I also like to announce ‘As god is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again!’ after doing the weekly Ocado shop.

But back to the issue at hand. I’ve been bugging B lately to have a think about things he wants to do in the next few years. He has stubbornly resisted it, partly because it makes him consider the possibility of his untimely demise. I can understand that but I don’t want us to plod along and then regret not making the most of this time, while he is still reasonably ‘well’ and able to do things.

B isn’t really the type of person to have burning unfulfilled ambitions. He also did a lot of travelling before we met, so he doesn’t have a long list of things he still wants to see.

I did make him go through the suggestions in the book 100 things to do before you die.  Here are the results.

• Already done – 4
• Wouldn’t mind doing if he was in the area – 11
• Mild interest but wouldn’t go out of his way – 16
• Zero interest – 34
• Will actively avoid at all cost – 35

It’s a pretty useless list, full of unusual festivals, religious spectacles and events that attract huge crowds. B and I fully agree with Jean-Paul Sartre who famously said that ‘hell is other people’. We need an alternative list for introverts, eg.

• Master the Rubik’s Cube
• Catalogue your books
• Experience solitary confinement
• Visit the vast empty space of the Patagonian ice field
• Book a flight to outer space (billionaire introverts only)

My persistence has paid off, as B now has some travel ideas that we will investigate next year once his treatment is complete.

In the meantime we’re going to make some minor home improvements including some kitchen renovations. We have our eye on a self-cleaning oven with day/night glass and 3D Hot Air. I’m not entirely sure what these things are but they sound essential.

B is usually financially cautious so it’s hard for him to live in the moment and do things NOW rather than delaying them until sometime in the vaguely defined future. I’m far more comfortable with instant consumer gratification so I’m doing all I can to help.

Tags: film quotes, instant gratification, introverts, kitchens, shopping, things to do before you die