Happy Tuesday, ladies!
How was your weekend? I headed to Charlottesville for my sister’s graduation, but before I left, I shot some fun new late spring/early summer looks—which are coming soon! It was definitely one of those weekends where I left it feeling like I need a weekend from my weekend. Luckily, Memorial Day Weekend is at the end of this long week, and I for one could not be more excited. #helloMiami
Last night, way way past my bedtime I was telling my sister I didn’t really have any good blog post ideas lined up for the week—and she gave me the great idea of writing about my bucket list and asking you all what’s on yours. Even better—she’s suggested structuring it in a really fun way—which you’ll see below!
I’ve always enjoyed writing down my goals and even had a bucket list on the white board in my room during high school. Some of the things on that list circa 2006-2009: own a palm tree, drive the Florida Keys, walk the Lawn, and travel to all 50 states by the time I’m 50. Today, my bucket list isn’t literally written on my wall, but inside a ‘BookMarc’ journal I bought one summer at Marc Jacob’s bookstore in New York City. I thought I’d share a few of the things on my running bucket list today, based on my sister’s fun questions. I’d love to hear your responses to the same questions in the comments below!
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01. WHEN YOU REACH YOUR HIGH POINT IN LIFE, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
I think my high point in life would be pretty simple. I would like to get married, own a home, have several kids, have a career that’s fulfilling, and find myself with enough disposable income to travel and do the things I love with the people I love most.
02. WHAT IS AN EXPERIENCE YOU WANT TO HAVE?
Recently, I’ve been day dreaming about quitting my job and traveling the world for a year. I would love to work my way around Europe and then head to Asia and South America. I think it would be so fun to live a life unhindered by societal expectations and learn about new cultures every day. Yet the rational side of me worries about health care, 401(k)s, and blah blah blah.
But, I think the root of this dream is that I would like to travel for an extended period of time at some point in my life without the pressure of a return flight staring me down.
03. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL THE MOST?
Ah! I have a running list of the places I want to travel. There are so many! Right now, these are the top five places on my list:
- Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Austin, Texas
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Key West, Florida
- Cancun, Mexico
If anyone wants to plan a trip—let me know!
04. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO OWN BEFORE YOU DIE?
A house in Charleston! Heck, I’d even settle for a condo. But, I would love to live in a colorful house on a quaint street within walking distance of some great restaurants and a short drive from Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach. I am always happy when I am in the Low Country and I love the hot, humid weather. If you see any good listings, send them my way ;]
05. WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST YOU’VE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED?
On Friday, I shared that my favorite graduation ‘speech’ was Mary Smich’s Wear Sunscreen. In it, there’s a line that’s stuck with me since I first read it as a 16 year old: “Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.”
While I didn’t live in New York City full time, living there for 9 weeks back in summer 2012 was a big bucket list item checked off for me—and helped me to come the helpful conclusion that New York City was not my forever home. However, I loved every exhausting minute while I was there and have come to treasure that experience so much. Sometimes I wish I still had the adventurous spirit I had at 21!
(And yes, I hope to call Northern California home one day, too—even if just for a bit. I think St. Helena would look good on me.)
For the experience I’d like to have, I’m dying to live in London. I studied abroad there in college and it just was not enough time! The Amalfi Coast is high up on my bucket list too, as are Russia and India! And you need to go to Austin, it’s such a fun city!!
x Diana // Pearl Girl
I love that! I can totally see you in London. Definitely bumping Austin up on the bucket list!
I absolutely love this post!! Kudos to your sister for this idea! I love that your high point is pretty simple because when you meet the right person and build a meaningful life together, you will be fulfilled. That’s not to say that being young and single and fancy-free isn’t great because it is!! So savor these years! I would certainly suggest traveling as much as you can now because once you have children, you can’t just pack up and go plus your vacations will change insofar as where you go and what you do. We went to Key West for our honeymoon and I highly recommend it. I would suggest flying into Miami and renting a car versus flying directly to Key west because the drive across the Seven Mile Bridge is so picturesque! I equate Key West to a tropical Martha’s Vineyard. It’s so charming and quaint and perfect for bike riding. I’m sure you would love it! And I love that quote from MarySmich. NYC can harden you without a doubt! That’s why I love living in the suburbs because it’s the perfect balance!
Taffeta & Tulips
YAY! I am so glad you liked this post, Kate! I definitely am bumping KW up high on the list — and good point about traveling now.
This is amazing- I love how you set it up!
–I looked into Italy and omg I am blown away. The “lonely island”? Sign me up!!
Cancun is a DREAM. I wrote a 3 series travel guide there if you go!
http://www.greenpalatelife.com/travel-guide-to-cancun-mexico/
xx, Melissa
YAY! Thank you, Melissa! I definitely will check out your Cancun guide, and I am so glad you liked how this was structured. xoxo
OMG ME I WILL TRAVEL WITH YOU! I am always looking for a travel buddy haha! I love this post and love your bucket list item of traveling with no return ticket staring ya down!!
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
YAY! I love how many of us love traveling!
Love this post idea!! I’ve been having SERIOUS wanderlust lately. I’m craving a trip somewhere so badly! (I even saw $299 roundtrip tickets to Iceland online) Old San Juan PR is a breathtaking place!! I was there for my birthday 2 years ago and it was so amazing. The colorful buildings were my favorite. I’ve decided for my birthday this year, I’m going skydiving since I’ve wanted to do that since I was 16! And I really want to go on a yoga retreat, too!
Alissa
http://www.naturallymeblog.com/
Ah, so much fun! As they save, travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. A yoga retreat sounds perfect for you!
Love this! I totally know that feeling of just wanting to get out there and travel the world, but it is always nice to come home, and you’re right, responsibilities. Gah! Austin is a FANTASTIC city – you definitely need to make that one happen soon! Italy’s so on my list too!