A Bucket List Update with Two Months to Go

Where on earth has 2018 gone?? All of a sudden there’s barely more than two months left and I still have a few bucket list items to go. Here’s a look at what I’ve crossed off in the past few months and how I plan to tackle the rest.

A Late-Year Bucket List Update

• Visit a new state
• See the Northern Lights
• Take a letterpress class
• Do a mini kitchen makeover
• Do a mini bathroom makeover
• Run a 5K in 31 minutes (or less!)
• Try a new Chicago restaurant every month – Jan, Feb, Mar, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
• Learn how to use my DSLR
• Rollover my 401k
• Go on a local hike (within driving distance of Chicago)
• Go to a concert
• Make a charitable donation
• Go to a Gator game
• Try a new workout or gym
• Read a classic novel
• Try matcha
• Get certified in Google Analytics

The Past Three Months

In August, I went to Colorado to visit family and friends. When I did, mom and I drove up to spend the day in Wyoming for a quick hike. That makes state #41 and I’m officially in single digits.

In September, a band I love – St. Paul and the Broken Bones – happened to be playing in D.C. at the same time I was there for work. I drug my coworker to go see them with me and had such a blast, decided to check them out again when they came to Chicago last week.

My biggest accomplishment in the past couple of months, though, was something that’s been on my list for two years now. It’s ridiculous and more than a bit embarrassing – but I’m very happy to say I rolled over my 401k! It was part of my September goals to get my finances in order.

Restaurants I Tried

This is one of my favorite bucket list items to make sure I’m trying new places and not getting into restaurant ruts. Since we last caught up, I went to a restaurant with sushi that rotates around the dining room to grab off conveyor belts; ventured to Joe and the Juice and Aloha Poké (does fast food count?); tried an entirely new-to-me food at Tuco and Blondie (have you ever had huitlacoche?); and went to LuLa Cafe in Logan Square. I also tried the food at Noyane – had previously only been for drinks and was definitely missing out, and traveled just north of Chicago to Holt’s Park Ridge.

What’s Next?

Whoa – I’m almost done! Just to recount, here’s what I have left:

• Take a letterpress class
• Run a 5K in 31 minutes
• Try 2 more Chicago restaurants
• Learn how to use my DSLR
• Read a classic novel
• Get certified in Google Analytics

Thinking realistically, I probably won’t be able to run that 5K in 31 minutes. Womp womp. Also, I mentioned in my first bucket list update that I haven’t been able to find a local letterpress class at all. If you know of one, please please let me know – that’s probably the item I’m most excited about.

I’m also starting to think about my 2019 bucket list. So far I want to binge a tv show I usually wouldn’t watch and try a chai latte. And I’ll probably continue with the new restaurant every month goal. What else should I add?