I found an old tattered list I’d written to myself of things I wanted to do before I turned 20. It was meant with good intentions, as a kind of motivation to shoot for the moon, even if I fall I’ll land among the stars. Turns out I didn’t even break through the atmosphere.
It might have ended with me crying because I haven’t made any progress since I was 16 years old, but I’ve made an executive decision to extend the deadline to age 30…
- Go to Ireland – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
- See Andrea Bocelli live in Italy
- Go to Sturgis
- Drive a motorcycle
- Own a pair of Christian Louboutins
- Own an Elli Saab gown
- Be happy
- Go to the Okanagan
- Go back to Hawaii
- Take Mom and Dad on a trip
- Live abroad for 6 months to a year
- Go to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans
- See Adele, Celine Dion or Lady Gaga live
- Meet one of my idols
- Own a classic car (’67 Chevrolet Impala)
- Swim with dolphins
That’s a pretty big list of things to do for a young girl. You can say I wasn’t being very realistic. I’m going to revise this list so that I’m not brought to tears again for failing 16 year old Shannondoah.
But really! Come on! How was I going to travel to all of these places in four years, one of which I would be living in for a year, have time for concerts or money to buy a classic car that I would only be able to drive half the year AND buy designer clothing. I was a waitress for three years. Oh to be young and naive.
Oh well, that’s fine. I’ll give 16 year old Shannondoah’s head a shake and try again.
I didn’t get to travel anywhere or take my parents on a trip, but I have taken them to dinner and a movie, so that’s something. I didn’t get to go to Sturgis or ride a motorcycle, but I did try to this year. Organized the whole trip, started saving up but my traveling companions abandoned me last minute so I’m just sitting here like a lame duck to scared to make the trip on my own. It was the 75th anniversary to! I would’ve been in my glory! I did also try and get my motorcycle license, studied forever, taken the online tests about a hundred time but haven’t gone to write it yet. Totally psyching myself out.
I don’t own designer clothing, and haven’t seen any concerts in a while. I haven’t swam with dolphins either but if I got the chance I wouldn’t. You can say after seeing Blackfish I’m against keeping animals trapped for our entertainment.
And the big #7. I’m actually kind of worried at how that was lost in the middle of my list. To be happy. I think I was happy for the most part, I’m not a super cheery person at all, but I’d say I had some good times, but there were some bad times as well.
I’ll make a new list and that’ll be at the top.
And the next list will be on a budget.
22 year old Shannondoah is a little more realistic… and bitter.
I’ll add self improvement to the list.
Cheers!
Shannondoah 