50 Things Every Girl Should Do In Her Lifetime: Part One
[ 4 August 2009 ]
I’ve never seen that movie The Bucket List, but was reading about it the other day. The crux of it is this: two elderly men, one of whom is terminally ill, decide to make a list of things they want to achieve before they die. The list reads:
1. Witness something truly majestic
2. Help a complete stranger for the common good
3. Laugh till I cry
4. Drive a Shelby Mustang
5. Kiss the most beautiful girl in the world
6. Get a tattoo
7. Skydiving
8. Visit Stonehenge
9. Spend a week at the Louvre
10. See Rome
11. Dinner at La Chevre d’Or
12. See the Pyramids
13. Get back in touch
14. Visit Taj Mahal, India
15. Hong Kong
16. Victoria Falls
17. Serengeti
18. Ride the Great Wall of China
It got me thinking about things that women, specifically, should do in their lifetime. Obviously we all have different priorities — “having a baby” certainly isn’t a universal goal, so it isn’t included here. This is mostly a collection of fun, life-enhancing things that I think everyone should experience.
The list is split into two pieces, with the second part coming soon! I’d love to hear what you think of this list — how many of the items can you check off already? Plenty of these are things I have yet to complete myself, especially number 37!
50. Ride on the back of a motorcycle
When I was about 15 & started dating, my father made me promise never to get on the back of a boy’s motorcycle. I obeyed him, & I’m glad I did. But if, by chance, you meet someone who actually knows how to ride — & is not some inexperienced teenager trying to impress/kill you — & he or she asks you if you want to sit on the back, SAY YES. I had my first motorcycle experience a little while ago & it was an AMAZING feeling. There is really nothing like it. God, it is fun. I am now totally obsessed with it. Sitting on the back of my boyfriend’s motorcycle is my new favourite thing.
49. Date someone who has visible tattoos
Not only because tattoos are hot — which they are — but because it’s eye-opening. It depends on where you live, of course, & some places are more accepting than others, but society tends to treat those with tattoos differently, & if you’re not tattooed yourself, you’ll never really understand that. It’ll give you a realistic impression of what it’s like to be discriminated against on the basis of how you look, & if, for example, you’re a straight white girl living in New Zealand, that might not be something you really have any experience with.
48. Buy a toolkit & learn how to use the things in it
Which is not to say that you need to become plumber extraordinaire, but just that it’s rad to be able to fix your own problems without calling on some dude to help you. Especially since sometimes, there is no dude to be had. You should also learn how to change a tyre, because one day, you’ll really, really wish you knew!
47. Travel alone
It’s safer to do this in some places than others, but travelling alone really shows you what you’re made of. They say travelling with your lover is a good way to work out how compatible the two of you really are, & similarly, travelling by yourself is a great way to learn about who you really are. How do you cope with unexpected stress? How are your interpersonal skills? How outgoing are you? You will get a major wake-up call as to the real crux of your character — which is invaluable.
46. Spend a day at the best spa you can afford
Yep, you might have to save up to do it — most of us do! But if you put aside a little bit of money every week, & maybe hold off on an accessory splurge, soon you’ll have enough to spend a day in the complete lap of luxury. & oh, is it ever worth it! Massages, facials, body scrubs & all kinds of weird but tantalizing treatments could be yours! You’ll walk out of there feeling like a million bucks. It’s an extravagance worth indulging in.
45. Drive quickly
Dangerous? Yes. Stupid? Yes. Totally awesome fun? Yes. My father is an unrepentant speed-demon, & I learned the pleasures of having all the blood sucked to the back of your brain early! I wouldn’t call myself an adrenaline junkie by any stretch of the imagination, but there is really something quite magnificent about going very, very quickly in a car. Mmmm, danger! But — as has been drawn to my attention — do it somewhere you’re supposed to, like a race track!
44. Date someone older than you
...Because the amount you’ll learn from them is astronomical — & you will teach them a lot, too. Honestly, you will probably learn plenty from all of your lovers, regardless of their age, but dating someone who is significantly older than you (5+ years, I’d say) is a real eye-opener. Usually they’ve been around long enough that they’ll call you on your sh!t — which can be a refreshing wake-up call for us entitled girls who are used to dating sycophants! If you never hear the truth about yourself, how can you grow? Right? & it’s great to be with a man who’ll take the lead for a change; it gives us overachievers & control freaks a welcome (& often much-needed) respite!
43. Date someone younger than you
...Because even though they might infuriate you with their seemingly immature ways, again, you’ll both gain plenty from the experience. You’ll (hopefully) learn to be more patient, tolerant & understanding — & maybe you’ll even remember what it’s like to be that age, which will give you an excellent reality check. Additionally, they’ll benefit from your experience & the wisdom (!) of your years. The plan is for you to both leave the relationship feeling enriched & more well-rounded than before. (Fingers crossed on that one!)
42. Live in a foreign country
If you ever want to feel the satisfaction of having done something really tricky — something a lot of people never even attempt — pack your bags & move to a different country. It sounds simple in theory (pack bags, get on plane, find apartment, get job) but it is full of ridiculous obstacles & hurdles, the likes of which you have never even considered before. Even moving from New Zealand to Australia is pretty intense, let alone moving from America to Russia or from Poland to Japan. People who manage to do those things have my eternal respect! There is almost nothing that will make you feel more bold & proud of yourself. If you can do that, baby, you can do anything.
41. Have a romance with someone who doesn’t speak English
I don’t actually have any personal experience with this one — it just sounds really romantic & magical. I don’t know how you would communicate — voracious eyebrow wiggling? Extreme, bordering-on-violent gesticulation? — but the concept sounds marvellous. Have any of you done this? How does it work?! Curious minds want to know!
40. Meet one of your idols
There’s no telling how it will go — maybe it will be incredible, maybe it will be disappointing — but it will remind you that everyone is human. For some reason, realising that the people you admire are just as human as your best friend or the milkman is very empowering. After all, the people who do fantastic, amazing things are just the same as you or I — which can give you the boost you need to make great things happen too.
39. Do something your friends don’t approve of
As wonderful as our friends are, they don’t always know what is best for us. Only you know that for yourself. While they may wheedle, cajole & pester you about things, your life is your own. What you end up doing against their advice might be a huge mistake, but that’s okay too! You are entitled to live however you want, & it’s really only through making mistakes that we learn how to do things properly anyway!
38. Delve into your personal psychology
Don’t be afraid of who you are & where you come from. Take stock of it. Think about your past & recognise what has shaped you into the person you are today, because it will help you understand yourself better. It will give you insight into why you make the choices you do, why you react in a certain way to various things, & give you clues as to how you can grow up & move forward. Otherwise you might find yourself stuck in the same old habits, trying to escape yourself but never quite managing it — which is no way to live. Knowledge is power, after all!
37. Be proud of your smile & your laugh
Hey, we aren’t all Julia Roberts (& yay for that!). Some of us have crooked teeth; some of us have no teeth at all. Some of us laugh like machine guns, while others scream uproariously in a way which makes onlookers stare & gape. But that’s just how you are, & it’s rad! Being happy is wonderful & it would be such a shame not to share that with the world because you’re embarrassed or shy. Just let it go. Smile more. You’ll feel better, & so will everyone around you. Plus, you can contribute to this!
36. Live by yourself
Living by yourself is the ultimate dream of most teenagers, & it’s a truly wonderful day when that all comes to fruition. No one to tell you to turn down your music, to do your dishes, to pick your towel up off the floor… Bliss. No roommates to be considerate of & no closet space needing to be shared — you can spread your cosmetics out everywhere, put your shoes wherever you like & burn all the stinky incense you want. It is the most delightful thing ever!
35. Learn to say no
A lot of us are taught to spare other people’s feelings, & in no other way is this more evident than when someone asks us to do something we don’t want to do. Often we will allow ourselves to go along with it just to avoid an awkward situation or to save the other person from feeling uncomfortable. In the process, we make martyrs of ourselves & chip away at our own self-esteem. It’s important to learn to say NO when people ask us to do things which are not in our best interests. It will free you from unnecessary burdens, prove how much strength you really have, & make you feel really good about yourself.
34. Give time to a cause you believe in
Politics? Religion? The environment? Education? Animal rights? Whatever it is that gets you worked up, don’t just sit around & complain, get involved! Start taking positive, forward-thinking action & see what you can do to help the situation. Raise money, do research, volunteer your time, spread the word — it’ll give you an incredible sense of purpose, & plus, people need your help. If you’ve ever idly considered helping out at a soup kitchen or doing some work at a crisis centre, now’s the time to act on it. Really.
33. Forgive your parents for whatever they did wrong
No one is perfect, & your parents aren’t exempt from that rule. Everyone thinks their parents did a crappy job in one area or another, & some of us are still mad at them for things which happened when we were 5, 10 or 15 years old. The thing is that our parents could only do the best they could with the information they had — which in most cases, was how their parents treated them. Being angry at them for not being Mother or Father Of The Year is a waste of energy & will impact on everything else in your life. Decide to forgive them, & then do whatever it takes to make that happen.
32. Have some photos taken of you that you really like
If for no other reason so that you’ll have a reminder of how smokin’ hot & faaaaabulous you were in your youth!
31. Learn to drive
Even if you have no desire to own a car or really do any driving at all, having the skill is essential. You don’t need to be incredible at it, just take a couple of lessons. You never know what kind of situation you might end up in where you NEED to know how to drive — like if you’re in an emergency & need to get out of there, or your friend needs to go to the hospital urgently. It’s also very freeing to able to hire a car when you go on holiday: you’re no longer at the mercy of public transport or your friends.
30. Become a better public speaker
Just like with driving, even if you have no intention of becoming Tony Robbins, being a good public speaker is a fantastic skill to have under your belt. What if your best friend gets married, or you’re asked to make an important presentation at work? Knowing how to project your voice, look at the audience & stand still makes all the difference, & will stop you from looking terrified (even if you are)!
29. Understand how fortunate you really are
...& be appreciative of it. Life is full of beauty & blessings, & it’s really easy to get sucked down into a hole of misery. If you suspect (or have been told) that you complain a lot, start doing Things I Love Thursday, or keep a gratitude list, or just smile more often! You don’t have to be all unicorn vomit all the time, but training yourself to see the silver lining in a vicious storm cloud is a fantastic skill.
28. Break your destructive patterns
What’s your vice? Bouncing from one codependent relationship to the next? A weekend drug habit? Compulsive shoe shopping? Everyone has something they could improve on, or something they would benefit from removing from their life. Be an adult, recognise what it is, & then get the help you need. Read a book, see a therapist, get clean… Whatever it is, only YOU have the ability to change YOUR life. So change it!
27. Evolve your look & scare yourself (often!)
One thing I’ve noticed, when I take men shopping, is that when I encourage them to buy something a little bit outside of their comfort zone, that is always the thing they end up wearing the most — because it takes them a little bit of courage to put it on in the first place, but it looks so great that the feedback they get is immensely positive. & who doesn’t want to be told they look fantastic? So my point is: don’t wear the same thing from age 15 through to 75. Take chances. Try new things. Buy an intimidating pair of boots, or a sequinned jacket, or a bizarre hat. You’re not stuck — you are changing all the time, & the things you wear are one of the fastest ways of communicating that. So mix it up: find clothing that expresses how you are, & WHO you are, right now!
26. Take a risk & prove the naysayers wrong
This could be anything, from starting ballet lessons at age 30 to deciding to raise your child alone, but all I know is there’s nothing better than overcoming the odds & proving that you DO have what it takes. You will feel so proud of yourself — it will be the start of a beautiful new relationship within, where you recognise your own strength & start to push limits you never would have touched before. People are always going to dislike things about you, think they can tell you what to do & feel they’re owed an explanation for the way you live your life, but you don’t owe anyone anything. Do your damn thing!
25. Fall devastatingly, helplessly, head-over-heels in love
Oh honeypuff. There are no guarantees in life, & while I would love to tell that you’ll get the fairytale ending you’re looking for, that isn’t necessarily true. Love can hurt, & so some people avoid it, or keep themselves guarded, or always have one foot out the door. The thing is that if you don’t take chances, you might miss out on the most incredible thing to ever happen to you — the experience of falling in love with someone who shakes your world up like never before. Even if you’ve been hurt in the past, do everything you can to push past that. Otherwise you’ll never be able to fully give yourself to someone else, & they won’t be able to share all of themselves with you either. Staying true & honest & open, as if it wasn’t reward enough in itself, can unlock a multitude of incredible experiences & show you what real love is all about.
How about you? Do you have a list of things you want to achieve in your lifetime? What do you really want to do?
Stayed tuned for part two!
RADICAL self-love & stardust,
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One of my good friends has a motorcycle, and riding on the back really is one of the best feelings in the world. I am always looking for excuses for him to take me somewhere!
Lau — It is SERIOUSLY my favourite thing. Nothing compares! I want to learn to ride, too!
I love this. Will start on the list today!
#25 really hit home to me, thank you, that helped me alot…
Great list Gala, and I am excited to see the rest. I think it would be a good idea to sit down and make a list for myself, it might help me through my current difficult time…
I especially like this line: “People are always going to dislike things about you, think they can tell you what to do & feel they’re owed an explanation for the way you live your life, but you don’t owe anyone anything. Do your damn thing!”
I think some of them are kinda… meh. Breaking the speed limit? Never found it that thrilling or significant…
I’ll admit though, I love riding on the back of my dad’s motorcycle. :D
i’ve done about half of the things on this list so far, without even realising it. I think to be more present in life and acknowledging personal achievements is really important.
i think this links in with travelling and foreign countries, one of my things is to try different food from different cultures, its a great way to break the routine of everyday meals, and you might find something amazing that you can try at home!
I have done all but 41,42, and 46, and it’s a little too late for 41. I think my husband might not approve. :) thank you for making me smile today.
oh this list is cool
Ok here we go:
50. done with my dad, he was riding, and do it in a bike does that count?
48 and 26, i have my toolkit and i made a bookcase today, some people thought that i wasn’t able but i prove wrong
47, 43, 39, 38, 37, 35, 33, 32, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25 done :)
i need to get on the driving thing. driving scares the heck out of me and i’m 25! i wanna pick it up though, maybe some lessons won’t hurt. eeek.
and i’ll say one thing: you do learn a heck of a lot from dating someone younger than you!
Oh Gala, this is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the rest of the list. Some things that must go on my list: – travel in a hot air balloon – take more photos of smiles – have a complete career change, just to scare and challenge myself.
Looking forward to part 2, and to part 4 of L&S. Thanks for sharing!
wow, i’ve done nearly all of these. and i thought i had such a boring life!
I think it is absolutely awful that you are encouraging people to break the speed limit – like REALLY break it. Everyone drives 10 km or so over the limit, of course, but true speeding just for the sake of it is juvenile, selfish and pathetic.
Come on now.
I still don’t know how to drive yet, and I’ve got quite a few to work on. But I am working on it and I know it’ll be amazing when it does happen. Especially traveling alone—I want to go sans planning, even, totally foreign place, strangers and total reckless adventure.
Oh, and I should probably start saving up for an expensive spa treatment. Or just a really expensive dinner. :)
Wonderful list, can’t wait to see the second half!
Have you seen Maggie Mason’s Mighty Life List? She’s the brilliant woman behind www.mightygirl.net — and she came up with her Mighty Life List awhile ago. She talks about it occasionally, and was slowly crossing things off it…and recently Intel picked this up and is sponsoring her list for a few months. They just paid for her to go swim with bioluminescent plankton, for example. www.mightygirl.net/mighty
Quite something, really.
forget riding on the back of that motorcycle! I want to ride on my own, and do a long trip on it!! seriously, a dream of mine is to get a Harley and travel across the US with other friends that have motorcycles as well. stop in all the nasty roadhouses with all those gruff people and the cheap, greasy food. my goodness!! people think i’m a little backwards because motocycles don’t scare me, however, cars do. i’m working on that fear though!
I also remember when my mom and I moved into a house, and we learned how to fend for ourselves as handy(wo)men. i’m still not fantastic with tools, but I can rewire light switches and outlets with the best of them!
But I’ve done many things on this list so far…I actually feel quite accomplished because of that!! Looking forward to the rest of the list!
I have to disagree with riding on the back of a boy’s bike. It was actually on my 30 before 30 list to get my license and NEVER have to ride on the back again! Now I don’t need some boy to tote me around and it’s effing fantastic!
I think living a foreign country is a great idea. Any tips on such a huge move? I’ve been planning to move to Spain sometime in the next couple of years. It’s always been my dream.
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet my biggest idol, Gavin Rossdale, TWICE in my life. He’s truly wonderful. He and his music were my “father figure” growing up. Whenever I needed help, I turned to Gavin and his music. :)
I think #50 should be ride on a motorcycle (doesn’t have to be the back!). I’d have on my list “never wait for other people to give you opportunities, make it happen for yourself”, so I wouldn’t want to tell girls to wait for a boy with a bike… I wanna tell them to take some lessons and hit the road solo. It’s awesome :)
Alzy & nicola & everyone else, you’re totally right! I want to learn to ride soooo badly! I’m kind of scared to try but that’s the point, isn’t it? & kudos to all of you for being rad biker babes, heeeee, I’m so impressed! Braver than I!
Ooh, definitely learn to ride :) Being in control is in a totally different world than riding on the back (although riding on the back has its benefits as well :)). I did the MSF Basic Riders Course and it was so worthwhile. Then you can go flying across the Brooklyn Bridge!
This is fabulous! ...and I’m so glad I’ve already checked off most of these particular things by age 23 ;)
Riding on the back of a motorcycle IS endless fun. So is living in another country…Japan has forced me out of my comfort zone so many times already, I love it.
oh! it’s so funny to read this now – i was thinking i should make a list of things i want to do before i die.
but i’ve done everything on this list! uh oh!! maybe the next 25 will have some surprises to tackle. definitely learning to ride a motorcycle is one!
this list actually reads like a pretty awesome saturn return checklist…and that bit about forgiving your parents – for me it went further and became a deep compassion for them, which has helped a lot with how we interact.
Oh, this is amazing! I can’t wait for the next part!
This is so great, Gala! I’ve come to realize it’s ALWAYS worth it to step out of your comfort zone and experience the unknown. “you can either have a great excuse or a great story”. I try to think about that quote any time I’m about to make a decision out of fear, so when I have grandkids I’ll have PLENTY of cool stories to share. I’m bookmarking this post :)
Ooh, how many boyfriends are we meant to have? Far too late for me on all the dating ones, it seems. Hahaha!
Number 40 is you for me, my honey. :)
love this post!
Heather — I plan to! I’ll let you know how I get on. Doe & I were talking about starting a girl biker gang the other day, hahaha.
verhext — HA, maybe I am having my Saturn return early! I hope not. I’m really glad to hear that about your parents, ‘cause I’ve been following you online for such a long time, & it’s excellent to hear there has been some resolution & healing. I’d love to read your list! I think it would be incredible!
Amanda — I love that quote! A girl emailed me a couple of weeks ago & her signature said “At every opportunity choose fearlessness”, & I loooooooooove it. New mantra!
Nadine — Hahah. Okay then, just have romances in your head. Or make your husband dress up! :D & sheesh, thank you. I think you are so wonderful & am mega-delighted to count you as a friend of mine!
this is fantastic! luckily i’m only 22 and able to cross off quite a few. so far so good! just gotta get the ‘fall crazy in love’ party down! #29 is probably my favorite and most important lesson i’ve taught myself in the past year. i’m even thankful for my problems (because as far as problems go, i’m quite fortunate![]())
that blows away a lot of people i met. thanks for sharing & i’m looking forward to the second half.
(does riding on a boy’s vespa count? he was SOOOO cute!)
I have loved the first half so far, and I can’t wait to read the second half. I’m looking forward to seeing what I have done and haven’t done yet, and to see what I can make of my own list.
P.S. I have a tough time conquering #37 too!!
This is really great! I’ve already done #34, as I am a human rights activist.
I really want to do numbers 27, 35, and 42. They mean the most to me as a person!
Great post, Gala!
P.S It’s nice to see a post with some real content, I’ve been missing them the past week or so!
Hmmm, I’ve done 10 of those. Not bad but I’ve got some way to go ;-)
Re #40: In my first year of university (also my first year of living in England) I bumped into Thom Yorke on the street. He’d given me so much hope as a teenager and being able to thank him in person just felt so good.
I’m keen to read the rest…
It’s a little odd that you encourage people to break the patterns of living that could be destructive to themselves, but endorse an activity (speeding) that is often very destructive to others. This is my only issue with what is otherwise a great list full of inspiring ideas; there are lots of ways to get a thrill or an adrenaline rush without risking killing people.
Numbers 42, 36 and 31 are top of my list right now, and 29 is an ongoing thing. I’m glad to say that I got 25 out of the way and am hopefully a little wiser for the experience.
I recently watched the Bucket list, but have to say that this is much more appropriate! I already made myself some ‘Not New Years’ Resolutions this year and have stuck to them, but this is the next thing on my list. Particularly the one about forgiving your parents. I love my mum, but have always felt like there was something stopping me from appreciating her as much as I could, and I know now it’s because I have never forgiven her! I am naturally a pessimistic person, but am working my damned hardest to put an end to that! Even when breaking up from my long term relationship I was able to see the positive in the fact that I would only have to break up once and then it was over! Bring on the new positive me! :)
Sunshine & Sparkles
xxxx
Ooh, OOH! What a splendid list.
I’m going to recap it in a done/to-do type fashion.
Wee!
Aww, sweetie . . . !
xxoxxox
This is one of my absolute favorite posts from you. Thank you, Gala!
So I should move abroads, take a younger lover, and get to back of his motorcycle ;D I doubt my boyfriend (25.!) would approve.
I don’t have a list. I just try to live honest for myself. It’s too easy just end up living safe and repeating same stuff for twenty years never even giving a try for what you really dream of. I have made some crazy things that have scared me shitless and taken risks but thanks to that, I’m finally in situation that I can call myself truely HAPPY.
Worst advise is that you should not try to make your dreams come true because everyone NEEDS DREAMS. Oh come on. What’s the point of dreaming if you’ll never going to try? Have some imagination and make up new dreams as you go along fulfilling them :)
Gala – love this post!
I’m nearly 36 and have done most of this list but as usual I bow down to your intuition and insight. (Travelling alone = spot on! never thought of it that way before!).
I’m looking forward to writing a list for my next decades (having babies was on my list – but I’m not defined by it :-> Stay tuned!
PS I married (and had 2 kids with) a man nearly 5 years younger and I thank heavens for it. He enriches my life and has taught me tonnes! (and he has v. visible tatts) xox
As someone whose lost someone they love to speeding and seen the devastating effects it has on all those who love them I think it’s completely and devastatingly wrong for you to endorse speeding when it kills people everyday.
Encouraging speeding is encouraging bloodshed. It’s very dissapointing seeing such an inspirational figure endorse self destructive behaviour no matter how many “thrills” you get.
For someone who encourages people to “love their life” It’s highly ironic your encouraging them to loose it.
Just a thought,
Hayley.
oh Gala, I’ve got this big silly grin on my face right now. So much inspiration!!! Especially about the public speaking bit… I have this habit of stuttering and speaking with a lisp real fast when it comes to talking in front of other people… yeesh! So I’ve decided sometime soon I’m going to take some classes on the matter, because it sounds like a really beneficial thing [even for job interviews!].
And on #37- I have a really weird, slightly obnoxious laugh. It’s kinda loud and cackling, but every time I let it out, someone always cracks up and goes “I love your laugh!” which makes me feel proud to be the owner of it.
I’m travelling by myself to the US at the end of the year, been putting it off for fear of getting a job there at the moment but i would be happy to clean toilets at mcdonalds i love the country so much.
Great post! As a woman I prioritise all these suggestions above having a baby :)
I have to say number 25 has really influenced me. I was the girl who emailed you a while back asking about love.
I’m such a sap! But your words have hit me hard. In a good way of course.
I love Gala’s daring and zest for life. I don’t think she is telling people to be reckless – just take some risks and not live a ‘safe’ life – meaning ‘boring’ and the ‘usual’.
I think everyone should try something they afaid of…ie. height – bungy jump, water – learn to swim, public speaking – get up and offer your ideas at a meeting/public forum, painting – take a class…..the sense of accomplishment and positive ions that race around your body when you do this, way outways the good feling of doing something you know you can do. The challenge and sense of achievement is huge.
No. 42 is probably the only one I can check. I’m from the Czech Republic and I have lived in New Jersey for 5 months when I was 8 years old. My father got a stipendium to study there at Rutgers for a year and so we came to live there with him for half of the time. And I can say that it was probably the biggest experience I’ve had in my life, espicially because I practically couldn’t speak English and I went there to school. It was very interesting because I remember for example that we watched a movie at the school and I’m sure that I could not understand it but I know what was the movie about.
I can say that I didn’t learn much of the language there, but from that time I feel about it so naturally…
And from my 8 years my visage has changed too. I don’t know if it has something to do with my foreign experience, but from that time I look much older, more mature they say. My father once said that he thinks that I have had to deal with so troublesome situations, that I have grown up mentally and it also affected my visage. It may be true.
I am 13 now but they usually don’t believe it.
Travel abroad more, live in another foreign country (already do but with less freedom than I’d like!) & making a living doing what I love are top of the list. Already done many of these, though, for which I am pleased.
Hahaha I’ve done them all except #28. Thou I’m working on it (e.g. trying to stop smoking. the real test will be tonight’s clubbing).
inyourfacefashion.blogspot.com…
#50 were some of the best times I had with my ex #49 well loads of my ex’s had loads of tattooes. and more than how many I have. #48 I re-did my entire room three years ago #47 it’s great cause you really pay attention to where you are instead of who you’re with. Had a lone trip to Germany two years ago. But met up with some German friends there so it was great! #45 I try not to but you know… #44 Micheal was nearly 20 years older than me (me 21-last year, him 40). But the age dif. was too big, it had to end #43 Peter was 2 years younger than me (me 22, him 20 – I think, um, hope? :D). but he’s too young! now I’m with R (31) #42 lived in France (3 years) and US (nearly 7 years) and now I’m back home in Prague # 42 Mehdi. my parisian fling.
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anyways, you get the picture riiight. make a list that’s harder next time;) (kidding, luv ya sweets!) Love, Msveve!
Solo travel is definitely a good way to examine one’s true self. I recently returned from a trip to Europe that left me pretty shaky… It exposed a lot of reliance on the Internet, first of all! I am, for better or worse, addicted to lifestreaming. I definitely am more outgoing when traveling alone, but it is so impossibly draining that by the end of my trip, I psychologically isolated myself with earplugs and sour looks.
It is really irresponsible to encourage breaking speeding laws – they are in place for a reason. If you want to go fast, go to a track and do it, that’s what they are there for.
I love lists like this. I make a list at the start of every year of the things I want to achieve, travelling alone is on my list this year. I think I’ll go to Paris for a couple of days, hit the galleries, drink good coffee and shop.
I think having a list of goals is super important.
i like the idea behind #49 although i would take it further and suggest going to a place where you really are in the minority. it’s an eye-opener (in a good way) to be the only white person in an African village, for example!
Gala, I really like this list apart from no.45 about speeding. My sister is 21 and in the last 2 years she has lost two friends in car accidents, neither were due to speeding but that is no consolation. Considering so many people do lose their lives to drivers speeding it isn’t a very responsible suggestion considering many of your readers are young and may be new drivers who don’t have much experience driving. Young drivers need to be encouraged to drive with caution and be aware of the road conditions, not be risking theirs and others lives. Just a thought.
There are a few really good points on here though that bought a smile to my face and I have already ticked off!
MOTORCYCLES AHH!!! I cannot agree with you more!
I left my home in NYC to ride on the back of an fzr600 across the country, from WI to CA anyway. I encountered 3 thunderstorms and extreeeeme heat through deserts. A motorcycle group (555pdx!) saved my stranded boyfriend and me in Denver, taking us to a hangar and repairing the motorcycle.. awesome! I can’t even describe how incredible the views were, especially past Denver, hellooo mountains.
Add to my list: I need to revisit Vegas when I turn 21 next year though, wow. And I nearly died when I saw the New York, New York hotel. WTF is that?!
gala,
i’ve been reading your blog for a few months now and it always contains something inspiring…
here’s my to-do list as it stands at the moment:
46. Spend a day at the best spa you can afford
43. Date someone younger than you
42. Live in a foreign country
41. Have a romance with someone who doesn’t speak English
i ticked #34 as i’m a teacher and for the last few years i’ve devoted my life to improving he education of young people in my home town…i enjoy it so much it’s become my vocation…
i’m not sure how doable #43 and #41 are at the moment because i’m still in the swirly-girly dream of #25…and that’s 8 years down the line from when i met him!
keep up your role as my pink, inspiration pixie!
secxx
Wow that’s crazy I had just written a post about my bucket list :D yours is friggen awesome though!
Gala, speeders make driving an utter hell for the rest of us regular road users. I cannot count the times I’ve found someone driving straight towards me on my side of the road, completing an overtake at the very last second because they presumeably consider it “totally awesome fun”. Now, I know some people like the thrill of speed but there are ways of getting your kicks in a safe environment like at a rally circuit. You have specifically said “Break the speed limit” here with no mention of getting off the public roads to do it. I’m disappointed, Gala, and even more disappointed that you are choosing not to discuss this with the other commenters that have raised the issue including the ladies who have personally experienced the destruction speeding can cause. So far you have only responded to commenters who agree with you.
AMAZING list! I’ve done a lot of these but there are a lot of them I still want to do. You’ve given this girl a lot to look forward to in life. ;)
Article aside, the first photo is by a friend of mine (Lloyd Hughes – his other stuff can be found at youwithyouthonyourside.com), and the model is my friend’s little sister. Yay Gala! Good choice!
Also, I have done: 50, 49, 48, 44. 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26 and 25!
I must add my voice to the anti-speeding comments too. I will admit to being one of those who loves speed, but I’d never suggest breaking the law or putting others in danger to achieve a thrill. The real problem’s not the danger you’re putting yourself in, but what happens when you hit someone else.
Once I get my licence I’ll indulge my petrolhead tendencies at one of those racetrack experiences, or stick to air-launched rollercoasters.
I did enjoy the rest of the list though, I think I’ve probably done or am in the process of doing maybe 15-20 of them to some extent. Looking forward to the rest of the list!
I’ve been sticking to my 43 things account and in this year I’ve managed to achieve a lot of my goals!
They include:
- Going on a Hot Air Balloon Ride – Attending an American Basketball Game – Swimming with Dolphins – Learning to Drive – Give Blood – Go to Disneyworld
:D I love your list – I especially love the fact that you have put ‘forgiving your parents’. Very true, as nobody is perfect! Next on my agenda is visiting 30 countries before I’m 30… unfortunately I’m 25, and have only been to 9!!!! (Better get a move on.)
I’ve done a lot of these things: the motorbike riding, dating someone older and younger and not speaking my language, moving overseas alone and travelling alone… The most challenging thing to arrange was meeting my idol (Bono) but I accomplished that – twice!
I got 10 out of 25. :D Although I’d never break the speed limit, my mom has racked up too many tickets for me to follow in her path.
Dammit. I’ve already done too many of these.
But thankfully there are still enough on the list that I have something to do for the next year ;)
This was a really fun to read. I love it when you post articles!
There are a few on there that I absolutely agree every girl should do – living alone, traveling alone….oh and forgiving your parents! I have 2 kids and now forgive my mum completely for every little mistake I hated her for at the time, it’s like the longer you’re a parent the more you get it. It fuckin hard emotionally in ways you can’t even explain but.. yeah :)
I do think you could’ve have put something about driving fast on a track or something instead of breaking the speed limit. You gotta be careful how you word things when you’re such an influence to young girls :)
Can’t wait to read the rest!
love you so much hope you are safe and well xxxxxx
p.s whys that person anon what are they afraıd of
ıd lıke to see them talk lıke that ın person
Unicorn vomit? Really? I’m sorry, I just pissed myself laughing. That’s going to be something that I randomly burst into laughter about for the next few days, I’m sure!
That aside, this is an awesome list and I can’t wait to read the second half =)
Surprisingly, #37 is the one that I am most on top of. I think because when I had braces for four years, my facial structure was altered, and smiling meant looking like I was in pain. So know that I don’t have them, I just love the way my face looks.
Not being discriminated against being a white girl living in NZ – depends on where in NZ you live! hi from Otara It’s fun, really.
I like the motivation for this list, remembering to actually do something as you live is easy to forget sometimes.
I don’t car how much fun you had in your dad’s car as a kid, if you don’t actually know how to drive yourself, you have absolutely no right to include ‘breaking the speed limit’ as something every girl should do…
That’s a hot list, Gala! Not sure about the speeding, though – unless you mean around a secure, enclosed racetrack! Safety first, kids. ;-)
I would add:
> Take a vow of silence (for an hour, a day, a week).
It’s a fascinating experience – you’ll discover a whole slew of non-verbal communication methods.
> Do something really physically challenging
The more ridiculous, the better! 500-mile bike ride? Scaling a mountain? Underwater welding? Log-rolling?
> Spend time talking to someone with a totally different (maybe even offensive) worldview.
A religious fanatic, a gun enthusiast … approach the conversation with earnest curiosity, and let the insights emerge.
Alla — I’m so sorry to hear that.
The rest of you, I have seen the error of my ways! Item #45 has been edited. Didn’t mean to offend anyone… !
Absolutely love your list and there are so many things on here that I need to work on most particularly number 33 forgiving my parents and number 25 Falling in love. Today I’m going for my driving test and if I pass(fingers crossed) I’m going to save up to buy a 1960’s car. I’m so excited ‘cause sometimes all you need is to get in a car and drive out into the country with the music blaring and the windows down.
41. Have a romance with someone who doesn’t speak English
I have done this. I was 16 and he was 20 and lived up the block from where I live. He was from Guatemala and worked in the hospital in which I was volunteering in. I know, totally scandalous. He was learning how to speak English and I was learning how to speak Spanish so we tried our best to communicate in each others language. It was hard—we really couldn’t do anything that normal American couples do except go dancing and make out a lot. Unfornuately, he decided to move back to Guatemala and that was the end of that.
Here are some of mine:
#01, Dance on my mailbox while balancing a cup of tea on my head..
#02, Smoke 5 cigarettes simultaneously.
#03 Travel to New York City and stay at the Chelsea Hotel.
#04 Play the tambourine-Stevie Nicks Style- while bungy jumping.
#05 Wear a Giraffe mask to the zoo.. with a pint of beer in one hand and a toy gun in the other.
#06 Eat Marmite and cheese on toast, upside down.
#07 Get ‘I’ll Feng Shui your face’ printed on a t-shirt.
#08 Cover myself in glad wrap and rob a bank , using my fake gun that i took to the zoo.
#09 Stay random and happy (keep it real g… keep it real)xox.
#10 Oh aaand!! learn French… that is all. :D
xoxo
lugubrious — I stayed at the Chelsea Hotel the first time I visited New York in 2006! It was an experience, to be sure. There was a bullet-hole in one of the doors in the hallway, our room was infested with cockroaches (um, gross, & when we told them, they gave us a can of roach spray & told us to fend for ourselves, HAHA, though to their credit they switched our room a day later) & there was a guy who sat in the corridor all day painting the foyer. There were some really rad people staying there, too. Despite the cockroaches, which was totally not my favourite thing, it was pretty incredible. The guys who work behind the desk are super-nice & still remember me. It’s definitely worth doing. Just take your own bug spray, hahah.
Dear Gala,
I’m Marta, from Portugal and i am a huge fan of your website and flickr gallery.
I guess your life is really exciting and you do amazing things.
I loved this post because i am a list lover too.
Almost one year ago i’ve decided to make a list: “101 things to do in 1001 days” and i already completed some of the goals. This list only will be over in 2011 :-)
You can check it here, if you want: http://www.fotograffarte.blogspot.com
I’m really excited about to know the “part 2” of your list and hope it come soon.
Have a great day.
Big kiss,
Marta :-)
I’d say: – Take dance classes. Ballet, jazz, hip hop, belly dance… whatever. With no shame or concerns about how you actually do it. Just give yourself to it. It really makes you feel alive.
- Spend a whole day disconnecter from everything. No cellphone, no internet, no tv… Damn it’s refreshing.
- Get a radical makeover. Clothes, hair color and style…
Lovely list! Here are some of my own…
-Ride a hot air balloon
-Learn 7 languages
-Travel the world
-Be kind, as much as possible, every day
-Climb Mt Kilimanjaro
-Write a novel
-Fall madly and horribly in love
Haha!! I’ll take note of that :D, I’ve always wanted to stay there for some reason. I think it’ll be on one of my many lists of things to do when i finally get to New York (It’s such a TOTALLY RAD place) Thanks for the info Miss Gala.
I wrote all of these down on my sketchpad in purple marker so I’ll definetely remember them and keep them somewhere safe! I like #25 especially because I have this habit of developing crushes that never go anywhere but this time around I am determined to make it work! And if it doesn’t, at least I can say I tried! It’s my sixteenth birthday TODAY, and I woke up with this awesome, liberating feeling that says ‘today is the first day of the rest of your life,’ and this list is the perfect thing! Thanks Gala!
I love this. I am printing it out and sticking it on my wall immediately!
This is a nice, light, feel good list but I’ve got to say I don’t think the advice dolled out in #33 is wise (Forgive your Parents.) If you truly do jump into your own psychology as Gala suggests you may find there is a lot wrong around how you were raised. In order to not pass that fucked-up-ness on to your own future-children you’ve got to process it and make a decision about your parents in your future-kids life. To cut your parents from your life is a legitimate and powerful choice that needs to be recognized, it does not make you an angry person or immature or bad. It is a choice that actually takes a ton of self awareness and is one that can lead the most free and beautiful life you could imagine. You shouldn’t spend your life in chains to the random clan you were born into. Family is not a virtue, family is earned.
This whole family-is-virtuous propaganda is so entirely outdated,medieval. I think more and more kids are now realizing this, which means even more for the future. Can you even begin to imagine a world where we all drop abusive people and everyone processes their abuse and DOES NOT pass any of it on? That is freedom, that is true happiness and that is something to actually work on achieving in your lifetime.
Ooh, what a fun list! I think you’ve totally nailed it, Gala. I sort of have my own list floating around in my head – swim with dolphins, ride an elephant, get beautiful tattoos, etc etc – and now it’s longer than ever, you’ve inspired me!
And, oh my god, Rabbit, YES. YES YES YES thank you so much for saying that!
#25 just helped me so much you don’t even know. Thank you.
I’ve already done 17 out of 25. I think that’s a pretty good start, no?
As for #1, my father used to ride a motorcycle and back in 1982 when my parents where still married, they were riding (my mom in the back) and were hit by a car. And it’s not like my father was inexperienced or anything, he had been riding for over 15 years at the time of the accident. My mother was pregnant at the time and lost the baby, and broke her leg in three places. She was in the hospital for almost a year and even to today you can still see the effects of the crash when she walks. She made me swear to her that I would never get on a motorcycle for as long as I live.
On a lighter note, I do have experience with number 41! My boyfriend is from Belarus and speaks Russian, only learning a little English recently (and we’re 21!). His family only speaks Russian, French, and Japanese so the language barrier has been interesting. I speak French so it helps a little. He’s been helping me with my Russian and I’ve been helping him with his English. Even with the language differences we’ve been together over two years and it’s wonderful.
Reading this list makes me realize what a full life I have already lived. I’ve done everything on the list and just have a few to add. It’s a nice feeling to know that you are truly happy in your present life…Of course, a girl still has dreams.
1. Go to Paris.
2. Live by the beach.
3. Attend NY Fashion week
4. Have a 30th wedding anniversary.
5. Be a boss.
6. Publish something
49 is a must in my life—non-negotiable!
i’ve only done a handful of these…and possibly no. 50, as well. (i was six, and it was either a dream or reality, not sure yet…)
41: my spanish teacher dated someone portuguese for a few years…she (caucasian) spoke in spanish, he spoke in portuguese…they didn’t understand each other perfectly, but they were in love, and together for seven (?) years.
this is my own list of 25 things to do before i die, compiled a few years ago: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/operation_/25things.jpg
These boots, riding inspiration: www.alpinestars.com/Stella_Arm…
yay, love this list. done most of them. I now want to:
Rent a pink Vespa for a few hours
Meet a panda
See a shuttle launch
Learn to sail
Meet Salma Hayek & Gala D
Ride a zipline
Start a blog
Find a job working at a college
Rabbit — I COMPLETELY agree that family is a privilege, not a right. I know a lot of people who have broken ties with their families & couldn’t be happier. When I say forgive, though, I just mean let the anger go — not that you have to approve of what they did, or repeat any patterns, or even speak to them ever again. It’s more about emotional freedom than anything, if that makes sense.
Gala,
Thank you for your response. It is great to hear your heartening response on an issue that doesn’t get talked about that I feel passionately over. I agree that it is best to let the anger go (after it is truly felt and listened to.)
I am all about emotional freedom, whether that comes from confronting your parents and trying to make a better relationship,cutting them out completely or whatever it may be. I think more people should think about their own freedom, it’s sad how it’s something we often do not consider.
Rabbit — Absolutely. I feel very strongly that the only people we should associate with — as much as possible — are those who are positive influences, make us feel good, challenge us to grow, etc. Life is way too short to feel bound to someone who makes you feel bad, family or not.
Exactly, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you Gala, you have inspired me to pen a blogpost about this issue! It is such a tricky one to talk about and really gets people’s defenses going..and rightly so as it is pretty rough to think about. Also- just realized my link was wrong as I’ve been commenting here, oopsie better to catch late than never!
what a great list… the first 25, i think i’ve done most all of them… and worth every bit of it. as far as the younger guy goes, i married a man 8 years younger than me, (also from a different country.. but he speaks perfect English) and after dating loads of age appropriate guys, i found that he’s just as mature as them (where it counts) and i really enjoy the immature moments too.
:)
Ride on the back of a motorcycle is still a great one even if you do have your own bike and ride it more often!
However – motorcycle gear is abysmal and a total rotten downer on wardrobe shenanigans – to say nothing of yuckky helmet hair.
If there are any motorcycle glamourzons with advice – or for that matter a Gala-Guide ….. :)
gala-
thank you soo much for this list! i really needed to see “live in a foreign country”. i’ve done this before- i moved to japan from the US when i was nine and last summer i moved to morocco by myself for a few months at the age of 19…but in 3 weeks i am moving to egypt. all by myself. for at least two years. i’ve spent the past few days second-guessing my decision because of all the going-away fun i’ve been having at home, but it’s a little late for that—i hae a one-way ticket to cairo in hand! anyway, thank you for reminding me that this is what i want to do, and what i’m passionate about, and something that needs to be done, and not for anyone else, but for me. thanks for helping me be fearless!
E — Trust me, a motorcycle style guide is in the works :D I think about the whole thing constantly!
hubby — That is awesome & so exciting! I am really proud of you, well done!
At a time when I pretty much needed a reminder of how fab life still is no matter what gets thrown at me, to be able to tick off almost every other thing on this shortlist makes me smile. THANK YOU FOR BEING BRILLIANT
I feel really accomplished having read that!
Once upon a time I was kicked out of the military, and upon realizing that I was going home with a lot of new experiences, I made a lot lot LOT of lists. Now I want to go find them and dig them out!
This is one of the most fulfilling article reading experiences I’ve had in awhile. Thanks, Gala! Oh, and so far so good… not only do I agree with the things that have made the list and why but I’m 25 for 25! Living the good life.
Mwah
Man, this post has made me feel so good about myself because I have been fortunate enough to experience most of the things on this list in my short lifetime. (Not to sound like a culture-snob or anything!)
This is a perfect blueprint for living one’s life.
I think the most liberating thing that happened to me was realising that sitting around waiting for life to happen wasn’t the way the world actually worked. I was so busy waiting for the lightbulb moment I had forgotton it was actually me who needed to flick the switch!
Completely on a whim I moved to America – by myself – from small town New Zealand. I’d never even left the South Island. I met my idol, I got involved in something I was passionate about and now have a successful career in. Every day I am inspired and every day I think about how blessed I am. I’m not lucky, because I worked my arse off to be where I am and created opportunities for myself. I’m just a kid from the sticks who realised the only person holding myself back was me. I pinch myself every day.
The Nike ads were right: Just do it. Plan your work, execute your plan. Always have a goal or a dream you’re working toward achieving to keep ourself motivated.
Next year I want to move back to New York City and live the life I see in movies. So I’m going to.
This was seriously inspiring! I’ve still got a long way to go, but this was kind of an eye opener, loved it! And I’ve got to say I’m pretty proud to have done number 42 twice already (and I’m only 20 years old!).
As for number 47, I was unbelievably scared about doing it but it definitely made me enjoy the place I was visiting so much more and see it in a completely different way! I did it when I went to NYC, I spent the morning at a museum, checking everything out at my own pace, taking pictures, some shopping… it was lovely!
Your blog is amazing! Please keep all the inspiration coming!
xx
After reading this I realised there is so much more to life than I brought up to believe. My parents only encouraged me to do one thing on this list (learn to drive) and I haven’t even done that yet! I’m 25 and can only tick about 3 or 4 things off that list. It made me realise that if I am to be truly happy i need to experience things for myself, because subscribing to their restrictive view of the world will only limit me and make me feel guilty when I don’t live up to their old fashioned ideals.
Thank you Gala, you’re quite inspirational!
Great article Gala, it really inspired me. I can’t wait to read part 2!
Interesting to read the comments about family — & Gala, yes! It’s been good to have that communication open. While I agree about ‘dropping abusive people’ to some extent, after a long withdrawal from my parents I decided I’d rather take the plunge and help us ALL evolve. Shutting them down was an option, but I wanted my family & I wanted them to grow and understand why what they did wasn’t ok. No one ever taught them, I managed to figure some things out & help them understand, and we’re all the better for it – they’re certainly better with their grandkids!
I hope the next list includes: START A BAND! Being in a band & performing constantly on stage changed my life and gave me a self confidence and presence I’ll never lose.
Thanks for the amendment Gala!
5 things left to do from here
48. Buy a toolkit & learn how to use the things in it
46. Spend a day at the best spa you can afford
40. Meet one of your idols
34. Give time to a cause you believe in
30. Become a better public speaker
and in my book:
1.Spend more time with dad(whos on the other side of the world and lonely)
2.Move to Barcelona
3.Move to Paris
4.Shoot for Vogue
5.trevel asia (Cambodia, Japan, mongolia, macau, honk kong, indonesia, malasia)
6.Perfect my chinese and spanish
7.learn french
8.make enough money to take my dad traveling with me!
9. find someone who shares my need for nomad lifestyle and is more experienced than me with it (its hard ive lived in 4 completely different countries and speak 5 languages, im 24)
10. finish this damn honours research and get into PhD next year
11. do loads more physical excersise
12. and live to see the day when ALL HIGH HEELS COME IN SIZE 42! what is a girl to do when she looovee very high heels and they mostly dont exist in her size!
So far I’ve done all but 2 on the list. Can’t wait to see the next 25!
I think in the next 25 there should be one item that says something about “learn how to dj.” And not just ipod or laptop djing, I’m talking old school mixer and two turntables. Trust me, it’s a skill every gal should know. ; )
Riding on the back of a motorcycle is probably one of the most amazing experiences ever!
I was always too scared to do it, until around the beginning of the year when hung over as hell I needed a lift home from a friend’s house in the morning.
We drove around the bays in wellington, awesome!!
I actually have somewhat experienced 41! I was only 13, and it wasn’t much, but I had a little camp romance with the cute Korean exchange student who spoke little English. One of the cutest memories I have is when I kissed him on the cheek on the bus ride back. Never got back in touch with him, but I still remember the cute faces he made at me!
I love this post! Especially number 25 :D
21 of 25 things of your list! and im only 22yrs
i have two list that i have to do
the first one is
things to do before i get married
witch is ride a singles cruiser to the Bahamas
visit Germany and have sex with a German, sounds crazy but i wanna to do it, etc etc etc…
and one of the things i wanna to do in my entire life is to have a baby my doctor told me that i can’t get pregnant but i know some day someone is gonna found the way… then to open my own business in my Interior Designer one! i study that and i really wanna work in that area. here at my town theirs no one who wanna pay someone to decorate their house or business …
and i don’t wanna end my life in my hometown i wanna go bigger maybe Europe or something Chic
good list i can’t wait for the second part!
Loving the Lloyd Hughes photo on this :D he’s on of my favourites… have a couple of his prints on my wall! x
47 has made me smile lots because I have just quit my job and handed my notice in on my flat and have decided to move to australia and travel around for a year by myself! I’m terrified and extatic at the same time! Thanks Gala x x
Surely a t-shirt with ‘all unicorn vomit, all the time’ must be now brought into existence?
I’m currently saving up to volunteer in Peru (aah!) but in the meantime I’m gonna go speeding and mull over dating someone younger than me…
Amelia – I’m totally with you on the t-shirt idea!
Amelia & shells — I’m envisioning “ALL UNICORN VOMIT ALL THE TIME” in sparkly holographic text…
Yes!
This will be done…
what about dating someone with tattoos AND doesn’t speak your language? :) I was thrilled I could tick off both at the same time ;)
I absolutely LOVE this list and the whole idea of it!
♥
And Gala said, “do it somewhere you’re supposed to, like a race track!”
So stop hating on the speeding!
Yes don’t do it on back roads and in the streets! Duh!
Gala is not encouraging death!
Read the whole paragraph next time.
LOVE you Gala!!
:DDD
Gala… you are so wonderful. A thousand thank yous would not be enough. I’M SENDING YOU POSITIVE VIBRATIONS! :)
It couldn’t be in anything other than sparkly holographic text!
I also had a thought that Unicorn Vomit would be a good name for a band that played sickly sweet bubblegum pop =D
Or maybe it would be a suitable name for a thrash metal band also…
I really enjoyed this i typed it up straight away on my typewriter and stuck it in my daily diary so i’ll be able to see it often
I think I’m finally ready for #25. What a liberating feeling! xo.
Omg I am in love with this list! There’s this website called 43 Things (http://www.43things.com) where you log in & basically have an online list of all the things you want to do. I took the 25 things & added it into that site. Now patiently waiting for the next 25 things.. thank you!!! `=O)
Wow!! Thanks for making me feel really, really accomplished. I know have a very interesting and exciting life (and I am very grateful for it!) and so do you, Gala. I have done everything on this list except the dating someone with visible tattoos and the using a toolkit.
The ones I think are the most important are these:
47, 46, 44, 43, 42, 41, 33, 34, 29, 25
Fantastic.
I’ll add one!
-Find a writer who makes you proud. Proud of what can be up to you. Find a writer from your own country who makes you feel proud to be a part of it. Find a writer who shares your ethnic/cultural background or is part of a sub-culture you identify with. If you’re a woman, find a really good female writer. The key is finding someone whose work makes you content with yourself. It’s a great feeling.
Hmmmmm. I have been waiting for part deux… Is it in the works? ;)
My Boyfriend is from Brazil. English is his 3rd language.
Last week I told him I wanted a watch for our one year anniversary. He said, “No! You can’t.”
“I can’t what?”
“Go to one year university.”
as a respond to number 41. I have went on a date with a guy (Julio) that didn’t speak much English. I don’t speak very much Spanish either. Despite the language barrier we had an amazing time. Sometimes it was tough to explain things to each other and ask questions but that just caused us to think more about our actions. We spent the afternoon at this huge garden and most of our communication was in the form of oohs and ahhs. If I didn’t understand what he said then I had fun imagining the romantic words that may have been meant. It was like a fairy tale.