It’s 2025, and after the whirlwind of 2024 — selling our home, packing up our life, and feeling every ounce of exhaustion and emotion that comes with such a big change — life has finally settled down. And here I am, back at the keyboard where I belong. I’ve missed you all! So let’s catch up — here’s where life has taken us lately.
What’s on your Bucket List?
Merriam-Webster defines a bucket list as “a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying.” But here’s what I keep wondering: Why do so many people wait until tragedy strikes — or life gives us a scare — before we start crossing things off that list?
I say make that list now. Let it be part of living your best life.
One of our wise daughters actually has her kids make a summer bucket list as soon as school’s out each year. They get right to work — lemonade stands, backyard s’mores, mini golf, and the occasional big dream like “go to Disneyland” or “fly to the moon.” Not everything gets crossed off, but they have so much fun dreaming and doing.
Honestly, I wish I’d done something like that when our kids were little. Watching our daughters parent inspires me constantly — they’re so creative and intentional. But I digress. My point is: bucket lists aren’t just for grownups or “someday.” They’re for right now.
Why a Bucket List Matters
I came across a quote from Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, University of Wisconsin, that really hit home:
“In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get on autopilot and lose touch with those deeper yearnings — those longings that may have been with you since childhood. Reflecting on a bucket list helps us reconnect with what truly gives our lives meaning. Think of it as a North Star guiding your journey.”
She also said that a bucket list should evolve as you do. It’s not just about doing things — it’s about who you become while doing them. Isn’t that beautiful?I came across a quote from Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, University of Wisconsin, that really hit home:She also said that a bucket list should evolve as you do.It’s not just about doing things — it’s about who you become while doing them. Isn’t that beautiful?
How MS Changed My Perspective
If you’ve been following my story, you know I’ve lived with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 20 years. MS brings its fair share of challenges — numbness, weakness, vertigo, brain fog, and that unpredictable “can’t-feel-my-feet” kind of fatigue — but it’s also been an unlikely teacher.
It’s taught me to slow down, to notice what really matters, and to live as authentically as I can. My priorities haven’t changed much — family, friends, and health — but my sense of urgency has.
I’m not racing the clock, but MS has a way of reminding you that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
So I’ve learned to say “yes” more often, to add things to my list that bring me joy, and to stop waiting for the perfect time — because the perfect time is now.
Big Dreams & Small Joys
Bucket lists don’t have to be grand or glamorous. Sure, maybe you dream of traveling to Italy or writing a book (I see you, dreamers!).
But they can also be simple and soulful:
- Interview a grandparent
- Learn how to can summer fruit
- Spend a weekend in a cozy cabin
- Surprise someone with a random act of kindness
The beauty of a bucket list is that it doesn’t just capture what you want to do — it captures who you want to become.
A Surprise Addition: Iceland
Sometimes, things end up on your bucket list after you’ve already done them. That’s what happened to me with Iceland.
We recently traveled there, and honestly — it should be on everyone’s list. The breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear water, and warmth of the Icelandic people restore your faith in humanity.
What made it even more special was sharing it with our son and his new wife, one of our daughters, our oldest grandson, and a group of their incredible friends who they (and we now) call family. It was a trip that filled my heart and reminded me how grateful I am for the people I love.
Start Yours Today
My own list is modest compared to this incredible one from A Shot of the World, but it’s got me thinking — maybe I started too late, or maybe I just need to dream a little bigger.
Either way, I’m going to pull mine out, cross off what I’ve done, and add a few more.
So tell me — what’s on your list?
While you’re thinking about it, here’s something delicious to try — a recipe we whipped up for the Super Bowl (and yes — there are no beans in this one!).
Spicy Beer Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- ½ lb Chorizo
- 1 Yellow Onion Chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Small Can Poblano Peppers
- 1 Small Can Diced Green Chiles
- 1 Small Can Diced tomatoes with spices
- 1 Envelope Taco seasoning Try homemade – I recommend this one: https://kristineskitchenblog.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
- 1 Tbsp Tijan Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Salt
- Salt & Pepper To taste
- ¼ Cup Flour
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- 1 Bottle Beer I like Corona, but any beer will do!
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 2 Cups Pico D'Gallo Or any red or green salsa will do
- 4 Oz Cream Cheese
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheese (+ extra cheese for serving if desired) Try mixing it up – Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack
For Serving
- 1 Avocado
- Dollop Sour Cream
- Corn Chips
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven set over medium-high heat, brown the meat, garlic and onions all over, breaking up the meat as you go. Season with salt, pepper, Tijan seasoning and garlic salt
- Add the peppers, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Pour in the beef broth, add the beer and bring to a simmer until the soup thickens a bit
- Pour in the cream
- Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and add to the soup, stirring until incorporated
- Add the salsa and the shredded cheese. Stir to melt, 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add water to thin it out. If its not thick enough, make a slough wuth flour (or cornstarch) and water and add to thicken.
- Serve with extra cheese, avocado, sour cream and corn chips!
Notes
Final Thought
Don’t wait for a wake-up call to start living fully. Make the list, live the list, and savor every step along the way. Because life’s too short not to make s’mores — or memories. 🤎
