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Bucket List -- Things Still to Do

Here's the bucket. Now fill it up. Just a couple of days ago, I posted (You've Got) Personality where I detailed some of the "100+ Interesting, Exciting and Fun Things That You May Not Have Known About Brian."

I appreciate the wonderful response and many glowing comments that I received. This list of experiences and achievements certainly makes me unique and helps define and shape me as a person and an individual. We all have terrific experiences in life that help create our character. What seems like a small accomplishment to us may often inspire or motivate someone else. I reposted this list on my outside blog today and have linked my biography or "about us" page to this list with an admonishment to "Click here to learn more about Brian Block than you ever wanted to know." My hope is that this will help me connect with my clients and future clients. People will get to know me on a professional as well as a personal basis before they ever set foot in my office or I walk into their home. I hope that it will help us to connect.

Now, I thought I'd post up selections from my actual "Bucket List" -- that is the things that I still want to do in my life, the experiences and adventures I want to pursue. Who knows? Maybe some of you can help me achieve these goals.

My Bucket List, or Things to Do During My Life
by Brian Block

1. Take my parents to watch tennis at the U.S. Open

2. Watch a tennis match at Wimbledon

3. Swim with dolphins

4. Be in a movie

5. Write a novel

6. Learn to play an instrument well

7. Spend New Year’s in an exotic location

8. Drive across the United States from coast to coast

9. Visit every state in the U.S.

10. Visit every continent (including Antartica)

11. Go to Rio de Janeiro during Carnival

12. Go up in a hot-air balloon

13. Visit Israel again

14. Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty (never made it all the way as a child but have since gotten over my fear of heights)

16. Visit a volcano in Hawaii

17. Milk a cow by hand

18. Bicycle 100 miles in one day

19. Study the major world religions

20. Dance Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

21. See the Pyramids in Egypt

22. Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

23. Take more University classes just for fun

24. Ride in a gondola in Venice, Italy (not at The Venetian in Las Vegas)

25. Have children (1-4)

26. Read all of Shakespeare

27. Learn how to scuba dive

28. Visit Tahiti

29. Go on a safari in Africa

30. Walk on the Great Wall of China

31. Ride the Orient Express

32. Take a train ride across United States

33. Read the entire Bible

34. Run for a local political office

35. Have a house custom-built

36. Shoot 85 or below for a round of golf

37. Ride in a helicopter

38. Visit Niagara Falls

39. Take a cruise through the Panama Canal

40. Go to Easter Island

41. See the Taj Mahal

42. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

43. Teach a college course

44. Run a mile in 6 minutes or less (I've done it before. I'd like to be able to do it again)

45. Bench press 300 pounds (I better stop blogging and get to the gym!)

46. Go see a polo match

47. Learn to play at least one song on the piano

48. Attend the Olympics

49. Learn to blow glass

50. See every movie that won a best picture Academy Award

51. Work on a political campaign (hopefully for the winner!)

52. Stand on the equator

53. Learn to paint (well)

54. Compose and record a song

55. Finish a triathalon

56. Fly into space

57. Pose for an oil paint portrait

58. Act in a play

59. Stay awake for 48 hours straight (why? I don't know.)

60. Coach a team

61. Be invited to a White House state dinner

What's on Your Bucket List?

Posted by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate on 01/23/2008 09:26 AM

Comments (76)

bucket list, brian block, things to do, marketing, blog, blogging

76 Comments on Bucket List -- Things Still to Do

JAN

2008

Brian, I really enjoyed your prior post, although it made me feel like I really need to get busy! I'm not surprised your "bucket list" is equally impressive.Very interesting mix of things.....gets me thinking :-)

Colleen

Brian- I have a long bucket list and it so similar to yours! I guess I should post it but I am on this run with posts helping agents with their blogging and have so much to get out there about SEO and stuff that my head is spinning. I too, want to travel to every state that I have not already been too but I also want to take Nestor and Tristan to all the states that I have lived in and visited. I have been on most continents but now I want to go to more countries within those continents. TAHITI! My dream is to go to Tahiti and do nothing but enjoy and write a book. I always imagined myself writing a book sitting in a beach hut in Tahiti! Swim with the dolphins is on my list too. It is scary how similar our bucket lists are! Katerina

Brian - I tell you what, this is worthy of some very deep thought. I need to see the movie and now you've inspired two copycat posts from yours truly.....

Your #2-Watch a tennis match at Wimbledon caught my attention. I use to live in England, when I was a kid, and my parents did take me to see Jimmy Conner and John McEnroe play there. It was exciting and fun..hadn't thought about that in a long time. Thanks for bringing back some memories.

Hi Brian... you have a most excellent bucket list, very ambitious and sounds like a ton of fun. I hope you get to do all or at least most of them. Thanks for sharing.

What! Another list? I'm still recovering from reading your last one : ) I have no doubt you will accomplish all that is on your list....but then what will you do next year?

Brian,

Are you telling me there are over 60 things more important to you than 'meeting Fran Gaspari in person'!!! LOL Thanks, Fran

BTW, my bucket is leaking!!!

P.S. I'd bend over backwards to see that leaning tower!!!

Brian - I keep hearing about this movie from different friends of mine. I guess "See the movie 'The Bucket List'" needs to be on my bucket list. As for your list here, you clearly put a lot of thought into this. I was happy to see that I have accomplished four of these items (25, 33, 58, and 59). Thanks for the interesting post.

What a great list, Brian! Some of the things on your list can be done pretty quickly and easily (like milking a cow by hand, riding in a helicopter, going up in a hot air balloon). Some of them you will accomplish once you've done something else (like, once you have children, you'll naturally want to coach some of their sports teams and take them to visit exotic places). I think the thing I liked most about your list is that it included things that many of us have thought about doing but never seriously considered! I, for one, would absolutely LOVE to teach a college course. Maybe you are giving me incentive to jump on my own "bucket list" - so there will be no regrets! Thanks for this post. It was great!

~Renae - Market 4 Real!

Brian...this is a great excersise my wife and I are going to do...thanks for the post.

WoW, That's a very admirable and intriguing list, Brian! It looks like you've got a very exciting life ahead of you in the coming years....

Brian, The one that caught my eye was RIDE ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. I always thought that I would want to do that too but I think that I might be afraid to go where it goes.

I hope your BUCKET LIST doesn't mean that you've just gotten some unwanted news.

I have a book on my bookshelf near my bed 1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. If I accomplish this I won't have any time for a bucket list.

Bill Roberts

Brian - Impressive! (Guess I'd better go see that movie). I hope my children have a list that includes taking me to watch a tennis match at Wimbledon. LOL Maybe you could send them a copy of your list to inspire them.

Brian, I enjoyed your "other list". I haven't seen the movie but get the "gist" of it. I haven't made a "bucket list" but have been thinking about it. I love this list - I have completed 13 items on your bucket list does that count :)

Brian, You have quite a list there.... Since my latest goal it the run a marathon I joined the Team in Training and will be doing the Rock & Roll Marathon on June 1st. If I were a cyclist I would have chosen the Century Ride
around Lake Tahoe on the same date... They are still looking for recruits.

Hey...in 1986 I drove from Upper State NY (Plattsburgh) to Sacramento CA with my kids (they were 4/5 at the time) alone...just us three. That was an experience I'll not forget.

You have a lot of traveling....I guess it would be just one thing on my list...but a very big one...travel to every place in the world I have seen on National Geographic, Travel Channel and the History Channel :)

P.S. I love your lists...completed and the to do...thanks.

Brian-YEA I've done a number of the things on your bucket list. So I guess I had better build myself one to take me through the next few decades. The #1 on my list is to be alive and well to see great-grandchildren. Now considering I only have one 16 month old grand-duaghter I guess I have to add live to be a 100 as well!

My husband and I were both really impressed with the movie The Bucket List and the stunning performances by both actors. One of our parents has recently been diagnosed with reoccuring cancer so the movie really hit homefor us and our bucket list now includes trying to complete some of what is on their bucket list!

COLLEEN: Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you reading both of these posts and I'm sure you have some interesting things on your list as well.

KATERINA: How interesting that we have many goals and aspirations in common. Travel is a big part of my wish list of things to do. A while back I bought the book 1000 Places to See Before You Die and have enjoyed reading about and visiting many of these places. The adventures have only begun.

Brian, What a list! I am a little older than you, so I have an advantage...but I am pleased that I have done 7 of the things on your list and probably have most of the others on my "bucket list". Thanks again for sharing.

This is a great list....we all have a list of things that we would like to do but sadly, many of us get too caught up in life to get around to them. Stop, enjoy life, and cross some things off your bucket list!

Absolutely outstanding! I wish you luck in filling that "bucket." That was the best movie I had seen in a long time and I believe it got everyone thinking about their bucket list!

JASON: Looking forward to seeing your posts and to actually seeing the movie as well.

JAN

2008

CHELLE: Now, there's two magnificent tennis players, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe, that I would have loved to see playing live in their heyday. I used to watch their marathon matches on television and their was a grace and flair to their play that I find missing in many of today's players. One day I'll make it to Wimbledon and enjoy strawberries and cream on Center Court.

MARTI: Thanks for your comments. I hope I get to do the bulk of these things as well. And I'm constantly adding to the list too. As I was compiling this for the post, it was the first time I had reviewed the list in about a year and I moved over about half a dozen items to my "been there, done that" list!

SANDRA: I guess I'll just have to make another list for 2009!

FRAN: I'd love to meet, of course, but that goes at #62! Actually, these are not in any kind of order.

JASON: Thanks for your comments. I'm glad to hear that you've accomplished several of these things yourself. I know that you stayed awake for 48 hours straight -- that was when you had a 2 day all-out blogging marathon on Active Rain, right? I've seen some of those comment threads...

RENAE: Thanks for your wonderful comment. I agree that there are certain of these things that can be accomplished rather easily. Having the list reminds me of my goals and things to do. I hope that you achieve all of your goals too.

PAT: I'd love to see what you come up with after doing this exercise.

WOW - What a LIST. and thanks for an idea for a blog post! hehe

I have done: 3 16 24 37 38 42 and I did 47 once - but couldn't do it again. Some you can do together like 16 and 37.

This is a great list, I will have to put a some of these on my list.

Heather

Brian - Great list with lots of variety and depth. Let us know when you check something off the list!

Hey Brian, that is a great list. I've personally done a few of the things that are on your bucket list, but I'll have to take the time and create a new one for myself. I made one a few years back, but I have no idea where it's at. I'll post it after I make a new one.

Things I've done from your list:

3. Swim with dolphins

17. Milk a cow by hand

23. Take more University classes just for fun

25. Have children (1-4)

34. Run for a local political office

48. Attend the Olympics

51. Work on a political campaign (hopefully for the winner!)

55. Finish a triathalon

58. Act in a play

60. Coach a team

Read all of Shakespeare? Lord you must be a glutton for punishment. Almost as fun as a sharp stick in the eye! LOL -- Do the balloon - lotsa fun - had 5 kids - great but glad when the last move out - Equator is cool - 6 minute mile takes a lot of work - Helicopters are cool - Reading the Bible is better than Shakespeare - The Falls are cool from both sides - Acting is fun - Coaching kids sports is very rewarding - Politics, crapped out - Milking a cow by had brings back childhood memories - Scuba diving is cool if your ears can take it - Swimming with dolphins in the ocean is very cool - Maids Gras is fun but watch your wallet and hangovers can kill ya - I plan to do the great wall this year. Good list - I have lived my life so that one day when I am sitting on the porch with some other old farts I can tell them what it was like to do. . . .

Brian, I can help you out with #22 :)

JO: Thanks for your comment. I do have a lot to look forward to in the future.

BILL: I've got that same book and love reading through the many exciting ideas for places to visits and things to do in that book. In fact, after my trip to Thailand the other year, I was able to check off about 4 places in the book. It is a great guide to adventure and travel. No, no unwanted news, Thank God!

MARGARET: My parents are huge tennis players and I know how much they would appreciate a gesture like that. It would be a surprise, since I don't think they even know I have this list.

JO: I'm quite impressed that you've completed 13 of these items. Thanks for reading and commenting on this and my other list.

Ok...so that's wierd...I think there's more stuff I've done on this list than the other list...8,12,27,35,37 & 58 :)

DAN: Good luck with training for and running the marathon. I ran the Marines Corps Marathon back in 2004. It was a great experience and a great sense of accomplishment. I've thought about doing it again.

SALLY: Thanks for your comments. I do love to travel. There is so much to see in the world and you learn so much and really broaden the horizons with each new place that you visit. There's no better education. While travel to exotic places can be fun and exciting, there's also so much to see right here in the United States. I've been to many places in the U.S. but would love to take some time and do a cross-country trip and visit more. I appreciate you taking the time to look at both my lists.

JAN

2008

CINDY: Thanks for reading and commenting. Living a long life and being an active part in your children's, grandchildren's, and hopefully great grandchildren's lives is a very admirable goal. Here's to long life!

DEB: Thanks for your comment. I hope that your family member regains their health and continues on to long and healthy life. And I hope that you achieve all of your dreams and desires.

KATHI: Thanks for stopping by and reading both my lists.

SAL: It is so true that life gets busy at times and we neglect the things that are important. That's why I have this list hanging right next to my desk as a constant reminder.

KELLY: Thanks for your comment. I really need to go see the movie now.

JAMES: You've done quite a bit yourself. How many have you done on my other list?

HEATHER: Thanks for your comment. Good for you for making a list of your own.

NORMA: I'll let you know when I check some of these things off the list. Thanks for your comment.

CORY AND MICHELLE: Thanks for reading and letting me know about your accomplishments. You forgot to mention that you have 7 children!

MICHAEL: I agree with you. When I'm sitting around in the nursing home or with my future grandchildren, I'll want to reminisce with them about all the good times and great experiences.

LISA: Are you offering a place to stay during Mardi Gras? I'll bring some beads...

SHANNON: Thanks for your comment. Scuba diving is something that's been on my list for quite some time and I keep telling myself that this will be the year that I finally learn.

Brian, you mean you never did a 48-hour straight thing in college or law school?

PATRICIA: I think I came close -- maybe 30 or 36 hours. However, all night study sessions don't really count. This would be staying up 2 days straight with a more fun purpose.

JAN

2008

You have a very diverse bucket list Brian. After everything you have already done, it is amazing you can still come up with 100 things to do!

JAN

2008

GINGER: I continually add to this list. One of my friends just invited me to go hang gliding later this year. I'm not sure I'm up to it, nor was it something I ever considered, but he said him and his wife love it.

APR

2008

Brian:

Here are our common Bucket List items....

2. Watch a tennis match at Wimbledon

4. Be in a movie

5. Write a novel

7. Spend New Year's in an exotic location

9. Visit every state in the U.S. (I've completed about 60% of that goal.)

21. See the Pyramids in Egypt

29. Go on a safari in Africa

30. Walk on the Great Wall of China

33. Read the entire Bible

34. Run for a local political office

35. Have a house custom-built

36. Shoot 85 or below for a round of golf

38. Visit Niagara Falls (This would be part of #9)

39. Take a cruise through the Panama Canal

48. Attend the Olympics (My goal is London 2012! Maybe....I'll see ya there!)

57. Pose for an oil paint portrait

60. Coach a team (However....I want to win a Championship!)

61. Be invited to a White House state dinner

I'd also like to have some ownership in a real estate company, own Carolina Panther PSL Seats and meet Brian Block in person!

Once I have my own list organized........I will post it to The Rain.

My to do list:

Appear on the CBS Morning Show and sit next to Harry Smith on the couch!

Brian, I like the bucketlist idea. Was it the movie that inspired you? I haven't seen the movie, I bet you have? I am going to have to start my own list. Hey! I have 4( I had 4 children by the time I was 24, lol) children, that's a start!

DAVID: Seems like we've got a lot in common. Anytime you want to meet me, just come on up to the D.C. area.

CHAD: Of course, I was close recently, but not in studio.

VICKIE: Thanks for your comment. Actually haven't seen the movie yet... waiting for DVD. The movie did inspire me to post this, but I had these lists written for several years already. 4 children -- that's a huge accomplishment.

JUL

2008

number 11 is my best! I've been dreaming of going to Rio for the Carnival!

Your 100 miles in a bycicle, that's something I would love to do. I don't live that far from you, so when you are ready, maybe we can try it out since doing alone is not much fun. Unless you know lots of people who are willing to do the same.

JUL

2008

Brian: You have put together such a great list of stuff to do. I am glad that this is not my list, though. If it were, I'd have completed four items, and only had 57 more to go. Yikes.

25 - have children (1-4). 38 - visited Niagara Falls. 47 - learn to play at least one song on the piano. 59 - stay awake for 48 hours straight (when I was in college.) Different strokes... etc. Thanks for sharing... it's a cool list.

ANDY: Thanks for reading. I may take you up one day for that bike ride.

KAREN ANNE: Thanks for your comments. I'm working on a few of these items (oh and I finally saw the movie this weekend).

AUG

A lot of things on your list have to do with travel. That would be on my list, too. I have done 4 things on your bucket list: Milk a cow by hand; take university classes for fun; had 2 children; stayed up for 48 hours (but I was 19 at the time.) Being a mom is the best thing I have done.

OCT

Loved the list - thanks for sharing it w/all. I stole a few things & added it on mine :)> KM

NOV

Brian - I just came from Tracy's post about the Goddard List and just had to pop over to see your bucket list. As I looked through your list I was surprised that I've actually completed #22 Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, #25 Have children (1-4), #38 Visit Niagra Falls and #47 Learn to play one song on the piano (this is actually one of my biggest dreams which I just wrote a post about anc can't wait for my first piano lesson next week!) :-) Now I'm off to make my own list!

Cool,

Somehow I missed the bucket list - just ran into the Goddard List. I'm working on mine as we speak.

FEB

I'm doing a sales meeting about this very topic tomorrow! Also fun to read others' and see what you never even thought of - thats sounds appealing too!

JUN

Brian,

I've stayed up for 48 hours in a row. Trust me, it's over rated.

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