The Bucket List

I've been reading mixed reviews about Bucket Lists.  Some think Bucket Lists give the Lister a feeling of accomplishment in putting a "check" by the item on the list once completed.  Others say that Bucket Lists take away from life's adventures.  They limit spontaneity when there is this goal that has been set and does not allow for variety but keeps a person on a strict path until that goal is achieved.  I personally love a Bucket List.  Maybe it's because the items on my list are pretty simple.  Also, I am not a very goal driven person.  So I don't feel stress over "unchecked" items on my list.  These things are strictly on my list as one more reason to travel or do something fun.  Like I need an excuse to travel.  Ha!!
So, last year I put two major checks on my "Bucket List".  If I've written about this already you'll have to forgive me.  I've slept a few times in the past year!  First, I was fortunate enough to be in Terlingua, TX for New Year's last year.  On New Year's Day they have a big gathering in the Ghost Town (Terlingua Moon) and participants are invited to submit their best black eyed peas for the annual Black Eyed Pea Off.  I know this may sound hokey, but I cannot tell you how long I have wanted to do this!!  So when the opportunity presented itself I had to take part.
On New Year's Day the chopping and prepping began as I assembled my large pot of black eyed peas.  My dish is something I call Southern Caviar.  I'm sure you can find lots of names and variations for this dish on the Internet now.  But I've been making it for several years without the aid of the World Wide Web, so I'm claiming this dish!!  Long story short:  I entered the contest but did not win.  Nor did I even place in the competition.  But the feeling of accomplishment I got from entering was better than bringing home the trophy!  The hubs was so supportive.  He kept telling me, "There's no way you shouldn't have won.  Your peas were the best!"  He went on about this for several days!  It is so sweet to have your husband be so supportive over something as simple as a bean competition.  I married a great man!
But to me it is almost as much fun watching other people put checks on their bucket list.  The Hubs was recently able to put a biblical check on his "Bucket List" when we were able to paddle the Salt Flats, of West Texas.  The Salt Flats are dry lake beds that will usually hold some water after rains.  But because it hardly ever rains in West Texas the amount of water there is really unnoticeable.  Back in September, however, we had rains of biblical proportions.  Rains that would have inspired the Noah's of West Texas to start building arks.  The Hubs was on fire assignment in Yosemite National Park, but when he got home he had a tremendous surprise waiting for him.  The Salt Flats were no longer dry beds but beautiful pools of Caribbean blue colored waters.  These pools were huge too.  They were large enough to kayak on.  And kayak we did.

We always heard stories of the great rains back in the 60s that filled the Salt Flats for weeks.  It has been told there was so much water that people brought their motorboats out to ride the Salt Flats.  There was skiing and swimming and excellent water activities that just don't exist in a dry desert.  When we heard these stories The Hubs said, "I'm gonna do that one day.  I'm going to paddle the Salt Flats!"  I don't know who had more fun that day.  Me watching him paddling the flats or him actually putting a check on his Bucket List.  Either way, I will always remember that day.
So to me the Bucket List is just a carrot dangling out there to chase.  It gives you something to look forward to and to work towards.  Until I find it no longer rewarding I will always be trying to put a "check" on my Bucket List.