My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die

My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die

One of the best “side effects” of The Bucket List Project is hearing all the different bucket list dreams people often share with me. To see their faces light up as they describe the adventures, travels, or projects they want to complete makes my heart happy. Occasionally people will share with me a bucket list item that makes even me think, “Really? You must be crazy! I would never want to do that.” Now don’t get me wrong, I would probably do anything if I am inspired or incentivized and I would NEVER tell anyone that the things they dream of doing are wrong, but there are things that just don’t excite me or even perhaps scare me a little bit. I consider this My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die.

So what is on My Anti-Bucket List and why don’t I want to do them?

Below is My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die from A to Z. Not all of the items on My Anti-Bucket List are a definite NO. Therefore, I rated them from 1 Thumb’s Down for “would probably do it if it was free” to 3 Thumbs’ Down for “would only do it for a million dollars!”

A is for Acupuncture Thumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Does anyone else have images of Pinhead from the movie Hellraiser when thinking about acupuncture? Now I am not scared of needles but the idea of being stabbed by multiple hair like needles in certain pressure points just doesn’t sound like fun to me.

Eric Gamble running away from a Porcupine who wants to do acupuncture on him

The Anti-Bucket List is a hilarious list from Things from A to Z of things that Eric Gamble doesn't want to do before he dies! What is on your Anti-bucket list? #bucketlist #antibucketlist Click To Tweet

B is for Bungee JumpingThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Just because I entered the world attached to a cord doesn’t mean I have to leave the world attached to another cord! It’s weird because I really have no major fear of heights at all. However, I am not a big fan of falling. So the idea of strapping a giant rubber band to my ankles and trusting some carnival ride operator to keep me safe as I dive to the earth will never be on my bucket list.

C is for Century EggsThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

“I will not eat green eggs and ham, I will not eat them Eric, I am!”

Who doesn’t love eggs? Whether eating them boiled, scrambled, or as an omelet, eggs are one of my favorite breakfast foods. However, I don’t think I can stomach the idea of a Century Egg. Century Eggs, also known as preserved egg, hundred year egg, or thousand year egg are made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in an alkaline mixture of clay and other ingredients for several weeks to several months.

So what makes them so bad? Well, everything I have read describes them as having a dark green jelly like consistency for the outside while the yolk is green and oozes everywhere. Then, if that doesn’t convince you to forgo the delicacy, perhaps the strong smell of horse urine emanating from the eggs will stop you.

D is for Dye My HairThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I never really wanted to dye my hair any fun color as a kid – probably because I have a big old Charlie Brown head and never wanted to waste that much dye. Even now as I am older it doesn’t phase me that my dark brown hair is finally changing and fading away. Perhaps, this is because it is changing into the pre-destined Sam Elliot white that apparently my genetics has been gracious enough to give me.

E is for Eat Vegetarian/VeganThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

“Being a Vegetarian/Vegan is just a big Missed Steak!”

I love puns almost as much as I love bacon! Don’t get me wrong, I love veggies of all types but I have no desire to live solely on them forever. Perhaps this is because I just love eating a Cuban steak and New Orleans crawfish too much. So if you are vegetarian/vegan that is okay. Just lay off my double double animal style from In&Out!

Eric Gamble and Darcee Snider Gamble at the ultimate meat fest dinner

F is for Fugu SushiThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Food allergies are no fun – especially the two I have! Now I am not 100% sure, but I may be allergic to a poison called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide. Total bummer I know but I guess that means no Fugu for me. Fugu is a blowfish served in Japanese restaurants that has enough tetrodotoxin poison to kill 30 people if not served properly. Therefore, you have to trust that the chef serving you underwent the mandatory two to three years of training to obtain a fugu-preparing license and is not having an off day. Unfortunately for me, the type of training they go through has a weird side effect that stimulates my second food allergy. Their expertise raises the price of a full course fugu meal to $200 (USD) which makes me break out in hives!

Eric Gamble snorkeling amid a bunch of deadly Fugu Puffer fish

G is for GolfThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

“Golf is a good walk spoiled” ~H.S. Scrivener

Though originally attributed to Mark Twain, Scrivener originally wrote the quote in a 1903 book about lawn tennis. Either way, the quote holds true for me. I really don’t want to play golf. Now I love the idea of a golf outing. I mean what’s not to love about male bonding in a beautiful location, playing a competitive sport, while drinking and smoking cigars. But when it comes to the actual skill, I STINK!

H is for Hike EverestThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Hiking and climbing to the peak of a mountain can offer unbelievable views. But avalanches, rock slides, and losing my toes to frostbite seem a bit much even for an insane adventurer like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to explore the base camp and see the beauty. But I hate the cold and very much like living!

Eric Gamble climbing the Cliff Hangers Game from the Price is Right Game Show

I is for Ice FishingThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Did I mention I hate the cold?! Well I do. So to traverse across a frozen lake to sit in a wooden outhouse to catch fish out of a hole sounds like the worst vacation ever. If this sounds like heaven to you, then more power to you but leave me on a Caribbean island any day while you guys freeze to death.

J is for Jump Off a Cliff in a Wing SuitThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I think flying squirrels are some of the coolest looking creatures ever. But that doesn’t mean I want to emulate them. Perhaps this is because I hate the thought of plummeting to my death. Or maybe it is because I just don’t really want to jump off a cliff in a wing suit ever. Even with a really good travel insurance from World Nomads, it doesn’t sound like my idea of fun!



While it is common for most people to create a bucket list, are there things you DON'T want to do before you die? Eric Gamble came up with just a list – an Anti-bucket list and it is hilarious! #Antibucketlist #bucketlist Click To Tweet

K is for Kopi Luwak CoffeeThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I know this may sound strange but I don’t like coffee at all. My dad used to grind Cuban coffee beans every morning and then brew up a wonderfully smelling beverage. But it just isn’t my thing.

With Kopi Luwak Coffee, there is no budge in my view. If you don’t know, Kopi Luwak is coffee made from part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. That is right, coffee made from animal poop!

Eric standing behind an Elephant's butt waiting for his cup of Kopi Luwak Coffee

L is for Learn how to Fly a PlaneThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

My cousin Alex is a United States Naval Aviator, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. However, this has never created a desire in me to learn how to fly a plane. I mean I drive like a reckless NASCAR car driver already. Can you imagine me flying in the air above your head like an insane maniac?

M is for MohawkThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Did I mention I have a big old Charlie Brown head? Growing up in the 80s with characters like Mr. T made having a Mohawk a tough guy thing. But I would end up looking more crazy like Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver than cool.

N is for the Ngwala CupThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I love The Adventurists and all the crazy races they put together! For those of you who don’t know, The Adventurists are the lunatics who developed the insane Rickshaw Run that Darcee and I participated in January of 2017.

However, they have one race that doesn’t interest me at all, the Kraken Cup (formerly known as the Ngwala Cup). Essentially, you take a dugout canoe made from a mango tree, add a bamboo mast, a sail and a couple of outriggers and you sail it towards the Indian Ocean racecourse of spice islands, deserted beaches and sand banks off the coast of Tanzania. Sorry I have no desire to be Tom Hanks in Castaway.

O is for Own a Motorcycle or Dirt BikeThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

My good friend Jason Hippler is an avid motorcycle rider and I love hearing his stories of riding around the country, but that is really the extent of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of taking a motorcycle on the open road or riding a dirt bike out on the trail. Not to mention, riders always look cool wearing their awesome helmets or the top dirt bike jackets. But, I took a motorcycle riding class and hated it. Perhaps it is because I drive a car like a maniac or maybe because my mom would kill me, but in this instance, being Evel Knievel is not on my bucket list.

P is for Piercing my BodyThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I have no desire to get my ears or any other body part pierced. This is probably because my earlobes are Dumbo floppy and they would look stupid on me. But in reality it’s more because I am a bit clumsy and I would be one of those horror stories where I get my piercing viciously ripped out in an accident of some sort.

Q is Quit Cigar SmokingThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I love smoking a good cigar. It’s been a vice of mine since college. It relaxes me and slows me down even just for one hour. Perhaps a good cigar is my version of Adderall that allows me to focus and pay attention to my friends. Plus, I AIN’T NO QUITTER!!

Eric Gamble smoking a cigar at Don Juan's Cigar in Metairie, Louisiana
Photo Taken by Geovanni Velasquez of Black and Geauxld Photography

R is for Run a RaceThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

If you ever see me running, I would advise you to start running too because something bad like a bear, a tidal wave, or a woman scorned is chasing me! Don’t get me wrong, I admire anyone, like my friend Joe Elfer, who signs up for a marathon or a 5k but it doesn’t interest me at all!

S is for SkydiveThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Back to that falling thing again. Not going to happen if I can help it. My good friend Steve always wanted to go skydiving so I surprised him with the opportunity to fulfill that Bucket List dream. However, like most people he got a bit nervous right before going up in the plane. Like an idiot, I offered to join him in solidarity to boost his courage. Thank God he didn’t need me and had the time of his life cause my pants don’t look good with pee all over them!

Eric Gamble, Ryan McCall, Lester Krobert, and Steve Krobert at Gold Coast Skydiving in Louisiana

T is for Tattoo my BodyThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

I really admire the artwork of tattoo artists. Some of the designs they come up with are truly beautiful. With that said, I don’t think I ever want to get a tattoo. I don’t think people with tattoos are any less, in fact I admire their desire to wear such amazing art. However, I am just too non-committal to a design. I would get a tat and then 2 days later want to erase it and get something different.

U is for U.F.O. HuntingThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Is there other life in our universe? I have no idea and I really have no desire to spend time exploring Roswell, crop circles, or other alien sighting locations. Don’t get me wrong, I love astronomy and star gazing. But I have seen what aliens do to unsuspecting alien hunters and just don’t want a prostate exam today.

Eric Gamble riding a mechanical Horse while UFO hunting as part of his anti bucket list

V is for Visit Austin, TexasThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

Ok so this is going to ruffle some feathers but the idea of Austin, Texas rubs me wrong. Perhaps it is because I am a New Orleans snob but Austin just seems like a hipster rip off. I just have no desire to see Austin City Limits or South by Southwest music festivals or to eat over priced food out of food trucks.

W is for Write a BookThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket listThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

One of the weirdest compliments I get from time to time is “you should write a book about your bucket list adventures!” Now don’t get me wrong, this is very flattering but I am no author. The idea of writing more than a blog article makes me sweat and my fingers cramp. So I will leave writing to the great authors of our time like E.L. James, L Ron Hubbard, or Nicholas Sparks.

X is for X-Mas Markets in EuropeThumbs Down

Ok so I cheated a little with X but Christmas (X-Mas) Markets just don’t excite me. Now, Darcee would sell my organs to explore the beautiful markets in Germany, Austria, Poland, or Czech Republic. The idea of strolling the illuminated stalls and sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine would definitely get her in the Christmas spirit. However it isn’t the reason I want to jump on a plane to travel to those destinations. X-MAS MARKETS, BAH HUMBUG!

Y is for YogaThumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

So I love to go the gym and train. It is a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress. But there is something about tying myself into a pretzel that just doesn’t sound fun. Again this is probably because I am kind of a spaz and I would be that guy in yoga class who ends up needing medical attention cause I went left when I should have gone right. Plus I don’t want to be ogled at by those heathen yoga women. I am not a piece of meat ladies!

Eric Gamble in a funny Yoga Position as part of his Anti-Bucket list

Z is for Zeppelin (the blimp not the band)Thumbs Down for the Anti bucket list

So Z was another tough letter. But some people that tell me they would love to ride the Goodyear Blimp (aka a Zeppelin). Now I love seeing a Zeppelin in the sky! However, to be stuck up there for several hours overlooking the Super Bowl from several miles away just doesn’t sound like a good time to me.

We all love dreaming of the many things on our bucket list. But are there things you would never do? Eric Gamble of the Bucket List Project has a few ideas and added it to his hilarious Anti-Bucket List! #bucketlist #antibucketlist Click To Tweet

So that is My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die from A to Z. Was there anything in the list above that you would definitely do or you have done? Tell me why I should change my mind! Also, what is on your Anti-Bucket List? Are there things you would never want do before you die? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

Pinterest Picture of Eric Gamble sharing one of many things on his Anti-Bucket List

Top Resources for Your Travel Bucket List

Some of the biggest questions people are always asking us is, how we are able to afford to travel so much? So to help, below, you will see some of our Favorite tools to help you tick off any bucket list travel items:

  • Flights: By now it should be pretty obvious that Travel is a major part of The Bucket List Project and is most likely a big part of yours. That is why one of our first stops when looking for flights anywhere is Kiwi. However, if you have time, we also recommend signing up with Dollar Flight Club! Through the daily emails they send us, we have used them to save on average about $350+ on Round trip internationally.
  • Accommodations: Not going to lie, we love renting unique accommodations from local hosts through Airbnb. However, if you are looking for 5 Star hotels, Pensions on the Camino de Santiago, or a hostel in Portugal, Booking.com can take care of you.
  • Activities & Tours: There are tons of tour groups and organizations out there that can facilitate your bucket list adventure. But for us, we tend to start with Viator since they have a Low Price Guarantee! However, if we are just looking for day adventures or something a little smaller, GetYourGuide is a great resource with over 40,000 activities worldwide.
  • Disclosure: This post, “The Anti-Bucket List: Things I dont want to do before I die” may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

    84 thoughts on “My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die

    1. This is brilliant! I love that you haven’t jumped on the “bucket list” bandwagon and I totally agree with a lot of these, especially golf – I don’t get how people love it so much (but to me it’s soooo boring!)

    2. This is definitely an interesting post idea. I don’t like the idea of ruling things out though! I’ve got tattoos and piercings, and I’m a vegan (which I honestly never thought would happen) and I couldn’t be happier. You never know when something you thought was bonkers could actually be the best thing ever!

    3. I love this! So creative and a great spin on the traditional to do bucket list. Some of these made me laugh a bit. I have always wondered why people would want to do acupuncture, it doesn’t sound to appealing to me. Alien hunting is also something I wouldn’t want to do, seems like there are so many better ways to spend the time. I love your images to, to funny!

    4. Lol this made me giggle quite a few times. Fab post as always Eric! You are so Cuban with your meat and cigars!! 😀

      The one that I might be able to persuade you about is Fugu. I don’t think I’d be keen to try it in America, but if you ever go to Japan it can be really delicious. I tried it in a few different ways, but you can eat it like karaage (like fried chicken, but with fugu) it is soooo good! Plus, you know their chefs will be properly trained to remove that poison.

      I totally agree about climbing Everest. Why would anyone want to stand in a queue while they freeze and lose oxygen!? It’s totally mad how many people attempt it each year!

    5. This is such a fun list. Rarely do I see travel bloggers with such a great sense of humour. You have turned the traditional bucket lists upside down and still managed to score a winner with this post!

    6. Wow, loved this concept of Anti-Bucket list. You have inspired me to make one for myself. I also don’t want to do B for bungee Jumping and certainly D for Dye my hair.

    7. Funny! I’d never make an anti-bucketlist though; you know, never say never! You might see me dancing on Tik Tok for all I care – as much as I think i won’t do it, I might just! :p

      Also you’re probably already eating vegan/vegetarian food – bread is a great example 😉

    8. That is a very innovative idea – an “anti bucket list”. For me, only a few apply like skydiving, ice fishing, piercing and tattooing my body and some others. Those are definite No-No’s for me.
      I find X-mas markets wonderful and, did you know, there is vegetarian food that tastes just like non-vegetarian food? Delicious.
      But hey, everyone his own.

    9. There are a lot of things on your anti-bucket list, that i certainly don’t want to experience, from zip-lining to eating century old egg! Never gonna happen.

    10. 1 thumb down for running a race huh? Looks like I’ll have to find a free one somewhere😉😉😉

    11. Hi, just wanted to say I love the concept of your blog. Awesome work! I love all your different bucket lists.

    12. Skydiving. I never, ever want to go skydiving. Two of my three children have gone and love it but I can’t even climb a tree and look down without feeling my stomach drop to my feet.

    13. I’m with you on most of these. You could try writing a book. Join the upcoming NaNoWriMo and churn out a novel in thirty days. Yeah, sure, it’ll be crap, but you’ll have the confidence to know you can do it.

      There’s a great community, you already know you can write, it’s fun.

    14. Hehehe…Awesome Blog.
      I love it, sorry author I save these photoshop Pictures because of it too funny.

    15. OMGosh – I love it! I don’t want to do most of these things either. I’m sharing it in a roundup post to publish on 9-23-17 because it’s brilliant.

    16. Too funny! This anti-list speaks volumes about you, more so than a bucket list probably. Nothing bad of course. Austin is an interesting place to visit, but not gonna lie. It really is a hipster hub. I was amazed despite places boasting about being unique it really was a sea of sameness. Similar look and feel, it was a hipster overload when I went. Gets a bit tiring after a while. Food was good though.

      1. Yeah don’t get me wrong the little fat boy in me wants to go eat there and I did hear nearby is a cool Outdoor Adventure at Jacob’s Well. But the rest of it you can keep it cuz it sounds like a bunch of fake BS to me

    17. Hahaha! This post made my day! Glad I stumbled upon it! My first thought was – hey, what a weird concept but after I finished reading I thought of joining you for a UFO hunting if it weren’t on your list 😀 hahaha! Thanks for sharing!

    18. This list is hilarious but true for most parts. =) Thanks for sharing. Yeah, bungee jumping is crazy for me as well.

    19. Oh my this sure was s fun read and I agree on many of your donts for the bucket list. I loved the way you are given a weird funny twist to all of these items – made me laugh a lot!
      The Fugu fish snippet was new for me and I agree on that egg…. aaargh! it sounds Bad but the things ppl consider delicacies just tells me that they are bored of the normal and go OTT on such insanities 😉

    20. Okay, you’re a man after my own heart because we’ve got a desire to avoid many of the same things! Love this list!

    21. I quite agree with a number of the items on your list! I am definitely not interested in eating fugu fish, for example. And I have no great desire to tattoo any part of my body.

    22. Funny post. I agree I wouldn’t go for bungee jumping, skydive, or jumping off a cliff. I like to be able to feel my feet on the ground. So, scuba diving is a no-no either. I love hiking, but I wouldn’t tempt fate by hiking the Everest. You should probably give yoga a second chance. It’s not about tying yourself into a pretzel. It’s more about listening to your body and focusing your mind. Physical exercise + meditation all in one.

    23. This list had me laughing so hard I was in stitches! Well done 🙂 Thing is, I’ve actually done most of what’s on this list… but thanks for the super heads up about Fugu and Century Eggs!

    24. What a fun read! I agree with so many of these. Of course others I don’t think are that bad, but so many had me laughing. I like this spin on the traditional bucket list!

    25. It is official we now are travel buddies. I also live in New Orleans….Well outside like 12 mins. This had me laughing. I can agree with you on almost everything other than. I have my ears and nose pierced, I’m tatted, and I just got into motorcycles. But you really summed up the rest of my anti-bucket list.

    26. Thank you for the laugh at work 🙂 You have inspired me to come up with my own reverse bucket list.

    27. Oh my goodness. This made me laugh. I’m at work trying not to giggle too loud at my desk! I agree with you on most of these.

    28. This is hilarious. I’m surprised at how many things I’ve actually done. Lol. I agree with the cliff diving and eating blow fish. I also have to add to my list running with the bulls.

    29. It’s a no for bungee jumping and fugu for me as well. No need to pay a lot of money (especially for the fish) AND risk your life, right?

    30. This is hilarious! I love the reverse perspective on a bucket list. I’m especially with you on skipping the race and skydiving!

    31. Ha, I’m glad you have this list. I tell people I will never jump out of a plane and they say, “But it’s a bucket list item! What if you were dying?” No! It’s YOUR bucket list item. I’d rather kick the bucket.

    32. Your photoshop skills are second to none! I have done quite a few things on your anti buckets list, like I have tattoos and piercings but still found it amusing! hehe

    33. Haha! I like this idea. I certainly have some things I would never do or really am not interested in but I never thought about putting it into a list. Fun little read, thanks!

    34. This is awesome Eric and I can agree with you on most things too. Never ever give up cigars, I won’t either, that good life is way to sweet!

    35. I’m completely obsessed with this post!! What a great idea. We are always so focused on the things that we should be doing, and I personally don’t always give myself permission to not want to do something. Love this list!!

    36. What an awesome idea! I definitely agree with a lot of these but for sure bungee jumpin and sky diving. No thank you!!

      1. I know right, if you want to see me fall just sit around a cafe while I’m walking around cuz most likely I am about to fall flat on my face just walking

    37. What a fun idea for a post! There are a few of these that would be on my anti -bucket list including golf and owning a motorcycle.

    38. I was thinking about bungee jumping just the other day. I was in high school when it became all the rage and seemed terrifying. But in the last 20 years I don’t remember hearing anything about deaths related to the the activity. Pretty sure I still will never do it, but I wonder if it really is a pretty safe thing to do.

    39. You are hysterical! This post just goes to show how different we all are.
      I love your bucket list concept for the blog, and this was a fun twist.

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