Can you remember when you last tried something completely new? Maybe not; most of the time, people tend to stick to what they already know, afraid to step out of their comfort zones. This is entirely understandable, and it’s not surprising if this is the way you live your life. In truth, there is nothing wrong with being comfortable, and there is nothing wrong with not trying new things, but when you do try them, wonderful things can happen. So it might be worth considering attempting something out of the ordinary. Read on to find out why it’s good to try new things.

Time Slows Down

A strange thing happens as we get older; time seems to speed up. When we’re children, days and weeks stretch ahead forever. As we grow up, that time seems to compress, and by the time we are in middle age, days go by in a flash. You might think back and wonder what you have done over the past week, month, or even year – and this is because you have stuck to the same routine, so there is no real way to tell one day from the next. 

When you try something new, that day will stick in your memory. The more new things you try, the more days will stay with you. The result is that time feels as though it’s slowing down, and you will have many more memories to enjoy. If you can try to do something new every day, your life will become much more exciting and full.

There's nothing wrong with being comfortable. But if your willing to step out of your comfort zone, your could be much more exciting & full. Discover why it is good to try new things. #DoSomething #Adventure
Click To Tweet

You Will Stimulate Your Brain

One of the best things about trying new things is that your brain will be stimulated, and studies have shown that a new activity such as skiing or pottery or even preparing for a new activity such as buying a new ski boot bag or looking for old clothes to wear in the pottery studio, can enhance your brainpower. This is especially true when it comes to your creativity. 

Every time you are in a new situation, your brain has to work harder, learning how to deal with this new scenario. You will also develop new skills as a result. So your brain is growing and thriving, something that is crucial at all stages of life. The more new things you allow yourself to try, the healthier your brain will be. 

You’ll Find Your Sense Of Adventure

Another compelling reason to try new things is that you will find your own unique sense of adventure, and in doing so, you will overcome any fears you might have had. Fear is just a reaction to anything you are unsure about, anything unknown, and once you know what to expect after trying something new, your fear will disappear. 

 Once your fear is gone, it will be replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement that will make you feel happy and boost your mood incredibly. It makes no difference if the thing you are doing is big or small, if someone else finds it scary or they wonder why you do; every adventure is your own, and every new thing will benefit you in some way. 

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

The post Why It’s Good To Try New Things appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

I can still remember the excitement! It was Sunday night and my sister, parents, and I would set up the T.V. tables, turn on the Magical World of Disney, and sit down for dinner and a movie. Sometimes we would have leftover seafood from Friday night or other times my dad would make us “quesadilla sandwiches” and pop fresh popcorn. Occasionally, he would even grill up shish kabobs and make fresh hummus or baba ghanoush. But perhaps one of the best memories I had growing up of this Sunday night family tradition was when he made us Grandmom’s Pizza Pie!

Restoring a Family Tradition 

I was reading a story about Michael Strahan and he was describing his favorite memory. He said, “I have the best memories as a kid eating ice cream. It was a family tradition that I had with my father. It was nice.” 

This got me thinking about my own past while creating my Personal Growth Bucket List. Whether I wanted to make them for myself or give them to my future family, I wanted to create amazing memories.

See, growing up, we lived pretty far from family. Therefore, it was up to my parents by themselves to find ways to create memories for our family. It couldn’t have been easy doing it somewhat alone. That is why our Sunday dinner was often my favorite family tradition looking back. It was during those nights that we laughed, talked about what was coming up, and just relaxed together. It was a memory I will carry for all time.

Therefore, it became quite evident that in order to accomplish my goal, I needed to restore a family tradition. I needed to learn how to make Grandmom’s Pizza Pie!

Some of the best memories growing up often occur around Sunday Night Dinner. But nothing was more magical then when we made the family tradition of Grandmom's Pizza Pie! #PizzaPieRecipe #FamilyTradition #FamilyDinner
Click To Tweet

How to Make Grandmom’s Pizza Pie

So let me start of with some disclaimers about myself! In no way am I, or do I consider myself a chef, a cook, a food blogger or anything of the sort. I do like to make good tasting food, but in all reality, I am a recipe follower who needs to go down the list and check all the boxes off as I complete them! I mean seriously, what do you think this whole Bucket List Project thing is but one giant check list!

The second disclaimer is that no one in my family is Italian, including my Grandmother, Armen Gamble. She was actually Armenian so if you want some Baklava or dolmades she had some amazing recipes. Plus, to be honest, I am not 100% sure this was an actual creation of hers or just something she found and shared with my dad and thus we called it Grandmom’s Pizza Pie.

Now, I am sure some of my best Italian friends will have better recipes for a deep dish pizza pie. They may even have ways to help or improve this one. However, this is the recipe that was passed down to me as part of my family tradition. It is the one I can vividly remember smelling in my house and to be honest, it makes my heart happy.

So without further ado let’s discuss how you too can make this recipe for your next family dinner! 

The Ingredients

Like I said, when making dinner, I am a check list, recipe follower. So if you are like me, then you will be quite happy with this recipe for pizza pie because it doesn’t need much, anything unusual, or anything expensive. Personally, it drives me nuts when I see a recipe online and it asks for some bizarre ingredient that you can only find at one store in a mountain in Tibet that is only sold at $523.00 per pound yet you only need a teaspoon! 

If this is truly my Grandmother’s recipe, then I am sure you can find most if not all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. We were able to obtain everything we need from our local Walmart. So if you like to shop online or like to pick up curbside, then click here to get your ingredients from Walmart Grocery online!

So here are ingredients you will need for this recipe:

• • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • ¼ lb grated Mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 tsp Parsley or Italian seasoning
  • 6oz can Tomato Paste
  • 8oz can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick
  • 5-6 TBSP Milk
  • Salt and Pepper

Instructions on making the Pizza Pie

When it comes to making my Grandmom’s Pizza Pie recipe, most of the prep work before baking is pretty easy to follow. First, you are going to want to preheat the Oven to 400°.

Then in a large non-stick skillet, brown your beef. As it browns, add garlic, parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Now, while your meat is browning, make the pie crust by adding milk to Bisquick. You should stir it with a fork until dough forms into ball and it should not be too sticky.

Now after the dough has been made in the pan, roll it out on a floured dusted board or table. You are going to want to shape it to fit a 9” pie dish. 

Learn from our mistakes: So as you see in the picture above, I originally spread out my dough on a wax paper covered in flour. I thought this would be less messy but in reality, it was a disaster. The dough got stuck to the wax paper and essentially, I had to try it again on just the table. Growing up, my dad just used our kitchen table. He would dust 1/3rd of the table with flour and then roll out and knead the dough. So that is what I did the 2nd time and it came out perfect. 

Then when the dough is kneaded, add it to pie pan or baking dish. My family tradition was always to add the dough to a glass pie dish but I am not sure if that was a true tradition or just because that is what we had. As seen above, we used a very classic pie tin and it still worked perfectly.

After meat mixture is ready, place it in the crust covered pie pan. Then you will cover the top of the beef with grated Mozzarella cheese. Make sure you spread the cheese evenly over all meat.

Now here comes the tricky part, if you are messy like me. Next you are going to need to spoon tomato paste over meat. Of course tomato past is kind of thicker so go slowly and try to spread it everywhere. We used one of those plastic cake icing type spatulas and it worked great. 

Then after you have spread the tomato paste over the whole top, pour your tomato sauce over that. You are going to want to make sure that the tomato sauce completely covers the meat.

Then when you are done, take your pie over to the hot oven and bake at 400° for approximately 25 minutes. This of course is the time when you clean up the kitchen table that you now have turned into a science experiment gone wrong!

Fun Addition: Growing up, my dad often had or perhaps even made extra dough. He would then take that little bit of extra dough, flatten it out onto a flat pizza pan. Then he would cover it with any remaining sauce, cheese, and Italian spices and bake it up for about 5 – 10 minutes. He would then offer us little deformed pizza appetizers while the full deep dish still baked. So if you have extra, don’t waste it…have a snack!

Now with all things that come out of the oven, the insides of this pizza pie are really hot! I am sure it is not part of your family tradition to burn the insides of your mouth! So please let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. You will know when it is fully done when not only the pie crust becomes golden but pie inners are set.

While the pie cools, this is often a great time to get your sides ready like salad or peas or whatever your family enjoys. But we recommend to grab all family members together, set the table, pray, and get ready to create some wonderful memories with your new family tradition.

Now Get Baking Your Own Family Tradition

Ronald Reagan once said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” It is quite evident for me that some of my best memories were created at family dinner. Of course, there are other amazing ways to create memories and unique family traditions. So what is of your favorite family tradition? Is there something that you have carried down from generations? Or like someone shared in for Couple’s Bucket List item #261, have you created your own tradition together with your spouse or family members?

Either way, let us know in the comments below. Perhaps you will inspire someone to create a new tradition with their family!

Print Grandmom’s Pizza Pie Recipe

Yield: 4-8

Grandmom's Pizza Pie: A Family Tradition

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• ¼ lb grated Mozzarella cheese
• ¼ tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Parsley or Italian seasoning
• 6oz can Tomato Paste
• 8oz can Tomato Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Bisquick
• 5-6 TBSP Milk
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions

1. Pre Heat Oven to 400°
2. Brown beef in large skillet, add garlic and parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. While meat is browning, make crust by adding milk to Bisquick, stir with fork until dough forms into ball – should not be too sticky.
4. Roll out on floured dusted board or table to fit a 9” pie pan. Then add dough to pie pan or baking dish.
5. After meat mixture is ready, place it in crust in pie pan & top with grated cheese spread evenly over meat.
6. Next spoon tomato paste over meat, and then pour tomato sauce over that. Tomato sauce should completely cover meat.
7. Bake in hot oven (400 degrees) for approx. 25 minutes when the pie crust becomes golden & pie sets.
8. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Disclosure: This post, “Grandmom’s Pizza Pie: A Family Tradition” 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.

The post Grandmom’s Pizza Pie: A Family Tradition appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

We often see lists of exotic countries, specific landmarks, and dream destinations ranging from Machu Picchu in Peru to the breath-taking canals of Venice in Italy on most people’s bucket lists. But what about actually LIVING in another country?

Everything from the excitement of the unknown, rising to inevitable challenges, and being able to immerse yourself fully in another culture, makes moving abroad (even if only for a few months) a once in a lifetime experience. Perhaps, this may be why living in another country might be the perfect alternative to get your travel fix for longer.

Here are some starting points to help you get started on your journey to ticking off one of the biggest bucket list adventures!

Chose a country to move to

Have you ever closed your eyes, spun your mini desk globe, and with eyes wide shut, decided that whichever country the finger of destiny lands on is where you will go?
Well, Don’t do that.

Don’t get us wrong, that could potentially be fun and spontaneous when you can’t decide where your next holiday destination should be. But to make the ‘big move’ there are some things that you will need to consider. Most people will have a destination in mind. But if not, here are some questions that should help get you started:

• What is your ideal climate?
• Are you a sun worshipper?
• A lover of all things tropical?
• Prefer the hustle and bustle of city life?
• Do you dream of big wide open spaces and the countryside?

Also, think about what climate you are most likely to thrive in. But don’t dwell on this too much. After all, you can make the most of being anywhere – even in the rainy UK!

From the excitement of the unknown to being able to immerse fully in another culture, see why living in another country might be the ultimate bucket list adventure! #LivingAbroad #Expatlife #MoveAbroad
Click To Tweet

Finding the perfect job

Perhaps you are a digital nomad looking to settle for a little bit? Or maybe you are fed up with your current field of work and want to make a whole new career change. Either way, knowing how you are going to be able to make money to survive while living in another country could make or break your dream of moving abroad.

The good news is that there are countless possibilities to earn an income overseas. While living in another country there are jobs like teaching English, au pairing, working as a freelancer, or even grabbing a traditional big-city job. Be open-minded and make sure to look at all the opportunities your dream destination has to offer, as this could pretty much be the deciding factor on where you’ll end up moving.

Accommodation and hunting down your new home

Now for the fun and exciting part! Choosing your accommodation. There are so many options to choose from and, depending on how long you are planning to stay; there is a big choice of temporary accommodations available worldwide, such as hostels and Airbnb’s. The most likely scenario however, is that you will be renting. It can feel daunting trying to find the perfect place to live when you are in your own country, let alone somewhere that may be utterly unfamiliar to you or where a different language is spoken

But don’t despair!

It might seem scary now, but there are many excellent property companies all over the world and in every land, who can take the hassle and stress out of the property hunt and will help you find your perfect home! You can look for an apartment and secure a contract all within the space of a few days, leaving you free to think about all the other aspects of your big move.

Packing for Living in another Country

Always pack a lot less than you think you will need. While it can be tempting to pack up your entire life as it is and take all of your earthly possessions with you, the reality is that this just isn’t that practical. It’s only natural to worry that your next location won’t have all the things that you need but don’t stress. 9 times out of 10, you will be able to find all of your necessities and so much more!

The unique thing about living in another country is that there will be so many new things that will catch your eye that maybe weren’t available at home. Therefore, you’ll be glad that you saved some room. So pack the essentials and buy anything else as and when you need it. Anything that you have leftover can be donated to friends and family, sold online, or put into storage. Just think of what you’ll do with all that extra money you’ve saved on shipping and luggage costs!

Learn the basic language of your new host country

Now that you’ve settled on your destination and have all of the essentials sorted, it’s probably a good idea to brush up on your language skills and learn the basics. This will help you with meeting people and making friends, getting around, and enable you to settle in quicker. Sign up for lessons or a language course, hire a tutor, or learn via an app or online! Babbel is a great language learning tool with over 14 different languages currently available with options such as German, Indonesian, and French. Plus, it may just be the best way to learn Spanish!

Moving to an English speaking country? Then why not brush up on the culture instead! Even though the language might be the same, you will come across many different traditions, cuisines, and ways of life.

So is the idea of living in another country on your bucket list? Hopefully, having this knowledge will make you feel more prepared for the big move. If you could easily move to another country for just 3 months where would you go? Or if you have lived in another country, what is one piece of advice you would recommend to anyone else considering this ultimate bucket list item?

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

The post The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure: Living in Another Country appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Having a bucket list to help you see different places and experience different cultures is one thing many of us will have in common. Whether there are just a few destinations on the list or endless places you want to experience the fact of the matter is there is either a physical or a mental note made for these things. But what about other things that could be once in a lifetime things? What about other experiences that can be just as amazing as seeing somewhere new? Here are some of the other bucket list ideas that you could consider to help enhance yours.

Eat in the best places

Food can be such a big important aspects of lives, and some of us may even consider calling ourselves foodies. The lover of all fine things in life, food and drink included. So why wouldn’t you want to eat in all of the fine restaurants and establishments this world has to offer? It might include looking online for the world’s best restaurants. Or maybe knowing where you are travelling to, making it a point to actually go to the top restaurants in that place. Food can spark enjoyment and emotion, so make it part of your bucket list and experience some of the best this world has to offer.

What other once-in-a-lifetime things or experiences do you have on your own bucket list that go beyond the typical travel bucket list ideas? #BucketListIdeas #BucketListIdea #BucketListCheck
Click To Tweet

Live like a rock star

Maybe you like the idea of a rock star lifestyle, so why shouldn’t this intention be on your bucket list? To live the rock and roll dream there could be many things that you can add to your list. It could be that you want to set foot on the most iconic private jet and live the life. Maybe it’s just that you want to drink fine champagne in France. Or perhaps, it is just that you want to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people and feel the atmosphere. What would you define as the rock and roll lifestyle? If you have ideas then why not put some of them down on your bucket list and make them happen?

Relocate to a different country

If you want to something really different with your life, then perhaps relocating to a different country is something you need to add to your bucket list. Relocating to a different country could give you the experience of working in a different country, learning something new, and even experiencing a new culture and living somewhere new. It can be a great thing to do in your life, and that can definitely be something to add to your bucket list.

Change your career

Finally, maybe your bucket list includes some practical things such as a change in your career. It may sound like something boring to add to your list, but it can actually be a great thing to consider, because having it on your list might encourage you to do it, rather than it staying as something you might do. The change may include studying for new qualifications, or maybe it just involves you starting at the bottom and working your way up again.

Let’s hope this has given you some inspiration for your bucket list. Of course there are no right or wrong ideas you can should ever consider adding to your bucket list. It is just a matter of thinking outside the box and discovering new once in a life time bucket list ideas! So what other random bucket list ideas do you have on your own personal bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin these Bucket List Ideas to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post Bucket List Ideas To Help Get The Most Out Of Yours appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

When considering bucket list destinations, I am sure not too many people think of Albuquerque, New Mexico. But that is very big mistake! Whether you are living in Albuquerque or looking for a weekend getaway, this city along the Rio Grande won’t disappoint any bucket list adventurer. From the historic Route 66 to riding in hot air balloons, there are plenty of exciting things to do Albuquerque. So, get ready to cross off some bucket list items with our 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque.

#1 Ride one of the World’s Longest Aerial Trams

We all have a bucket list item about experiencing some type of modern marvel. So why not ride one of the longest aerial tramways in the world? Built in 1966, the Sandia Peak Tramway travels 2.7 miles from the eastern edge of the city to the summit some 10,378-feet atop the Sandia Mountains.

From the historic Route 66 to riding in hot air balloons, there are plenty of fun things to do Albuquerque. So get ready to cross off some #bucketlist items with our 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque. #VisitAlbuquerque #VisitNewMexico
Click To Tweet

#2 Stay in a Mansion

Do you have it on your bucket list to stay in a mansion? You can scratch this off your list by staying in the Bottger Mansion. Located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, this amazing home now operates as a small bed and breakfast. Get pampered like you deserve and enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

#3 Discover an Ancient Culture

If exploring ancient cultures is on your bucket list, then the Petroglyph National Monument should be added to your list of fun things to do in Albuquerque. Here you will find thousands of prehistoric symbols carved onto rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers some 700 years ago.

#4 Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Like many people, part of The Bucket List Project’s Adventure Activities & Experiences list is to drive the entire Route 66. But if you can’t make the entire trek, then riding the section around Albuquerque can give you a taste of this epic road trip. Here you can jump back in time as you eat great meals at the 66 Diner and the Owl Cafe or stay at the Tewa Motor Lodge.

#5 Try the Meth Made by Walter White of Breaking Bad (not really!!)

When it comes to fun things to do in Albuquerque, there is no doubt you will want to explore the devious world of Walter White from Breaking Bad. One of the unique things to do is head over to The Candy Lady’s shop. For three decades The Candy Lady has been making sweet treats for those visiting or living in Albuquerque. But she is famously known for creating the blue meth (it’s just blue Rock Candy) featured in the television series.

#6 Make Some Beautiful Music

Is it on your bucket list to create beautiful music, but you can’t play a single musical instrument? Well, if you can drive a car, you are in luck. Along Route 66, there is a quarter mile stretch where you can drive along the rumble strip around 45 mph to “play” the song “America the Beautiful.” To find the “Musical Highway” head Eastbound on Route 333 between mile markers 4 and 5 and exit 170 near Tijeras.

#7 Overcome Your Fear of Rattlesnakes

If you have it on your bucket list to overcome your fear of rattlesnakes, then you will want to head over to the American International Rattlesnake Museum. This small museum will educate you on 34 different species of rattlesnakes as well as showcase other things like albino snakes, a Gila Monster, and other pieces of rattlesnake artwork.

#8 Stay at a Haunted Hotel

If staying in a haunted hotel is for you, then the Hotel Parq Central should definitely be on your bucket list. Built in 1926 as a hospital to treat employees of the railway companies, the building then became a psychiatric facility. At that time the psychiatric patients claimed that ghosts would remove their blankets and torment them. Now it is a beautiful modern hotel with great amenities. However, there are claims that ghosts still roam the halls.

#9 Complete a Man Versus Food Challenge

There is no doubt that Albuquerque is a Southwest food destination. However, if you are looking to take on an epic Man versus Food type challenge then you will be in heaven. Within the area you will find two different restaurants to test your eating ability:

1.  Travis on a Silver Platter Challenge at the K&I Diner: If you love burritos, then the Travis at K&I Diner won’t disappoint. The Travis on a Silver Platter Challenge takes burritos to the next level. To win this challenge you must consume a 14-pound burrito that combines seasoned beef and beans with red chile and rolled into a burrito. Then it’s topped with green chile, lettuce, and tomatoes, and lastly, French fries.
2. The Stuffed Sopapilla Challenge at Sadie’s: This epic food challenge gives you 60 minutes to consume a 6.5 lb. Sopapilla filled with a mix of meat, potatoes, beans, chile, and cheese and then topped with stewed chicken, ground beef, and carne adovada.

#10 Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

With the perfect combination of open desert and clear morning skies, hot air ballooning is one of the top fun things to do in Albuquerque in October. Each year, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky while thousands of viewers attend the International Balloon Fiesta. But this isn’t just a showcase of aerial entertainment. If riding in a hot air balloon is on your bucket list, then you can take to the sky as well by reserving a spot with Rainbow Ryders.

Have you ever been to Albuquerque, New Mexico? Which of the 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque is your favorite? Have we left out other bucket list things to do in Albuquerque that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin 10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque to your Bucket List Board!

Disclaimer: This post, “10 Fun Things to do in Albuquerque”, 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.

The post 10 Fun things to do in Albuquerque appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

At the end of each December, I often sit down with my Bucket List notebook and ponder what I want to accomplish and where I want to go for the coming year. For me, I find that writing out a time line not only helps me plan what I want to do but gets me excited about what the coming year has to offer. If you would like to see what we did in 2017, check our 2017 Completed Items.

So how do I choose what do do?

When it comes to inspiration for adding items to my bucket list, there is no doubt that movies inspire me. I love watching movies! They allow me to enter new worlds, explore amazing adventures, and learn about different cultures from around the world. So for my 2018 Bucket List Hopes and Goals, the Bucket List Project is going to the movies, so to speak.

Below I have listed what my 2018 Bucket List Hopes and Goals are and for fun I have added some fun movies we found on Fandango that have helped inspire me. Feel free to click on the movies below and see why these movies may have inspired me!

In 2018, the Bucket List Project's Hopes & Goals are being inspired by Movies. Have you seen this list yet? #bucketlist #2018bucketlist #InspiringMovies
Click To Tweet

January

The Brothers Grimm

• #210) Read Books of Fables:
  • #6) Grimms’ Fairy Tales

February

Ratatouille

• #129) Learn How to Make “GrandMom’s Pizza Pie”

March

Rocky IV

• #5) See my 6 Pack Abs

April

Romancing the Stone

• #150) Bath in Volcan del Totumo near Cartagena, Colombia
• #200) Know my home State of Louisiana:
  • #i) Friday “Business” Lunch at Galatoire’s

May

Secretariat

• #78) Go to the Kentucky Derby
• #200) Know my home State of Louisiana:
  • q) Climb Mt Driskill
  •  r) Explore the history of Bonnie & Clyde in Gibsland

June

Gulliver’s Travels

• #203) Read Classic Adventure Books:
  • #4) Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

July

A Walk In The Woods

• #103) Fullfill 1 Bucket List Item for Anyone who helps me with 1 of mine!
  • Backpack the Pacific Crest Trail & Scale Mt. Whitney in California with Brian Simpson

August

Casablanca

• #156) Travel to Chefchaoueh (the Blue City) of Morocco
• #158) Visit my 5th of the 7 Continents (Africa)
• #155) Ride a Camel in the Sahara Desert

September

• #114) Watch a Movie at a Real Drive In Movie Theater in a Car

October

The Book of Life

• #200) Know my home State of Louisiana:
  •  f) Eat a Zwolle Tamale
• #167) Celebrate Dia De Muertos in Mexico

November

Against All Odds

• #179) Swim in the Cenote at Ik Kil, Yucatan, Mexico
• #180) See the Mayan Temples of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
• #130) Eat weird things:
  • #9) Eat Escamoles (aka: ant larvae) in Mexico

December

Steel Magnolias

• #200) Know my home State of Louisiana:
  • k) Return to and eat Meat Pies at Lasyone’s in Natchitoches

The Bucket List Project has created their 2018 hopes and goals that have been all been inspired by movies! #Bucketlist #2018bucketlist #inspiringmovies
Click To Tweet

Whenever Possible this Year

• #200) Continue to Explore my home state of Louisiana
• #37) Be in a Movie: Be seen
• #38) Be in TV Show Episode
• #39) Be in a National Commercial
• Try to Make Amends with 1 Person on my List

So what do you think about The Bucket List Project’s 2018 Bucket List hopes and Goals?  Is there anything on the calendar you think is missing that I need to put on there this year? Have you see any of these movies? Which movies inspired you to chase a bucket list dream? Please let me know in the comments below!

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

Disclosure: This post contain affiliate links for fun movies we watch on Fandango. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep The Bucket List Project Blog free, fun, and community supported! I will never recommend a product I don’t genuinely believe in and trust.

The post 2018 BUCKET LIST HOPES AND GOALS appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

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

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.

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 Jumping

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 Eggs

“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 Hair

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/Vegan

“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!

F is for Fugu Sushi

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!

G is for Golf

“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 Everest

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!

I is for Ice Fishing

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 Suit

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 Coffee

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!

L is for Learn how to Fly a Plane

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 Mohawk

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 Cup

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 Bike

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 Body

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 Smoking

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!!

R is for Run a Race

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 Skydive

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!

T is for Tattoo my Body

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. Hunting

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.

V is for Visit Austin, Texas

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 Book

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 Europe

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 Yoga

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!

Z is for Zeppelin (the blimp not the band)

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!

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.

The post My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

(Originally published on 03/02/15)

Wait….What Year is IT??? How Did I miss 2014 already?  Wait, how old am I?  I turned 39 Last Wednesday??  Holy Crap!!!!  Where did those days go?

These are all statements people say all the time when you ask them what they did last year or what they did during the past year of their life on their birthdays.  I know its what people keep asking me.  So what did Eric Gamble, Mr. Bucket List, Mr. World Traveler, Mr. Crazy Adventurer, Mr. Insane Free Living Spirit do last year??  Then they ask, well what is NEXT?  So First, Let me give you my 2014 Year in Review and then Give you a taste of the State of the Bucket List Union for 2015!

Then the Summer time I got to give back!  I was able to help my mother see Alaska, help honor a long time friend by showing him what I saw in Him and his friendship (A Holy Cross Man), help another friend recover his lost high School Ring, and set another friend on his own insane Adventure to skydive!

I did some unique traveling to different parts of the US but the highlight of my travels was backpacking through Peru to witness Machu Picchu and Lake Titticaca!

So Here is a Little Taste of the Ideas of What the Year 2015, my Last Year in my 30’s, is going to hold!  Here is my 2015 State of the Union!

1) I am starting this year by helping 2 people complete their Bucket List Items, One will go Skydiving and my cousin will do a Color Run as a Catalyst to get healthy

2) 2015 Will be the YEAR OF FINISHING!  I plan on Finishing several Bucket List Items that have been a work in progress like reading all 15 Wizard of Oz Books, Doing my Last Mud Run of the 4 that were my Goal ( Last One? I AM SPARTAN!), Finally cut this last bit of Body Fat to see my 6 pack! and a couple of others!

3) I have been missing one of my more important sections Making Amends.  Therefore, I am going to actively try to work on 2 of them and hopefully do one other bucket list gift for one other person this year!

SO WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL?

4) Geez, fine…I will be travelling to hopefully 3 international sites and 4 new US sites that I have never been to…Think I am going to search for the Aurora Borealis, do Indy 500, Possibly go to China and do the Most Dangerous Climb to a Temple, visit the Galapagos and Ecuador for an EcoTravel, or perhaps go to Thailand.  These are just some of the ideas popping in my mind right now but who knows where I will end up however I will go see the world, eat strange foods, and learn by traveling!  I do know this, it will be crazy, it will be wonderful, and it will be epic!

So those are my Goals. I like to announce them and share them!  It holds me accountable!  You guys hound me and I like and need that.  What if 2015 is our last year of life?  What if we don’t get to see our next Birthday?  Well, then we need to Live now!

What are your goals this year?  Share them with my by clicking on the comments link below!!  Cant wait to see what you are thinking!

The post 2014 Year in Revew & 2015 State of the Union! appeared first on The Bucket List Project.