bucket list updates: #1, #4 & #9

“You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death...‘Have you found joy in your life?’ 'Has your life brought joy to others?’” -Carter Chambers, The Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list? I started mine as part of the 30 before 30 challenge. Get a peek at how I'm doing after the jump... 

Bucket List: n. A list of things to do before you die.
30 by 30 Bucket List: Same thing, except before you turn 30. View my full list


#4 Read five "classic" novels/plays, including one of Shakespeare's histories (2/5)

So far, I've read:

Candide by Voltaire

"Sell one of the horses," replied the old woman. "I will get up behind Miss Cunegund, though I have only one buttock to ride on, and we shall reach Cadiz." - The Old Woman, Candide

This book is "classic" literature on acid. It has everything: epic battles, true love, pirates - and a woman with only one buttock. Seriously. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, as long as you realize it's supposed to be ridiculous. Score: Win

and

Dame Maggie Smith from the movie

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

This book surprised me. I didn't expected to enjoy it but the plot moves quickly, drawing you into the lives of its intelligent but deeply flawed characters. (Side note: The movie, starring Dame Maggie Smith also didn't disappoint.) Score: Win

Next goal: To finish "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Allan Poe. This short story is credited (mistakenly) as the first detective story. 

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet, Watson references Poe's detective. I think that's very cool - and meta before people used that word.

#1 Take a candlelit bath.

Completed New Year's Eve! A bit creepy at first, this definitely felt relaxing after a few minutes. The lack of light forces your other senses to heighten. Plus, the strawberry champagne tasted divine.

#9 Cook something from scratch.

Like this, only bigger.

Completed! So far I've made:

- French fries (oven baked)
- French fries (stove fried)
- Bacon, egg & cheese muffin
- Mustard Greens

Charmed Southern tip: Mustard greens taste a little bitter. Cut that by adding a sprinkle of sugar.


**BONUS** Learn all the words to a French song...and sing along. (0.5/1)

Current efforts: "Padam, padam" by Edith Piaf. The song is very catchy, one of my favorites by this artist. The toughest part? The rhythm. Listen to it here. She's a tough act to follow. But I'm getting there. Next stop: Figuring out what she's saying!

Do you have a bucket list? How do you stay motivated?