Bucket list?
I suppose that’s a positive outlook but it suggests, to me, anyway, a measure of desperation as well as a certain sense of entitlement and ambition to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’
Or perhaps it is simply ambition, a desire to achieve something beyond the everyday, the normal, but when everything is achievable – for some – will the items on the bucket list become more fantastic? A trip to the moon or to the depths of the oceans might then leap to the top of the list.
Strangely, because of our recent internet problems, the book I read was about a bucket list. It was also a different interpretation of a pact with the devil. ‘If Cats Disappeared From The World’ by Genki Kawamura, was entertaining, well-written and thought -provoking. I really enjoyed it and shall look for more of his books.
Those lists are only about making tourist trips. I've never seen any relating to real achievements or accomplishments. I wonder if they were first started by travel agents.
ReplyDeleteVery likely.
DeleteMy bucket (list) got a hole in it a long time ago
ReplyDeleteI loved that song - it's nonsense but so funny when sung by the right people.
DeleteI wonder if the items on someone's bucket list are real goals for the future, or if they are total fantasies. In my case, buying beautiful Labrador puppies to breed might be realistic. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize is definitely not.
ReplyDeleteI gather most people think they are achievable.
DeleteThis is the second time I've heard about this book in the past week. Wonder if the Universe is trying to tell me something?
ReplyDeleteI wonder . . . ;-)
DeleteIt is because what if is a dangerous phrase to ruminate about since it does not happen. Living in these hypotheticals is not helpful for the present
ReplyDeleteIt's dangerous when the fanciful overtakes the practical.
DeleteI just call it 'Things I would like to do at some point - maybe'. 'Bucket list' is neater, for sure. :-) xx
ReplyDeleteI prefer your longer phrase :-)
DeleteI share your reservations about the whole 'bucket list' concept. And Nobby definitely lives for the moment!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
Oh, to live life as a carefree pup!
DeleteI think I've read that book. I certainly know about it. Funnily I just wrote something about a bucket list on the last blog where I commented.
ReplyDeleteIt's just such a common, over-used expression.
DeleteWell, my bucket is empty and not likely to be refilled any time soon.
ReplyDeleteIs there a hole in it, dear Liza, dear Liza?
DeleteThat sounds like a good book. Will add to my To Read list.
ReplyDeleteI see bucket list as a to do list. For me, it doesn't mean anything more than that, though the word seems to have ring of 'desperation' around it.
It's just another of those phrases that people repeat without thinking.
DeleteI've always found the phrase annoying, as well. The book looks most interesting.
ReplyDeleteI found the book really easy to read, and it's also quite short.
DeleteI had never heard this expression either ! I call it my "To do it" and then and don't do it, or in French they say "pense bête" which translated would be "think stupidly" but it rather means to write down something not to forget. Anyway, besides a shopping list I do no lists at all (no a luggage list too)
ReplyDeleteWriting lists and not doing the things on them is something I do.
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ReplyDeleteI guess I'm not very adventurous as I have no bucket list to accomplish. I guess it's nice that people have things that they want to aim for before they die but I figured just living a good life is enough for me. That book looks very interesting and I may have to find out what it's about.
ReplyDeleteI'm not very adventurous, but not complacent, either.
DeleteI always found the phrase irritating as well, although I am a notorious maker of lists, just not a "bucket" one. Thanks for explaining its origins and I'll have a lookout for that book! xxx
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's the way it's used so casually, without thought, that irritates me most. I really am a GOW (grumpy old woman)
DeleteI suppose it's up to the individual to determine what goes on the bucket list whether the to do is modest or extravagant, time, and means would also have to figure into the equation. There's one item on my bucket list to see the Aurora Borealis. Every time it has been visible in my area, it's either cloudy or rainy.
ReplyDeleteThe Aurora Borealis was something I always wanted to see - and I did , a few years ago, so I'm happy.
DeleteI've never really liked the term 'bucket list' but each to their own!
ReplyDeleteI think I would tend to call it, a things I'd like to do list!
The book looks interesting.
All the best Jan
'Things I'd like to do' sounds so much friendlier!
DeleteThanks Janice - just bought for my god-daughter who'll enjoy it - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI hope she does enjoy it.
DeleteWow that is interesting to know. I wondered why it was called a bucket list lol
ReplyDeleteA bucket full of scraps of paper?
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