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drunkscriblerian Street Writing Man from Castle Geekhaven Since: Oct, 2010 Relationship Status: In season
Street Writing Man
#1: Oct 12th 2011 at 11:10:14 PM

I almost put this in Yackfest before I realized that it would almost certainly get derailed in less than ten posts...besides, this is On-Topic Conversations, not On-Topic Debates.

What would you like to do before you check out? These things can be great or small, but give a list and say why. Let's all try to remain calm if someone wants to do something we don't like or agree with; this thread doesn't have to be a simple series of lists but let's make an effort not to turn it into an argument about someone's life goals.

Myself....

  • Traverse America. I've lived in this country my whole life and I've only seen a small fraction of it. Someday I want to buy a vehicle, stuff a bag with a few vital possessions and -as a previous generation once said- "drop out" for a while. There's a wealth of stories and sights out there, and I have to say I'm curious.
  • Stalk and kill an animal, then eat it. This sounds weird but let me explain; I feel that, as modern humans, we are removed from the process that provides our sustenance. I've nibbled at the edges of getting involved (I've fished and crabbed, helped to butcher animals, etc) but never gone through the whole process. I want to know if I have the right -to say nothing of the ability- to eat meat.
  • Get drunk on the grave of my hero. I'll have to sneak into a cemetery in Lufkin Texas to do it, but it will be worth it. Charlie Wilson is one of the few politicians I respect, and a worthy human being by all accounts...even his opponents said he didn't have a hypocritical bone in his body. I want to have a conversation with this man, even if it's one-sided and slurred by whiskey.
  • Split a bottle of hard liquor with someone famous. And I mean household-name famous. The stories they could tell, the things I would say, all of it lubricated by a bottle of good booze. The individual doesn't matter...though if I could choose, I'd drain a fifth with David Bowie.
  • Climb a mountain. You know, something that actually takes work to climb.
  • Build a house. Design it, buy the parts and do it.
  • Visit Japan, and see what all the fuss is about. Because, let's face it, there's a lot of fuss. And I'm curious about a culture so different from my own.
  • Write a book. I want to see how the world at large reacts to my ideas.
  • Direct a movie. I think I could do a kickass one.
  • Father a child. Because there's a good deal I'd like to pass along, and also because I'm curious to see if I can accomplish this most basic (yet also most difficult) humanistic task.
  • Get in a swordfight. I mean a real one; the blades have edges and my opponent has a need to see blood. Not life's blood, you understand...but I'd take a few cuts just to say that I've been in the most intimate form of combat mankind has yet to create. Victory would be sweet but it wouldn't be the point.
  • Learn to play a musical instrument. I love music, but I have no talent for making it. I've always wanted to do something about this.

Your turn.

If I were to write some of the strange things that come under my eyes they would not be believed. ~Cora M. Strayer~
Midgetsnowman Since: Jan, 2010
#2: Oct 12th 2011 at 11:32:56 PM

Lets see

Find a wife and have a family.

Get a job that allows me to get out of smalltown life and live in the city

Get an artwork into a museum.

Finish my backlog of games I've never finished

I figure past that Its mostly doing whatever dreamy bullshit I think of when I get to it.

edited 12th Oct '11 11:33:25 PM by Midgetsnowman

tropetown Since: Mar, 2011
#3: Oct 12th 2011 at 11:38:55 PM

Well, as far as I know, I've still got quite a while before I die... there are a few things I definitely want to accomplish with the time I've still got;

  • Take a journey on my own through each continent (I'd do Antarctica, just for the experience, even though I seriously doubt I'd enjoy it); a trip like that would be life-changing, to say the least.
  • Lead a political rally; it's something I'd definitely be good at, and I've got plenty of experience speaking in front of large crowds. It'd be interesting to see where I could take this talent of mine.
  • Funny you mentioned swordfighting... that's something I've recently wanted to learn how to do; I haven't checked if there are any schools that teach German or Italian longsword around where I live, but if I'm able to find a good one, I will certainly take classes and learn how to do it.
  • Write a novel; I'm in the process of doing just that, actually; the nature of the world and the story keeps changing too quickly for me to get it solidified and written down long. Whenever I begin, I keep coming up with what seem like brilliant ideas, which render any previous work I had done obsolete, and it's always back to the drawing board.
  • Do something that would noticeably change the direction of human history; introduce a revolutionary idea, pioneer some sort of groundbreaking technology, create a political/philosophical movement, or really, anything along those lines.

Whatever I end up doing though, I'd always want to make sure my life stayed interesting. wink The only sin, in my book, is boredom.

edited 12th Oct '11 11:47:06 PM by tropetown

AceofSpades Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
#4: Oct 12th 2011 at 11:45:04 PM

Wait, is the cemetary Wilson's in not open to the public or do you plan on going there at night? I think some of those places don't close the gates at night. Iunno.

Hmm... I'd kind of like to go to Marfa, Texas during their festival time. Festivals are fun, and so are alien conspiracy theories. Also, go see the Cadillac Ranch and spray paint the flag on one of those cars. It would be awesome.

Hmm... also, write and draw a successful and famous comic. Which is kind of a pipe dream, but if I'm going to have unattainable goals it might as well be something I enjoy.

I'd have to put visit Japan on my list too, largely because I really just want to visit a foreign country. It looks like they have some really cool museums for their animation industry. Plus, there's a mall somewhere over there with a ferris wheel on it. I want to ride that thing.

Failing that, I'd visit Canada. It seems nice, and there would be minimal language issues.

edited 12th Oct '11 11:47:20 PM by AceofSpades

Kino Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: Californicating
#5: Oct 13th 2011 at 5:47:39 AM

Christina Hendricks.

[more to follow]

Mandemo Since: Apr, 2010
#6: Oct 13th 2011 at 5:58:18 AM

I want to live.

Not some just normal life everyone seeks, I want atleast in my life feel like my life is worth it. I want to feel alive, not just do things because I have no choice.

Madrugada Zzzzzzzzzz Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: In season
Zzzzzzzzzz
#7: Oct 13th 2011 at 6:34:31 AM

Cool lists. It's neat to see the mix of big and small things.

A very partial list of mine:

  • Skydive. I have a near-terror of being near the edge of a high place when there's no visual barrier — something that interferes with looking down easily. It's not the height that scares me, though. It's that I really want to step off that edge and experience the sensation of the fall. It's not a suicidal thing, either; I most definitely don't want to die. I just want to fall. Parachutists have a term they took from the French: "l'attrait du vide" — "the lure of the void". Maybe experiencing free-fall will make it easier to deal with in the rest of my life. Maybe it will make it harder. I don't know, and I don't really care. I want to answer the lure of the void.
  • Drive US-20 across the country from Boston to Oregon. Why US 20? I don't know.

edited 13th Oct '11 6:34:56 AM by Madrugada

...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.
Kino Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: Californicating
#9: Oct 13th 2011 at 7:35:16 AM

I know a girl who's half Japanese, half-German.

SavageHeathen Pro-Freedom Fanatic from Somewhere Since: Feb, 2011
Pro-Freedom Fanatic
#10: Oct 13th 2011 at 7:44:31 AM

  • Sing in (and publish) a full-length, professionally produced studio album.
  • Take part in a revolution: Not necessarily an anarchist one, and not necessarily in the States.
  • Publish a completed, useable RPG setting.
  • Ride cross-country from Maine to Seattle and Seattle-Tijuana on a Russian motorcycle.
  • Visit every country in Europe.
  • Go to Japan and get laid there (Never had sex with a Jap, and I find japanese women with big boobs quite attractive)
  • Go hunting in Africa, preferrably large game.

edited 13th Oct '11 7:45:55 AM by SavageHeathen

You exist because we allow it and you will end because we demand it.
TheStarshipMaxima NCC - 1701 Since: Jun, 2009
NCC - 1701
#11: Oct 13th 2011 at 7:58:06 AM

@Whoever mentioned Christina Hendricks, good call. I myself will take Halle Berry.

And, I know there's no way, that I know of at least, but....I'd really like to walk on the Moon before I die.

It was an honor
Ailedhoo Heroic Comedic Sociopath from an unknown location Since: Aug, 2011
#12: Oct 13th 2011 at 8:55:27 AM

.Visit my aunt in Austria and pat a kangaroo.

.Visit China, Japan and Russia.

.Have a job in links with the EU.

.Write a book.

.Paint more.

.Fight in the War Room.

I’m a lumberjack and I’m ok. I sleep all night and work all day.
Linhasxoc Since: Jun, 2009 Relationship Status: With my statistically significant other
#13: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:25:53 AM

One thing I can think of right now is go to a football game at Lambeau Field in January. Also, I've always wanted to go to New England, especially Maine. And I want to pull a Pixel and make a video game completely by myself (this is by far the least likely to happen, I think).

BlueNinja0 The Mod with the Migraine from Taking a left at Albuquerque Since: Dec, 2010 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
The Mod with the Migraine
#14: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:31:40 AM

Traverse America. I've lived in this country my whole life and I've only seen a small fraction of it. - DS
As someone who's largely done this* , let me advise you to ensure you have enough rest areas planned along your route. Driving for 6+ hours a day is a strain.
Visit Japan, and see what all the fuss is about. - DS
Japan is awesome. I highly recommend it.
Publish a completed, useable RPG setting. - Savage
You stole my idea! It's sabers at dawn, mister! tongue

Hmm, some things on my list ...

That’s the epitome of privilege right there, not considering armed nazis a threat to your life. - Silasw
Kino Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: Californicating
joyflower Since: Dec, 1969
#16: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:41:20 AM

Here is my List to do before I die:

Go take a blood test to see what country in Africa I am most descended from and visit it.

Make successful girl shows that will be loved by everyone.

Make a great book series/novel aimed at girls.

Go to Japan and possibly date or even marry a Japanese Christian.(Come on Asian guys are sexy;just look at Ken Akamatsu;I know that he is labeled under Ugly Guy, Hot Wife but you gotta admit he is fine and I think his wife is the lucky one because he is kinda of hot in an Adorkable way.)

If I get rich off my series then I will live a Middle Class life and have all my money donated to make a home for the downtrodden.

Make my ideas into actual girl shows:"Judge Debra" and "Pretty Mech Protectors"

Write for Disney.

Visit Israel.

Help Fight Human Trafficking.

edited 13th Oct '11 10:01:47 AM by joyflower

KingZeal Since: Oct, 2009
#17: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:53:26 AM

Well, the first thing I'd do is:

  • Write a novel
    • LIKE A BOSS
  • Travel the world
    • LIKE A BOSS
  • Swim in the ocean
    • LIKE A BOSS
  • Adopt a baby
    • LIKE A BOSS
  • See outer space
    • LIKE A BOSS

Kino Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: Californicating
#18: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:55:17 AM

I believe you said something about punching a stripper.

pagad Sneering Imperialist from perfidious Albion Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
Sneering Imperialist
#19: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:55:39 AM

Christina Hendricks.

I could get behind that.

Before I croak, I want to:

  • Drive from the northernmost point of the United Kingdom to the southernmost.
  • Travel across Europe.
    • Especially to Russia.
    • Visit Pripyat.
  • Travel across North America.
    • Especially to Canada.
    • Whilst in the United States, fire a machine-gun.
  • Write a comic, get it drawn and professionally published.
  • Write a film, get it shot and directed.
  • Drive a tank.
  • Fly a (small, private) plane.
    • Fly a helicopter.

[up][up],[up]: [awesome]

edited 13th Oct '11 9:58:56 AM by pagad

With cannon shot and gun blast smash the alien. With laser beam and searing plasma scatter the alien to the stars.
TheGloomer Since: Sep, 2010
#20: Oct 13th 2011 at 9:57:04 AM

Things I'd like to do that might be within reach:

  • Complete my piano performance diploma.
  • Develop proficiency as a guitarist.
  • Drive from one end of Ireland to the other, and possibly pursue a James Joyce walking tour in Dublin on the way.

Wholly unrealistic aspirations, entertained only for my own amusement:

  • Play in an arena in front of a large audience.
  • Write a comic book with original characters.
  • Learn how to produce records.
  • Learn to fly an aeroplane.
  • Learn to sing.
  • Live in London and work in a West End musical theatre production in some capacity.

edited 13th Oct '11 10:21:49 AM by TheGloomer

Deuteronomy Since: Jun, 2011
#21: Oct 13th 2011 at 10:17:25 AM

Guh, I don't really know. Some things that come to mind are...

  • Learn to prioritise things better — pretty much self-explanatory, I'd imagine, so here's why: I can't manage my own time worth anything and about 99% of the time I'll always put something off until the last minute since I never consider it a priority. I'd like to think I'm getting better at this, but I also realise that's just me being delusional.
  • Write a better bucket list — actually writing a proper one would be a great place to start, mind.
  • Visit the graves of Anne Bonny and Mary Read — this is definitely a weird one, but bear with me for a minute: they were actual, real people who despite being women in the 1700s managed to be quite famous pirates. Gender roles be damned. Given the era and how they managed to do so incredibly well for themselves for the time, that's super inspirational in a way. I can't articulate how very well, so, uh, sorry about that.

I could easily rattle off a ton of generic things like "get rich," "get a good job," "get married" etc. Y'know, things that surely go without saying. I guess I'm just not that ambitious when it comes to other things or maybe I just haven't given it enough thought (all I know for sure is that "visit Japan" certainly isn't on there... which means I'm probably the only person here that doesn't have it on a non-existent bucket list. Oh well.).

[down] Oh yeah, totally. I don't mean to insinuate anything negative about the idea of doing it. I just don't get why apparently everyone on the internet (with a handful of exceptions) wants to go there. Maybe I'm a weird one for actually liking the place where I live. Who knows!

edited 13th Oct '11 10:28:47 AM by Deuteronomy

TheGloomer Since: Sep, 2010
#22: Oct 13th 2011 at 10:24:31 AM

I don't think I'd like to visit Japan. I'm not sure I understand the hype. I mean, I'm sure it's a nice place to go and I'm not denigrating anybody's desire to travel, but it seems like an unusually attractive destination.

Well, to each their own and no harm done.

pvtnum11 OMG NO NOSECONES from Kerbin low orbit Since: Nov, 2009 Relationship Status: We finish each other's sandwiches
OMG NO NOSECONES
#23: Oct 13th 2011 at 10:51:47 AM

  • Tour Chernobyl and Pripyat.

  • Finish my gorram Firefly OC fic.

  • Walk my daughters down the aisle and marry them off to a good man.

  • Have a grandchild.

  • Drive my '89 TTA across country (after shipping it across the Pacific) and participate in a TTA meet. (and doing a lap or two on the Indy speedway AT SPEED, like the car was designed to do.)

  • barring the above, actually sprucing the thing up to make it look factory-original, as opposed to the beater it more closely resembles.

  • Buy a house. (with a garage)

  • Skydive.

  • Grow old together with my spouse.

  • Ensure that my children outlive me.

Happiness is zero-gee with a sinus cold.
pagad Sneering Imperialist from perfidious Albion Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
Sneering Imperialist
#24: Oct 13th 2011 at 11:24:32 AM

I just don't get why apparently everyone on the internet (with a handful of exceptions) wants to go there.

Because they clearly haven't heard of fucking Asian giant hornets. Certainly killed my interest in ever going.

edited 13th Oct '11 11:25:13 AM by pagad

With cannon shot and gun blast smash the alien. With laser beam and searing plasma scatter the alien to the stars.
Enzeru icon by implodingoracle from Orlando, FL ¬ôχಠ♥¯ Since: Mar, 2011
icon by implodingoracle
#25: Oct 13th 2011 at 11:44:32 AM

Hug a bear, I don't care if it's full grown or a cub. (The latter would be cheating because the cub would be in burp-the-baby-on-your-shoulder position.)

Own my own animation channel and create my franchise so that I can show it off on said channel.

See my best friend one last time.

Play and watch every bit of entertainment that I haven't gotten to that I want to.

Yeah, my list is pretty boring.


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