Friday, March 19, 2010

My Bucket List...Sort of

I’m creating a bucket list. 

And not one for when I die. 

Please, I know myself. I am an eternal procrastinator. If I created a bucket list for the things I’d want to do before I die – I’d die before I actually got them done. And being blessed (or cursed depending on what side of the pendulum you swing) with strong genes in our family - my peoples are known to live till their 90’s (late 90’s at that too) I’m probably not gonna kick the bucket any time soon. Which would mean I’d just have another 60 some years of procrastination ahead of me. 

So, I’ve decided to create a bucket list of “40 Things I Want to do Before I am 40” (for you nosy parkers…just know mama still has some good years left on her before she hits those digits).

 Plus, if I put it in writing and tell it to the world I’ll feel accountable to the millions of readers who’ll be tuning in each week to see my progress…or just to my folks (who’ll probably be the only ones reading this regularly).

 I actually came up with this idea the night of my birthday (December 30th for those who still want to send presents!). But like the procrastinator that I am it took me until March to actually commit to it. 

Besides, coming up with 40 things is a lot harder than I thought.

Right now I am up to 16. Of course there was a part of me that was like don’t bother posting this until you come up with your list…but…well you know what the outcome would be of that.

So here goes.

In no particular order – except the fitness competition cuz I just paid for it. I knew if I didn’t drop the dough I’d never get it done. And truth be told I’m getting a little tired of not being able to tell what color underwear I am wearing cuz my belly blocks the view. Now I know some of you are like “Easy solution Numa…don’t wear underwear.” But for those of you familiar with my OCD – underwear in an integral part of my day.

So I have for you my 16 out of the 40 Things I Want To Do Before 40:

  1. Travel to Mauritius. Wanted to save it for a special occasion like our honeymoon – until we found out it was going to take us giving up all 4 of our kidneys… and my ovaries (are they even functioning at this point?) just to fund the trip. FYI – My Big Fat Monsoon Wedding also came with a Big Fat Bill at the end of it. So to Cabo we went.
  2. Learn to play tennis so I can hold my own with those people who actually play in the summer time and look all cute in those short white skirts…(I hate those bitches!)
  3. Compete in a fitness competition – so I can actually look good wearing those short white skirts.
  4. Audition for "So You Think You Can Dance" as the oldest contestant ever on the show…I plan to be the Cloris Leachman of the series.
  5. Learn to Dance (would help with achieving number 4).
  6. Re-learn to knit…yes it is possible to unlearn something as quickly as you learnt it. I did once knit a scarf... that gradually grew into an afghan. I think I still have the needles deep in the trenches of my closet.
  7. Go visit my sponsor child in Senegal. Believe it or not I actually thought she lived in Rwanda up till now, when I just got up from my computer to look at the World Vision card…and you wonder why I haven’t had kids yet.
  8. Run a marathon (hey anything to make my legs look good in those tennis skirts).
  9. Have a fundraiser for Apne Ap  - an organization in Bombay that helps children of prostitutes living in brothels by providing them with education and tools to help end the intergenerational cycle of prostitution. (The one thing I am not doing for myself…See – I’m not so me centered).
  10. Play a team sport…if you know me; you know I have absolutely NO hand eye coordination…or depth perception for that matter…guess that makes learning tennis tricky too.
  11. Spend a few months in another country learning their language and cuisine…I know – Me cook? And in another language at that? Miracles can happen kids.
  12. Take a photography class so I can actually document this insane journey I’m doing.
  13. Write a blog (OMG!! I’m doing that as we speak. Check one off the list).
  14. Perform stand up somewhere…remote…probably in Senegal while visiting my sponsor daughter where no one knows me (so when I bomb it won’t feel like a total embarrassment).
  15. Dance in a Burlesque Show.
  16. Sing back up on stage in someone’s rock band….I say rock band cuz hopefully the percussion and electric guitar will be loud enough to drown out my shitty vocals (did I mention I can’t sing?)

 Okay still working on others but for now Mama's got her hands full.

Stay tuned for updates on training for the fitness competition...ugh!

 

 

12 comments:

  1. Does tennis doubles count as a team sport?

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  2. Very inspirational, Rahnuma! Your blog motivated me to go to the gym today (which is HUGE for me)! I am not as ambitious as you, so perhaps I'll do the top 4 things I want to accomplish before I am 40! Good luck! Shaun Mehta :-)

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  3. I couldn't help but notice that item #15 "Dance in a Burlesque Show" is the only item about which you did not comment.

    Now I am more curiouser.

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  4. Go Rahnuma, you can do all of this and more I'm sure! It's very exciting and inspirational to hear someone is kicking themselves in the butt to fulfil their goals. Nice one. Go gal! :)

    Mark Lapwood

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  5. Okay Girl, you certainly are on a role now. I can see that you are completely serious and motivated. So now the work begins....that Fitness Show thing....sounds interesting! I just want to let you know that you have my undivided attention for anything and everything that your Mamma never told you about doing one. You are in for the time of your life. Workouts and diets will rule your world...but at the same time with a structure and regime that will leave you wanting more. So now the journey begins....I'll be with you all the way! xoxoxo

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  6. Being anally-retentive for spelling as I am, I noticed Karen mentioned Rahnuma's on a "role", now. I believe you meant "roll".

    But then again, with my sister being an actor, it's rather apropos, doan-cha think?

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  7. And yes...

    I'm well aware of the irony between "anally-retentive for spelling" and "doan-cha".

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  8. Please let there be a second post.

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  9. Hey cuz, Dionne here. This is great, that's so funny to see that you got stuck at 16 because I decided to do 100 things that I wanted to get, places I wanted to go and things I wanted to do, sort of like yours. I got stuck at 60 things. I must say that when you're under pressure to write things down, nothing comes to mind! I'm glad you sent this link before I read part deux. I'm also curious about you dancing in a burlesque show, would that be like the original pussycat dolls?
    I need to cross a couple of things off my list. I can't wait to read part deux to see where you're at!!! Bon chance!!!!

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  10. Sounds fun! I had a similar idea after I read "Eat, Pray, Love" where I had this great ambition to follow in her footsteps. Yours seems much more "doable", considering many of the things you list you can do for free (or for minimal cost) I'm looking forward to reading about your journey. Maybe I should try making a list too... You've inspired me!!

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  11. Hey there!

    Like the blog. BTW - I happen to know a few people in a couple of Toronto-based burlesque troupes, including some folks from Erindale. Let me know if you need a hook-up.

    Good luck!!

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  12. Howdy Rahnuma how y'all doin'? Yes you are on a roll and I'm GLAD you didn't comment on the burlesque show thing (TMI - and something I DON't want to do - rather sing on top of a piano in a piano bar ... in a hot dress!

    WAY to BE! I think your foreign country for cooking should be Italy - as they will teach you so many things about life, at the same time, not just cooking, you'll be enthralled, and envigorated at the same time!

    Mauritius? Mine's Majorca! They just started a flight there so I guess I better get working fast!

    can't wait for the photos - get someone to video your competition for you - trust me - you'll want to see yourself again and again!

    You should add "Make a movie as the lead actress..." where did that one go?! HMMM Ms. Actress?!!! :) don't make me slobber and act like a drunk!

    well cheers dudette I love the facebook page... please join mine for my Twins' birth on Aug 31!

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