avatarKerry Purvis

Summary

The author of the Medium article has shared a personal "Anti-Bucket List" comprising ten activities they never wish to experience, ranging from running for US President to traveling to outer space.

Abstract

In a creative take on the traditional bucket list, the author outlines ten activities they have no intention of pursuing. These include high-profile challenges like running for President and climbing Mount Everest, as well as more personal choices such as becoming a parent or owning a horse. The list reflects the author's aversion to high-stress situations, extreme physical challenges, and commitments that don't align with their lifestyle preferences. The article is a humorous and reflective piece that encourages readers to consider their own "anti-bucket lists" and share them in the comments or through their own writings.

Opinions

  • The author finds the idea of running a Presidential campaign unappealing due to the associated stress, lack of privacy, and potential health issues.
  • They express a clear disinterest in ballet and figure skating, jokingly mentioning their lack of skill in these areas.
  • Parenting is another life experience the author chooses to avoid, preferring the role of an aunt and enjoying working with children in a professional capacity instead.
  • The author has a strong dislike for cold environments, which is why climbing Mount Everest is a definitive no.
  • Living in a big city has lost its appeal for the author, who prefers to avoid the noise, crowds, and high cost of living associated with urban life.
  • Driving large vehicles, such as a semi-trailer truck, is something the author has tried in the past and has no desire to repeat.
  • The author has no interest in storm chasing, finding it too dangerous and preferring to experience extreme weather vicariously through media.
  • Owning a horse is unappealing to the author due to the cost, effort, and allergies, not to mention the copious amount of waste horses produce.
  • Despite being a fan of science fiction like Star Trek, the author has no desire to go to outer space, as they suffer from motion sickness and believe the experience would be unpleasant.
  • The author appreciates others who have shared their anti-bucket lists and invites readers to engage with the topic by sharing their own lists.

10 Things I Never Want to Do

My Answers to the Anti-Bucket List Challenge

Pink bucket photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

Another day, another Medium writing challenge! Today, I am participating in the Anti-Bucket List challenge. Instead of listing things I hope to do someday, I am listing things I NEVER want to do! This challenge was harder than I thought, but I did manage to come up with a list of things that are decidedly not on my agenda.

#1. Run for US President

White House photo by Michael Schofield on Unsplash

Running a Presidential campaign sounds like a nightmare. I like taking breaks, I like my privacy, and I like keeping my blood pressure low. No Presidential bids for me!

#2. Audition for a ballet company

Montgomery Ballet photo from the Library of Congress Free to Use and Reuse Sets

The only dance I have mastered is the Genesis “I Can’t Dance” walk. Auditioning for a ballet company is out of the question.

#3. Land a triple axel

Figure skater photo by 𝓴𝓘𝓡𝓚 𝕝𝔸𝕀 on Unsplash

Figure skating fans will appreciate this one. The triple axel is the hardest jump for women to land. According to this Yahoo! article, only 12 women have successfully landed the jump. I don’t even know how to skate, so I can confidently say that I will never be added to the list.

Someone who is on the list is American Mirai Nagasu. Here she is landing the jump at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

#4. Become a parent

Parenting image by tinytribes on Pixabay.

I adore children. I’ve had jobs working with them, including running story time at a library. However, despite my love of children, I do not want to be a parent. It’s a role that’s very different from being a children’s librarian or teacher. Being a parent has never interested me. I do love being an aunt, however!

#5. Climb Mount Everest

Mount Everest photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

Climbing Mount Everest is my idea of a nightmare. I hate the cold, despite living in Northern New England most of my life. I don’t want to get stuck on a freezing mountain and have my nose turn black from frostbite.

#6. Live in a big city

City photo by Redd F on Unsplash

I would have loved to live in a big city when I was in my twenties. Now that I’m older, it has lost its appeal. I would hate all the noise, crowds, congestion, and overpriced rent. The biggest city I’ve ever lived in is Portland, Maine. That was big enough for me!

#7. Drive a semi-trailer truck

Semi-trailer truck photo by Sander Yigin on Unsplash

I have experience driving large vehicles for work. I drove a 12-seat passenger van for one job. For another, I drove a bookmobile. They were interesting experiences, but I learned driving huge vehicles is not for me. So I have no desire to drive a semi-trailer truck.

#8. Be a storm chaser.

Tornado photo from The Library of Congress Free to Use and Reuse Sets

Tornados are rare where I live. I’ve never seen a tornado in real life. But I have seen The Wizard of Oz, Weather Channel documentaries, and the trailer for Twister. I’ll pass on storm chasing.

#9. Own a horse

Horses photo from the Library of Congress Free to Use and Reuse Sets

Horses are beautiful animals, but I don’t want to own one. They’re expensive, they’re a lot of work, and I’m allergic to them. Also, they poop a lot. Cleaning cat litter boxes is bad enough. Mucking horse stalls? No, thank you!

#10. Travel to Outer Space

NASA Shuttle Discovery photo from The Library of Congress Free to Use and Reuse Sets

This might surprise some people, given how much I love Star Trek. But I have no desire to travel to outer space. I deal with motion sickness and would be very sick in Zero Gravity. Sure, I might adapt, but why put myself through that?

And there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed reading my anti-bucket list. What would be on your anti-bucket list? Share in the comments below, or write your own and feel free to tag me!

Thank you to Pierce McIntyre and others who have shared your lists!

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