Here‛s my list of Big Things, inspired by New Kid, Liliputian Lilith, and Superhero Journal (who calls hers the Mondo Beyondo list.) I‛ve banned fitness and professional goals here, since those belong elsewhere. This list is about what one wants out of life, not work.

10 Things To Do Before I Die

1. Live in a place that truly suits both of us, which means close to a major city but not necessarily in it. We‛re both very happy where we are, but we won‛t get to stay here forever.
2. Build or restore a house there with my partner.
3. Travel extensively with same, particularly in Britain.
4. Maintain a serious garden. Not necessarily huge, but with a potager and well-planned flower beds.
5. Publish an unscholarly book.
6. Have multiple pets again. I had them all my life until the past two years, and miss them horribly. Life really isn‛t complete without a dog and two cats.
7. Recover and improve my ability to play the piano. I played for six years and quit in a fit of teenage rebellion. I miss it more every year, but don‛t have the time or space to pursue it right now.
8. Learn and become fluent in another language. Four years of mediocre Spanish don‛t count.
9. Maintain close ties to family and friends.
10. Create a solid body of work, in various senses of the term.