Welcome to my SEVENTH ANNUAL (wow) list! I really liked the 5 categories I set for 2025, because it allowed me to focus on what I already had planned, repeating a few favorites, plus work on past list items that fell short. I did decide to add a 26th challenge since it’s 2026, and I put that extra one in the People’s Choice category! This was an awesome suggestion last year (thanks again Shannon), and it definitely helped having the opportunity to make some decisions later on rather than front-loading all options (because we all know plans and goals can change in an instant!). Keep the recs coming, though, because your suggestions give me great ideas to work from for future lists!
So, without further ado… here’s to another great year of trials, failures, and growth in 2026!
Already in the Works
- Stay at the Helios Grand Hotel
- See Bad Omens again
- Attend an event at Madison Square Garden
- Revel Half Marathon in Salt Lake City, Utah
- McMiller Family Vacay at Disney for Halloween
Want to Happen
- Complete 3+ more state races
- Finally check out Taste of Buffalo
- Research and talk to my doctor about HRT
- Take advantage of a last minute cruise deal or vacation special
- Explore at least 5 Virginia Bucket List scratch offs from Reach International Outfitters
Previous Failure
- Go snow tubing
- Prepare our wills
- Hike a portion of the AT
- More blog entries and social media posts with travel focus
- Try acupuncture, cupping, or a new type of massage therapy
Do it Again
- Go see Christmas decorations in NYC
- Tackle a good portion of my “Clean & Declutter” list from 2023
- Eat at another prix fixe menu location (preferably Hell’s Kitchen)
- Join a choir again (SATB, if possible)
- Do another Paint Nite, Polka-Dot-Pot, or something of the like
People’s Choice (a few front-loaded from your suggestions with some TBDs for later!)
- Attend a Renaissance Faire
- Visit 3 “new to me” libraries
- Take a drivable ‘tourist’ overnight trip to somewhere we haven’t been
- Complete at least A-E in Alphabet Dating
- TBD
- TBD
Being your practical Mom, I would suggest you start with #12 in the new year.
You are frequently around for #7 but have had other priorities in the past. I’ve never gotten there either.