60 by 60
Here's my bucket list of things I wanna do.
The other day, I was feeling down about my life, my work, my hobbies—just about everything. While discussing my feelings with my wife, I came to the conclusion that I had a lot of “unfulfilled potential.” What that meant for me was that I wasn’t really depressed about my life, but about the things I hadn’t yet done. My wife, in her infinite wisdom, suggested that I create a bucket list and start ticking off those things I want to do and the experiences I want to have.
With that as inspiration, I began compiling a list of experiences I’d like to accomplish before turning 60 in June 2028. I looked up some bucket lists, but many were just not for me—like walking the Great Wall of China, swimming with sharks, visiting the Taj Mahal, or spending six months teaching abroad. Those are all big adventures, which can be incredible experiences, but those ideas seem wrong for me at this stage of my life. So, I tried to create a list that was relatively achievable and affordable, as simple as possible, and mostly new to me.
I only picked 60 because it’s a nice round number and 32 months away. Turning 60 also feels big and exciting, but not too old.
So, without further ado, here’s my list grouped by subjects:
Travel & Exploration
Visit Hawaii
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. It might have started after staying at the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World when I was a kid. I’d likely love being on island time.
Visit the Grand Canyon
I haven’t been out to the Phoenix area to see my best friend in a long while. I wonder what it would take to convince him to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon?
Visit Nashville
My wife and I have discussed taking a long weekend trip to Nashville, just the two of us. I'd like to explore the bars on Broadway and possibly see a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
Visit Niagara Falls
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Niagara Falls. My wife expressed interest in going, and I think it’s a grand idea.
Do a Chicago Tour
Growing up, Chicago was never a destination. We just never really visited. I’ve been to many of the sports spots, but that’s about it. I think a guided tour would be fun to learn some history, see some sights, and do all the “touristy” things.
Ride a Train
I have not been on a train since I was in kindergarten, but I have family who take the train up and down from Chicago. I wonder if I could combine my Chicago Tour idea with this one?
Go on a Road Trip
I’ve never jumped in the car with an overnight bag and headed… out there. It’s always been a strict plan and destination. I’d love my wife and me to just get up and get on the road with no particular place to go.
Go Zip Lining
Just north of St. Louis in Grafton, Illinois, sits Aerie’s Resort. It features a restaurant and lodging, an alpine coaster, a sky tour, and a zip line. This would be a day trip to embrace my adventurous side while enjoying some breathtaking views.
Stay at a Vegas Hotel and Do All the Amenities
I’ve been to Las Vegas a couple of times, and I had fun, but I have this idea I’d like to pursue. My plan is to stay at one hotel and fully experience everything it offers—from pools to shows to restaurants—turning it into a true resort vacation. I don’t know which hotel is the best for this idea, but I’m willing to do the research and entertain suggestions.
Visit Cedar Point and Ride a Bunch of Roller Coasters
It’s been a while since I’ve spent a day at an amusement park. No one in my immediate family likes them. For some reason, I’ve never been to Cedar Point, and considering it’s the roller coaster capital of the world, I should fix that before I’m too old to ride.
Ride to the top of the St. Louis Arch
I’ve never done this in all the times I’ve been to St. Louis.
Nature & Outdoors
Set Up a Vacation Rental
For maybe a long weekend, I’d love to find a vacation rental on Lake Sara near Effingham, Illinois. Of course, it doesn’t have to be down in the Effingham area. The goal would be to disconnect from the outside world for a little bit. Bring a couple of books and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Stargaze
I anticipate the vacation rental would be the perfect location to look up at the stars. I’d probably need my phone to identify the stars/planets, though.
Watch a Sunrise
I’ve watched a sunrise before, but I want to do it at the vacation rental. Get up early, drink some coffee, and put the world on pause.
Hike the TREC Recreation Trails
On the outskirts of Effingham, a fairly new walking/hiking trail offers some spectacular views. The start is near the Effingham Performance Center and overall not too far from Lake Sara.
Sports & Entertainment
Watch a Baseball Game at Fenway Park
I’ve been to Wrigley Field, but not Fenway.
Watch a Football Game at the Rose Bowl
I don’t necessarily mean going to the bowl game; just a regular USC game would be awesome.
Watch a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
Seeing a show at such a legendary outdoor amphitheater sounds unforgettable to me.
Go to a Drive-In Movie
One of the best Drive-Ins in the country is just a few miles away. Harvest Moon is in Gibson City, Illinois, and I don’t know why I’ve never gone. I should fix that.
Attend a Live Theater Performance
The State Farm Center has a Broadway Series, and I’ve never seen a production.
Attend a Symphony or Orchestra Concert
The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts hosts several live classical music events, and I have never considered purchasing tickets. Now is the best time.
Attend a Sporting Event for a Sport I’ve Never Watched Live
I’ve watched Illinois volleyball, soccer, and softball on the Big Ten Network, but I've never attended a game in person.
Creative & Artistic Pursuits
Get a Tattoo
I’ve always kind of wanted one. Something simple on my shoulder. I’m still not sure what it should be. In the past, I’ve wanted a blue rose.
Learn to Play the Guitar
When I was younger, I had a normal guitar, but I initially picked it up left-handed, and so I thought I was a left-handed guitarist, which caused me some issues. I figured out too late that I wasn’t left-handed, and then I just never tried to play. Why not?
Write a Song
If I’m going to learn how to play guitar, I should try to write a song. I’d love to capture my thoughts and emotions in a song that’s uniquely mine and expresses what words alone sometimes can’t.
Take a Photography Class
I do not have a good camera, but I bet I don’t need anything beyond my iPhone for the class. My guess is that it would teach me observation and patience, two areas where I could improve.
Have Professional Pictures Taken
I want to invest in quality portraits. I don’t have any professional family photos, and I think I’d like them.
Self-Publish a Book of Life Lessons
I have a collection of short notes and quotes that I would eventually like to compile into a single volume.
Self-Publish My Writing
I’ve been working for years on gathering my poems, stories, essays, and other written work into a published collection. I don’t even care about trying to sell the book. I just want it all collected.
Write a Letter to My Future Self
I want to reflect on where I’ve been and where I hope to go, in order to create some clarity and perspective for myself. This kind of letter would become a time capsule of my thoughts, hopes, and wisdom. Of course, I’d add it to the time capsule idea below.
Write an Original Screenplay
Several years ago, I wrote a Star Wars screenplay to see if I could actually do it. I had thought I’d lost the digital file, but I recently found it. So now I want to write something new, personal, and not based on anything else.
Learning & Skills
Learn How to Play Golf
My daughter is a pretty good golfer. My Dad plays regularly. I’ve played a handful of times, and I have some really old clubs, but I just never got around to making it a hobby. Now is the time to commit fully to formal lessons and potentially better clubs.
Train for a 5K
There is no doubt in my mind that I can walk three miles right now. I regularly walk two without any problem. I’d like to see if I can’t build up my fitness to at least jog a 5K.
Learn a New Card Game
There are so many card games I’ve never played. There must be a few good ones that my entire family would also want to learn.
Learn Basic Car Maintenance
I’d like to go beyond just checking the oil and changing a tire. I'm not sure if that’s a formal class or if I'm teaching myself via YouTube.
Reading & Literature
Read a Classic Novel
As I write this, I’m leaning toward The Great Gatsby. I haven’t read it from start to finish since I was in high school. I own a nice, annotated version. I should crack it open.
Read All Books Written by a Favorite Author
I’m leaning toward starting by reading all of the novels of Jack McDevitt (no relation) featuring his character, Alex Benedict. Once that’s done, I’ll go back and read the ones starring Priscilla Hutchins. He also has several standalone novels and numerous short stories.
Attend an Author Talk
The local Champaign Public Library regularly hosts these events, making it easy to connect. I don’t know why I haven’t ever taken advantage of it before.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the Krannert Art Museum
Champaign and the University of Illinois have an amazing art gallery and museum, and I’ve never visited it before. The Krannert Art Museum is truly remarkable.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
It’s been a long time since I visited the Art Institute of Chicago. Maybe I can make it part of my Chicago tour?
Visit the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
I’ve never been to the Shedd Aquarium. Feels like something I should rectify.
Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
While I generally roll my eyes at many of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, I still think it would be an amazing place to visit. I really have no idea what exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays they have.
Listen to All of My Vinyl Records
I don’t have a lot of vinyl records, maybe about 25, but I have enough that it would take some time to go through, and I know there are ones I haven’t listened to in decades.
Connection & Relationships
Arrange A Date Night
It is a challenge to set up a formal date night with my wife. Work, commitments, and life in general conspire to make it difficult. My goal is to overcome all of those potential issues.
Leave an Extra Tip
This small act of kindness could make someone’s day significantly better and spread the positivity I want to put into the world. I think I’d couple this with the Date Night.
Send Handwritten Cards or Letters to Family and Friends Just Because
In an age of email, text messages, and social media, I want to make receiving a handwritten note from me feel special and personal. Taking time to write cards throughout the year would help me maintain connections and show people they’re thought of and valued by me.
Giving Back
Donate Blood
I haven’t given blood in a while. Mostly because it takes me longer than usual. I need to put that aside and just do something that can literally save lives.
Donate to Local Charities
I want to support causes that matter to me and contribute to creating positive change in the world. The goal is to find a handful of local charities and give.
Become a Friend of the Library
I value literacy, learning, and public access to books. The Champaign Public Library is a true anchor of the community.
Food & Cooking
Take a Cooking Class
My wife does all the cooking, but there’s no reason that has to be the case forever. Maybe I can go beyond spaghetti?
Try Recipes from My Cookbooks
I have acquired a couple of cookbooks recently, and I think it’s time to try a few of the recipes. At the very least, I can apply the skills I learn from the cooking class here.
Learn to Grill
My wife does all the grilling. While I think I can cook hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, I’d like to learn how to cook steaks. Maybe after the cooking class, she’ll let me try.
Visit the Farmers’ Market
Champaign-Urbana has a local farmers’ market, and I’ve been to it a few times, but not regularly.
Create a Family Recipe Book
I want to gather my favorite family recipes, along with their stories and photos. My hope is that this collection will become a treasured resource for future generations, helping me keep family traditions alive.
Learn How to Make My Grandmother’s Spaghetti Sauce
My cousin, apparently, has it down. I’m going to reach out to her and find out what her particular recipe is and see if I can’t replicate it.
Home & Personal Projects
Put Together a 1,000-Piece Puzzle
It’s been a while since I put together a puzzle that large. I’m not particularly good at meditation, but I think putting together a puzzle is the next best thing. It requires patience, focus, and hours of quiet, focused work.
Paint and Redecorate the Basement
My wife suggested I tackle the basement and find a way to maximize the space. It definitely needs painting, but it also needs a better way to display several items we have down there.
Set up the “Library”
My wife and I generally have an idea of what we want to do with our front room/dining room. It was always going to be a sort of sitting room with a gallery wall of floating bookshelves. I need to price out the full installation and get started.
Create a Time Capsule
I want to gather current photos, letters, newspapers, and meaningful objects to seal away as a snapshot of this moment in my life. Opening it years later would provide me with a powerful look back at how my life has evolved.
Have a Kickass 60th Birthday Party
Hey, you only turn 60 once. Let’s have a big party with lots of friends and family. My birthday is in June, so maybe an outdoor thing?
Half the fun is coming up with the bucket list. The other half is figuring out how to accomplish everything on the list. Time to get started.
Be seeing you.
Consider politeness
John DeVore spends just under 2,000 words to explain politeness. He opens with, “I remember when ‘wokeness’ was called ‘political correctness.’ And, reader, I remember when ‘political correctness’ was called ‘politeness.’” and ends with, “This is a world of performance, and threats, and explosions of rage, and all I’m saying is, hang back. Let them burn.” Man, is that good.
Jane Goodall, legendary primatologist, has died at age 91
What an extraordinary woman. “Every day you live, you make a difference. You matter. You’re here for a reason. Find the reason. And do your bit. Then, we can save the world.”
We Are Ruled by Used Car Salesmen and Grifters
JA Westenberg pulls no punches. “Our public life has become unserious with rot. We’re ruled by men and women who don’t care if their ideas work. They only care if the pitch lands. Entire fortunes are built on nothing but vaporware and slogans. Political careers thrive on sound bites with zero context and negative depth. And we let them get away with it! We reward it. We hand them our money, our votes, our attention. We’ve convinced ourselves that confidence equals competence. We’ve made charisma a substitute for character.”
Living Colour – Cult of Personality
Living Colour performs the song “Cult of Personality” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. An anthem for our time. Jimmy Kimmel is killing it out there.
The Bowie Archive Opens at Last - A Full Tour
Even if you aren’t a big fan of David Bowie, the new David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse is incredible. The museum contains over 80,000 items, including 414 costumes and accessories, nearly 150 musical instruments and other sound equipment, as well as designs, props, and scenery for concerts, films, and theatre productions. Bowie’s own desk is part of the archive, alongside notebooks, diaries, lyrics, correspondence, fan mail, and over 70,000 photographic prints, negatives, and transparencies.
Pete Hegseth is f—king embarrassing
Drew Magary writes exactly how I think. No notes. Hegseth’s speech to the gathering of military commanders was ridiculous, but the President’s speech was unhinged.
The President and His Television
Speaking of Trump, this piece from The Atlantic is biting satire. “If the TV lied to him, then everything would fall apart. If the TV was not showing him what was truly there, then the world was a piñata that he was smashing, blindfolded. He was lunging at shadows, hitting imaginary burglars with a real sledgehammer. He was wrecking everything, for nothing!”
Selling Lemons
Frank Chimero is incredibly smart and a sharp writer. “The thinking goes like this: if a buyer can’t distinguish between good and bad, everything gets priced somewhere in the middle. If you’re selling junk, this is fantastic news—you’ll probably get paid more than your lemon is worth. If you’re selling a quality used car, this price is insultingly low. As a result, people with good cars leave the market to sell their stuff elsewhere, which pushes the overall quality and price down even further, until eventually all that’s left on the market are lemons. I think we’re in the lemon stage of the internet.”
An Autocracy of Dunces
Paul Krugman lays it all out with his opening paragraph. “If America still had a fully functioning democracy, Donald Trump’s speech Tuesday to the assembled generals would have ended his presidency. Trump treated the event like a political rally and was clearly taken aback by the refusal of the audience to applaud or laugh at his jokes. Delivering a nakedly partisan speech to a mandated assembly of military officers was a gross violation of the Hatch Act. The content —telling the officers to be ready to use force against U.S. citizens — was clearly an impeachable offense. In an earlier era, Trump’s incoherent ranting would have paved the way for his immediate removal from office under the 25th Amendment.” Yup.
You don’t have to swallow frogs
I appreciate what Andrea Pitzer has done here. She has analyzed an interview between New York Times columnist and podcaster Ezra Klein and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates. Her observations are spot on. I listened to the podcast version of the exchange, and I could not quite put my finger on what was bothering me about Klein’s position. Pitzer nails it.
Oli Marmol to return as Cardinals manager in 2026
Of course, he’s coming back. Anyone who thought otherwise is not smart.
