So here we go. I spent January going over all the ideas that folks sent me and started to compile them into a more focused list. There were quite a lot of good ideas and a lot of ideas that were more “bucket list” focused than I’m prepped for this year. So here’s the plans as they sit so far.
Planned 2026 Experiences
Iceland Trip with Sam
Horseback Riding - Yes LaLa I’m going to reach out to you to chat.
Fermented Shark
Interdimensional Hopscotch
Roadside Hotsprings
Pokémon Fossil Exhibit in Chicago - Still working on dates. It opens May 22 and runs through April 11, 2027.
Craft Sake in LA & some family hangs - September 3-8. (Possibly)
Creative South in Columbia, GA - April 8-12 - Marks 1 state off my 50 states list and is working towards reinvigorating my creativity
Design and Make 50 fingerboards for my 51st birthday party
Go to Elizabeth, CO to hang with highland coos - Hannah
Go on a Colorado Adventure with Andee Pants - TBD but working on it
Walk all 71 miles of the Highline Canal - Did parts 1 & 2 in January. Planning on doing 1-2 parts every month for the rest of the year. Join me if you’d like :). Doing part 3 on February 7.
Trying to taste a whisk(e)y at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, & 50 years. Started down this path with Jimmy. I know the 30+ is going to be a challenge, but it sounds fun if it can happen. Addendum to the rule…if the bottle was bought in 1976 and sat in a basement for 50 years, that does count.
Planning on making sakes that reflect 76, 86, 96, 06, 16, & 26. I don’t know if I’ll get though all of them in the next year, but I like the idea and it gives me some new ideas to experiment with. I’ll also incorporate some of the art/design/drawing things that were suggested.
A lot of people mentioned meeting 50 new people which is good, but I think I like the idea of reaching out to 50 people I haven’t chatted with in a long time and catching up with them.
Celebrate a holiday you’ve never celebrated before - I got a chance to celebrate Gnomeuary this year. Super fun idea that I’ll definitely work on adding to my winter celebration calendar. Thanks Megan, Kagen, and Helen. I’ll be on the lookout for other holidays this year as well.
Creative Quests - I signed up for all 4 Quests this year. Looking forward to seeing where this takes me.
Plant-Dyed Bandana Workshop - With Patsy February 26 - In this two-hour workshop, participants will learn about fibers, plant pigments, and how to naturally dye fabric—all in the process of creating a beautifully dyed bandana.
Beginner Bollywood Dance Class - Sundays with Mitch & Friends - Still figuring out my schedule to make this work, but I figure at least twice a month I’ll do the beginner drop in and try and make this work :)
Do a silent retreat - Still working this one out, but it sounds like something that would be good to do this year.
Find a cardigan and Zhoosh it with patches or draw on it. I like the idea that this can also be a recording of the year. Patches from travel, bands, etc. would be cool. Now I just need to find the right cardigan and get this started.
Find a nonprofit that you love and volunteer for a day or on a regular basis. - Trying to work out my schedule for this as well. There are a few I have in mind, but need to get a few ducks in a row first.
So that’s the start. I’m also trying to leave room for spontaneous things and reflection. No sense in overloading the calendar and burning myself out. If you have any additional suggestions, please let me know. Very few things are set in stone and there are a lot of things to experience this year. One thing that I’m pretty sure of is I don’t want to do all this on my own. So if there’s something you’re interested in joining or having me join, please let me know. I set up a calendar here if you want to check in on the happenings. I’ll try and post as often as I can, but I may just do and post very little.
Here’s to 50 and beyond!