Bucket List - 8 Items from Bucket List

When asked “What would you like to do before you die?” my mind sometimes comes to a blank. I have never really sat down and thought about making a bucket list before. I don’t usually like to think about death or dying, it’s not something I handle well, especially after the loss of my grandmother and aunt who were very important women in my life. However, reflecting back on some of the things I wanted to do in my childhood and goals I’d like to accomplish in my adult life, I have started a small list of things I’d like to do.

Seeing the late Mexican-American singer Selena’s memorial is something I’ve had on my mind before I even knew what a bucket list was. Growing up I idolized Selena; I wanted to be a singer just like her, to sing in Spanish and dance in beautiful costumes. One year I got a collectable Selena Barbie for my birthday and even though I was told many times not to open it, I eventually did because all I wanted to do was play out all her concert scenes with my other Barbies. I still have her to this day. Selena’s memorial is called the Mirador de la Flor (Lookout of the Flower) located in Corpus Christi Texas.

Culinary school is top priority on my bucket list. I have always had a talent at cooking. I remember being in the kitchen whenever I could to help my mom or grandma cook. I love seeing the reactions on my friends and family’s faces when they try my dishes! I feel like it’s something that helps me connect with them, especially when things may be rocky between us. Going to culinary school would help me learn new techniques, styles of cooking and dishes that I can add to my resume! I also believe that it would help me when I decide to open my own restaurant or catering business one day which is also another thing on my bucket list!

These next two bucket list goals kind of go together. First, I would ultimately like to reach my goal of 90 pounds lost. As I child I was always the bigger kid; grew like a weed and during my fourth grade year, I got asked if I was a high school-er. 

As the years went on, the weight piled on; I tried to stay active, eat healthier and cut portion sizes but nothing would help continuously, I would always gain the weight back.

In 2016 I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); I matched almost all of the symptoms associated and learned that one of the main factors in determining PCOS was weight gain. My doctor explained to me that loosing just 10 percent of my highest weight (at the time of my diagnosis) would greatly help reduce my other symptoms. My doctor also explained to me that women with PCOS will have a difficult time getting pregnant.

So for my next bucket list goal, I would love to have children one day. With the information I have now about my condition, I know it will not be easy, but my doctor has given me hope that it is possible with the right treatment and a healthy lifestyle. I come from a decent sized family; two sisters and a younger brother, so I’ve always wanted to have a medium sized family as well.

Low Carb/Keto Dinner made with spaghetti squash!

Another Item on my bucket list is to grow my own garden. With my new lifestyle eating healthy is very important and having healthy foods on hand makes it so much easier. A lot of my meals consist of leafy green veggies, zucchini squash and cauliflower. These items are not always available at my local market or sometimes they’re very expensive. Having my own garden would allow me to have lots of healthy options for my meals at low costs! Having my own garden also fuels my passion for cooking! 

My Instagram Account where I post my delicious meals & PCOS/Keto progress!

As a kid, I always dreamed about going to Disney World. I remember watching the previews before Disney movies and pointing and showing them to my parents. I would beg and beg and beg them to take me. Although it did not happen in my childhood, I would still like to go at least twice; once before I have kids, and a second time with them. This may also be my first vacation as an adult! To this day, I’ve only ever been to Cedar Point and Water Parks in Ohio, so I am really looking forward to checking it off my list!

Me as Belle from Beauty & the Beast -3 years old

Last but not least, I would love to travel to Italy. Being half Italian and hearing the stories about my father’s childhood summers in Italy had encouraged me to pursue this travel destination before I die. Both of my paternal grandparents are from Italy; my grandmother is from a small town in southern Italy called San Giovanni in Fiore and my grandfather is from a little town in northern Italy called Carre. I think it would be such an adventure to travel to these different towns and others along the way. It would also be nice to meet my extended families from that side too!

My Grandmother traveled back to her hometown last summer!