Top 100 Things Everyone Should Do, Have, Or Experience At Least Once in Their Life.

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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6 months ago I was sitting at home and watching The Wizard of Oz on TV.

I had seen it already about 20 times…but it never seems to get old.

Anyway, it got me thinking. Who hasn’t seen this movie? It’s such a great movie. Such a classic. I think most I know have seen it…and sure, no doubt there are some out there who haven’t seen it once, but I wouldn’t think those people are in the majority, and me, I thought that if someone didn’t…well…

…They should…you know? It should be like, a LAW to see that movie. It’s something that everyone should to at least ONCE in their life.

So that got me thinking…Surely this can’t be the only one. Surely there’s got to be OTHER things that everyone should do at least ONCE in their life. Defining moments that really matter. Things that everyone knows about, things that everyone can relate to and love, things that everyone has done–maybe even a hundred times–but that everyone , if they haven’t already, should do at THE VERY LEAST one time in their lives.

So…I began to think. And then, I began to list.

But see…I didn’t list a bunch at once. No, cause then, I would have easily forgotten some really important ones. So what I did is I made it a list in progress. Over the course of 6 months, I added to it every time I thought of one or one was brought to my mind. And finally, over after 6 months was over, I had come up with 100 things. And then…I put them in ORDER! From least to most important according to my opinion.

I didn’t get ideas from anyone. I didn’t even tell anyone I was doing this list. I just worked on it as time went by and added to it and thought them all up just by living life itself. And every time I remembered one or found myself doing or seeing one, I’d say “You know, THIS should go on my list”.

A month ago the list was completed.

And I’d finally like to post it for public view, comments, critizism and for the delight of you all. A lot have already heard this list. Friends of mine on the phone and a couple of people in IM. I even started to post it in my LiveJournal (2 a day), but I only got from 100 to about 78 before the list went unfinished.
But today and over the next day or so, I plan to post it all here and finally get some feedback/opinions and let you all smile at the thought of each one of these things.
The 8 people or so thus far who have heard this list all have enjoyed it, and one even suggested I should submit it into Reader’s Digest. I don’t know about all that,…but I do think, myself, that it’s a pretty good list. I think I covered a lot of those life things and moments that really mean something and that everyone should be able to do once.

You’ll probably find that you’ve done a lot of the things on this list MANY times. Maybe every day, even. Well, that’s good then. Means that I did a pretty good job of thinking of things everyone can relate to. You’ll also find that most of the things you’ve done at an early age, yet it’s not boring or dull to still do them at the age you are now. I think a good list would have most things that would be done by people at a young age for the first time. These are, after all, what I think are truely great things…so it would stand to reason you’d complete them early on and do them often throughout life. Some of the things you’ll find you haven’t done in years, but have fond memories of. Some things you might do on a daily basis, but not even THINK about any more. Not think, ‘Gee, maybe there’s someone in this world who’s never done this before’. Some of the things I included we might take for granted a bit. They’ve become so normal that we don’t even consider them something that all people should have the oppurtunity to do. Simple things, small things even that actually hold a lot of worth.

But it all goes back to one point. Out there, somewhere in the world, there are people, no doubt, who have never done the things on this list. Every one on this list probably has someone who’s not done it…and dammit! They should! Someday…somehow…they should be able to.

And so…I give to you, Dopers, my list. The one that took 6 months to make and then put in order.
I’ll start at 100 and post 5 every 15-20 minutes or so (just for suspense and to give people a chance to read them and comment)…and yes, by all means; comment. Don’t feel afraid to “interrupt” the list. I’ll just post it around your replies.
And last thing…this isn’t any “official” list. I don’t think it as so either. I’m sure I probably have things that some wouldn’t agree with on there…or missed some that some would have added. This is just one person’s opinion, really

You can even tell me things that you’d include on a list about this…Of course, it won’t change my list, as it’s already written out. But I’d still like to hear people’s opinions…and who knows? Maybe you’ll see your thoughts on my list somewhere.

Okay, enough typing this intro…let’s get on with the list.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the SDMB…I present to you…
The Top 100 Things That Everyone Should Do, Have, Or Experience At Least ONCE…In Their Entire Life. (In my opinion)

(I’ll post the first 5 in 15 minutes or so)

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-Play a guitar. It doesn’t matter what kind. It doesn’t matter what brand. Just play it. Even if you don’t know how to.

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100. Read a Highlights or Cricket Magazine

This was the book for kids when I was growing up. What kid never seen an issue of Highlights or Cricket? Whoever they are must have been horribly deprived as a child. I remember the days of my youth reciving a copy of Highlights in the mail. Grabbing the new issue that came and flipping through it. The hidden pictures were the best. They actually hid them pretty ingeniously. Then it was on to find Goofus and Gallant. You know them, the one where the first guy was always messing things up and doing it the wrong way, and then they showed you the flip side with the guy who was a future Mr America with a sparkle in his teeth showing you what was supposed to be done. And who could forget about The Timbertones? That loveable family made of sticks. Man. I could still go through a Highlights mag today and be amused for about 10 minutes. It was really great.
Cricket wasn’t bad either.

99. Visit a Haunted House

Haunted Houses exist for one reason only. It’s a fact that people like to be scared. Why do you think we have all kinds of horror movies today? It must be something in our blood that makes it actually enjoyable to have our hearts race and our blood flow. People enjoy having a scare or being frightend. I think it may have something to do with the release of adreniline in the blood stream or being kept on one’s toes. But no matter what the reason, haunted houses, or corn mazes, or graveyards, or silos are just so great to walk though, never knowing what will pop up next. Everyone should go through at least one in their life. It’s a nessecity.

98. Find Waldo

Remember the old Where’s Waldo? books? They were actually pretty tough. The guy who made them, in fact, went back to his first ones and redid them, adding new things, as, compared by the most recent ones, those were pretty easy. I could be captivated by finding all the things missing for hours in a book of Waldo…and there was so many other things to see too. The maker didn’t just put a dull crowd…No, he put people doing funny and interesting things. He knew that once you found the four eyed freak, that you’d always know where he was after that on that page; that your eyes would just automatically go to him when you turned the page, heh. That’s why he filled it chock full of 101 other things to find. Someday I’ll have to sit down with a good Where’s Waldo? book and spend an hour or so passing the time.

97. Push Over a Row of Dominoes

When you’re a kid, honestly, who uses the dominoes for what they’re supposed to be used for? Maybe some, but I know I was preoccupied with creating THE WORLDS LONGEST DOMINO CHAIN. I swear, at age seven, I thought this was going to be the record. I was going to make one from here to China…and then be the one to tip them all over. Alas, my pet cat ended many a valiant effort, but I was not be so easily deterred. I simply started stacking them up once again. Making domino chains must have took up at least 35 percent of my childhood, at least until I learned what they were really for. I remember the day someone asked me if I knew how to play and showed me how. I said ‘What?! You mean dominoes have another use?’.

96. Give Change To Somebody Who Needs It

A friend who is shortchanged. A person needing bus fare. A homeless person on the stree (and no, I’m not talking about these homeless people that reek of booze and dried vomit who ask you while staggering around, I mean geniune people on the street who are down on their luck and who have a mind). Just anybody. At least one time in one’s life, they should give someone change who needs it more than they do at the time. Help out someone in line with groceries if it’s only a few quarters over. Lend money to a neighbor if their budget is tight. Give someone who is hungry a bit of food. Even if you know you probably won’t get it back, what’s a few nickels, dimes, or quarters? Not saying make it a regular or daily thing. Just at least once in your life.

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95. Play “This Little Piggy”.

I don’t think a person can be too old to play this game. Whether you’re playing it with your kids, a family member, or your true love in one of those corny, immature, but strangely intimate moments, playing This little Piggy went to market" is something everyone should know. I still remember my favorite part…the wee wee wee, all the way home, in which the piggeree would tickle you all the way up your leg. Wonderful childhood or even recent memories.

94. Drink From the Hose

Drinking from the hose DEFINED summer. Enjoying a wet and wild time in the front yard on a hot day…playing with the water…getting thirsty and drinking from the hose. These are things we’ve forgotten. Little things that we’ve taken for granted that we don’t even think about anymore and that would even be passed by as being insignificant until we remember them. For some reason, on a hot July afternoon, hose water was like elixir. It was the freshest tasting, most cold water around. It was so damned convenient too, not just in the days of yore…but what about when you’re watering the yard and are a bit parched; there ya go, water right there in front of you.

93. Experience a Brain Freeze.

*Whether the guilty party is a slurpee, a milkshake, a soda that you downed too fast, or even ice water, a “brain freeze” is one of the painful, yet mildly pleasing feelings around. That split second when you just feel the cold rush to your brain and you have to close your eyes and hold your head until it passes…just to laugh or smile to yourself and repeat the process, is something I think everyone can relate to. Brain freezes are a way of life, and the next time you take a sip of that slushie, remember this list before the coldness takes over. *

92. Go on a Hike

Hikes are so much fun. To get out and experience the outdoors and the landscape is just such a treat. And I don’t even mean hiking up a mountain either, although that is fun if it suits you. I mean any hike at all…just to go walking over some rugged ground and enjoy the scenery. Maybe take a long a knapsack of a small lunch and some cool drinks. I hike regularly…but sadly I haven’t as much as I used to. I really should get back into it.

91. Jump Up and Down on a Bed.

What person hasn’t done this at least once already? Even as adults, when you do it when you think nobody else is around. Either just when you make the bed or when you spend the night in a motel. There’s just something about mattresses that scream out “JUMP ON ME!”. True story. I hear it every night as I lay my head on the pillow. Thankfully I never give into it or else my neighbors below me might have some greivences to file. But every once in a great while it’s a joy to let loose and enjoy the springy step a bed gives you.

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-Own a convertible
Learn how cold you can take it when driving, then roll up the windows, turn the heat on high bi-level, and keep going. 43 degrees in a starched dress shirt has to be done once. Just once. Having a car that has a permanent stash of sunscreen, a couple of caps, three towels (each seat and the center armrest)

Yup. It’s cheaper than therapy. And that one day a year where the sun is setting, the temperature is perfect, and you’re taking the long way to nowhere…Everybody must own a convertible once.

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90. Attempt the Macarena.

Word is that there was once every fan at a baseball game doing this…or at least trying to do this at the same time. Or football game…or was it basketball? Well, whatever the game was, how can you deny something like this seems plauseable? This has got to be one of the most famous dances since the limbo. To use those arms, hands and pelvis…just to give out that Hiii Ya! At the end. Say…a anime of Bush trying to do it? I think I may be able to make some money here…

89. Participate in a Toast

*Whether you’re the one making it or just drinking in it, the clinking of glasses and drinking of bubbly, beer, or really, any drink is always a nice moment. It kind of signifies bonding and getting together with family or friends and to give cheers to something you all find mutually important…whether that be good health, the Packers going to the superbowl, A new Job, or hoping that the Adult Store will have a sale on those thongs you really like, toasting something is one of those little thing that everyone should do at least once. *
88. Break a Wishbone.

Ahhh, to pick apart a turkey, fish out the wishbone and find someone to hold the other end as youpull it apart, hoping to get most of the half when it splits. My father and I used to do this every year. It was always a delight in getting my wish too as I was born on Thanksgiving…so it was kind of like a treat, ya know? One free wish.

87. Play a Video Game.

Super Mario Brothers. Zelda. Cenntepede. Space Invaders. Pong. At least once in every one’s life, one should attempt to play a round of a video game. To have a purpose of rescuing the princess or getting the triforce or maybe even putting blocks in order and scoring ‘lines’ in Tetris. Whatever sort of game suits your interest, just to sit down and give it your attention for a few minutes.

86. Have Someone “Bless You” or say “Gesundheit” After you Sneeze.

I don’t know, maybe this is really insignificant…but I always thought it was really courtious when someone did this. It’s always a great excuse to start talking to someone. Heh. But seriously. Even though it’s a small thing, at least one time, everyone should hear these words when they soil themselves with their own boogers and snot. Seems the least someone can do for you in that case. Especially since some apparently believe that when you sneeze, it’s your soul trying to escape. Saying Gesundheit crams it back in! :wink:

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85. Doodle.

*On the phone. Talking to someone. In a class. Or even just being bored as hell somewhere and having a pen and paper. I used to fill pages with doodles wherever I was when I was in a dull moment. Some say that by studing someone’s doodles, you get a sense of their inner workings, creativity and personality. I bet Picasso doodled. Hell, most of his works seemed to be doodles. Even if it’s writing something over and over, drawing a face, or moving the pen unconciously, it’s interesting and even fun to doodle. *

84. Eat a Donut

MMmmmmmmm…donut.

83. Run a Mile

*Collectively too. Not in bits and peices. I remember my days of yore back in gym class. We had to run the mile every so often. Takes a lot of wind out of you, but at least once in everyone’s life, they should run at least a mile’s length. *

82. Play with Legos

Legos is where it’s at. There are unlimited boundries to what one could build with them. With every little peice joining together to build the main goal. Great way to teach teamwork! :stuck_out_tongue: Explaining how every little person is needed for the big picture. Oooooookay. So maybe I’m going a little deep there, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that legos are fun to enjoy at any age. Hell, my secret santa last year on the Dope sent me a small package of them. I busted them out right then and made a little jet. Not even paying attention to the fact that they were supposed to create a car as per the directions said, I still had fun. Yes, everyone, at least once, should own and play with legos.

81. Watch an Episode of Sesame Street

*One of the reasons this list (well, in my opinion) is so good is most people have already done them. And why? Well, a lot of the things are so life experincing that we get them out of the way early on in life, even as a kid. So you’ll probably find, like this one, many recurring things you did as a kid. One of the things that is a must, is to watch Sesame Street. I loved this as a kid, and, heh, I continued watching it into my teens. Oh, but not normally lest you all think I couldn’t let go of my childhood. Just when I was bored. I’ll probably watch it with my kids too when I have them. It’s just something that doesn’t get old. *

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80. Attend a Circus

I am happy to say that I just went to my first circus as late as last year. And yes, it was Ringling Brothers and Barnamum(sp) Bailey. It was fantastic. Never before was I in awe. If I’d had a nickel for every time I put my hand to my mouth in a expression of gasping or terror, I’d have…about 20 cents. But my point is is that everyone should go to a circus show at least once. They’re fun for all ages, which, in fact, I think is one of the catchlines for any circus event.

79. Learn to Whistle

Whistling is one of those things that you don’t even realize you’re doing it until either someone points it out, or you catch yourself at it. Whistling, while not great fun and on many agendas for night activities, is good for those times when you are feeling happy, or stressed, or bored, or even frightened. Studies show that people who whistle are eased from stress and makes the person calmer. Okay, I made that up. For all I know, studies have never shown that…but if not, they should, dammit. So yes, if you don’t know how to whistle yet, learn now. It’s not hard. I think I got it down in about 2 days.

**78. Visit the Zoo **

Where else you ever going to see a polar bear in real life? Zoos are wonderful places to visit and learn more about the animal kingdom. To experience animals that you wouldn’t see otherwise, lest you went on a crusade around the world hitting places like the African jungle, Antarctica, The Sahara Desert, and Micheal Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Zoos give people the oppurtunity to see two monkeys playing with their own feces, which, as we know, is always better to see in person than on TV. It’s also great excersie to walk from each cage to the next. So yes, schedule a visit to your nearest zoo soon.

77. Eat an Ethnic Food

*Look around you. Foods from other cultures are everywhere. There’s so many of them. Italian, Mexican, Thai, Dead cats…oops,I mean Chinese. This one is almost one you can’t NOT do at least once in your life. Almost everywhere you go and a lot of what you eat is some time of ethnic food. Yes, I’d even consider that microwavable burrito you have in your left hand an ethnic food. A CRAPPY, cheaply made, sorry excuse for an ethnic food, but an ethnic food no less. And if you live already in England or Mexico or Australia, then just trying an American food is considered one to you. So get out there and expand your horizons. Eat at Taco Bell tonight. :stuck_out_tongue: *

76. Visit Disneyland/Disneyworld/EuroDisney.

Disney isn’t just for kids. I had so much fun when I went there about 4 years ago. There is so much to see and do at any of the Disney theme parks. Everyone, at least once in their lives, should take a trip and see one of these resorts. Spend a weekend or week there. Sure, it may be a tad pricey, but it’s not like you’re going to go every day. Just at least once, take the family, or just yourself, to one of these adventerous places.

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So far, so good. I’ve done everything Idle Thoughts has posted, and I play guitar. Never had a convertible, but I’m a young male, so I’m almost uninsurable as it is…

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75. Get a Goodnight’s Sleep.

To rest your head on a pillow and drift right off, only to have a sound and peaceful sleep until dawn is amazing in itself. In times of so much worry and troubles and things we call taxes and an ailment that’s known as insomnia, getting a full and rested sleep is actually pretty underrated. But to have at least one full night of doubtless, wonderful, stress free sleep is like heaven. Some people may get it every night, or many, many times in their life. But I think that everyone in the world should have it at least once. Free of nightmares, fears, and those damn sleep starts.

74. Visit a National Monument or Place of Interest.

Niagra Falls. Mount Rushmore. The White House. The Great Wall of China. The Pyramids. The Sydney Opera House. Hell, even Knott’s Berry Farm or The West Edmonton Mall. Anywhere that’s a national place of interest or tourist attraction will do. I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time just last year, after living in Arizona my whole life. It was breathtaking. I mean, sure, it didn’t take away from the fact that I still wanted to push my little brother in, but it was very awe inspiring.

73. Have a Flying Dream.

*Not one where you’re falling (which is among the top nightmares people have), but one where you’re flying. Oh man, these types of dreams are so amazing. The way you feel when you take off and go soaring through the air. It occured to me that not many may have had a flying dream before, as there are a lot of people who never remember their dreams, and a few who “claim” they don’t dream at all. I pity these people. I look upon them with slight sympathy. For how could one go through all of life and not experience a dream where one goes sailing through the air like they were Superman themselves? I have flying dreams every so often, and always seemed to awake with a smile on my face. So you there…reading this. Finish up and go take a nap right now. If you’re at work, do it anyway. I’m sure your boss won’t mind. Just get to that dream asap. *

72. Watch the Movie "It’s a Wonderful Life"

This movie is such a Christmas tradition in so many households. It was in mine, and I know of at least 4 other people in my neighborhood growing up who had it one in theirs. The story of George Bailey is just unforgettable and a true classic. And it never seems to get old. I have to admit, I didn’t see this movie until I was about 7 or 8…and I wish I hadn’t waited that long. I still watch it every year even though I don’t live with my family anymore. So if you haven’t seen this classic yet, watch it next Christmas when it’s sure to be on. Just once. But chances are that if you do, you’ll be seeing it again.

71. Participate in a Pillow Fight

Oh man, this is such fun. Just as long as it’s not too messy. Most of the pillow fights that appear on TV and stuff always involve the pillows belching their feathers out creating an ungodly mess, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Even typing this right now makes me want to get a pillow and attack my roomate. You can too! (No, not attack my roomate…but get a pillow and hit an unsuspecting person with it). Just make sure you choose a pillow that isn’t too hard and that you don’t hit anyone at an odd angle or if they’re doing something such as: making hot tea, carrying grocery bags filled with eggs, or anything else that may not be a good time to be hit with a pillow. But if they’re just sitting, lazing around on the couch, sic em!

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70. Enjoy a Lawn

Lawns are another thing I think could be taken for granted. People who live in apartments don’t usually have lawns, and maybe they don’t mind it, but I loved having one. There’s so much you can do with a lawn of your own, whether back or front. You can keep it nice and tidy. Trim it, cut it, mow it. You can plant flowers or weed and rake. You can make a garden if that’s your preference. You can water it whenever you like…or set the sprinkler out there and use it for getting wet at the same time. You can go “treasure hunting” by digging a hole (well, as a kid you could)…and even just relax on it or roll around. No other great a place to play games like football or tag either. Owning your own lawn and enjoying it should be made available to everyone.

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69. Visit a Beach**

Surf, sun and sand. The three S’s of the beach. Even if you don’t live on oceanfront property, there’s always lakes, rivers, various bodies of water that allow you to take a dip in a more natural sort of pool. Just make sure to load up the suntan lotion and a blanket and you’re good to go.

68. Eat McDonald’s French Fries.

A lot don’t like McDonalds, but seem to LOVE its fries. Some complain they’re too greasy or salty, but I don’t always find them that way. I know some people who only go there TO eat the fries, and they won’t touch another thing on the menu. There’s just something about them that seems to be different and more popular than other fast food places fries. And again, this is only my opinion, really, the whole list is…but I think that Mickey D’s fries should be tried by everyone. More so than any other fast food chains. At the very least once. Then you can say you love them or hate them. :stuck_out_tongue:

67. Ride on Rollerskates

Or rollerblades as it is these days. Even if you’re not too practical on wheels, falling down can even be fun when on skates. If only to laugh at yourself. Just as long as you make sure to gear up with the proper saftey pads and helmets. So go on…the next time you have a free time, drag those skates or blades out and go down to the end of the block and back.*

66. Go to the Bathroom…Outside

Ahhhh ROUGHING IT. Experiencing nature and the wild. Back to the basics. One of the most interesting things when REALLY camping (as opposed to having utilities right next to you) is going to the bathroom outside. I forget who wrote about it but someone once wrote that there is NO real feeling like a man taking a piss outside. It just makes you feel so free. And I’m certain that women aren’t discluded from this process. Even if they have to kneel down. Going to the bathroom outside is just something unexplainable that makes you feel foolish, yet strangely like you’ve accomplished something. Just make sure to be careful where you squat :x

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Finally did get to one I didn’t do - I still haven’t seen all of It’s a Wonderful Life. My own suggestions… hmm.

Have someone sing to you (or about you, while you’re there) and mean it. Having someone tell you they love you is great, but when they sing it? Forget about it. One of the most memorable things I’ve ever experienced.

Watch your favorite artist, singer, actor, or whatever from up close. Bonus points if you get the opportunity to tell them how much you enjoy what they do- especially if they’re decent people who care about the sentiment.

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65. Ride a Rollercoaster

Again, like haunted houses…there’s just something about the rush of heights and speed and being scared that just makes the adreniline pump and creates a vaguely pleasant feeling. Rollercoasters are pretty popular at amusement parks and the lines always seem to be the longest ones. Getting strapped in, going up that first hill really sloooooooooooooowly so the anticipation builds up, and then the first plunge where the girl next to you is screaming her head off in your ear, then going up, around, upside down through the loopdaloop, and round the curves…there’s just something about being on a coaster that is FUN. Let’s do it again! You either hear or cry yourself as you get off (and hopefully don’t lose your cotton candy lunch).

64. Chase Fireflies

Living in the city, it’s hard to do this…but in those times when you might take a trip or vacation to a more open land this can be fun. Okay, so maybe not so much as adults, but even watching someone attempt this is fun. Getting a jar and following those blinking butts all over an area is amusing. And when you catch one? Why, you have your very own nightlight for awhile.

63. Drink Using a Straw

Now see, here is something that seems the norm. But I think it’s just something that everyone is USED to but doesn’t really think is that important. Maybe it’s just me, but I find this another thing that people just do and not notice or pay attention to anymore. But just think, there is probably a person out there who’s never used a straw in their lives yet. Imagine that! How these people survive, I don’t know. Ha…but man, using a straw is SO fun. You can blow bubbles in your drink. You can sip the liquid up to your lips and then hold it in the straw with a finger while you raise it above your mouth, just to let it drop down. You can dare your friend to try to drink using two straws at the same time: One inside the drink and one out (and trust me, it’s not possible). Even before you start using, you can have fun. Who hasn’t tore off one end of the wrapper and blew it shooting across the room? Using straws is so fun, and it’s something I had to include.

62. Play a Game of Monopoly

It’s a long game, but it can be pretty fun. Even if you’ve never played, who doesn’t know the terms? Go to Jail, Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go, do not collect 200 dollars. Oh and landing on Free Parking? Rocks. Yep. In fact, the only thing that doesn’t rock about this game is that guy who always has to “call” his piece beforehand (“I got the shoe!”), but we all do that. Don’t go bankrupt though, instead, take a chance card and maybe you’ll take a walk on the Boardwalk. Avoid Luxury Tax and get all four railroads. Hmm, in fact, if I don’t finish this list by tomorrow, you’ll know where I went.

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61. Eat Corn…On the Cob**

Canned corn? It’s good. Corn that you shave off the cob? Even better. But NOTHING beats corn that’s consumed right on the cob. Ohhh man…rolling it in butter, sticking those…those…PRONG thingies in each end (you know the ones, the ones that resemble miniature corn cobs themselves?), and just chowing down. How do YOU eat your corn on the cob? Are you a typist? Going back and forth? Or maybe you go make one full revolution in one line? Or maybe you eat it abstractivly, not really making any known pattern. Whatever you do, corn on the cob is great and it goes well with just about ANY meal as a side.

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For a real thrill: blindfolded pillow fights with lights out. (Make sure that nothing that can be broken is in the room) Man, the fights I had with my brother when I was a kid. It felt like ninja training when only your hearing and stealth were used.

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I really like the members who’ve replied so far’s choices. And I think if you’ve seen some of It’s a Wonderful Life, that still counts for something.

60. Jump into a Pile of Leaves

Okay, so maybe it’s annoying to the person who raked them all up, but if it was you, then it’s no problem. This is another one that sort of grows harder to do as time goes by and one grows older, but I can see a middle aged man think about it for awhile and then take a running leap into a big pile of different colored leaves. It’s almost too tempting to resist.

59. Ride a Boat

Not nessacarily a ship…but even just a motor boat or row boat. Just any craft that’s devised for going out onto water. Strap on that lifevest and get yer butt on a boat. Go sailing, go fishing, go water skiing, WATCH someone else water ski from the boat. Just get on one sometime in your life. Even if you get sea sick, it just means your body is adjusting to being on one…getting your ‘sea legs’. But being on the ocean, or lake, or river can just be so peaceful and calm

58. Write a Handwritten Letter

In the days of e-mail and blogs and, well, message boards, I think letter writing has sort of been lost in the mix a bit. True, many people still do it…but those of us who are online a lot of the time always have something faster and more convient. Not saying anyone here doesn’t write letters…I just know that I don’t, and I feel I should more. I have a couple times, though, but that doesn’t make it any better. I think everyone should write someone else a handwritten letter that they actually have to put a stamp on and mail at least once. Lest “snail mail” gets thrown out entirely sometime in the year 2525.

57. Enjoy a Campfire.

There is SO much you can do with or around a campfire. It’s always one of the best parts of going camping or staying out in the wilderness for the night. You can sing songs, you can bundle up and tell scary ghost stories, cuddle up with someone else and talk, even just sit alone and reflect while burning a stick. And the FOOD! OHHH Man! S’MORES! Nothing on earth is finer than a good s’more. That rich combination of Hershey’s (and it MUST be Hershey’s) chocolate and graham cracker and roasted, toasted marshmellow that’s black and crusty on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside just is heaven on the palate. Even roasting weiners is nice…or maybe you’ll go the whole hog and make a “hobo dinner”. And baked beans roasted over a campfire? Delish. There’s so much to do with campfire. It’s an experience that’s always fun.

56. Listen to the Sounds in a Seashell

Another simple thing that really means so much. I mean, you wouldn’t think it really, but it’s one of those things you just have to do ONE time if none other. Just the illusion of the echo of the ocean is nice to listen to…even if you’re in your own bathroom. Just make sure to check for crabs first. Nobody needs a pincher hanging from their ear.

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If I may bring the room down for a moment . . .

Be poor
Not just for a day or a week, but for six months to a year, minimum. Not just “not being able to buy a new car” poor, but “having to decide which bills to pay this month” poor. Having to save money just to buy necessities. Having to truly go without. Maybe even being a little bit hungry. Having to work two (or more) jobs, and menial ones too, just to make ends meet.

Be the underdog
Same timeframe (can be concurrent with being poor). Be the kid on the outside of the social circle looking in. Not the guy whose buddies always give him a leg up, but the guy who has no buddies, or whose buddies are as powerless as he is.

Everyone should have to experience these things so that they truly understand how it feels. Knowing what it’s like to NOT have every little thing go your way goes a long way to building empathy, a trait that’s sorely lacking in this world.

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55. Have a Slice of Pie (with or without whipped cream)

Mmmmmm, having a hearty slice of your favorite pie is heaven. Now me, I don’t like whipped cream that much, but it was your thing, by all means, put it on top. And there’s so many to choose from. Cherry, Apple, Pineapple, Peach, Blueberry, Strawberry, Rubarb, STRAWBERRY RUBARB, Pecan, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato. Even Mincemeat (again, if that’s your thing, heh). In fact, I think I hear the Pecan calling my name now.

54. Read the Sunday Comics

In my house growing up, THIS was the most sought and fought after section. Forget the News, what was Garfield doing to further torment Jon? Who cares about sports, did Luanne finally ask out Aaron Hill?! Business? Nah, I’d rather read to see how, exactly, Lucy was able to get good ol’ wishy washy Charlie Brown to fall for that old “kick the football” prank again. All the rest of the paper was untouched until everyone got through with the funnies. Even at this age, I’ll always put aside everything and just settle down with the colored comics. It never gets old.

53. Eat Popcorn

Popcorn you can eat, virtually, anywhere. Well, anywhere where you want that popcorn smell that seems to last forever and travel over 100 miles. I think that popcorn may just be the fastest and most easily traveled smell around. And it’s taste? Yum. At the movies, in front of your own TV set, while working on homework or a report, or just as a snack, eating popcorn is something that tastes good, and is fun to boot.

52. Connect the Dots

Everyone should connect the dots sometime in their life. Hell, my dad did it until he was 64. He’d buy himself those puzzle books just to do them. There are advanced CtDs layouts…but even the simple ones are fun to do. To see yourself draw something that normally you’d never be able to do. And they looked SO cool, provided you didn’t mess up and go to a wrong number. Which leads me to looking for the numbers; that was fun too.

51. Drink Chocolate Milk

*You heard me. Nothing makes milk better then making it CHOCOLATE milk. Either by using Nestle or Hershey’s syrup or another brand, it just makes the milk so rich and wonderful to drink. *

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Wow. I think I’ve done every one so far. Looks pretty good.

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I’ve got to agree with Scarlett67. I’m sure the financial trouble I had from about October of last year until about April of this year - we didn’t have to choose which bills to pay, but I owed my roommate more than $1000 for an extended period of time and often had no income - allowed me to mature a lot.

I’m not sure how to boil this down to a single experience - I thought of “look death in the face,” but that sounds much more morbid that what I have in mind - but while it’s not something I’d ever wish on anyone, I think understanding death (whether it’s the result of losing someone, doing something crazy yourself, or just watching some movies and having long chats with friends; I’m sure the latter is by far the most preferable) gives you a context for life.

On a more upbeat note: break up a room with a really great joke or one-liner of your own divising. I devote more enery to this than most other things and it kind of keeps me going, so I think everyone ought to know what that’s like.

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Scarlett67, those are two really good ones. It’s easy to forget with a list of mostly good things, that to really understand some people’s situations, you also need to experience some downers too.

Well, here’s the halfway point of my list.

Here we go with…

50. Skip

Just take time out of the day from walking and skip for a bit. I remember doing nothing but skip to most places when I was a kid. It was just such a delight. Even if it’s just one skip.

49. Eat Soup when You’re Sick

*Being served or eating soup when you’ve got a fever makes you feel so much better. Whether it’s tomato or chicken noodle or any other kind you can think of, slurping it up when you’re ill is something that just seems to help a lot. Especially if it was served by someone who’s “Babying” you while you’re sick. *

48. Make a Wish

Who hasn’t wished for something in their lives? Anyone? I don’t think there is, but hey, if there’s anyone who has never wished for anything in their lives, then they should. I’m not talking about having unrealistic goals or wants. But just to make a silent wish…like on a star, or when blowing out your candles, or when breaking a wishbone, or throwing a penny into a fountain, or catching one of those pieces of feathery circle things that float around aimlessly. And who knows? Maybe it will come true.

47. Have a Banana Split or a Hot Fudge Sundae.

Or both! Ha. But both of these treats are like, the definition of desserts. Both are guilty pleasures, sure, but who says you can’t indulge once in awhile? Both are such classics in the junk food genre that I can’t picture anyone never having or trying one. So next time you’re out and about at the local ice cream parlor, order one of these and see just how good it can be.

46. Play With Bubble Wrap

What goes Snap Crackle Pop? Not always Rice Krispies. See, here’s another thing that is just SO COOL. I couldn’t forget this on the list and I really do think it deserves being this low. I don’t really think this needs too much explaination…but I just wanted to say that Bubble Wrap popping should be made an Olympic Event.