Getting Back to that List

I haven't forgotten about this project, but life and work heated up in December and it wasn't until now (end of January) that I'm really starting to think about working on this list.  For those of you just joining us, I've made a commitment to do 49 "Firsts" or things done for the first time before I turn fifty.  These firsts can be big or small, done with people or alone--they just need to be a first.  Oh and I need to write about them once I do them.

Here's the list so far:

Completed

1. Turned 49
2. Visited Las Vegas
3. Walked (and ran a little bit of) a half marathon
4. Started my Sabbatical*

*I applied for and was awarded a sabbatical from the community college I work at, which basically means I have the semester off (with pay) in exchange for working on a research project that benefits the college.  More on that later.

Possible Future Firsts

(a list in progress and in need of suggestions)

Ideas

Ice skate in Millenium Park
Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Do Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Oak Park
Play Bingo at St. Anastasia Church
Take Polly to a dog obedience class
Attend a Cubs game (sorry Dad)
Visit Three Floyds Brewery
Do a Polar Plunge somewhere other than Waukegan (some other time than January 1st)
Swim with a wetsuit
Do an open water swim outside of Illinois/Wisconsin
Do an Open Water Swim with my Carleton Swim Team Buddies
Run a 10K
Run/Walk a Half Marathon
Do one of those Color runs
Bike a full century (I’ve gotten close before but never hit the magic 100 mark)
Make it thru Guitar 3 at Old Town School (bar chords!!!)
Play (but not sing) at an Open Mic  (Thomas, will you sing?)

Bigger Ideas

Travel to England with my sister

Get a tattoo
Visit Nashville
Visit other cities I’ve never been to
Go to Longmire Days in Wyoming this summer

As you can see, these firsts tend to fall into categories--some related specifically to Chicago, a bunch related to athletics, etc.  One of the big ideas is in the works (my sister and I ARE going to England in April) but the others are still just possibilities.  If you have suggestions, I'm open to them--cities I should visit, restaurants I should eat at, things I should do (keep it PG-13 folks), etc.  

Also, company is welcome and encouraged for any of these firsts so feel free to invite yourself along.