I’m not sure when the idea of having a Bucket List became so popular but it seems like everyone has one, even Smokey, our dog. Given the obviously communication issue, luckily he has Kathryn to tell us what is on his list, proving the strength of their bond. Smokey always seems full of energy and pep but recently, we’ve begun to see the years catching up with him. A little slower on the walks and his graying muzzle – it pulls on the heart strings to know he’s not going to be around forever. So we’ve gotten going on his Bucket List.

First was hiking on the Appalachian Trail which we did this summer, for about 100 yards.  It was very rocky and uneven causing both Smokey and me to fear he would break his skinny legs walking on it. I suggested to Mike that they pave it so it wouldn’t be so dangerous, then we could really enjoy it.

Next on the list was our beach trip this past weekend. Kathryn said Smokey had always wanted to go to the beach. We’ve discussed taking him to Sandy Point State Park, a little beach area by the Bay Bridge but honestly, he’s never traveled well. While other dogs have their heads out the window letting the breeze flap in their cheeks, we’ve been the ones with our heads out the window after Smokey has barfed all over the car. Other dogs are happily looking out the window while Smokey is looking at his feet dry heaving. It’s just not the ride you really want to take. But as the years have gone on, we’ve taken him farther and farther away from home – camping or to a park – and he seemed to be getting better.

Amazingly he survived the whole way to Nags Head – 4.5 hours in the car without incident. He was anxious at first but settled down somewhere near Woodbridge, which ironically, is where I went to get him from my friend Mo all those years ago. I wouldn’t say he was thrilled at the beach. Although a good swimmer, he doesn’t enjoy the water. He did, however, love chasing the ghost crabs all over the beach at night. Traveling with a pet really is a challenge. Or maybe just one if your pet is challenged. Smokey doesn’t like anyone in his pack to leave and gets anxious when people come and go from the group. This gets tiring as you have to distract him if someone wants to leave the hotel room. But, overall, I think he did well and we can say we did it. Now, according to his spokesperson Kathryn, the next item on the list is going to a house on a lake. Interestingly enough, that’s on her Bucket List too.

While Smokey and Kathryn are busy filling their Bucket Lists, I’m slowing converting my list to a F*cket  List. Learning to do a decent cartwheel, running in a race, learning to do my hair, understanding the sport of hurling – all moved to the F list. I find filling that list almost as satisfying as I would crossing off an item of the Bucket List. Less pressure.  The one thing still on my Bucket List is to be adopted by the Amish but as time goes on, I think I’m going to have to move that to the other list. The fact I have the other list is probably part of the reason I’m never adopted.

Honestly, having a list seems like a good idea, but it’s also way too organized. Isn’t life about taking a chance? Enjoying a random stroke of good luck? Going with the flow? That’s part of the reason I can’t really commit to a Bucket List. Would I feel bad if I didn’t ever visit Alaska again if it was on my list but instead went to Italy? Why limit yourself? In the meantime, I will work on Smokey’s list. He seems to have a pretty good list going.