The 12 Bucket List Items On My List For 2019

Over the holiday break, I sat down and really thought about what I wanted for 2019. This is something I always love to do for the year ahead, but hadn’t really done recently. I really love to put my intentions out there, though, to try and stay motivated throughout the year.

I have a lot of work to do in 2019. So does my husband. This means you won’t see the huge items like “take a gap year” on this list. Instead, I’ve made sure this list is achievable… but these things are really important to me rather than just random “might be nice” items.

Celebrate university graduation

My Psychology degree was 12 years in the making… sorta. I enrolled straight out of school, changed to Science, then dropped out and worked in travel for several years. I finally went back in 2016. I’m officially a legal graduate now, but my ceremony won’t be till May. But I tell you what, I can’t wait.

On my bucket list for this year is to really celebrate my graduation. I’m not going to let it just pass by. I’m going to attend my ceremony, obviously, but I’d like to do something on top of that. Whether it’s a really nice dinner or a small party, I want to celebrate. I want to really give myself the time to acknowledge the work I put in. Attending uni (and getting great marks) with two tiny children is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I want to pat myself on the back for not giving up.

Organise a wine tour

I want to spend more time with my friends in 2019. Many of our closest friends are now interstate but I want to make an effort with the ones who are still here. I have also built some beautiful friendships with a group of other mums in my area. But it would be nice to organise an adults-only activity, a fun day out.

Living in South Australia, wine tours are the go-to activity. We’re surrounded in every direction by incredible wine regions. But it’s been ages since I went on a proper tour and they’re soooo fun. Plus, I can’t wait to post about it too!

Get a part-time job

I’ve been a stay-at-home-mum for the past couple of years. Honestly, it’s way harder than I ever thought it would be.

I love working. I got my first part-time job at 15 and having my own money allowed me to move out of home at 18 and travel the world before I met my husband. We made the decision together to focus on uni, but living on one income can be tricky sometimes. I’d love to have a few hours a week to work a little bit – just enough to squirrel away for adventures.

Volunteer in a Psych-related field

I’d also like to spend a bit of time volunteering. I’d like to really build my skills up before applying for grad schools at the end of the year.

On top of that, I’m studying Psychology for a reason. Why wait till I’ve finished grad school to try and give back? If I can find some volunteer work, I could be helping people now.

Go camping

I’d like to do this more than once over the course of the year, but if it’s only once that’s okay. I love camping. It’s so fun sitting around a campfire, cooking food, being in the middle of nature. I love four-wheel-driving and finding secluded, secret spots. I love having native wildlife come and say hello. And I won’t lie, I love how budget-friendly this mode of travel can be.

There’s a spot in Coffin Bay, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, that I’d love to get back to. Last time we were there it was too cold to dive into the crystal clear water, so I’d love to get back there. Unfortunately it’s an eight-hour drive from here so it might be tricky this year. But my state is filled with endless breathtaking camping spots to try. The hard part is making a final decision!

Try three different gym classes

2018 was the year I finally joined the gym and went regularly. But I’m still getting the hang of workout routines and how to use the machines. I haven’t taken a class yet as I’m a little worried about my fitness level, and the ones I want to do often start at inconvenient times for me.

In 2019, I want to really give classes a go. If I try three different ones and hate them all, fine. At least I tried. But I think if I try three really different ones, I’m likely to find something that fits. One thing I do know is that I always feel so much happier after going to the gym. It’s definitely something that needs to continue in 2019.

Go fishing with my Dad

I haven’t done this since I was a kid. My Dad is the kind of guy who can stand on a jetty all day, not catch a thing, and still enjoy himself. I love that.

I’d love to spend a few hours just chilling, and if we’re lucky, actually catching something. Maybe we’ll even prepare a feast! But either way, this has been something we’ve been saying we’d do for years now. In 2019, I’m putting it on my bucket list to make sure it happens.

Spend a weekend in the Barossa Valley

Yeah I know, more about South Australian wine regions. But I’d really like to spend a whole weekend in the Barossa this year, since it’s been so long since I last did this. (I spent a weekend in McLaren Vale for a wedding last year.) I’ve actually started working on a Barossa Valley blog post, but it needs more information… which means I’ll just have to do more investigating!

Spend a weekend in Melbourne

Many of our friends now live in Melbourne. It’s likely we’ll be over there for a wedding, engagement or other milestone this year but even if there’s no reason. I want to get back. Frequent readers will know I popped over quickly in March last year (and that I’m not always Melbourne’s biggest fan)… but I’d like to give it another chance this year.

Finish Honours Psychology

This is the big one… what 2019 is all about for me, really. My Honours year is bound to really test my mettle and I want to really rock it. To look good in grad school applications I really need a First (a mark above 80). That’s tough, particularly as the year includes coursework and writing a thesis. But if I look after my physical and mental health I think I can do it.

Take a short trip to South Asia

This one is vague in location, timing and all plans, really. It will require quite a bit of saving and logistical planning, not least because we won’t have much leave and we won’t be taking the kids.

Neither of us have been to South Asia before so I’m sure there will be some culture shock. Good! It’s been a long time since I went somewhere that was completely new to me. In 2019 I really want to expand my horizons a bit, and this is bound to do it. Like I said, I have no more details at this stage, so watch this space!

Read six non-uni books

This might seem boring to some, or a suuuper small goal to others. But to me, it’s juuuust in the realm of achievable.

I’ve always been a voracious reader but being at uni, and wrangling to small kids, has meant I barely do any reading these days. In 2019 I want to make (leisure) reading a priority. There are so many times where I could be reading instead of scrolling through social media feeds. On the train to uni, or before bed, I think reading is much more admirable activity and I’d like to try and reignite my passion for reading.

So that’s is, my list for 2019. I know it’s probably not as inspirational as some, but I know it’s going to be a huge year. Setting goals you can’t reach is the exact opposite of inspirational. So now I’ve shared mine, what’s on your list? Tell me in the comments below!