Do you keep a bucket list—written down or just floating around in your head? I’ve always loved the idea of listing dreams and goals, so I’m sharing some from my own list and hope you’ll share a few of yours. I even made a printable so you can write yours down if you want.
Everyone’s bucket list looks different. Mine leans toward fun, quirky dreams that would make me really happy. A few items are practical, but I’ve left broader life goals—like raising a family or giving back—off this list because those are ongoing priorities rather than one-off experiences.
1. Visit Pixar Studios: This one is actually crossed off—an absolute dream come true in 2015. Pixar is famously closed to public tours, so getting inside felt impossible until our careers opened the door for us. We visited for the premiere of The Good Dinosaur, which later inspired our son Arlo’s name. Walking the same halls as some of my creative heroes remains one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
2. Visit India and Attend a Wedding: I’m fascinated by India’s vibrant cultures, colors, and traditions. It’s high on my travel must-see list, and my dream is to attend a multi-day wedding there. The ceremonial richness, the attire, and the pageantry are things I’d love to experience firsthand.
3. See the Striped Houses in Costa Nova, Portugal: Years ago I found a photo of striped houses that sent me down a rabbit hole to discover they’re in a Portuguese village called Costa Nova. I tried to convince my husband to go there on our honeymoon, but Italy won out. Someday I want to see those buildings in person.
4. Do a DIY Segment with Willie Geist: I’m a big fan of Willie Geist and would love to do a DIY segment with him. Even though his role has changed over time, there’s still hope of sharing a fun television moment—maybe teaching a quirky craft or sharing a playful tutorial live on set.
5. Be Part of a Concert Bus Tour: I’m fascinated by behind-the-scenes tour stories. I don’t want a touring life forever, but I’d love to be a small part of one concert bus tour—to travel with a team, work hard, and have a blast together, even if only for a short time.
6. Own a Vacation Home in Palm Springs: This is part of our five-year plan and one of the more realistic goals on the list. We love Palm Springs and hope to own a second home where we can escape the city with the family.
7. Do Carpool Karaoke with James Corden: I admire what James Corden created with Carpool Karaoke. I can’t sing professionally, but I’d love the chance to join him in the passenger seat—backup vocals, enthusiastic dancing, and all.
8. Learn Spanish: This is a practical, meaningful goal. I regret not learning another language when I was younger, and now with Arlo in our lives, speaking Spanish feels even more important. Learning languages is tough for me, but I’m determined to stick with it, even if progress is slow.
9. Be on the Set of a Music Video: I’m intrigued by the creative work behind music videos. I’d be happy to help in any capacity—run errands, assist with set design, or watch choreographed dancers bring a piece to life. It’s an industry I find endlessly fascinating.
10. Learn to Count Cards: I’ve enjoyed casual gambling since childhood and have a good memory, so learning to count cards has always tempted me. I don’t intend to cause trouble, but I’m curious about the skill. A recent blackjack lesson in Las Vegas showed me it’s less mysterious than I imagined.
11. Improve My Handwriting: I’m self-conscious about my handwriting—it’s messy and hard to read. I’d love to improve it, whether through practice, calligraphy, or lettering classes. Better handwriting would be useful for everything from notes to hypothetical autograph signings someday.
12. Name a Nail Polish: I adore nail polish names and would love to make a career out of naming shades. It combines wordplay and color—two things I’m obsessed with—and seems like a delightfully fun creative job.
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Graphics by Katy Jones
Download the free printable bucket list worksheet from the original site if you’d like a copy for yourself.
There you have it—my playful, personal bucket list. I’d love to hear some of the top items on yours; hearing other people’s dreams is always inspiring.