Bucket List

I've always wanted to put one of these together but never thought to take the time and actually think one through. A classmate is doing a term project and a funny episode of Yes Dear inspired me. As I'm currently bogged down with finals work and studying, I decided to take a break and let my mind wander for awhile. Here goes my bucket list, and forgive me if it doesn't follow a coherent line of thought as I'm just putting this down into words for the first time. A lot of the ideas will be random and in no particular order, but others are reasonable goals for my life that I value or think would be amazing experiences.

1. Skydiving- Cliche, but still awesome. I think I can cross that off my list and get paid for it if I get the chance to go to Airborne School in the Army. Might as well get paid to jump out of a perfectly good airplane than pay to do it. 
2. Surf in Hawaii- Anyone who knows me knows that I love Jack Johnson's music. If I could have just one day where I get to chill on a beach and learn how to surf, that would be a dream come true. 
3. Get Married- Growing up I learned to value family. My parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents were excellent examples of happily married couples. I hope to find someone that will be happy to put up with my shenanigans, perseverance (aka stubbornness?), and randomness. 
4. Go to Washington D.C.- Never been to our own nation's capitol, but I've been to Budapest and Bratislava, the capitols of Hungary and Slovakia. I figure I want to see the offices where the men who guide this country make decisions that shape the lives of millions. 
5. Start a Family- I've got to have some mini-Russ's for sure. Many will joke that is the last thing the world needs. I'd like to have a couple boys to teach how to play baseball, football, basketball, and to have shared interests with. And I know I'd be a good father of a little girl, who I probably would be overly protective of and spoil a bit. 
6. Publish a Book- Not sure what it will be about yet. I've created a book proposal about growing up on family farm in Iowa, like a memoir, but maybe creating my own fictional story would be a good exercise of my writing skills. Who knows. 
7. Get an Advanced Degree- I'm just finishing my bachelor of arts degree, but I want to find the time to earn a masters at some point. We're never finished learning in this life, and I know there is still plenty of room in the ol' noggin for more information. 
8. Complete Ranger School- If I get a combat arms military occupational specialty (MOS) and get to Airborne School, I will give Ranger School a shot. It will be hell from what I've read, but what kind of soldier would I be if I didn't try. I'd be more disappointed with myself for not trying than trying and failing. Plus who doesn't want to lead the way and live a life full danger? I want to be an Airborne Ranger! 
9. Visit Germany- All my life I've been told I'm of German heritage and it would be cool to see where my ancestors are originally from. I love bratwurst, sauerkraut, and beer, I'm Lutheran (Wittenburg & Augsburg anyone?), and there are so many places with histories that are hundreds of years older than anything in the U.S. 
10. Hike Through a Mountain- It sounds like a challenge that would be a visual, mental, and physical experience that could rival anything but the birth of my firstborn and wedding day. 
11. Become an elder or hold office in a church- I've seen my family serve our church for several years as elders, sunday or vacation bible school teachers, counsel or board members. I consider serving the church that you're a member of an important duty. 
12. Throw out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game- Not only would I throw out the first pitch, I'd make it a dirty curveball or cutting fastball. I'd practice for months just so I could make a perfect pitch. I'll definitely shake off the catcher's sign. 
13. Go to a Green Bay Packers game in Lambeau Field- I've never been and have been a fan all my life. I'd wear the ridiculous cheesehead, a Reggie "The Minister of Defense" White jersey, and scream GO PACK GO the whole game. 

For now this is a pretty good list. I could literally sit here thinking of random things the rest of the day, but then I wouldn't get any work done at all. What I didn't write on there are the things I hope to do for other people throughout my life. I've no idea what those things are and won't know until they're right in front of me. Helping others achieve their dreams and goals will be more fulfilling than completing this entire list for myself. I leave you with this thought from the apostle Paul in Acts 20:35:

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"