I’ve been in a rut for a long time. So long that it got nice and comfy, sort of the way the cushions on a good chair will mold to the shape of your rear end, or the way old shoes fit on your feet. And I knew, the way you know with old shoes and cushions, that I had to make a few changes before a) something started to stink, or b) people started to stare.

So begins The Big List, and the Experience Experiment. It’s not that I don’t have “experiences”. I do. I’ve been places and seen things. But yeah, sometimes it’s easier to stick with what you know, rather than open yourself up to something you may hate (or, God forbid, really, really love). It’s easy to say you don’t have the time, or the gear, or the money.

I started the list a few weeks ago, and I seem to add to it pretty regularly. I know there’s a school of thought that says if you make a list of the things you want, you’re more likely to get them. Not because of Crazy Magic or anything, just because you’re more open to things that come your way. I guess you’re more likely to take advantage of opportunities, instead of chickening out and maintaining the status quo. So I started my list, and then lo and behold, I saw that Mighty Girl had posted her list right on her blog for the whole world to see. Funny how once you start thinking about something, you see it everywhere.

Anyway, I started actually working on the list by coloring my hair red. That might seem like a weird place to start, but I have wanted red hair for a really long time. So far I love it (except for the part where I have to go get it touched up, because it’s fading after only ten days…booo.).

Second (well, this was first really, but whatever), I joined a running club. I realize, working at home all day, that I could use a little human contact once in a while. I’d also like to run more often (did I really just write that? Whoa. Maybe the dye has permeated my skin and leeched into my brain.). So the running club seemed like a good way to kill two birds – in this case, Penguins – with one stone.

Next, I ordered up a motorcycle helmet with a side of jacket and gloves, and went for my first ride on the back of Mike’s bike. I’m going to admit here that while I did spend the entire first ride coaching myself not to puke in the helmet, I really enjoyed the second ride. My backside disagrees, I think.

What’s next? A stunning mixture of the wild and the mundane. The list includes everything from making my own bread to taking a trip to Italy and spending a week in an ashram. I like to cover all my bases. Maybe I’ll really commit, hardcore, and post the list here for the whole world to see. Why not?