Whirligig Journals

1: The Bucket List January 28, 2015

• In the movie The Bucket List, two men who are near the end of their lives set out to experience life at its fullest by creating a list of things that they have always wanted to do, but never had the time, money, or inclination to do. What do you want to do in your life? Create a list of the top 10 things that you want to do in this life.

2: Your trip to Tacoma!

It’s June 16th, and you’ve just been given yourchoice of an open bus pass, an open trainticket, or an open plane ticket, along with a prepaid debit card in the amoount of $2000.00.Where are you going and what will you do? Describenot only your perfect summer vacation, but alsodescribe whom you will be taking with you, if anyone. (remember that tickets overseas cost $1000+, flights to

Mexico City are about $500, and US continental flights are usually $150+).

3: I Like Long Walks on the Beach and Spinach Smoothies…

Your best friend just signed up for an online Dating service that promises to find you theperfect girlfriend/boyfriend. Before you canbegin however, you must create a 2paragraph autobiography detailing the mostimportant things about yourself that youwould want somebody else to know.

4: WANTED! REWARD!

What is it that you want out of life? What is it that you are willing to sacrifice toget it?

Draw a wanted poster with at least 4 things you want and 2 things you would sacrifice to get it inside the poster. (for example, if you want to be a professional athlete, would you sacrifice having a family? An education? The ability to talk?)

5: Wish you were here…NOT!

Since you were only able to take one friend on your previously mentioned vacation, you left a bunch of other friends back home feeling angry because they are not your “best” friend. In an attempt to make them feel better, you are sending them a postcard detailing some of the bad things that happened on your trip. Create that postcard on your paper (extra points if you actually draw the postcard)

6: My Own American Idol

Describe someone in your life that means alot to you. Create at least two paragraphs describing why they mean so much. For extra credit, have them read it and sign it at the bottom.

7: Keep on Rollin’!

Imagine that you are Brent, and you awoke to see that the cyclist has left. He did, however, leave you a note asking you to write him while you are on your journey. write a postcard to him describing what you are feeling (extra points are available if you actually draw the postcard).

8: Punishment or Free Trip?

Do you agree or disagree with Mrs. Zamora’s decision? Write at least two paragraphs where you share your point of view.

9: A Slurpee, Mariners v. Dodgers, and Guitar Hero: Pearl Jam

How do you define happiness? Start with your own definition and then describe exactly what makes you happy.

10: This is Uncle Joe, the Professional Couch-Sitter…

• Draw a picture of your family. Be sure to label each member of your immediate family, and include as many members of your extended family as you like.

11:This one time, I had this thing hanging from my nose…

Brent has found himself in many uncomfortable situations. Describe a time when you were in an uncomfortable situation, and describe how you handled it.

12: I just know that I could ROCK the violin!

• Brent is finding new hobbies throughout the book; what is something that you have always wanted to do? Explain what it is, why you want to do it, and what is holding you back from doing it.

13: In Ninth Grade, I had this HORRIBLE English class…

Brent is often frustrated on his journey. What is something that you had to do that you hated? How did you deal with it?

14: Whazzup Dawg?

Write a letter from Brent to Anthony. What might Brent tell Anthony from his own experiences? Be sure to format your letter properly.

15: If Scotland had the climate of Croatia…

• What is your favorite place in the world? Draw a picture of it, and then write at least one paragraph describing it. YES. You have to color your picture. Think about who you are asking

16: …and then I put the Lit Firecracker in the Gas Tank…

• We all make mistakes in life. Sometimes it is trusting the wrong person, saying the wrong thing, or taking the wrong action. Describe a time that you made a big mistake, and what about it would you do differently if you had the chance.

17: So, there is this awesome English Teacher…

• Describe somebody in your life that you don’t really have a lot in common with, but plays an important role in your life. What memories come to mind when you think of this person?

18: Dear Mr. Tanaka…

• Write a letter to the person that you wrote about on the previous page. Tell them why they are important to you. Be sure to format your letter properly. No; you don’t have to send it.

19: …And always make sure your zipper is zipped…

• Based on your own experiences and what you may have learned from Brent’s experiences, create a list of twenty rules for life. Be sure to include what you perceive to be the most important things to focus on in life.

20: What’s on your mind?

• Sketch the outline of Brent’s head. Choose at least five symbols to draw inside his head that represent his personality, his journey, the people that he met, or the experiences that he has had.