Ahoy friends, and welcome! Today I am going to be sharing something very personal with you all, and that is my bucket list. Many of us out there have a list of things that we wish to accomplish in life before we reach the afterlife, and I am certainly no exception. I truly believe that the number one way to accomplish our goals is to announce them to the world. That is what I will be doing here. This list covers some of the things that I have already accomplished, some of the things I am already doing, and many of the things that I wish to achieve in the future. All of them, I believe, are within my power to achieve, if I put the work in and make fulfilling this list a priority in my life. Read on for the bucket list of Bill McNally.
- Buy a home.
This one I have already achieved, as I purchased my condo back in January of 2023. The same day that I signed the paperwork, I moved in, and immediately began turning it into my own home. Today I am happy in my condo and am very proud to have my own place. I was the last of my siblings to permanently move out of the family home. Thankfully, my parents live close to me.
- Achieve Financial Independence.
This term means different things to different people. To me, being financially independent means that I can meet my own financial needs while continuing to work towards my goals (saving, investing) and have some left over for spending. I have largely achieved this goal but am indeed working towards increasing my income. Starting this blog is part of that goal.
- Become a Qualified Steam Engineer and Possibly Fireman as Well.
This goal has not been a priority for me since October of 2019, when I was last working in steam locomotive service at my current job. I aim to change that in the coming years, as it ties into some of my other goals on this list. I’m still fascinated by steam locomotives and would absolutely love to become a truly qualified steam locomotive operator.
- Become a Qualified Conductor and Trainman.
I have been working towards this goal since 2017, when I first started in train service at my current company. There have been some setbacks, such as the pandemic, and having to move back over to maritime operations after losing my full-time hospital job. I am adding this to my list so I can continue to advocate for more time in train service for myself. In theory, if I can command a boat, I can be a Conductor on a train. It’s the same level of responsibility.
- Publish a Series of Novels.
I am working hard on this one, as I am making my second attempt at writing a novel this year (2024). The title is Airborne on Zorah, and it’s been very fun to write. Imagine if Star Wars meets Steampunk with a crime drama twist and you have a general idea of the setting and story.
- Get Married.
This is a tricky one, because exactly who I will marry is somewhat out of my hands. However, I do know that by putting myself out there, and being my honest self, I will attract the right kind of people. When I meet that special lady, this bucket list may read a little differently.
- Build O and G Scale Model Train Layout.
This goal is in progress. As of this writing (September 1st, 2024), I have finished the benchwork, laid the G scale track and made the inaugural run of the layout, which I have named the Winnipesaukee Central. There’s still more track to lay, parts to buy, and models to invest in, but a layout is a lifelong project. As any model railroader will tell you, no layout is ever truly finished!
- Build HO Scale Model Train Layout.
This goal is also in progress. I still need to clear out space in my garage, as the previous owner (who passed away) left behind many boxes of decorations that I am still either donating or throwing out. There are also some large furniture pieces to get rid of, such as a buffet cabinet. Once that is all gone, I can start planning the benchwork.
- Attend a Metal Concert in Europe.
I added this one to my list because there are some bands that I want to support that haven’t yet been able to tour in the United States. Some of those bands include Dragony, Alterium, and Tungsten. All make excellent music, and I am making it a point to one day see those three bands and similar artists live in concert.
- Attend 70,000 Tons of Metal at Least Once.
This is a big one, as I was originally planning to go in 2024 but was forced to change my priorities after losing my job at the hospital. I no longer had the disposable income to spend on the floating metal festival. Now that I am making a serious effort to grow my income, going to this event will be within reach in due time.
- Go Steam Railroading Across the Nation and the World.
I love railroads that operate steam locomotives, and I want to visit as many as I can during my lifetime. At some railroads, I will be a humble passenger, while at others I aim to be a train crew member, or even an engine crew member at others. It would be especially wonderful to be a part of train and engine crews in different countries, particularly England and Ireland.
- Get Captain’s License.
I have largely achieved this goal, but getting the license is just the beginning. I still need to get plenty of time in the wheelhouse to become a seasoned captain.
- Create an Online School to Teach Steam Railroading Knowledge.
This one is important to me because we need to teach the next generation of steam locomotive crews, particularly in the United States, to ensure that the heritage railroad movement continues. This school will teach all the knowledge needed to succeed as a member of a steam locomotive crew, be it as a hostler, fireman, or engineer. I cannot teach the needed skills over the internet, but I can help my students be prepared for their first day aboard a steam locomotive. The name I have in mind is “The Roundhouse Academy.”
- Donate Regularly to Railroad Restoration, Preservation, and Education Organizations.
I will need additional income to achieve this goal, and as I said, I am aiming to improve my income as much as I am able. I believe in the cause of railroad preservation, especially regarding steam locomotives. These groups need money if they are to accomplish their missions.
- Continue Volunteering with the Star Wars Costume Clubs.
The costume clubs have given me a sense of community outside of work and family. Plus, I have made many wonderful memories with them, even with the occasional bout of difficulty. How else would I be able to dress up as Han Solo for charity and represent the Star Wars brand at the same time?
- Visit Ukraine After the War.
The people of Ukraine will need help to rebuild after the conflict with Russia ends (and I am sure that it will end in Ukraine’s favor). If possible, I want to visit as more than just a tourist, and aid in the rebuilding efforts. The Ukrainian people didn’t ask for this war, and my country has provided them with a lot of aid to keep fighting. I sincerely hope we, the people of the United States, help the Ukrainians rebuild their shattered country.
- Continue Doing Living History, Especially at Battleship Cove.
Volunteering with the BB-59 Living History Group has given me an outlet to share my knowledge about shipboard life with the public, and I want to keep my relationship with that group healthy. While I haven’t volunteered with them in a while, I will rejoin them in the future.
- Visit Scandinavia and See the Northern Lights.
I have wanted to see the northern lights since childhood. Now that I am an adult, it’s on me to turn that dream into reality. Additionally, Scandinavia is a beautiful part of the world, and the people who live there are among the happiest on Earth.
- Stand in the cab of Flying Scotsman.
Flying Scotsman is the most famous steam locomotive in the UK, and possibly the world. While seeing her in person, especially fired up, would be a dream come true, climbing aboard her would be an honor.
- Operate a Steam Locomotive on the Main Line.
While doable, this would indeed be a lifetime achievement. I don’t have any particular locomotive or railroad in mind, but a large or fast locomotive would be ideal. Maybe Norfolk & Western 611 or Union Pacific 4014? Only time will tell.
- Attend Star Wars Celebration.
Star Wars Celebration, or SWC, is the ultimate Star Wars convention. I was originally planning to go in 2022, but the organizers changed the date to the same weekend as my twin sister’s wedding, forcing me to change my plans. I haven’t been able to go since.
- Attend DragonCon.
DragonCon is an annual comic convention held every Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. If you like having fun in costume, then DragonCon is the convention for you. Going to a distant con would give me a fresh perspective on comic cons, and I would meet plenty of new people.
- Return to Ireland.
I last visited in 2016 for a family reunion, and I have wanted to go back ever since. Not only do I want to see my relatives again, I wish to explore more of the island. Ireland has a lot to offer.
- Visit Italy.
I have added Italy to my travel list because it is full of history. My mom and sisters got to visit Pompeii on their last trip there, while I have never been, and I am a big history buff. I would also love to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. Maybe not all in the same trip, but over time see much of the nation.
- Complete an Edward Kenway Costume.
Edward Kenway is a fictional pirate, and the main protagonist of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, one of my all-time favorite video games. Being able to dress up as him would allow me to bring the character to life at conventions and renaissance festivals, as well as possibly teach about the Golden Age of Piracy. That costume will be the crown jewel of my collection.
- Build a Garden with Model Railroad.
This project will require a large outdoor space. Thankfully, that is readily available at my family’s home in Connecticut. Getting mom and dad on board with the project may prove to be another challenge, as it is their property that I will be building on. I think it would be great to have a beautiful garden with a train running through it.
- Buy Lionel Visionline Big Boy.
Like Edward Kenway will be for my costume collection, this model locomotive will be the crown jewel of my O scale train collection. It’s currently the largest and most expensive model offered by Lionel, and I would love to have one running on my layout.
- Turn My Blog into a Business Venture.
Exactly how that will happen is a bit hazy, but I know it will involve a combination of selling ad space, marketing my novels, and the online school that I plan to build. All of those combined will turn my website into a source of income, which I will need to accomplish most of the goals on my bucket list.
- Visit My Dear Friend in the Netherlands.
I have a dear lady friend (who I will call Lauren) that I met online in a group for Norse Pagans. We have been in close contact ever since. Because she is unable to travel as a mother, it’s on me to go to her. I look forward to giving Lauren the tightest of hugs.
- Own Another Newfoundland Dog.
Even before my current (and first) Newfoundland dog came home, I was in love with the Newfoundland dog breed. Timber has been a very dear companion to me over the last eleven years, but she is growing old, and I want to have another Newf in my life after she has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Whether that Newf will be a puppy, or a rescue is unknown right now, but I do know that my house won’t truly be a home until there is a Newfoundland in it.
And that’s it, everyone. That is my bucket list. The mission of fulfilling it begins immediately. I have only one life to live, so I need to make all this come true!
What are some items on your Bucket List? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoy my content, please subscribe to get notified about new posts. As always, thanks for reading!