5 Things I Want to Do Before I Die

Once upon a time I was a young man with the whole world ahead of me. I had a plan, a map of Europe and a dream.  I was a jet engine.  Full of energy and ambition.  I was going to run with the bulls in Pamplona.  I was going to trek the Great Wall of China.  I was going to back pack through Europe.

Then I woke up one morning at 50, staring into the mirror at a tired-looking, grey-haired, but still undeniably handsome guy I barely recognized. Life, as it turns out, is one wild trip. There’s no pause button, no rewind, and no do-overs. Just a never-ending march forward.

In my twenties, I had a huge map of Europe pinned to my wall.  I had the route and every stop I’d make marked out with a black sharpie pen.  It was timed perfectly to coincide with the running of the bulls in Pamplona.  I had plenty of vacation time and my employer approved an extended leave if I needed it.  I hadn’t bought it just yet but I had a nice backpack picked out.  All I had to do was a little more research and book a few flights.

Then came 9/11.

Then the layoff.

Then, surprise!  I was going to be a father.

That’s a lot of life.  Needless to say, I never got to realize any of those plans.  What you want doesn’t matter much when you’re becoming a father.

But, there’s life in these old bones yet.  There are still things I want to do.  Things I want to see.  Places I want to go.  I’m not going to be running with any bulls; I’ll tell you that.  I like my guts right where they are.  Backpacking?  Forget it.  I’m too old and too slow now.  I’ve swapped youthful recklessness for seasoned determination.  I’ve got other interests in mind now.  A little more, shall we say, age appropriate.  So here is a list of things I’d still like to do before I die. 

1. Travel to Italy

My Wife, Maria, and I have one thing in common. We both want to travel and see Italy.  Italy has many provinces and each has its own persona, history and cuisine.  I’d spend 5 days in Campania devouring the pizza.  I’d spend another 5 days each in Lazio, Tuscany and Venice.

I’m a history buff.  Walking through the Colosseum and Pompeii would feel like time travel.  I’d spend my days eating prosciutto and pecorino in Tuscany.  And glide on a gondola on the serene waters of Venice.

2. Play a live show

If you read the Art Abides Inaugural Post, you’d know that I play a little guitar.  I’m not that good, but I play.  That said, it’s still one of my dreams to play and sing in front of an audience.  One time!  That’s all I want. Nothing fancy, no ticket sales, just me, a mic, maybe a couple free drinks.  I have a good list of songs that I can play.  I’ll keep practicing and maybe one day soon I’ll realize this dream.

3. Start a BBQ business

I’m a pretty good cook.  I’ve been doing it all of my adult life.    No measuring cups, no timers.  Just instinct and heart.  The thing I really love to cook is BBQ.  I love slow smoking meats from brisket to ribs to pork butts.  I’ve had a name for this business picked out as long as I can remember.  No sit-down restaurant to start—just a food truck or catering.  It’s just that the cost, although not as much as a restaurant, can still be prohibitive.  It’s a big expensive risk and that’s probably why I haven’t tried yet.  But I’m not getting any younger and those ribs aren’t gonna smoke themselves.

4. Catch a tuna

Why a yellowfin tuna? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you.  I’ve never liked those “reality” fishing shows so it isn’t that.  I do love fishing and get out whenever I get a chance.  I’ve been off shore a handful of times and got sick as a dog every single time without fail. Patches, pills, and prayers—all useless.  I’ll keep trying.  I’m stubborn and I love a good challenge.

5. Write a book

I was never a good student.  I was lazy and had no direction.  I’ve been writing in journals since high school. An English teacher saw something in my notebook. She then bumped me into her AP class.   

I want to write a book.  Even if I have to self-publish.  Just like my guitar playing or fishing for that matter, I’m not very good.  I’m not polished. I’m not a professional. But I write because I enjoy it.  Because it’s fun.  At some point I’m hoping that blogging will help me find my voice.  Whether it is in a fiction novel or a simple memoir.  Either way it’ll be mine. 

So, that’s my five.

Life doesn’t always do what we want it to but dreams never die.  The jet engine is still humming. So, if you’re reading this, tell me.  What’s on your list?  What is it you’d really like to do before it’s all said and done?