I have a death phobia.  (Isn't that a crazy way to start a blog?!?) But I do.  The positive thing about it is that it results mostly from the fact that I genuinely enjoy my life and family so much that I can't -- don't want to -- fathom it all being over.  The negative thing is that I'm giving myself a complex because as a Person of Faith, it seems somehow.. how do I put it... unfaithful to fear death when I ostensibly believe in an afterlife that's reputed to be waaaaaay better than anything I am experiencing in this life.

But setting the phobia aside, I do love the idea of a bucket list.  Let's face it, I'm in love with any kind of lists... to-do lists, contact lists, grocery lists, Christmas card lists, books-I-want-to-read lists... lists are sorely underrated, in my humble opinion.  And a bucket list... wow.  There's nothing more soothing to a raging death phobia than a whole list of things you still want to accomplish in this lifetime.

So here, in no particular order, are some of the things on my constantly-growing bucket list:

1. Learn to play the cello (this one is actually in progress, thanks to Melissa Crowther and Lorelle McPhee -- shout out to both of you!)

2. Visit Buenos Aires and Istanbul

3. Travel to Europe with my daughter

4. Learn to speak all six official United Nations languages (three down, three to go.)

5. Attend a culinary arts school

6. Take an Alaskan cruise

7. Go abroad as a Rotary International volunteer to help immunize children in the efforts to eradicate polio

There are a lot more, many of which have to do with things I want to see throughout this great big world we live in.  As I get older, I want to put more things on the list that have to do with contribution, but I think those things will develop as my daughter grows into an independent adult.

People's life dreams are so fascinating.  I bet many of you have bucket list items that are creative, ambitious, exciting and fun.  I'd love to hear about them.  If you are willing to share, I'll make a trade with you:  an email with one of your bucket list items in exchange for a concert ticket to see Neil Galanter perform on April 28th at 7pm.  He is an amazing pianist.  You can hear a sample of his work at www.neilgalanter.com. If you participated in our sweet tooth ticket giveaway, you can get a second ticket through this one and share a great evening with a friend or family member. 

As always, thanks for stopping by the blog, and I really hope to hear from you.