And the list goes on ...

I've come to the conclusion that my Bucket List will never be completed. There always seems to be something new that pops into my head; Events that need attending, challenges that must be met, fears that need conquering, people whose hand I must shake and sights that have to be seen with my own eyes. Putting a lot on my plate? I'm just gettin' started!

Learn to swing dance
I see them just about everytime I check out an art and wine festival.
They're the retro cool cats in their vintage 1930s and 40s get-ups, energetically dancing on air while lifting and swinging their partner. People stare and openly wish they could dance like that. I say, "Phfft" to staying on the sidelines. Where do I sign up?










See a show on Broadway.
I've seen a lot of the traveling big shows - Wicked, The Lion King and Phantom, to name a few - but there's got to be something special about seeing the show from one of the best venues in the world.











Tell her. Consequences be damned.
It all comes down to one question. Is it worth the risk?








Take the "Tommyknockers Tour" in Bangor, Maine.
Let's take our imagination to a much darker place. This tour is about visiting the spots that inspired many of the characters and scenes in horror meister Stephen King's novels and stories. From paying respects at Mount Hope Cemetery, the graveyard in “Pet Sematary" to standing before the giant Paul Bunyan statue that came to life in "It," this literary tour is a King's fan dream .. or nightmare .. come true.













Meet Stephen King
Ok, so I've made plans to visit the Stanley Hotel and tracked down a literary tour of his works. But why stop there? I was fortunate enough to meet another of my favorite writers, science fiction master Ray Bradbury, during a journalism conference. But tracking King down will be an adventure in itself. His lectures or book signings go largely unadvertised outside the local community to keep pandemonium by his rabid fans from erupting. But oh for the chance to just ask him, "What the hell goes on in that mind of yours, dude??"











Drive Austrailia's Great Ocean Road
There's nothing like driving down a highway that hugs a coastline and Austrailia surely has one of the best in the world. With little towns and incredible rock formations like the "12 Apostles" along the route, this road offers breathtaking and memorable views. It's one those places I think has to be seen to be believed. Speaking of which ...












Get to Easter Island and solve the mystery of the giant stone heads
I was in elementary school when I first read about the giant monoliths and I was enthralled with the stories of how they got there and who - or what - built them. Aliens? Whoa, how cool. As an adult, I'm still fascinated by this finalist for one of the Seven Wonders of the World.











Explore Brazil
Speaking of the Wonders, who wouldn't be captivated by the sight of the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro? Probably there to forgive all the debauchery that goes on during Carnival!










Take part in La Tomatina in Spain
Spending the morning enjoying pitchers of Sangria, toasting friends and enjoying the warming Spanish sun dressed in the whitest of whites. After heading to the city's central street, someone climbs a greased flag pole, removes a large ham from the top and it's time to cream someone with slightly overripe, squished tomatoes! It's the end of the growing season and millions of pounds of surplus tomatoes are poured into the city streets. Do I have what it takes to survive this food fight?











Cheer on the cyclists at the Tour de France
Pedal power! The Tour has become an annual must-see event for me on television. And watching the Amgen Tour of California live gives me some idea of what it must be like to see this live. But, nah. There's nothing like the real thing!










Join a Dragon Boat racing team
I've been a part of cross country, soccer, softball and cycling teams. How about something completely different? Setting aside any trepidation of being out in open water will be a big accomplishment, but so will undertaking an intense new sport.










Enlist with the Golden Gate Garrison
I saw how giddy my nephew got when meeting one of the stormtroopers at a comic book convention. And then the trooper told me how they spend much of their time doing charity events and bringing smiles to sick kids. Awesome. So when my nephew asked if we could join the Garrison together when he got older, I promised him we would. After all, the Force is strong within us.