No Fear Or What it means to live shamelessly

As I wade knee deep into the mid-30s, I realise for the first time that there is actually a chance that I may die someday. And whilst I am not given to morbid phases of trying to imagine the time and nature of my eventual exit from this floating spaceship, I do think a lot more about the R -word these days. For the uninitiated - R stands for regret. That unnamed entity that lies somewhere between 'What next' and 'Oh shit was that me?'

Of late - the thoughts have been gnawing at me with frightening periodicity.

So I decided to do something about it. I've made a bucket list - things to do before I die (does not include Megan Fox). I first came across the title in the movie of the same name, and I quite liked it. It was nice to see Jack Nicholson ageing (but no less grumpy) and Morgan Freeman carried off the 'dying philosopher' with class and ease.

So here goes:

1. Write a book that will leave its mark
2. Fly my own jet
3. Attend my kid's graduation at Harvard with my wife
4. See at least one of them marry a supermodel (I mean my kids - not my wife; she's already married to one... ME!)
5. Go on a world cruise first class, ... and have money left over!
6. Spend a weekend at the Waldorf Astoria (could be the same weekend as the graduation)
7. See the 7 wonders (see - killed 7 with one wish!)
8. Learn 3 new languages
9. Be someone people can trust
10. Eat the perfect omelette

Of the 10, I think I've come close to achieving the 10th, thanks to a stay at the Hilton in Leeds.

The others are work in progress. Watch this space.