Matt Brannon

Pitiful Excuse of a Blogger

Well I have definitely let this bloggin' deal slide.. I wouldn't even know where to start to catch you up, lone reader, or fill you in. To say that a lot has changed since my last post would be a monumental understatement.

  Let's see--I am no longer on staff with Lake Baldwin Church (or any ministry for that matter) and, to be honest, it's refreshing. However, this is not the time or place to delve into these matters. I am still working to complete the remainder of my undergraduate coursework in Organizational Communication @ Rollins College and hope to finish next December. The real estate market has drastically slowed down and I find myself edging into the world of entrepreneurship and inventing. I no longer hold a salaried position with The Hunter Group (at my choice).

  On the personal front--I am still single, but that's ok. It's cheaper this way for sure, and I have my eye on someone so we will see how that goes..I miss Palm Beach a lot and can't wait to get back this next weekend for some time in the sun and a chance to catch Benjamin's homecoming. Beyond this little update, the front of my mind is occupied with trying to either launch this next business venture or succumb to the next job search--both are exciting. I'll leave you with this amazing text:

"A fringe benefit for the believer en route to higher Christian consciousness is that 99% of the emotional suffering caused by his addictive programming to security, sensation, and power disappears from his daily dance.  He is able to drop all deceptive manipulative lower-order games -- the money game, the security game, the male-female game, the power game -- and he presents himself simply to others:  "Here I am."  Free from any false self-image, he says, "It's all I've got."    (Romans 5:1-2)  --Manning

Until next time, whenever that may be, lone reader, PEACE<><

Here's The Deal

 

Well...I've decided to put this up here as an "update". I know I haven't posted in over a month. To the numerous people who have repeatedly brought this to my attention--duly noted. Next real post to come at the end of this week.  I am finally getting a much needed break from work, and heading south to an undisclosed locale. No cellphone, no email, nothing asked of me--no promises of coming back...

   I don't want to be the guy that had the dreams and didn't surpass them. Look for a post soon, and I certainly hope things are as well in your world as you can control. Peace<><

At Month's End

      Sometimes I feel all alone in a crowd. I feel like people love me, only to leave me. It's probably some psycho/emotional issues from my childhood. Heck...forget probably, it is. It has been exactly one month since my last post (if you can call the last one a post).  Where have I been? Seemingly-barricaded in my office or hiding in my room..at least that's when I'm not spending time with this church plant or traveling.

     I'm drained-numb almost. I play with my alarm clock about three times before I get up in the mornings...only to sit down at my computer and return emails. Email (all six accounts) has a way of controlling me...it's been rumored that a program exists that can combine all accounts into one to simplify life..Outlook or Inlook..I get them mixed up. After stumbling blindly into the shower to de-thaw and return to the world..I go through the same exact routine day in and day out. Mess around with my hair (shocking I know) deodorant, teeth, contacts...and then probably the most challenging part of my day: locating and working with clothes. Then it's getting in the car and making the same drive to work again and again. When did life become so routine? Sure, it's different projects and different issues...but I am fully immersed in corporate BS these days. I don't like the direction of where this line of thought is heading...depressing.

     I think it's best if I fore-go other tirades, even though it has been a long time since my last post, and divert directly into my obligatory random thought section: I think one of the best parts of marriage will be not having to do laundry (Yes..sexist). I miss Palm Beach and the lifestyle that surrounds it. If only some of these major commercial deals I have on the table at work would come through..$$. I need to lose about 20 pounds, yet am lazyy. I miss the kids from previous ministries more now than ever before. The band 10th Avenue North is great. There are many stupid people out there. The Golden Rule is commonly ignored. I think it's funny that I can say I know someone who had a breast to pop (implants). As soon as I can afford it, I will be working towards my Pilot's License. There is something about working with students that gives me life. Funny how as you look back on the real friends you have in life, they're all relatively similar. I think I often automatically assume that other people know what they are talking about. I want to purchase and run a lot of different businesses. One of my favorite outings in life will always be going to Kobe's with the Kazecks. There is one type of man that I yearn to emulate: fears and serves the Lord, successful in business, free and willing to conquer unusual things, and a wonderful husband and father (I know several men like this). My little sister is not a little kid anymore. I feel like I have neglected my small group of high school guys lately. It's always easier to tell the truth. It irritates me when Publix employees card for alcohol. There is a lot of refrigerated air, and nothing else, in my fridge. Like owning a boat, enjoying someone else's dog is the way to go. There is little better in this world than smoking a cigar with a friend at midnight in the middle of the lake in a boat under the stars. The kids that I first led when I moved to Orlando and they were in 6th grade are in high school now. The kids that I used to teach Sunday School for in Palm Beach have graduated. I have purposefully avoided Rollins and viewing my grades from this past semester. I am done with this post..just no longer in the mood.

Time Flies....

   College finals..promotion at work..planting a church..do I have a life? I will post when I can find time. Featured left (Click to enlarge): Matt & Russian Billionaire Posse..

Apparently..I'm a Woman-izer

  It's been a while, lone reader, I know. I neglect you---I treat you poorly. Which I apparently have done with several ladies in my life now. I say apparently, because from where I am sitting I know my intentions..my actions..my heart in all of this. Yet, I have put off bitching about this long enough..

  A ladies-man, a womanizer, a tease, a pimp, a player...whatever. I was reflecting back last night after a conversation with a female friend (shocking I know..but she is a female and I am a male and we are both heterosexual and not dating-just friends). I found myself getting legitimately pissed and offended, not by what she was sharing, but by the misconceptions over the last few years since I moved to Winter Park.

  **At this point in the discussion---it seems as though history would indicate for all of my female readership that I must clarify. If you are female and reading this...and you are not Kelly Pickler from American Idol or I haven't directly asked you out or expressed romantic feelings for you....I AM NOT going out with you, dating you, or interested in a romantic relationship.**

   Sorry for that minor diversion from the direction of this entry, yet apparently I must clarify to all those bra-sporting viewers out there (unless you're a man-bra wearer in which case I'm scared). Speaking of homosexuals, I apparently am attractive to gay men...does this indicate something about my sexuality? Probably not..but it freaks me out to have gay guys say to me, "hey there good-looking". Yuck..such confusion there. Now ending this ADD tangent and back to my original banter..

   So I had a female at Stetson who was apparently destined to marry me. She told me that God had spoken to her in a dream and that we were going to move back to Miami and start a family. She also envisioned me as an accountant (which would be nothing short of a mathematical miracle--considering I failed the dumbest college math class available). Then there was the freshman RA at Rollins who tried to seduce me in the handicap bathroom, can you say raunchy?  Moving on from there...the girl that sits me down at dinner and tells me I have been sending her mixed signals. The one who finally says to me "How long are you going to make a girl wait" and when I am totally clueless as to anything that she was thinking..she breaks down saying that I have been flirting and leading her on for months.

   Lastly, and probably most near and real to my heart is a confusing relationship that I accept my share of the responsibility in. The thing that hurts me so much about this..is that I genuinely cared for her. I connected with her on such a level that I can understand where the signals were mixed. Yet, I hate how that relationship just dies one day. It has been months since I have spoken to her. I miss her friendship, yet I don't feel I can initiate anything again for fear of continuing to hurt her. Beyond that, part of me is angry. Angry that I hear things from people that are far from the truth. Angry-that the conversations between the two of us are different from the conversations about the two of us. At the end of day, I do respect and miss her and would love to maintain a healthy friendship, but my head overrules my heart. The telephone is a 2-way device that I will gladly answer and pick up where we left off.

  So am I a tease? Is there something wrong with the way I live my life...with my character. The irony, on my end, is that the dating relationships I have been involved with in the past---my intentions have been clear. I do and always will speak my mind because I believe that's why we have one. The high school relationships...and the only 2 legitimate people I have dated in Winter Park, know what those relationships were, as do I. At the end of the day, I answer to my character and face judgment in Him and Him alone. (**Miss, I do not like you like that, or that, we are just friends**) The previous disclaimer is apparently necessary..always. Peace<><

Skydiving!!!

Amazing experience.Here are a few still pics from the jump (click them to make them full size)...The full movie will be on as soon as I can find a nerd to put it online. Temp video available by clicking here Awesome..

   

Really Into Real Estate

  No real reason for posting..aside to express my on-going enthusiasm for the real estate industry. I was reflecting last night about how I always used to be interested in real estate and what Realtors did from a relatively young age. There is something about properties...the fact that ownership is changing hands, as well as, investments and profits are being had that intrigues me. I wonder how many people stray away from what really interests them because of other people directing them to other "better" areas.

  There is SO much to learn that I feel overwhelmed. Yet, I don't think I could position myself any better to learn and soak it all in. I am in a mentoring relationship with a very successful broker and commercial investor, as well as, assisting a very knowledgeable residential expert with years of experience and a heart for education. What can I say..I love what I'm doing. I love my job. I'm getting paid....getting paid to do what I love. Doing what I'm passionate about. Using my organizational, vision-casting, and relational gifts occupationally. I'm excited for what the future has in store business-wise. That's all for now.....<><

Half Baked

  No, I'm not high..my pot-smoking days are long gone. Half Baked is God's gift to fat people..a delicious blend of fudge brownie, cookie dough, and chocolate ice cream. Thank you Ben & Jerry. Thank you for contributing to the fat fund. What a wonderful way to start this post of nothingness.  Now that I've impressed you with my rhetoric, let's go deeper.

  I have found one of my greatest struggles in life to be COM 101, aka, Public Speaking. Why do I struggle? (you would ask if you were here)..well it's because how pointless is it for a camp/event speaker to have to get up and deliver speeches about your favorite birthday present. Question answered- It is VERY pointless. Moving on.....

  You wouldn't know I had carpet in my  room...that is unless you removed the 34 layers of clothes that are all over the place. I'm probably one of the most anal-retentive, organized guys you'll meet...but laundry is my arch-nemesis. Speaking of arch-nemeses.........

  I get along with most people..really I do. However there was once this lady, commonly referred to by those who shared in the experiences with me as: Crazy C. Anyway, this lady was a certified nut-job, volunteer youth "leader", and parent of one of the youth when I was leading at First Pres. I swear to you..she stalks me. I can go to the remotest of areas...like Stone Door in Tennessee-she is there. On Saturday I was at the Luis Palau festival-she is behind me like all day. Speaking of the Orlando Festival..........

   I worked the World Promotional Services booth at the Orlando Festival for 12 hours Saturday. My sunburn rivaled that of an English-Disney-Fanny-pack Sporting-Tourist. Yet, probably the most interesting part of my day was sharing my testimony and listening to that of one Stephen Baldwin. Now I have never been one to get excited about "famous people". This guy came up and started talking to me. He was wearing sunglasses and had dyed his hair black. After launching into my story, he took off his glasses and I realized it was him. He gave me his card and we prayed together. I was so caught up in the celebrity of him that my ADD spun into a crazy line of thought. If I get this excited in the presence of a mere B-list actor...how great will the day be that I come before the Father. I revel in that future. I can't wait.

  Blaaah let's see what else. I absolutely love my job @ Hunter Real Estate Services. I get to work for such a solid and experienced Christian industry guy in the morning, David Hunter, el presidente himself. In the afternoon, I get to work for the sweetest Christian Realtor, Patsy Woody. By June I will be a licensed Realtor and well on my way to making some legitimate dolla dolla bills y'all. Ultimately, a great and unchartered mission field for me with the direct backing of Christians running the show. God is good in this regard especially.

  Obligatory Random Thought Section: Pollen sucks-especially on my car. Trash, like laundry, is a vicious cycle. Teaching Japanese students that don't speak English isn't fun. I don't enjoy indecisiveness when dealing with people. I think saying "Make it Wet" @ Tijuana Flats is raunchy. College is nothing more than coordinated busy work. If I could have any additional gift in life, it would be that of musical talent. Working with lesbians at work, both of whom are named Staci is slightly peculiar. I enjoy debating homosexuality with bisexuals. I want to break through the major defense mechanisms of one of the Lake Highland guys. Having 6 email accounts is a bad call. Google Earth is the coolest invention (second to pockets). What's wrong with making the Gospels fun? What's love got to do with it..got to do with it? What's love but a second hand emotion? Just when wine connoisseurs impress me I think, how lame. I have a huge -and largely unrecognized until recently- love of aviation and planes. Perhaps I just like toys-boats, cars, planes. Why do I call the dog "boo-boo"...it's name is Duchess. What kind of name is Duchess? Apparently I am the unofficial conversationalist for middle school boy's sex questions. Do they make a pair of sunglasses to fit my funky face? If you have read this far, should you consider reevaluating how you spend your time?

  Skydiving in 6 days...until then Peace<><

Savor Retreat & Beyond

  Well, I write to you well rested at last (anything is an improvement after sleeping in the car Saturday night) and coming off of a great weekend of speaking at the Lake Highland & Lake Brantley Student Venture Savor Retreat @ the Warren Willis Camp in Leesburg, FL. After 3 hours of sleep on Friday night and a slow start to the trip we eventually hit the road towards Leesburg. Upon arrival, encountered a mini-Mexican invasion and thought it would be funny to tell the kids that we had messed up and were not booked into this weekend. It was pretty funny to see them get upset, but even better when Ryan and I told them the truth.

  I didn't feel entirely on top of my speaking this weekend...only to be reminded that I am never on top of anything. I did have moments where I felt God moving within me and my voice carrying things I didn't have to say. I at least hope they walked away with something. Beyond losing all of my power point slides-twice-, projecting onto a wall that split the images like a prism, quoting incorrect scripture, saying Jeremiah was in the New Testament, and continually knocking over mics and band equipment...I hope God was glorified above the mess.

  I marvel at how we, as humans, feel connected to certain groups of people. There is really little in common between me (and-well-anyone) and these Lake Highland students, aside from going to a "privileged" private school. Yet, I'm drawn to them for some reason. I can relate to having everything they have in a worldly sense..and seeing the wonder in their eyes about obtaining everything in an eternal sense. This whole feeling of being drawn to that school has been uncanny. I can't explain it---something that usually translates into a call upon my heart. I found myself last night missing my sugar-hopping, energy drink guzzling, shaving cream launching ADD brethren. I find myself hoping I can make it out to their campus again tonight.

  Without fail, the obligatory ADHD side of my mind: It feels odd to finally be 21 years old as I can remember being in high school and thinking 21 would be the prime of my life, now I think it may have been then, or may be tomorrow. I think my Explorer gets about 4 miles to the gallon instead of the promised minimum of 14. I'm convinced Moe's puts nicotine in their burritos. I wouldn't mind running into the love of my life right about now. I long for some wonderful past memories: beach bbq's..golfing with friends..high school parties..dog-tracks with Lance..the Dominican Republic..smoking cigars on the boat in the middle of the lake at midnight..Kobe's..impromptu bonfires..playing guitar..watching it rain. I've neglected the list of Things to Do Before I Die. I'm ready for this semester to be over.....I've completely zoned out of what I was writing about, thank you attention deficit. Until next time, remember, don't make anyone a priority that makes you an option. Peace<><

Time Flies

  Not really sure why I am taking the time (that I don't have) to write what will most likely be a lackluster post. It's Friday. I'm exhausted. Feel like I haven't sat down in weeks. Life is good--just busy good. My schedule looks like this:

  Sunday: Church plant worship..Middle School Programming..High School Programming..Freshman Small Group   Monday and Friday : Work @ World Promotional 9-5pm  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Work @ Hunter Real Estate 9-5pm + 16 Hours of college @ Rollins Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday + Camp Speaking (which as of late has been a few times a month).

  Why do I write out my schedule? I don't know. I think because I realize I'm freshly 21 and I need to drop some of the above and focus on having some friggin fun. I know what I want to drop. I know what I will drop. Phasing out and dropping--that's on the horizon. Well I'm @ work and need to go home and finalize my camp talks for the Lake Highland/Lake Brantley Student Venture Savor Retreat this weekend. Leave at 8am tomorrow to head for Leesburg and the Warren Willis Camp. Hope all is well with you<><

Come & Go

  People have a way of coming into and leaving my life..perhaps in many ways I am responsible; yet I think it's a combination of my life and a call God has placed on my heart- a side effect of youth ministry--the transitional aspect--the turnover. I'm tired of being a hired gun. ~First Pres NPB, FCA, Young Life, First Pres Maitland, WyldLife, Orangewood, Lake Baldwin~ all in less than 3 years. So many people have come into my life and fought for a place in my heart..people that I love and have not forgotten. Yet, as I move on to new places and ministries, I inevitably lose touch.  I   m i s s  them. I miss my Palm Beach friends and the kids I used as guinea pigs for ministry, I miss "my" old WydLife kids--especially my now 8th grade boys--tremendously. I miss the students and families of Orangewood a lot (something that still doesn't sit well with me). I even find myself wishing I could keep tabs on kids I have met speaking at different camps and retreats that have shared their hearts with me. I can't. There will always be that kid to reach..that relationship that fades. I need to come to terms and be at peace with this.

  I find myself staring down the barrel of my 21st birthday Tuesday..and I'm not old. I can't claim to feel old, but I will say that I feel life flying by. It (forgive the old timer flavor of this) "seems like only yesterday" I was a "kid"...

  I dream. A lot. I have big plans. I want to change -the world..maybe I will, maybe I have? I yearn to please God. I long for stability and longevity in places.

What's going on these days: Youth ministry and fellowship with the church plant. Internship with real estate/insurance firm. College. Speaking at camps/retreats. Leading the freshmen small group. World Promotional Services sales. Stuff I'm forgetting...

OK enough..If you're reading this, know that you mean a lot to me even though I don't express it (unless of course you're some random reader/stalker in which case I'm a little weirded out)<><

Progressive Blessing

    I pause to write. So much is happening that I really don't know where to begin. Due to all that I could discuss I will just commence rambling at what pops into my head first--this church plant. In the past few months, I have been amazed at the way God can break me down, push my endurance through states of depression and unhappiness..only to reveal his next phase in my life. You may meet someone at any given time and feel like you have known them forever; like you were designed to be in fellowship with them. This is how I feel about this group of people. While it has been weeks and not years--I feel at home amongst my new church family. It is so exciting to witness the reaction to our core group expansion and see the new families that are aligning with a vision for this church. The high school and middle school students have inspired me at a point in my youth ministry career where it takes a lot to energize me. For once, I am able to engage in relationships and spend time with 20-somethings that I adore. I have the continuing support of families that are interested in how my hopes and desires align with the overall ministry vision. Basically, God is good..I am thrilled..He is leading..I am at home again.

  The past few weeks have brought about some interesting developments in area youth ministry. I find myself feeling two tugs upon my heart-#1 with the students of the church plant and #2 at Lake Highland--and this is definitely a "God-thing" because I wasn't even looking at this. As a related aside, I am speaking at the Lake Highland/Lake Brantley Savor Retreat for Student Venture in Daytona Beach March 24-26. Now, if only to prayerfully consider how to invest my limited amount of time and through what vehicle, whether it be Young Life, Student Venture, or something else.....and after a "chance" meeting last night...that vehicle is becoming clearer. For the last week, we have been entertaining a prospective youth pastor, Timothy "TA" Ateek, from Austin, Texas. I must say this guy is solid..and it was SO encouraging to spend time conversing with someone that understands true Young Life and the church/para-church relationship. OK-enough about ministry (did I say I'm in a good place?)

   Next up--World Promotional Services, my latest occupational endeavor. "World" is a good choice for company name, because I feel like I am tackling the globe in a sales capacity. I have(and am currently) covered a lot of ground. It's soothing to have a positive outlet to channel my drive again and love how my job allows me to interact with people. SO if you or anyone you know are in the market for photo athletic balls, shirts, or any other promotional product, come to me.

  Lastly--the obligatory random thought section--I hate the little toe on my left foot that is disproportionate to the rest of my toes. I love a good slice of NY style pizza. My favorite jeans have seen better days. You would be hard pressed to find a better illustration of unconditional love and loyalty than a dog. I count the cameras in the ceiling at large stores and make faces at the ATM cameras. I love thinking into the future 5, 10, 25 years. Some people will always drive me crazy. What I wouldnt give to have clear and consistent cell phone signal on a daily basis. If I get one more stinkin email address..I'm gonna go postal. My friend Ramir at the Kwik Stop on Lakemont Ave adds consistency to my day. Funny how I never carry any cash and charge everything. Why do I have to write every thought down and list tasks out? Clean laundry seems to turn dirty again. Someone needs to find out where all the pens disappear to and resell them. TiVo (DVR) is one of the greatest inventions to date. As of late, there is quality television out there: 24, American Idol, CSI's, Flip this House, Offshore Adventures. I may never kick my addiction to and reliance upon Mountain Dew. You should download the Matt White cd. Trident Orange/Kiwi has changed my life on a comporable level to Kobe's Steakhouse. I will be 21 (legitimately) in less than 2 weeks. You know youre real friends when you pick up where you left off after extended absences. Certain ministries and organizations continue to disappoint me and let me down. Annoying irony: a camp speaker taking public speaking 101 (yes-me).  If you have read this much and made it thus far...I appreciate you.

Post script: I'm in Palm Beach watching the waves and strolling the streets of familiarity.

My Night With COPS

  So last night I was surrounded by police and in the end, taken downtown in a cop car. What did I do..you might ask? Well...I'm guilty of knocking another task off my list of things to do before I die--by riding along with a police officer. If you live in Winter Park, rest assured you reside in a very safe town, so thanks for making my night uneventful.

  This is what we ran into around town: #1 Responded to a 911 hang-up call at a park where 3 kids had dialed the police and then ran. #2 Responded to the Chik-Fil-A drive thru to assist in the officer hunger prevention program (dinner). #3 Searched for stolen vehicles at hotels. #4 Pulled over a Democrat for expired registration. #5 Pulled over a BMW convertible of Rollins girls for running a stop sign (and they were cute). #6 Searched Winter Park Village for juvenile dope smoking #7 Busted an underage alcohol purchase at 7-11. #8 Responded to a theft at the Albertson's liquor store. #9 Took a crack pipe off a bicycler on the "wrong side of the tracks".

  So it was an interesting experience. I gained great insight into Winter Park criminal activity (which is relatively harmless), got to hold an MP5, search criminal backgrounds on some friends, and hear some crazy stories. Perhaps the best part of the night overall was the conversation with Officer B. Watson throughout the night. While I was fully expecting a pompous officer, I was relieved to climb into the cruiser and hear contemporary Christian on his iPod, learn he was once in youth ministry, and hear him share about his family including the children he is adopting from Russia. So..it was a great experience..one that I would recommend..and take my word Winter Park residents---you are definitely safe here.

Another Day..Finally A Dollar

  Well after an interesting 8 week hiatus from employment, this guy has landed the J word. Timing is everything. After resigning from my last youth ministry position I met with Tim Burtrum, the owner of World Promotional Services -and a great Christian friend- to discuss working as a sales rep. Despite it being a sensible head decision, I just didn't know what I was feeling led to do. So-I waited..and waited..and prayed..and waited..and wondered when I was going to come out of my directional funk..and as of March 1st---I have.

   I'm excited about what I will be doing in a sales capacity. I'm working with great people, have a flexible schedule that allows me to invest in ministry in a different capacity, and am really excited about the sales predictions/potential with our latest product. So check out our site and expect me to sell to you soon.

Things To Do Before I Die

  Here is the much anticipated list of things I am striving to do before I die, 173 thus far. I've already completed some on the list (ones in strikethrough) and hope to have pictures to correspond with this soon.

Things To Do Before I Die

Life

Spend one day in complete isolation

Have a spot that I’m a “regular” at

Make my own cigar

Brew my own beer

Bottle my own wine

Organize a charity golf/fishing tournament

Start and lead a ministry

Restore a classic car

View top art masterpieces

Run for public office

Marry the love of my life

Remarry my wife on our 25^th anniversary

Witness a live birth

Raise a family right

Coach my kids

Reunite with my biological family

Honor Jesus Christ

Read through the Bible

Get published

Get my ear pierced

Get down to 5% body fat

Get a tattoo

Go skinny-dipping

Host a party and invite everyone I know

Be an extra in a movie

Ride in a parade

Donate and have something named after me

Take a completely random trip by throwing darts

Skill

Attend culinary school and cook well

Ski and snowboard jumping

Barefoot water-ski

Wakeboard

Flyfish

Get my pilot’s license

Learn how to surf

Learn how to sail

Get scuba master certified

Speak a second language

Take a painting class

Adventure

Go dogsledding

Ice fish

Snowmobile trip

ATV trip

Dirt bike

Hang glide

Chase a tornado

Tour a volcano

RV across country with kids

Ride along with a Cop

Sleep in underwater hotel

Sleep in ice hotel

Name a star after my wife

Fly a fighter jet

Ride in a hot air balloon

Cliff dive

Run with the bulls in Pamplona

Circle the globe by boat

Drive a demolition derby

Bungee jump

Go skydiving

Hike the Grand Canyon

Go on a safari

Dive for treasure

Go on a cattle drive

Spearfish

Get my motorcycle license

Ride in a submarine

Gamble Las Vegas

Hunt all wild game, esp. Alligator/Bear

Drive the Autobahn

Swim with sharks

Walk on hot coals

Breathe fire

Go whale watching

Ride a camel

Ride an elephant

Rappel/Rock-climb

Dunebuggy

Go Sandboarding

Whitewater Rafting

Caving

Event

Christmas in New York

Ball drop in Times Square

Olympics

Superbowl

Daytona 500

Season tickets to basketball

Young Life Camp Adult Guest

Attend an opera

Watch a Broadway Play

La Tomatina (Tomato Fight) in Spain

Jimmy Buffet Concert

Jack Johnson Concert

Attend Mardi Gras

Host a pig roast

Day of the Dead, Mexico

Carnival, Rio de Janeiro

Space shuttle launch

Places

Martha’s Vineyard

Graceland

Pyramids

Holy Land

Niagra Falls

Great Wall of China

Machu Pichu

Mount Rushmore

Blarney Stone, Ireland

All 50 U.S. States

Stretch/Dream

Open a restaurant

Own a resort

Own my own plane

Save a life

Open a skate park

Buy a private island

Own a pub

Open a coffee shop

Start/Run a summer camp

Travel to Space

Set Guinness World Record

Kiss Rebecca Romijn

Fish with Harrison Ford

Fly with John Travolta

Smoke a cigar with Tom Hanks

Interview Will Ferrell