(and why I let these go).

These are the things I considered then rejected when asked “what do you really want?”

The material stuff:

There were the obvious electronic gadgets, a new (but used) car or a single engine airplane. People tell me that I need to dress better, so a new suit, tuxedo or even better, the always stylish trenchcoat. I thought about a seat at a WSOP table or going back to flying.

The athletic stuff:

As a marathon runner, there are a lot of races I would like to do. Maybe qualify as for the 50 state club. I always wanted to qualify for Boston or run the Antarctica Marathon. Boston may be genetically out of reach. Antarctica is about a two-year waiting list. 11 marathons in 7 states took me 4 years, 43 states may be out of reach.

The experience stuff:

Seeing the last shuttle launch? Watching the Chicago Cubs win a world series? Well some things are really not in my control. I thought about other things, taking off or landing on the deck of carrier in an F/A 18F super hornet or being in back seat of plane 7 during the Chicago Air Show for Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. Maybe something symbolic, like laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, attending the dedication of a new star on the wall or a confidence coin from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The egotistical stuff:

Being interviewed by journalists on shows I admire or being the opening of a favorite radio or television shows. Maybe having a small speaking role on one or another of my favorite television shows or even some of the cable shows, that I am not sure anybody but me watches.

Anyone of these material things or experiences would be cooler than cool. They weren’t chosen for a variety of reasons.

Why I didn’t create a website to get these things:

The material stuff:

Most of these things, like the clothes, would be a pure indulgence. Some of the stuff, like the Ipod Touch, I will eventually buy for myself. Playing at the WSOP: sure I would probably be dead money.  If I did well though, I might be able to buy all the material stuff! Going back to flying, it is difficult to pick one thing, get an airplane? Go back for more instruction or retraining? That is more practical than adventure, and this project is to try something I have never done.

The athletic stuff:

Qualify for the 50 state club means running at least another 43 marathons. A recent injury after my 11^th marathon has made me question if I have that many left in my body. My running docket has 3 (maybe 4) marathons in 3 new states in 2010. Qualify for Boston. I just don’t run that fast – yet.  Run the Antarctica Marathon. I have done the Bataan Memorial Death March a couple of times and really like these adventure/destination races. You earn the right to run Boston. And you earn one state at a time.

The experience stuff:

Viewing the last shuttle launch in early 2010 doesn’t give me enough time to barter up. Watching the Chicago Cubs win a world series? This one is way out of my control and it has been over a hundred years since the last occurrence.

The flying stuff: touch and goes on the deck of carrier in an F/A 18F super hornet or getting a ride with the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. Paying respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider or attending the dedication of a new star on the wall.  would be the ultimate sign of respect. The CIA honors their dead in different way. No names appear with the star. There is a book, that is under lock and key that denotes those who served and sacrificed their lives for our country. In the 60 years since the creation of the CIA only 90 stars appear on the wall. That number is unfortunately going to increase.

All of these are definitely invitation only events. These things not something you can necessarily buy or barter for, these events are connection driven.

Receiving a confidence coin from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This one is so I would never have to buy a drink around my military friends.

Being the opening hook for:

This American Life: the start of each show begins with a prologue that sets the tone for all the stories to follow. It would be cool to be that prologue.

Being interviewed by

Charlie Rose: Bar none, the smartest show on television.

All Things Considered: The best news program on radio.

Appearing on

Chuck: I really like this show. Yes, it is campy. Maybe they have an opening in the nerd herd?

Burn Notice: McGiver for the new century and again the voiceover.

In Plain Sight: I am always a sucker for snarky main characters and voiceovers.

Breaking Bad: A show worth the DVR space.

Eureka: some think it is too cute but I like it.

Stargate Universe: Not a lot Sci-Fi I like right now but they are doing the legacy well.

NCIS: They also always have a prologue that is related to main story, right before the show goes to a black and white still.I don’t really want to be in the interrogation room but it is better than being a body in the morgue. 

NCIS LA: I can do the sprint, run away from a bomb scene.

These would all be great. Experiences that you talk about the rest of your life. The truth is, this site is a lot of work and knowing that there would be emotional highs and lows in the process, the goal had to be worth the effort. In the end, going to space was the once in a lifetime experience I wanted.