In my book, Rigby’s Roads, there is a discussion between two unlikely friends who discuss what life is all about. The talk focuses on making a list of 50 things that you need to do before you die. As the story goes on, the outlaw biker helps the educated think-tank wizard make his list of 50 things and the resulting list is a mix of insight and diverse dreams.

I am often told by those who read my book that they have gone back and read that discussion over and over again as it triggers a response to their own lives. I never gave any thought that my book could actually change people’s lives but it already has.

In Rigby’s Roads, Jack Rigby’s list grows as he gets involved with the FBI, biker gangs and a chase for terrorist secrets. Those who have met me ask if I have a list of 50 things. My response is yes I have a list but it changes all the time. When I catch myself saying… that looks like fun… then I add it to the list. If you always wanted to attend the Indianapolis 500 then do it in style. Do not just sit in the stands and watch. Buy an all purpose pit pass that allows you access to everywhere. Arrive hours early and become part of the building excitement. Get involved… watch the pit crew within smelling distance…take a close up picture of your favorite driver.

If you go to the Kentucky Derby don’t just attend. Buy a $2 ticket to win on every horse in that race and then do not cash in the winning ticket. Bring it home with you and stick it in a frame and show it off for life.

Life is too short to wish you could do this or that. Just do it. Creating the list and not working the list is a mortal peccadillo.

My Bucket List... My list of 50 things I HAVE COMPLETED.

1. Create and own a patent

2. Drive a Lamborghini, Maserati, Rolls Royce, and a DeLorean

3. Enter a bowling contest

4. Own a Harley Davidson

5. Attend the Super Bowl

6. Swim with a shark

7. Drive a snow mobile to the top of the continental divide

8. Surf in 8 foot waves

9. Drive a train from one city to another as the engineer

10. Attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

11. Run a 10K race

12. Be part of a crew for a hot air balloon ride

13. Attend an All star game in any sport (NBA Basketball, Miami)

14. Visit the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio

15. Attend the live taping of a TV show (Tonight Show)

16. Help someone who is down and out but do it anonymously

17. Be a volunteer

18. Participate in the Toys for Tots program

19. Visit the fire station and thank the firefighters just for being there

20. Take my mom & dad out for their anniversary in a limo.

21. Go to Las Vegas and put a $100 bill on black on the roulette wheel and enjoy the moment … and here’s the hard part if you win let it ride one more time.

22. Talk to my grandparents about their lives and write it down for my grandchildren.

23. Go into a toy store on Christmas eve and find a woman who looks like she is struggling economically and who is dragging her 3 kids along and give her a $100 bill and just walk away before she can say anything.

24. Write a book and have it published. (now have 2 books)

Things NOT YET ACHIEVED but they are on the radar screen…. Attend the Kentucky Derby; Attend the Indianapolis 500; Run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; Visit Japan; Attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympics; Attend the Burning Man Festival; Attend the Tomatina tomato festival in Italy; Fly in an ultra-light plane; Attend a Game 7 in any sport; Play a part in a movie; Throw something into a live volcano; Sky-dive; Have a celebrity over for dinner; Walk along the Great Wall of China; Have a glass of wine in Tuscany overlooking the water; Attend the Grammy’s, Emmy’s or Academy Awards.

**** Okay, so if you have counted these you see there are not exactly 50. I do have more but I won’t talk about them. If you ask me about them I will only smile and ask you about your list. So what are you waiting for… start your list… always be planning at least one thing… never leave anything off your list… do not wait for life to come to you… dare to be different… dare to change… and for those of you who are already on the program, congratulations… live your list of 50 things and experience the feeling of ultimate satisfaction. From the movie "Bucket List" you need to start today.. don''t wait until time runs out. To borrow a few phrases from the incredible Tony Robbins…. Reprioritize your values to start you on the road to success. Make choices and decisions based on the positives you will achieve rather than the negatives you will avoid. There’s always a way – if you’re committed. For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward. The great end of life is not knowledge but action. Identify your controlling beliefs that are presently stopping you from going after what you want, and change them. People are not lazy – they simply do not have goals to inspire them. The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck. If something doesn’t work, try it again, and again, and again, fine tuning it each time to success. Research through books, TV, Internet, and from those who have experienced it. Your focus determines what you get. There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way and find what makes you happy. Good luck, have fun and make it happen.

Michael Charles Messineo