I've always wanted 'our restaurant.'

With the launch of my Top Ten section, I’ve been thinking about various top ten topics. One that popped into my head was “the top ten things I’ve always wanted.” I made a mental note to go back and seriously answer that once things calmed down and I had an hour to myself. That hour has arrived.

In no particular order, here they are:

The Standing Date
I’ve always wanted to be married and/or involved with someone where, without fail, we knew that one night (probably Friday) would be our night to meet at the same restaurant. After a long week’s worth of whatever I wanted to look forward to going to “our restaurant” together, being known by the hostess and wait staff, and just enjoying that time with each other to unwind. I’ve never had this through all the relationships I’ve been in…maybe some day.

To Win the Lottery
Come on, who doesn’t want to win the lottery? I think the most exciting day would be the very first one after receiving the lump sum — but before having spent a dime — mainly because the possibilities would be limitless. Knowing me, though, I’d somehow end up giving away most of it to my family and friends. Oh well, it’d sure be fun while it lasted.

My Dad’s Voice
My Dad had THE coolest voice. It was a very powerful, deep, rich voice that you’d expect to hear on the radio. I remember a number of times when people would overhear him speaking and ask him which radio station he worked for as they’d “heard (him) somewhere before.” He wielded his vocalization in a number of manners be it the elder statesman, the dashing romantic, or the side-splitting comic…and in each instance, it was his booming voice and eternally present joy that made him so special.

Being a Comedian
I’ve always loved to make people laugh so what better way to do that than by being a comic? I studied the greats, picking up as much as I could, with the sole purpose of using what I’d learned to elicit smiles and belly laughs from anyone within ear shot. I’ve thought a number of times about going to an open mic night but always find some excuse to avoid the trek to the stage.

Being an Artist
My brother Doug got me started sketching when I was really young. I would work for countless hours, darkening my fingers with charcoal pencils drawing a number of subjects. Later on I dreamt of exploring the realm of painting and sculpting, ending up making some rather interesting and ecclectic sculptures out of simple modeling clay, but I never explored it any further nor with any amount of seriousness.

To Play Piano
Along with the whole idea of wanting to be a comedian and entertain people, I think that I could have written some really funny lil’ songs to play and sing for my family and friends, primarily my children. Ironically? Both of my kids can play the piano while I can barely play “Chopsticks” where it’s recognizable. I know that I could sign up for lessons but, as usual, I always find an excuse to avoid taking the steps towards it.

To Be 6′4″
Both my Dad and my oldest brother were 6′2″, my other brother is 6′1″, and for whatever reason I got it into my head that I was going to be 6′4″. I couldn’t wait to reach that height. When I was thirteen years old I grew something like eight inches in height and then stopped growing at six feet. Talk about a let down.

Write and Sell a Screenplay
I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. There’s just something incredibly exciting about bringing someone into the playground of my mind. Combine that with my love of the big screen and it’s only natural that I’d want to write and sell a screenplay. I’ve started at least a dozen screenplays in the past couple of years but never completed a single one. A couple years back I took a screenwriting class so that I couldn’t claim that I didn’t have the tools I needed to pull it off…but I just haven’t sat down and devoted the time. I think of anything on my list, this is the one that I feel I have the best chance at achieving.

The Perfect Game
I’ve been bowling since I was three…so why should it surprise anyone that I’d damn sure like to land that perfect game? I’ve come as close as anyone could get to it when I rolled my 299 in February of ‘06, but after decades of never coming closer than a 268 I have no idea when I’ll find myself staring down the lane with eleven consecutive strikes behind me. I really don’t think I’ll ever bowl a perfect game but I’d love to.

The Car
I’ve never really been that big of a car buff but there is one car that excites me every time I see it — it’s the 1957 red Corvette convertible with a white stripe down the side. I think that this car is the coolest, sleekest, and most beautiful car ever created. I’ll admit, if I see someone driving one down the road I will gasp and stare in awe. I’ve seen them on sale for prices that range anywhere from $50,000-$175,000. Maybe if I win the lottery or sell a screenplay I’ll reward myself with one.

So, that’s it…ten things that I’ve wanted my entire life.

What’s on your list?