2012: To do list (before December 21)

In no particular order, the following is everything I intend to do this calendar year. No, these are not resolutions and I'm not trying to justify being better at anything simply because the calendar reads 2012 versus 2011.

I'm fully expecting Yellowstone to erupt or The Walking Dead to become non-fiction late this year, hence the reason for such a busy year.

- Purchase season tickets

I've always bought single game tickets or mooched off well-connected family members for admission into the city's many events. Sporting Kansas City is the current leader. I'll hold off on the Royals or may purchase the sporting event equivalent of a snack pack.

- Drive obscenely fast on a winding two-lane road (freshly paved is a must)

Sure, the acceleration on my car is nice (Subaru WRX), but it's not a muscle car. It's an AWD rally car. If there's any likelihood that I might not be able to drive it in 2013, I need to get my money's worth in 2012. If there's time and significant funds, I'd like to take it off road too.

- Visit Vancouver (and acquire a passport)

A good friend lives in Seattle and another good friend is Canadian. The two don't ever shut up about how awesome Vancouver is, the Canadian constantly reminding co-workers and me that it's been named the greatest city in the world.

- Play soccer

I enjoy watching soccer and playing Fifa on the XBox but I haven't kicked (much less touched) a soccer ball since I was in middle school.

- Have a Bloody Mary at Louis's West

Way back when I lived down the street from my favorite bar, I hadn't yet developed a taste for the fantastic drink that is a Bloody Mary. I've been told Louis's West makes the best Bloody Mary in Lawrence.

- Have Wheel pizza

Yes, there are several pizza joints that are better than the basement at the Wheel in Lawrence (Waldo Pizza!). There is no late night pizza I've found in Kansas City that matches with Wheel pizza at 2 in the morning. Torres and Joes in Westport don't even come close.

- Wear suits more frequently

I wore a suit the other day to work and enjoyed it. I'm of the belief that dressing well effects the way I act as well as the way others view me.

- See a tornado

I've lived in Tornado Alley my entire life and have yet to see one. Perhaps this will happen when the world is ending.

- See a wolf, bear or cougar in the wild

Growing up, I was a total Discovery Channel and National Geographic junkie. I'd like nothing more than to actually see one of these beautiful animals I was so fascinated with during my childhood.

- Eat Chicago deep dish pizza (again)

I was fortunate enough to have Geno's when I was a sophomore in high school. It's unfortunate I haven't been back to Chicago since.

- Use my future niece to pick up women

"Is this your daughter?! She's so cute!"

"No, my niece. What's your name?"

- Run a 6-minute mile

I've always been somewhat fit but never in great shape. I hope to change this.

- Bet on sporting events at a Vegas sports book

There aren't many things that seem as fantastic to me as watching multiple sporting events at a time with the same interest as I do when the Jayhawks are playing. Of course, having pretty waitresses bring scotch and smoking a cigar is a bonus.

- Visit the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

I'm not into the ballet or symphony, but it's undeniable how awesome this addition to Kansas City is.

- See a live performance by a rapper

Drake's coming to Sprint Center this year.

- Watch the Jayhawks in the Elite 8 in person (should they make it that far)

I've always thought the Elite 8 was the greatest round of the greatest postseason tournament in sports. I've seen the first and second rounds, Sweet 16 and National Championship in person, but not an Elite 8.

- Sit in the student section again

There's nothing better than the party near the front of the student section for a big basketball or football game.

- Get good at golf

When I was in my late teens, I regularly shot at or below 80 (including a personal best, 75). Now, I struggle to shoot 85. This needs to change in time for me to bring home a medal for VML in KC Corporate Challenge golf.

- Drink one less drink during each bar outing and give the money to charity

- Cook more

I'm a good cook and there are usually leftovers. It's also cheaper than eating crappy take-out.

- Attend multiple Oklahoma City Thunder games

For as big a basketball fan I am, it's crazy that I've only been to one NBA regular season game (Denver Nuggets).

- If possible, see Muse in concert again

Muse at Kanrocksas last year was one of the best live shows I've ever been to.

- Stop hitting the snooze button

- Read more

- Go to the Schlitterbon in Kansas City, Kansas

The roommate will attest to this, I won't shut up about going to this water park.

- See a college football game at one of the great mega stadiums

Bryant Denny, The Big House, The Shoe, Death Valley, Between the Hedges, Neyland are all options.

- Ride a train

I have never ridden on any train bigger than a New York City subway

- Blog

I'm very opinionated and enjoy writing.

If/when I come up with more, I will update this blog throughout the week with additional to-do's. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year on my progress.