Not to be dramatic, but I already experienced the feeling of time running out. I was in a hospital bed with my husband at my side and we were just told I probably wouldn't make it through the night.

Of course, we didn't believe the doc and told him to kiss-off. But there was still a tiny doubt in my mind, so this list really does encompass the thoughts of that night.

The 'next' time I almost die, I'll have no regrets if I...

Help Someone Create a Family
I've lost many friends who wanted desperately to have children, but died trying because their bodies could not handle the pregnancy. Last year, I myself came close to meeting that same fate. I believe the only reason I healed was the promise I made to a particular friend of mine, Rachel. Before she died we promised to blow through the current broken adoption system and lay foundations for a better surrogacy structure. Before I die, I hope to create and amend certain laws, but I MUST help just one person through the system so they can create a family. Oh, and I wouldn't mind getting myself through that system either!

Surprise My Husband
I'm married to the most amazing man on Earth. He blasts through every stereotype of an inattentive man. In fact, emotion-wise, I think I'M the man in the relationship! He surprises me at every opportunity and plans events and trips with my every whim in mind. I really don't deserve such treatment. Especially because I fail to reciprocate. This was my biggest regret when I became sick. I want to do something BIG for him someday. Something he could not imagine loving, but loves, and knock his pinstriped socks off!

Travel Somewhere New Every Year
I've visited a new city or country every year since I've been 17. There is no substitution for the knowledge and character traveling provides. I hope to continue my travels. In my planning docket: Castles in Cape Town, South Africa: Wine tasting in Languedoc Roussillon, or the South of France in general (when my French-speaking Aunt can go with us); Vancouver for the summer. I also plan to continue making my way through my favorite country, Italy. We made a goal a few years back to visit every Italian city, for better or worse '-)

Converse in Spanish
I live in Florida and spend a good portion of the year in southern California. It's just elitist and irresponsible for me not to be able to have a working knowledge of Spanish.

Publish a Story
I must have several hundred notebooks filled with stories (ten boxes-full in the attic). These are crazy, manic, fictitious stories with very little basis in reality. Some people take drugs, I find a pretty pen, a fresh notebook, and scribble away my problems. It seems such a waste, keeping the stories in boxes. So before I die I would like to unbox them, hire a good editor, and publish a few.