So Forbes put out a list of “40 things to say before you die.”

It was a twist on the traditional bucket list idea, but with some interesting and, occasionally obvious, insights into how our words define our existence. Suggestions and tips had a bit of a “Tuesdays with Morrie” type to feel - and I mean that with no disrespect - and were put forth so we could all define our lives in better terms.

Suggestions were along the line of “Today was good,” or “I can do better” or “This is wrong.”

Each phrase had a self-helpish explanatory sentence with it, demonstrating how saying these words will benefit your life. Of course, I was inspired and developed a much less intellectual, yet just as important list of my own.

While these are not exactly things you should say before you die, I define my list as “20 things I’d like to say before I die.” And while this is my list, I do believe some of these sentiments to be universal. If you have any phrases of your own, please email me at mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com and I’ll publish them in our next issue.

In the meantime, here you go:

1. This is a hard choice son, but life is about choices. Oxford has the better reputation, but Harvard is closer to home. Either way you’re getting a full scholarship, so I support you in whatever decision you make.

2. Strange, even after winning three national titles in five years, watching UGA play football never gets old.

3. I cannot believe all the money that was donated this year to help the poor, the needy and the disabled!

4. What shall we drive tonight, dear? The Aston Martin or the Stingray? The Rolls is in the shop again.

5. What a great sermon! That makes two weeks in a row!

6. So, this is how earth looks from space.

7. A model? Me? I never really thought about it, but, go ahead,

I’m listening.

8. I never thought I would get to play a $25,000 guitar.

9. There is absolutely nothing left to be fixed or to be cleaned in the house.

10.Film option rights? For my life story? How many millions did you say?

11. I am truly flattered Ms. Klum, but I am a married man.

12. I don’t need a nap.

13. Did you see this latest study? It says that scientists have proven that biscuits and gravy are good for your heart, brain, joints, lower cholesterol and help stave off all forms of cancer.

14. Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but I am thrilled the college football season now runs from August to February.

15. There’s more beer left? I thought we were out.

16.It took a long time, but I, too, am happy that our country is finally energy independent.

17. We didn’t expect our son to make the jump to the NBA after one year of college either, but he can always go back and finish his degree. In the meantime, I’m enjoying early retirement.

18. It is great to see the turn that society has made and evolved into a much more civil and respectful place.

19. I sure do love this new ban on cellphones in restaurants. What a great idea.

20. I have seen more miracles happen in this life than I ever anticipated, expected or dreamed.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Mark Wallace Maguire