Most sports fans have compiled some sort of "great events I must see before I die" list.
There is no harm in dreaming.
It's a useful conversation starter, not to mention a fantastic way to fill in those quiet hours when there is no rugby, or when a five-day test involving the Black Caps has finished in three and a-half days.
In fact, I think I may have already published a (brief) top 10 wish list in this newspaper some time ago. But I can't find it, and I can't remember it.
Sport has been my life for nearly 14 years, and I've ticked off a few major events: a Lions tour, a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal at Millennium Stadium, a world netball championship final, two NZ Open golf tournaments, a softball world series, an NBA game (well, pre-season), a college football game and a North Otago victory in a national rugby final at Centennial Park (three times!).
But other, sexier sporting events remain frustratingly out of reach, unless and until I win Lotto (really should start buying a ticket) or the Otago Daily Times sports department budget is diverted entirely into a fund for my own personal satisfaction.
Anyway, these are the 10 sports events I would like to attend if possible:
1. Super Bowl
Where: Various United States locations.
What: American football.
There is a general consensus that the Super Bowl, as 100% all-American as it is, is the biggest single-day sports event on the planet.
For some, it has transcended sport. It is much more about the entertainment spectacle, and the famous halftime television advertisements, than the game.
I'm a sucker for American sporting pizzazz and I can think of nothing better than being at a fancy stadium in Miami or Texas or Florida, supping a chilled Dr Pepper and chowing down on chilli dogs, while my beloved St Louis Rams stage a thrilling comeback to whip the New England Patriots.
And the halftime show? Got to be Lady Gaga.
2. March Madness
Where: Various United States locations.
What: College basketball.
An entire month? Well, maybe just the Final Four (yes, capitals required).
College sport is MASSIVE in the United States, and has been an interest of mine since I started following Otago basketball great Mark Dickel at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
Nothing compares to the annual NCAA tournament, known as "March Madness".
Run in a knockout format, with the winners of four regional competitions meeting in the finals, it's a spectacular festival of sport, colour, drama and cheerleaders.
My dream Final Four? Indiana, Michigan State, Texas and Kentucky.
3. Indy 500
Where: Indianapolis, United States.
What: Motorsport.
Seven years ago, I spent some time in Indiana and really loved the place, mainly because of its deep love of basketball.
But I also took a tour of The Brickyard, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and weirdly (I'm not big on motorsport) found it fascinating.
It's a huge venue - more than 250,000 permanent seats, and total capacity of nearly 400,000 - and is soaked in history.
4. Liverpool v Man United
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England.
What: Football.
And please let Liverpool win 3-0.
5. Wimbledon
Where: London, England.
What: Tennis.
Just because, you know, it's Wimbledon. Most of my sport-loving colleagues have this on their bucket lists.
6. The Masters
Where: Augusta, Georgia, United States.
What: Golf.
I have actually played at Augusta National. Broke all sorts of scoring records. It was in a video game, though.
To be honest, I enjoy reading about golf more than watching it, and I can't play the game to save myself.
But the sport has grown on me in recent years, thanks to the experience of covering two New Zealand Opens at The Hills, and the constant nurturing and wisdom of colleague Dave Cannan.
There is something wonderful about the Masters, if you ignore the toffiness and the years of entrenched racism and sexism.
7. Red Sox v Yankees
Where: Fenway Park, Boston, United States.
What: Baseball.
Stephen King introduced me to the Red Sox, and a lanky Yank called Zach provided more education on Boston's favourite team.
I find myself attracted to baseball more and more each year, though (like golf) the appeal of America's pastime is more about its history and drama and language and characters than the actual gameplay.
The "Sawx" boast a special ground, great fans, a glorious (largely tortured) history and the best rivalry with the most evil opposition in sport.
8. Boxing Day test
Where: Melbourne, Australia.
What: Cricket.
Most cricket fans I know have a test at Lord's, the spiritual home of the great game, on their bucket lists.
But I've always been more of a fan of Australian cricket, and would dearly love an opportunity to settle into the MCG for a traditional Boxing Day test. Against England, preferably. With Michael Slater coming out of retirement to open the batting.
9. Heavyweight title bout
Where: Las Vegas.
What: Boxing.
Vegas, baby. Part of the attraction of this would be getting to visit Sin City.
Actually, I'd need a time machine too. Because who would want to go see heavyweight boxing these days?
10. Kentucky Derby/Tour de France (tie)
Where: Louisville, Kentucky, United States; France.
What: Horse racing/cycling.
Hard to choose between these two.
Neither is an event I take massive interest in, but both have a certain iconic status.
