This may seem a little morbid to some, but really, it is healthy to think of our own mortality. Planning ahead for our lives to be extinguished is only planning ahead to make things a little easier for our loved ones in such a difficult time. As someone who has had to plan a funeral for someone else while completely enveloped in the whirlwind of grief and mourning, it was easier to put it all together when I knew exactly what the departed wanted. I'd also like to add that when thinking about my own mortality, I have found it helpful to think of death as my deadline. I have so much to do before that day comes and tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, just as I would at work, I'll do my best to accomplish as much as I can until I can't do anything but accept what I have done when the deadline comes. So, for the sake of making it easy on others...

• "Ride Into The Sun" by The Velvet Underground
• "Brand New Day" by Van Morrison
• "No Depression" by Uncle Tupelo
• "The Sound Of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel
• "Whistle Down The Wind" by Tom Waits

To be continued...