The List

I have been working on a list of 30 things I'd like to accomplish before my 30th birthday.  However, I have had some reservations about participating in this adventure.

• I am not sure that I will be able to complete everything on my list.  While this doesn't seem like it should be a big deal, I like to be able to cross things off my list.  I don't like feeling like I left things undone and I definitely don't like feeling like I failed at a goal.

• I am a little worried that by focusing all my energy on making my 29th year a fantastic year, I will inadvertently usher in my 30th on a low note. 

While I don't really feel like my life is ending when I turn 30, I'm not really sure I want to have both of these feelings - disappointment that my 29th year is over and failing to complete my list - as my 30th year starts.  The age-old saying of "adding insult to injury" comes to mind.

I wasn't sure, until recently, how to reconcile these feelings.  My friend Catherine recently posted on Facebook something similar.  Except with a very significant difference.  She has already turned 30 and made her list for her 30th year - to make her 30th year the best.  I like this idea.  I feel like it will make turning 30 something to look forward to instead of something to dread.  Usher in my 30th year going up the hill in anticipation of what is to come instead.

Based on this, I have revised my plan.  My list has remained the same, but I have changed the time frame.  I am now looking to complete the items on my list before my 31st birthday, August 28th 2014.  I now think of this list as a way to look forward to my 30's instead of missing my 20's. A way to bring new interests and experiences into my life. 

So, here goes...

One of the things I enjoy most is seeing and experiencing new places. I can't wait to share this joy with Esther.  My list needed to include some items related to TRAVEL:

1. Take a trip with Scott. 
2. Take Esther to the Zoo
3. Take Esther to the Ocean
4. Take Esther to a Children's Museum
5. See one of the Natural Wonders of the World 

I am a little bit of a nerd (understatement of the year).  I love to learn new things, therefore, I have quite a few items that relate to new LEARNING/SKILLS:

     6.  Learn to make sushi
     7.  Learn to make bread
     8.  Learn about wine (types, pairings, etc.)
     9.  Learn how to utilize herbs better (pairings, etc.)
     10.  Learn to can/preserve
     11.  Learn to sew on a sewing machine
     12.  Learn to carve
     
Doing things I've never really done before can both be exciting and a little scary, since I never know what the experience will be like. Here are some new EXPERIENCES:

     13.  Start and maintain a vegetable garden for 2 seasons
     14.  Start an herb garden - experiment with both inside and outside possibilities
     15.  See Wicked/Phantom of the Opera/or Beauty & Beast on Broadway
     16.  Skydive
     17.  NFL game
     18.  Eat at a new restaurant 1 out of 3 times when Scott and I are on a date or out with friends.
     19.  *Left blank due to sensitive content


There are a few things I currently enjoy that I made some new GOALS for:

     20.  Complete 5 Pinterest projects
     21.  Return to my wedding weight
     22.  Read 5 new non-fiction books
     23.  Read 5 new fiction books
     24.  Get up-to-date on my scrapbooking

Habits are so easy to break and so hard to build.  There are a couple things I'd like to become habits in my life. Knowing that these will probably be the most difficult things on my list to achieve, here's what I'm hoping will become HABITS:

     25.  Brush teeth before bed (I know, I know...that's why it's on the list!)

     26.  Find a consistent time/place for spending time in prayer/reading the Bible/hanging with God.
     27.  Exercise an average of 4 days a week - registering for 5K/10K's at various points to keep me on track over the year.
     28.  Eat cleaner and healthier - average 1 out of the 3 meals (2/week) that focuses on veggies and lean protein.

 Last, but not least.  I love my husband and marriage takes work.  I choose to love him every day and some days I am more successful than others. I never want him to go a day without knowing he is loved and respected.  These last 2 relate to maintaining intimacy within our MARRIAGE:

     29.  Read 2 books that relate to strengthening marriage
     30.  Maintain the 3x4 - Thanks to my friend Tanya for posting this article.

As these items are accomplished or once I feel like I've gotten a handle on some of them, I'll be posting my progress on the blog.  I am mostly posting this to keep myself accountable to actually follow through on my list.  Plus, I think this could be a fairly entertaining ride.

Are you doing anything similar?  If so, what items are on your list?