Let's Do This

Two years ago yesterday, I released my 30 Before 30 Checklist.  Here's the list in its entirety for anyone who might be interested:

1. Write a book (Even if I NEVER publish it)
2. Become a mom (7/13/2011)

3. Run a half-marathon

4. Perform in a play

5. Plant a garden

6. Learn to sew and make something I can wear

7. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself

8. Go to another continent (besides Europe)

9. Drive across the United States (7/2010)

10. Paint a painting I'm proud of

11. Learn basic photography and PhotoShop

12. Take a class just for fun

13. Read the Bible cover-to-cover

14. Visit all 11 of my college girlfriends at their homes

15. Present at a national teaching conference (NCTE 11/2010)

16. Read the top ten novels of all time (Modern Library Association List)

17. Take a "girls only" vacation w/ my mom and sister

18. Get something published (poem, article, etc.)

19. Go on an overnight hiking trip

20. Go to Disney World (11/2010)

21. Refinish a piece of furniture

22. Mentor a younger girl

23. Get a make-over and buy the make-up

24. Take HIP-HOP dance lessons and show them off at a club

25. Decorate someone else's house

26. Finish my scrapbook from London (started in 2004)

27. Grow my hair out past my shoulders (Fall/Winter 2011)

28. Wear a bikini and not be self-conscious

29. Learn yoga

30. Learn a song on the guitar

In terms of "checking things off," I didn't do so hot last year (or the year before that).  BUT, I did accomplish #2, which is pretty major.  I've got big plans for this year now that that one is taken care of. ;) (Seriously, I've got to get busy... at this rate, I'll be 50 before it's all done.)

Some of these things I could knock out in a long weekend if I really put my mind to it (like #s 10, 21, & 23), and I'm really hoping to do so.  Other things, like #4, are a work in progress that will be fulfilled in the coming weeks *hint* *hint*.  And still, some things (i.e. #s 1, 3, & 28), I'm just hoping for a mini-miracle in accomplishing them before the big 3-0.

Either way, it is nice to have a little challenge.  As I said in my original post, these are things to keep me accountable to really LIVING and not just getting lost in the busyness of day to day.

Speaking of really living, I think I like my late twenties.  This is a season of knowing myself more, yet being young enough to keep discovering and figuring myself out too (I hope I'm never too old for that).  I told Jeff recently that, for the first time in my life maybe, I'm not really "waiting" for the next big thing - college, a job, a husband, a house, a baby.  Sure, I have plans and wishes for this next year, but I'm also content where I am.  I am just here, and it is a good place to be.

I still want to accomplish those things on my list.  I still think they are worthwhile and important.  But, my "list" these days, as I begin to understand how fleeting time really is, is different too.

At 28, it looks a little more like this:

...give more of myself away.

...be quicker to show grace (to myself and others).

...laugh more.

...create.

...be still.

...take more time to play.

...worry less.

Somehow these goals are scarier than my original list.  Maybe because there is more at stake.  But the rewards are greater too.  I'm convinced.

Alright 28, let's do this!

*Thanks for all your birthday wishes yesterday.  I love my little blog family!