Thoughts on Turning 30... And NOT Completing My 30 Before 30 List

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Last Thursday marked six months until my 30th birthday.  Yes, that sounds a little crazy to me; but, it isn't hard for me.  I am actually looking forward to it. Really.

If my twenties were marked with CHANGE (think graduating from college, getting my master's degree, starting my first teaching job, getting married, buying a house, and having a baby), I'm looking forward to a season of CONTENTMENT in my thirties.  Maybe that's wishful thinking, but I have a real peace about heading in to this next season of my life... 

It wasn't that long ago when thirty felt so old.  Even just three and a half years ago - when I made my 30 Before 30 list - thirty felt really far away... Like I had all the time in the world.

According to that list, I have six months to write a book, run a half marathon, learn to sew, cook a Thanksgiving meal, go to another continent, paint something I'm proud of, learn photography, take a class, read the Bible cover-to-cover, visit all 11 (well I think I'm only short one or two) of my college girlfriends at their homes, read 9 of the top ten novels of all time, take a vacation with my mom and sister, get something published, go on an overnight hiking trip, refinish a piece of furniture, mentor a younger girl, take hip-hop dance lessons, decorate someone else's house, finish my study-abroad scrapbook, wear a bikini (and not be self-conscious), learn yoga, and learn a song on the guitar.  (That's 22/30 in case you lost count.)

Umm... I hate to sell myself short, but I'm going to go ahead and say I'm probably NOT going to be completing this list before March 26th.  A few of those are still in progress, but I've pretty much given up any notion of me writing a book or running a half marathon between now and March.  I can't even stay caught up on my laundry, people. ;)

Yes, in one sense, I guess I'm kind-of "making excuses" for my lack of commitment and follow-through on my list.  Those things are struggles for me in general; so, yes, there is a certain amount of disappointment that comes with not being able to say I accomplished what I set out to do.

BUT, more than that, I am focused on how much I HAVE done before thirty.  (I will write more about that when its closer to my birthday.)  When I look at that list now, I see a very naive 26 year old who had NO idea how much life and fulfillment would come simply from the ordinary stuff like feeding my baby, changing diapers, and teaching my little boy how to count to ten.

I'm not giving up on my 30 Before 30 list.  Instead, I'm thinking of it as more of a guide to the next thirty years.  I don't NEED those things to feel accomplished; but, they are fun goals to have and wonderful things to do in my life when the time is right.  I think all those things WILL happen, but I'm content recognizing that it probably won't be during this season of my life. 

This season is more about being present right here; and here is a very good place to be.

What about you?  What are your thoughts on getting older and accomplishing certain things in your life?  How has your perspective changed as you have aged?

My Theater Debut

Well, I survived my theater debut without "breaking a leg" as they say - which is a good thing, because I was on roller skates!

Back in December, when our drama club announced that the spring production would be Footloose, I knew I had to weasle my way in! One of my 30 Before 30 goals is to be in a play; and well, Broadway wasn't really an option. ;)

Anyway, they cast me as Betty Blast - the Burger Joint owner, and I have exactly five lines - six if you count the fact that there is a slight pause in one.  It's nothing to brag about (although, you know I still do); but, I did get to wear a microphone taped to my face a' la Brittany Spears. 

Here's a photo Jeff took on his phone Friday night.  My dad took some much better ones (yes, I was the teacher with a whole posse in the crowd - cameras and all - for a little cameo), but I didn't want to post clear pictures of students on the internet without their permission... At least you can get the idea.





A few thoughts...

Being in a play is a BIG endeavor.  I was lucky enough to show up for a few practices here and there and it was no big deal; but, many of these kids practiced every afternoon for months leading up to the show, and were at school until the wee hours many a night the week of.  From my own experience as a high schooler and sadly, now as a teacher, I know that they don't get nearly the attention and credit they deserve.  There was SO much talent on that stage.  Several of the lead characters were only 14 or 15 years old, and many were brand new to the school this year. It takes GUTS to sing and dance infront of your peers... Truly, I was honored to be a part of it all.

Also, I think it was really good for me to do something "fun" and get to interact with students again right now.  I'm entering a really really busy season for testing, and I often feel like the "grim reaper" of standardized tests.  Getting to hang out with the kids "after hours" and having that role reversal where they were the experts and I had a lot to learn from them was a much needed perspective check.  I remembered this week (even though I missed being home with Sam for bedtime and fell a lot behind on housework) why I love my job.  I know many of you are teachers too, so if you ever have the opportunity to do something like this, even if it is just working the curtains or set-design, I strongly recommend it.  We are always "too busy," but it is worth it.  This week/weekend was one of the busiest I've had in a while; but, I still feel like I'll start the work week Monday feeling refreshed and energized. (Also on that note, you wouldn't believe how much the kids appreciate you just attending the shows.  They were constantly telling eachother what teachers were in the audience and where they were sitting.)

That's why I made my 30 Before 30 list... To keep me young and alive!  It is working.  So, here's to crossing one more off the list!

4. Perform in a play

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!

Just my hair

LOVED the response to my Bachelor of the Week post on Friday.  You all are so fun.  If I haven't responded to your email yet, I'm getting there - promise.  And, I assure you, "Secret Agent Man" is keeping up with ALL of your comments.  :) Also, thanks for the feedback about my new baby iphone yesterday... I've chosen a case that I'll be "unveiling" soon (I think it is the perfect mix of cute and practical), and am working on the Instagram and Blogger issues. As always, you guys are the best!

Ok... I'll go ahead and tell you right now -- this post is lame.  But, I wanted to document some of the random changes my hair has gone through since pregnancy.  Feel free to skip this post if you want. Consider yourself warned.

Let's begin over a year ago in January of 2011... As you know, my pregnancy began with some serious hair loss.  In fact, I had to get to get it cut pretty short because it was just so thin... Remember this look?

Then, as it progressed (and my hormones when WILD), I grew a bit of a poof on top.  Below is a photo taken just ten days before Sam was born.  (Please, pay no attention to the fact that I also gained 40 pounds in those six months... We're focusing on my HAIR here, ok.)

Then, shockingly, after Sam was born, my hair began to fall out again.  In fact, Jeff said there for a while I was shedding more than Addy - it really was a problem.

And now, my hair is trying to catch up and find a lovely balance (why thank you hair), but the process is not pretty...  Check out these little goodies.

Another strange post-pregnancy realization... I think my hair actually darkened during pregnancy.

Do you guys notice it, or am I just crazy?  (Jeff says I'm crazy.)  Has this happened to anyone else?

Anyway, on the bright side, I'm finally checking off "grow my hair out past my shoulders" from my 30 Before 30 List.  For a while, I really thought this wasn't going to be possible - but I made it.

Here's photographic evidence for the records:

Before Haircut - at Meg's baby shower on January 7th

After haircut - Daniel's birthday dinner night January 21st.

Told you it was lame. :) Have a good Monday!

30 Before 30: One Year Re-Cap

Tomorrow marks one year since we posted our 30 Before 30 lists for all the world to see.  (Or at least my readers.)

Here's where I stand:

1. Write a book (Even if I NEVER publish it.)
2. Become a mom --- on my way!!
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 --- I have been to 5; they just keep moving!
15. Present at a national teaching conference (NCTE 11/20/10)
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 (I’ve never been) (11/2010)
21. Refinish a piece of furniture --- scheduled for the next few weeks/ nursery 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
28. Wear a bikini and not be self-conscious
29. Learn yoga
30. Learn a song on the guitar

I admit, I really haven't done very much in year one.  In fact, I'm quite behind schedule.  BUT, I have been pretty busy with #2... It is a nine month venture.  ;)  Hopefully, my 27th year will bring lots of excitement & experiences.  (Since that's totally realistic with a new baby, right?)

What have you accomplished?  Please link-up below and share your updated list with us!! (Consider it a birthday gift to me!)

And, in the meantime, I am happy to announce the winner of my Pretty as Pie Pedestal Giveaway...

Congratulations Emma! You are the proud new owner of a  Shabby Chic 3 Tiered Dessert Pedestal!  Please email me to claim your prize.   

*And, if you didn't win, you can still get these cute pedestals here.  There is even one more Shabby Chic.

Ok now... ready, set, LINK!

NCTE, Disney, & a Hair Net

I've had some haters on my blog recently.  I admit, I deserve it.  Thanks for being loyal, even when I'm not. No good excuses... Just life.  BUT, I'm coming back!  Tomorrow, I'm going to participate in Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Christmas Tree" and on Monday, I'll be linking up to The Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes.

Slowly but surely...

Anyways, today, I thought I'd recap my trip to Disney, oh, several weeks ago. (I still don't have many pictures, but the one I really wanted is at the bottom.  Just wait.)

Here I am with my two co-presenters.  Mona (left) and Courtney (right).  Courtney and I went to Clemson together, and she and Mona both teach in Columbia, South Carolina now.  They are pretty much my teaching inspirations!  Courtney, seriously, got me through my first years.  Most of my "good" ideas come from her.  They are both so passionate and creative -- I'd give anything to have my kids in their classes one day!!  (Maybe Jeff and I should consider Columbia as our next location?)

The purpose of our trip to Orlando - as you may know - was the present at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention.  But, not to worry, we squeezed in plenty of fun too!!

We stayed here - at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort:

I'm going to be honest, it didn't really look like this in person... But, it was still pretty.  And, either way, this was where the convention was based, so it was a perfect fit for us.  Plus, we got all the perks of Disney - discounted park rates, free transportation, etc. etc.

On Thursday night, right when we first arrived, we did a quick tour of Epcot.  I LOVED it!  Honestly, I was so fascinated by how much detail went into designing each "country" in the park.  We ate dinner at a Moroccan restaurant, watched belly dancers, and sat under a pagoda to see the closing fireworks presentation.  Breathtaking!

On Friday, after an eventful morning of conference sessions -- where I got to hear Erin Gruwell from "Freedom Writers" speak and meet Lois Lowry of The Giver -- we ventured over to Magic Kingdom.  It was magical all right!   I LOVED it!  (The above picture is in front of Cinderella's palace after the "Christmas Lighting Ceremony.")  It was beautiful and so full of energy!  I can't wait to go back with my family one day!

Then, on Saturday, we stayed at our resort to attend conference sessions and prepare for our own presentation.  Our session was titled: "Beyond the Musical Hook: Using Lyrics and Language to Promote Literacy in the Reluctant Learner." We had a small crowd but, if I do say so myself,  it was a big success.

Finally, Saturday night, we planned a celebration dinner out in Downtown Disney.  We made reservations at the restaurant Bongos because - duh - it is owned by Gloria Estefan.  When we got there, everything was PERFECT.  The rhythm totally got us! ;) The restaurant was hopping, and we had the perfect seats outside overlooking the water.  It felt just like Miami! We were SO excited and SO hungry!  Just as we were finishing up perusing the menu to make our selections, the waitress delivered a warm basket of Cuban bread.  We dug right in.  BUT, to my surprise, when I went for a second slice... I found... A HAIR NET!!!

This picture can't even do it justice...it was SO disgusting.  I have never seen anything so repulsive.  (And, Gloria - if you are reading - I'm sorry to humiliate you this way... But, really, a hair net?)

Needless to say our celebratory dinner was moved to a new location for a slightly less exciting Italian feast. :)

Either way, at the end of the day (weekend), hair net and all, we had a wonderful time; AND, I can now officially cross off two more items on my 30 Before 30 List.

15. Present at a national teaching conference (NCTE 11/20/10) 

and

20. Go to Disney World (I’ve never been) (11/18/ 2010 & 11/19/2010)

30 Before 30 Check-in & Giveaway

Today is the six month anniversary of my 30 Before 30 release.  (It's also my half-birthday, but I think it's weird when people celebrate those... Sorry, I'm just saying.)

Anyways, I think it's high time we check-in and see what kind-of progress we're making on living our lives to the full...

Here's an update on my list and a link to the original post where many of you joined in and shared your own "to do" lists:

1. Write a book (Even if I NEVER publish it.)

2. Become a mom

3. Run a half-marathon - (I'm planning to do this in March; but, so far, no progress!)

4. Perform in a play

5. Plant a garden

6. Learn to sew and make something I can wear - (I now have a sewing machine... does that count?)

7. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself

8. Go to another continent (besides Europe)

9. Drive across the United States - Completed July 2010!  (Click here for details.)

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 - Since March, I've been to FIVE

15. Present at a national teaching conference - Scheduled to present at NCTE in Orlando 11/18/10

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 (I’ve never been) - I'm going!!! (See #15)

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 - Does Zumba count? Jeff says no.

25. Decorate someone else's house

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

27. Grow my hair out past my shoulders - In process... Right now, I'm at the "growing 'up'" stage (i.e. 1950s house wife flip)

28. Wear a bikini and not be self-conscious - yea right!

29. Learn yoga

30. Learn a song on the guitar

Clearly, I have a long ways to go... At least no one will feel self-conscious about their own progress.  I've set the bar pretty low!

So... What have you checked off?  Post a check-in/update on your blog & then add your link below along with my 30 Before 30 button (above).

.....

Now on to the fun part:  As an added incentive, I've paired up with Stella Jewelry Store to offer you a special opportunity to win your very own hand-made necklace inspired by the stars.

Created by Roxy and Tricia, Stella Jewelry is locally based in Roanoke & Salem.

Every piece is designed and hand-crafted by Roxy and Tricia. Each and every piece is unique, unless specially commissioned, i.e. Bridesmaid gifts, Cheerleader or Sorority signature jewelry.

As our tag line states we design “jewelry inspired by the stars”. By ‘Stars’ we are not limiting our inspiration to that of celebrities but also to the stars in our life. It simply could be someone’s idol such as Coco Chanel, or the Star Soccer player (we have many school spirit pieces) or the star in your family who has overcome breast cancer. We have even found inspiration from places we have traveled, New York City is always inspirational, and we got some great ideas from the beauty of Colorado.

Lucky you, Stella is giving away TWO (that's right, TWO) necklaces!  (Winner chooses style.)

So, how can you win?

The first is only for people who link-up above with a 30 Before 30 update.  (Folks, if you've seen any of my recent link-ups, you know the odds are GOOD here. Haha!)  Even if you didn't post your list the first time, you can still join in by linking up with your list AND update today.  That's all you have to do!!! Easy as copy & paste!

The other necklace is up for grabs for everyone else! (Feel free to participate in both.)

To enter:

Simply visit their website here and leave a comment on this post, telling me what item you like best! (Required)

In addition, you can earn a second chance to win by "liking" their facebook page here.  *Please leave a separate comment below letting me know if you do this!!

Lots of great opportunities to win... This giveaway will be open until Thursday 9/29, and I'll announce the winner on Friday.  Don't miss it!!!

*Giveaway open to US residents only!

What I've Learned (Trip Re-Cap)

We are HOME!!!  I honestly can hardly believe that our trip has come and gone... It seems like we have been talking about and planning it for YEARS!  Jeff and I are SO thankful to have had this opportunity, but... home feels mighty good right now! 

I can't urge you enough to TAKE A TRIP LIKE THIS!!!  We know, trust me, that it was a once in a lifetime experience to see places and things that many people go their whole lives without seeing.  We saw God's beauty at it's VERY finest, ate good food, met fun people, had excellent time together in the car and late at night by the campfire, visited close friends, etc. etc. etc.  :) 

Today, I proudly cross off the first item on my 30 Before 30 List:

#9. Drive Across the United States

Woohoo!!! (I also visited two more of my 11 college girlfriends at their homes - #14)

As a form of re-cap, here are some Things I've Learned:

1. No matter how organized you are, your car will be a disaster.  (I NEVER thought I'd be the person with her car stacked so high with junk that you can't see out the back window.  I was.)

2. There is, in South Dakota, a palace made of corn.

3. My husband is happiest when climbing to some dangerous location.  (I am not.)

4. Mount Rushmore is a FREE attraction, but they charge you $16.00 to park.  (You cannot see it from your car.)

5. Despite the fact that it is an all American landmark, people will still look at you funny if you arrive there dressed in patriotic "costumes."  (They will also ask you to take lots of pictures because they assume you work there.)

6. Food does not stay all that fresh floating in cold water.  You will spend a lot of time and money on ice.

7. Coffee is your BEST FRIEND.

8. Buffalo are VERY dangerous creatures.

9. Even National Parks have hospitals.

10. Bears enjoy the smell and taste of toothpaste, deodorant, and body lotion.

11. Geyers stink.  Literally.

12. Bison are not afraid of cars.

13. Yellowstone gets VERY cold at night - even in July.

14. Audio books are WONDERFUL! (We listened to The Lost Symbol, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Associate)

15. Camping can be quite luxurious.

16. The Canadian border is SERIOUS.  (My favorite question - "How do you two know each other?")

17. There CAN be snow on the ground when it is 80 degrees.

18. Animals always have the right-of-way.

19. Gas gets significantly more expensive as you head West.  (The most we paid was about $3.70/gallon in Montana... At home, it is $2.20.)

20. The Pacific Ocean is COLD.

21. You WILL visit a lot of public restrooms.  Your standards will decrease drastically.

22. Fazoli's combo meals (which are pure carbohydrates) come with a slice of pizza.  Odd?

23. You CAN go significantly further than 3,000 miles WITHOUT an oil change.

24. An eighteen hour drive IS a day-trip.

25. It is FINE to leave all your things in the car for a few days after you return so that you can enjoy a clean house.  Because, no matter how much you cleaned before you left OR how many times your mom and dad touched up the house while you were gone, it WILL be a DISASTER when you return.

26. Eight thousand miles and nineteen states later, nothing feels better than your dog and your own sofa! :)

Thanks for following our trip!

Believe it or not, I'm off again now!  I will be in Valdosta, GA this weekend for my friend Jenni's wedding!  As much as I'm not dying to get back in the car... This will be some much-needed girl time with my very closest friends!  Jeff, I'm sure, will enjoy some time to himself at home! Haha. See you Monday!

One Month from Today...

One month from today, we are leaving for a BIG ADVENTURE.

Jeff and I are checking one off my 30 Before 30 List and driving across country!!!  (I'm calling it "ChapMANIFEST DESTINY," cute huh?)

We've alotted a little over three weeks to see as much of the great US as we can... Starting in Virginia (of course), then taking the northern route up through Yellowstone and Glacier National Park in Montana... Traveling along the Canadian border to Vancouver, then cutting down to Seattle and Portland, and rounding out the trip with stops in Boise, Salt Lake City (our engagement spot), and Denver to visit friends... I genuinely am SO excited!

(I had to delete the map b/c it was slowing down my whole blog. If you want to see the specifics of our route... Click here.)

We'll be camping and "roughing it" most of the time; and, although this isn't technically "my style," I'm super thankful that it IS Jeff's, so I can experience something I probably never would have considered...

But, I'm also quite nervous.  A lot needs to be done in the next 30 days --- inbetween the end of school, a family beach trip, two weddings, and a bachelorette party.

Case in point: Jeff left this morning for a three day camping and canoeing trip with the guys for Davey's (Amanda's soon-to-be-groom) bachelor party.  *Seriously, we've been bachelorizing it SO much lately that we might stop being married soon.  Can that happen?** ...And, let's just say that if you tried to convince me that a tornado ripped through town and dropped Gander Mountain's camping aisle in my living room... I'd believe it.  Easily.  I thought camping was supposed to be au naturale, about getting back to the basics... simplicity.  I have never seen something look so UN-relaxing in all my life.  In fact, I am stressed just talking about it!

Tonight, Jeff is "testing out" this new hammock he has purchased for our trip that, according to him, "wraps you up like you are in a cocoon and feels awesome."  Hmm... And, he'll be eating a lot of tuna in a bag and beef jerky.  (Can I just say, THANK GOODNESS for Addy's prize money!)  I'm definitely in for a wild ride!  (Literally.)

So... here's where YOU come in:

Have any of you made this trip before and have any suggestions?  (We need all the help we can get!)

What do we DEFINITELY need to see or do?

What are your thoughts on us taking Addy?  We'd originally thought no, but now we are debating.  We will miss her SO much, and she'd be a blast at all the national parks etc.

I've got a lot of planning to do... Can you help a girl out?!?!

It's Here... 30 Before 30

Well, the moment we've all (or... maybe just me) been waiting for is here.  TODAY IS MY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY - 26 on the 26th.  I can remember when that felt so far away, and 26 felt so old.  I'm officially NOT in my early twenties anymore.  Where does time go?  Really.

Anyways, to celebrate, I've created a list of 30 Things to Do Before I'm 30.  I'm hoping this will keep me accountable to really LIVING, and not just getting lost in the busyness of day-to-day.

So... in no particular order, HERE IT IS:

1. Write a book (Even if I NEVER publish it.)
2. Become a mom July 2011
3. Run a half-marathon
4. Perform in a play March 2012
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 July 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
16. Read the top 10 novels of all time (Modern Library Association 100 Best Novels)
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 (I've never been!) November 2010
21. Refinish a piece of furniture
22. Mentor a younger girl
23. Get a make-over and buy the make-up April 2013
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 2012...
28. Wear a bikini and not be self-conscious
29. Learn yoga
30. Learn a song on the guitar

Want to join in???

All you have to do is:

• Pick a milestone that works for you. (Trust me, I KNOW life doesn't end at 30... Thank Goodness!)
• Make a list of things to accomplish between now and then. They can be big or small things... To me, this is just one step closer to living life a little fuller!!
• Post my "30 Before 30" button on your page to let everyone know you're playing along (you can get this in HTML form on the sidebar of my blog).
• And then, link-up here with your very own "To Do" list.
• (If you don't have a blog... feel FREE to post your list as a comment.  I'd LOVE to still follow along.)

We'll check-in periodically to see how things are going... I can't wait!

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

- John 10:10

COMING SOON

Remember this post when I told you about my "30 Before 30" list?

Well, the time has come...

THIS Friday, March 26th, I'll be releasing my list to the world!  (Ok, just my little world of readers... But, close enough!)  And, I want YOU to join in!  *It will be the best birthday gift you could give me. :)

Type a post about YOUR LIST and look for a linky on Friday!!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen

That title really has nothing to do with this post... Except that my students had to recite this famous quote from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar today in class.  (We also had "Italian Food Day" for extra credit... There is nothing quite like lasagna and cheesecake at 8:30AM. Haha!)

Anyways, I want your opinion on something, as my blog friends...

I want to open up my 30 Before 30 list for EVERYONE to join in. 

The idea is: We all would make lists of 30 goals/projects/etc. to complete by our 30th birthdays!  (This is the next milestone for me... But you would certainly NOT be limited to that... You could pick any milestone birthday you wanted  to shoot for!)  Then, on March 26th - my Golden Birthday - we'd all link up and post our lists for all the [blog] world to see.  From there, we could follow each other on our journey to "cross off" items and accomplish things we've always wanted to do.  (For example, my list has BIG things like writing a book, and small things like planting a garden... Anything goes!)

But, here's the deal... I'd like to have an idea of how many people would be interested.  **I'm a little nervous about doing a linky and only have one or two friends join in.  Also, if we have a little crew, I'd like to get a blog button designed so that we can post them on our blogs as "30 Before 30" participants.  PLUS, if you want to do it, you probably need to start working on your list - mine has definitely been a work in progress.

So... be honest with me folks (I think we've reached that point)... Who's in?

(P.S. Jeff & I will be out of town this weekend for a Young Life Leader/Committee Retreat.  So, as hard as it will be, I won't be checking my blog until Sunday night.  Leave your comments and we'll see where we are on Monday!  Have a great weekend!!)