Thursday, January 5, 2012

A New Year - A New List

For the past couple of years, I've created a list of things I want to do before my next birthday. First it was 34 things to do before I turn 34, then 35 things to do before I turn 35, and so on and so forth.

 
Last year, I created a list of 36 things to do before I turn 36. I failed! I completed 7 of my goals (see my original list):

I got my tattoo on my shoulders done. Sadly, I'll admit I don't love it as much as I thought I would. I think it's because I put it in a place that I can hide it when I need to but it's not where I can see it. Contemplating another very small one somewhere that I can see it. Hmmm...decisions decisions!

I found and purchased one dress that makes me feel beautiful, stunning and sexy. I wear it often! It's a pretty yellow and black number (not like a bumblebee) that I love to wear with boots.

Can't really see all the dress but here it is.

I read 30 books. I'd suggest (I'm no book reviewer so don't judge me):
  • Water for Elephants - I have to admit I avoided this book because I was under the mistaken assumption that it was one of those socially-responsible books that are "popular" right now (like Three Cups of Tea). It's not that I'm against that type of book, it's just not what I want to read right now. I'm looking to get lost in a book, not be enlightened. Yes, perhaps I'm shallow. But I digress...the book was excellent. A little romance, a little conflict - a story of hope. Haven't seen the movie yet.
  • The Help - EXCELLENT book. Definitely one of my favorites lately. I love the way it was told from different people's points of view. Still haven't seen the movie.
  • Snowflower and the Secret Fan - This was definitely one of my more favorite books and it made me want to learn more about the history (which is something I like books to do...make me curious). I may be sheltered but I had no idea what foot binding was. I didn't realize it was a very painful reality way back when. I also loved the way the women created a way to communicate.
I was on a tv show. One of my good friends was chosen as a finalist for a reality tv show that was supposed to air on NBC. It didn't but I still count this as a completion since a pilot was actually developed.

I learned to love myself. I'm not perfect but I'm a good person. I like who I am. 'nuff said!

I visited Lithia Park. Just a little over an hour away, I've had this as a goal for seven years and I finally made it. It's a beautiful park in Ashland Oregon, the same town that features the Shakespeare Festival.

I had a fun-filled girls weekend away from home (fish on!!) I am sort of cheating on this one. We go on an annual fishing trip for girls each year and I did it again in 2011. We're all prepared for 2012....fish on!

Oh! I accomplished 8! I went on a date! Love him!

So I've been contemplating since my birthday whether or not I want to tackle another list. I hate failure but it's such a fun thing to try and do. So without further ado...here's my list for 2012:

37 Things to Do Before I Turn 37
  1. Try kayaking
  2. Try white water rafting
  3. Go on at least one camping trip
  4. Visit my dad
  5. Read 35 books
  6. Visit Cheya in San Francisco
  7. Go to a Shakespeare play in Ashland
  8. Revive passport nights with the kids
  9. Climb Hogsback
  10. Hunt for opals in Lakeview
  11. Hunt for sunstones in Lakeview
  12. Make sushi rolls from scratch
  13. Learn how to use some of the manual features on  my camera
  14. Put at least $25 in savings each month (and keep it there). I'm LOUSY at saving money!
  15. Take a watercolor class
  16. Visit the lavendar fields in Shasta
  17. Take Marc to a concert
  18. Work out at least once a week every single week of the year
  19. Take a dance class
  20. Fit in a day of crafting at least once a quarter
  21. Do a charity walk/hike
  22. Go for a ride on Rob's bike on a summer evening
  23. Learn to make pasta
  24. Take the kids to the amusement park in CA.
  25. Make tamales
  26. Be a better friend
  27. Watch two classic films
  28. Spend the night in a cabin
  29. Complete the photography challenge I started
  30. Buy a pair of red high heels
  31. Take Rob to Sumpter Days
  32. Begin my own sourdough starter and make some bread
  33. Write a hand-written letter with a card to one person each month (work thank you notes don't count!)
  34. Try five new vegetarian recipes
  35. Take the kids to the Oregon Caves
  36. Go somewhere romantic and fun with Rob without kids
  37. print and post this list as a constant reminder (score - first one done!!)
Well, that's it folks. Random, corny, and totally achievable. . . time to get started.



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