With all that running through my overactive brain, during the holidays I developed a plan - create a list of 30 things I want to do the year I turn 30. This blog will follow that adventure and track my progress toward my 30 things. Of course I have an Excel spreadsheet tracker (I work for Teach For America after all) but this will track my qualitative journey towards 30...
So far, here is the list:
1. Run another marathon.
- I ran the Marine Corps in 2006. I'm excited to run it again this year. It obviously requires tremendous endurance and dedication over a number of months. I could use a little more discipline in my life and hopefully this will help.
- Brunch? Eggs benedict? Enough said.
- I've been sucked in by the visit California commercials. I'm hoping Rob Lowe can show me around. Just kidding (sort of). I have good friends there, the weather is lovely, and they have a beach - all things I need more of in my life.
- I love Eastern Market. The street vendors? The cheese monger? Such a splendid variety of photography, painting, and other unique artistry. After living here for nearly six years, it's about time I buy something to put on the wall.
- I haven't decided between the potty train your cat kit (tricky since we don't have a cat), the yetti that you put in your yard to frighten neighbors and small children (also tricky since we don't have a yard) or the thing you rub on your head that is supposed to help balding men (tricky since Grant has all his hair). I'm sure I'll find something extra special.
- This is just fun. Period.
- I don't really enjoy movie watching. They are far too long and I feel the need to multi-task. As a result, some people (ahem...Grant) are horrified by the list of classic movies I haven't seen. Everytime some one quotes something from, for example, Rocky (which thankfully doesn't actually happen that often) I give a blank stare. Rocky may make the list. It may not.
- Ever been to Camp Merryelenda in MD? Outlets in trees, people on four-wheelers that bring you ice, and a DJ'ed dance party at night. Maybe not the most authentic camping, but you sleep in a tent which is a rare occasion for yours truly. Maybe a Merryelenda reprise, maybe something more authentic. We'll see.
- There is no better reason to drink Cherry Coke and eat endless amounts of Cheetos, peanut M&Ms, Cornuts and sunflower seeds from a long-cylindrical bag - ROADTRIP! Where to is undecided but it must be at least 10 hours one way.
- Never been. Really want to go.
- I love documentaries - weird since I don't love movies. The Cove? As We Forgive? I find that watching well-done documentaries is a humbling experience. They so easily shed light on a topic or issue that you knew nothing about. The Rwanden genocide (As We Forgive) and the release of thousands of murders back to a community with merely forgiveness counselors to facilitate healing? Absolutely fascinating. Imagine living in the same community as the man who killed your husband and child, who served no time, and being expected to forgive him. Bold. I've watched one so far this year - 12th and Delaware. It's about a abortion clinic in Florida that is across the street from a pro-life group and follows their conflict and passion. No matter what you believe, it's super interesting and worth the watch. Documentaries prove that there are thousands if not millions of people in the world fighting for causes that you and I know nothing about. If that isn't humbling, I don't know what is.
- I need to get my butt moving. I'm slow (for real) so we're going to try and pick up some speed!
- Love reading. Hoping this will help me read more consistently.
- No, I do not want to pay you $40 to change my $6 wind shield wipers. I will do it myself. Except that I don't know how.
- I have the series but I am perpetually stuck on seasons 1-4.
- I gave blood fairly consistently in college but have fallen off the wagon in DC. Only 1x in five and half years! Jeepers. My grandfather's health problems over the past few years have led to at least one blood transfusion and I'm so thankful to those that gave the blood that he needed. Did you know that one blood donation can help three people? While the vast majority of people have the ability to give blood, "currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood" (Red Cross).
- This is probably going to be fairly comical given that I have absolutely no artistic ability. At least I don't think I do. We'll see. Maybe I'll become the next Picasso. Don't hold your breath.
- I'm so close to NYC and have been a number of times but have never seen dear Lady Liberty. Grant hasn't either so we'll trek up to NY for this and #20.
- This is my current study obsession. I've started "flirting" with this and so far am in love with Rice Dream ice cream bites and Alicia Silverstone's Moroccan Couscous with Saffron. YUM. I'm eating some right now...and drinking a latte with skim milk. Not quite April yet. Fortunately my dear friend Maura is going to do this with me and she's a pro - thank goodness!
- YUM. That's all.
- I live 8 miles from the U.S. Supreme Court building. I've been there - but never seen a case argued. A must do before I leave DC - why not make it happen now?!
- Bowling alley shoes = gross. Bowling alley balls = really throw dirt on my game. I'm quite skilled at bowling (lie) and only a quality ball will really let my ability shine. Also, my fingers are too damn big for the light balls which is annoying. I want one that is the right size! I also want a super cool ball - gold glitter? Blue ball with streaks of lighting across it? Now we're talking. Not to worry - pictures coming.
- Good for the body, good for the soul.
- Clearly not revealing specifics here but I've got a goal. I'm going to meet it no matter how many iced triple grande soy sugar free vanilla lattes I have to trade in for short iced teas (which is clearly a better choice on so many levels...).
- Riding a bike in downtown Washington, DC is sort of like a death defying stunt so I actually consider myself quite the dare devil here - I'm terrified.
- I am allowing Grant to choose one thing. Dangerous? Perhaps.
28. TBD
29. TBD
30. TBD
As you see, still a few to figure out. Feel free to comment with suggestions. I'll wrap up the list by the end of Feburary.
Here's to new adventures, unique experiences, and turning 30!
