Thursday, August 30, 2012

30 Before 30

            I realized after putting up my post last month that it was my 30th post.  The funny thing is that I almost decided to use my 30 Before 30 list for that one.  But, at that time, I had not completed it and I had another idea to write about.  So, to celebrate the 30 posts I've completed and since it is August 30th, I thought today would be just as good a time to share my 30 Before 30 blog...

            A few months before my 28th birthday, I noticed that a few of my friends from college were posting 30 Before 30 lists.  I always liked the idea of making lists of things to accomplish by a certain time, and I have no idea why I never sat down and made this particular list.  I have always had an ongoing Bucket List in my head, but I have never written anything out.  Putting goals in writing is a good step toward accomplishing them, because it holds you more accountable.  So, I started making that list, but I didn't finish it until after I posted last month's blog. 

            Making a list of 30 things to do before I turn 30 was harder than I thought it would be.  I wanted to make my goals reasonable; things that could be attainable in 2 years, so that narrowed down a lot of my Bucket List items.  I also started thinking about things I had done that I would have put on the list if I'd made it sooner.  Before I share my 30 Before 30, I would like to share 15 things I have done in the last 5 years.  Some of them may seem silly, but they were definitely on my mental bucket list.  Believe it or not, I have done 11 of these things in the last 3 years since I turned 25! 

1.      Start a blog :)
2.      Graduate college
3.      Fly in a plane
4.      Visit Florida
5.      Do a 5k run/walk
6.      Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
7.      Use public transportation to get around a city
8.      See the east coast/Atlantic Ocean
9.      Lead a Bible study
10.  Complete my first year of teaching
11.  Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride
12.  Eat sushi
13.  Go to church camp as an adult counselor
14.  Ride a motorcycle
15.  Take dance lessons

            As you can see, a lot can happen in a short span of time.  I know this hasn't been a very serious or spiritual post so far, but I do believe that God has helped me to see the good in my life over the years.  Sometimes everyday life can seem so dull, but then I remember the things I have seen and done and the things God has lead me through.  I just made a list of the "big" things, but there are so many things God has helped me accomplish since college, since high school, since I moved to Oklahoma, since He saved me at age 11, etc.  Just remember that God is always there with you and He will get you through the trials as well as the good times.  He has plans for you and He will provide ways to accomplish His purpose in your life.  On that note, here is my 30 Before 30 list:

1.      Write a book (at least a children's book)
2.      Finish a 5k in 30 minutes or less
3.      Make a three-course dinner for more than 5 people
4.      Read at least 30 books from a top 100 book list
5.      Host a party
6.      Finish independently reading through a Bible study book
7.      Play through a song on the piano that uses both hands
8.      Have a 5 minute conversation in Spanish
9.      Complete a mission trip or vacation scrapbook
10.  Attend a Broadway show as an adult
11.  Plant and cultivate at least one garden plant
12.  Learn the basics of a third language
13.  Plan a week of meals
14.  Spend 30 minutes a day working on a hobby for a week
15.  Fix and bring a side dish made from scratch to a church dinner
16.  Post a video on Youtube
17.  Visit the Grand Canyon
18.  Invest in a retirement account
19.  Send a photo or article to a magazine
20.  Make up a dance routine
21.  Sew a pair of culottes
22.  Have a spa day
23.  Completely unplug from technology for a week
24.  Pay off loans
25.  Have a Harry Potter movie marathon
26.  Get rid of old stuff and reorganize my room
27.  Volunteer somewhere I never have before
28.  Play paintball
29.  Learn 2 new things to do with my hair
30.  Read through the Bible with commentaries

            Ta Da! Well, there it is. I'll admit that I took some of the ideas from other lists I've seen.  As I mentioned earlier, there are also things I did not include because they were either too hard to accomplish within 2 years or not entirely under my control, such as traveling overseas or getting married.  I will try to keep you updated on things I have finished.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" - Dr. Robert Schuller

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3

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