50 Things to Do Before I Turn 31

I’ve been inspired by some big time blogger idols to create a list of goals and set a timeline for completion. So below, in no particular order, you will find 50 things I would like to accomplish my next birthday (September 15, 2011). And check back for progress reports!

1.) Start a garden. Grow flowers to display on my dining room table and food I can serve to guests.

2.) Have an “adult” bedroom. One with a color scheme, a relaxing ambience, some decorative pillows and a dust ruffle.

3.) Have a guest room that’s truly welcoming for guests – books, towels, magazines etc to make them feel welcome and taken care of.

4.) I want matching towels! 8 bath sheets (GIANT ones!), four hand towels and two wash cloths that all coordinate.

5.) Change my lancet once a week.

6.) Journal everything diabetes related for at least one week (this means food intake, insulin, ratios, corrections & exercise – and even counting that mini candy bar or late afternoon handful of potato chips!)

7.) Do a boudoir photo shoot

8.) Get a professional makeover (hair & makeup – and pictures!)

9.) Get family photos professionally done (we haven’t done this since my sister’s wedding! My how things have changed since then!)

10.) Successfully care for a houseplant for at least one year

11.) Have guests over for dinner once a month & serve at least one brand new dish.

12.) Volunteer once a month

13.) Run a half marathon

14.) Run a 5K

15.) Have a body AND a bathing suit I am proud to show off.

16.) To update my iPod & online photo albums once a month

17.) To quit smoking (last cigarette: 09/08/10 at 5:30pm)

18.) Read two books a month
       September 2010: “Best Friends Forever” by Jennifer Weiner & “Love The One You’re With” by Emily Giffin

19.) Get my college degree

20.) Join or start a book club

21.) Organize or participate in a Goddess Swap

22.) Send 10 actual birthday cards a year (via snail mail)

23.) Take a candle lit bath once a month

24.) Write an “It’s Ok” List

25.) Write more poetry

26.) Get something published

27.) Go for a hot air balloon ride

28.) Own some real pearl jewelry

29.) Attend a wine tasting class

30.) Find the perfect red lipstick

31.) Make a real life friend with diabetes (one I can meet for coffee!)

32.) To enjoy therapy & let it serves its purpose

33.) Take a cooking class

34.) Take a yoga class

35.) Try meditation

36.) Try one new food a month

September 2010 – sauerkraut – yum!

37.) Perfect the strip tease

38.) Successfully, plan, shop & execute a weekly meal plan.

39.) Create (and stick to) a budget for one month

40.) Find a hairstyle

41.) Make pasta AND sauce from scratch

42.) Learn how to pick (and drink!) a good Scotch

43.) Make an apple pie from scratch

Completed 09/19/2010

44.) See 10 movies (that I haven’t already seen) from the AFI list

45.) Use the calendar on my iPhone more

46.) Use the Wii-Fit at least once a month

47.) Take a “real” vacation (airplane, rental car & hotel)

48.) Write more about diabetes & anxiety

49.) Write a song

50.) Write a “real” bucket list