30 before 30

It's no secret that I heart lists. I've been cultivating my "Life List" for the last month or so, whenever I have time to think about it. This morning I came across a blog post of "30 before 30". It's pretty self explanatory, but the idea is to compile a list of 30 things to do before you turn 30 years old. I've got about six months until my 30th birthday, so I'm gonna give it a shot. It's actually making me re-think my Life List. I may ditch that and continue an annual birthday list (31 before 31, 32 before 32, and so on).

This list is pretty ambitious, but here goes:
1. Take a spontaneous road trip.
2. Pass the Series 7 Exam.
3. Lose 30 additional pounds. (my goal is actually higher than this, but 30 is more realistic and it goes with the theme.)
4. Grow some of my own food. I'm hoping to join a CSA this year, but we'll see. Anyone interested in sharing a CSA share?
5. Splurge on myself by buying something solely because I love it.
6. Host a game night.
7. Learn to bake bread from scratch.
8. Take some modeling photos; This isn't because I want to be a model, but b/c I think it will push me out of my comfort zone.
9. Go on a hike. I actually kind of dig hiking, but I haven't done it much. Here's to more hiking in 2011!
10. Go on a blind date. I've never been on a blind date and while the thought is somewhat frightening, it is also a little exciting. Alright, friends, I guess I need your help on this one...be nice to me.
11. Invest in creating community. This is ongoing, but it's worth a slot on the list.
12. Put pen to paper and express my love for someone. Mail the letter. One of my goals of my life has always been to make sure that the people I love never have to question that I love them. I want to express that love in both words and actions, and often.
13. Be kind to someone that has caused me pain.
14. Grow in my forgiveness of x.
15. Take my nieces and nephew somewhere fun.
16. Commit to reading my Bible often. I'm contemplating the idea of a "read through the Bible in a year" type of thing.
17. Volunteer with an organization that I care about.
18. Create tree painting for my living room.
19. Take a dance class. I've secretly always wanted to be a great dancer. I'm not very graceful and my rhythm could use a little (a lot of) help. I can't believe I'm actually admitting this right now. 2011 is my year to be bold.
20. Cook an entire "from scratch" dinner.
21. Train Whisper. Oy.
22. Blog at least once a month.
23. Enjoy the sunrise over the Ohio, or somewhere more glamorous.
24. Travel somewhere new.
25. Jog a mile. I don't care how long it takes at this point, I just want to be able to do it without dying.
26. Finish CD gift for my brothers that I started a long time ago.
27. Use the envelope system again.
28. Change the Game. Live it.
29. Get a tattoo. Maybe. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to pain.
30. Celebrate my 30th birthday. Enjoy it. Live it out.

I'm really glad I took the time to make this list. It took some restraint to not copy some cool things that other bloggers wrote, but I think this list is very authentic to who I am or at least the person I am growing into. The list is also indicative of some of the things I am currently pursuing. Things like facing fear, living with boldness, growing in confidence, pursuing forgiveness, creating community, loving people, and loving the life God has given me.

Over the next six months I'll update the list and maybe even expand on a few of the more ambiguous ones. Here's me giving you permission to hold me accountable. This is gonna be a great end to my twenties!!!