Thirty by 30!

One of my friends from college started a list long before Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman made lists of the "bucket variety" famous. About a year and a half before Melodee's 30th birthday she dreamed up a list of thirty things she'd like to do before she turned 30. You can check it out here. My girl Mel is ambitious and inspiring. After completing her measly list of 30, she continued on. Currently, Mel's list stands at 249...and she's completed 93 of those. It's fairly significant to note that Mel is what I'd call an "introvert", but came busting out of her shell right about the time she created her list. Mel found a passion in running at about age 27 and it became sort of an impetus for change and adventure...and her LIST. Also, interesting side note: during college I was the athlete not Mel, but this summer we went for a run in Spearfish Canyon during a little vaca and she nearly lapped me. I consoled myself with a juicy slice of humble pie :)

I've been listening to John Mayer lately. A song that has been hitting me square between the eyes lately is Stop This Train.

A phrase in this songs says:
So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game
To find a way to say that life has just begun

So, with Mel and Mayer as my muses, my numbers game is my own list of Thirty by 30. Although 30 is knocking loudly at my door and I fear getting things done, I'm choosing to embrace the day; to happily and expectantly drive toward the sun rising in front of me instead of run with my tail between my legs lamenting all the goals I have failed to achieve.

I am inviting those who can help me or think I should add some things to my list to please comment. I am open and willing to accept help...maybe that should be on my list too. :)

So, without further Adieu, ah, ah, ahem: THE LIST

1. Surf in Hawaii
2. Sing one song at a coffee shop or bar (not karaoke...with a real band)
3. Learn how to play a song on the piano
4. Write a play
5. Run a half-marathon in Nashville
6. Audition for a local production or commercial
7. Drink a margarita in Mexico
8. Organize and launch a shoe donation company
9. Learn how to play a new sport
10. Make at least 10 new friends
11. Write a song
12. Read a book recommended by someone I normally wouldn't ask
13. Write a letter to the Editor to a magazine or newspaper
14. Only buy coffee from local (non-chain) shops for one month
15. Eat healthy for an entire week
16. Anonymously help someone out
17. Forgive someone
18. Ding-dong ditch and leave a bag of groceries at someone's door
19. Finish editing a wedding video from this summer...sorry Alexander's :)
20. Paint fun portraits of my nephews and give to them as a gift
21. Make a funny non-sensical video with friends and post on youtube
22. Refrain from eating out for two weeks (I originally put a whole month, but I'm a realist :) )
23. Stay in a really posh hotel with a rooftop pool
24. Choose to make someone's day even when I'm having a crabby one
25. Get back in touch with an old friend
26. Make it to the second round of a tennis tournament
27. Accept a compliment without making a remark about something I'm not good at
28.
29.
30.

Please add to my list or comment on what I have so far. I turn 30 on June 26 and will be updating all my "faithful" blog readers on my progress.