30 by 30



Happy 2020 everyone!

I know it’s been a hot minute since I’ve graced you all with a blog post (i.e. 5 years 😝), but it’s been on my heart to revive my little corner of the internet and give it new life. I’ve spent a lot of my 20s afraid that no one would want to hear what I have to say. But you know what? Who cares. I’m slowly getting to the point in my life where I’m willing to take some chances and invest in myself. I figure that this year, the last of my 20s, is the perfect time to go for it. 

I am lucky enough to get to turn a new year older right along with the year. This year, as January 1st hit, so did the last year of my 20s. Yours truly just turned 29! Now, I normally don’t make traditional New Years resolutions. Sure, every year I have allusive hopes and dreams, but I’m rarely brave enough to speak those thoughts out loud, let alone disciplined enough to complete them. This year, as I head full speed into my 30s, instead of making a resolution, I merely want to focus on saying yes to things that excite me, and no to things that don’t. In order to do that, I’ve compiled a list of 30 things I want to do by the time I turn 30. Like a bucket list for my 20s. There are things on this list I’ve never done before (number 2 and 9 for example), dreams I’ve had for myself for some time now (i.e. 8 and 15), things I’ve been too afraid to admit to anyone (um, hello numbers 3 and 10), and silly things I feel like I SHOULD have done by now (see number 27, 29, and 25). In no particular order, here is my list of 30 by 30. 

1. Learn and actually perform a song on the piano: I own a piano. I’ve taken piano lessons in my past. I even have beginners piano books that walk you through how to play. And yet, here I am. 29 and wishing, once again, that I could play. So I want to do more than just learn a song, I want to play it for others. Maybe in my church, maybe at a party, maybe in a video I post, maybe just for some friends in the comfort of my own home. However it happens, my plan this year is to do just that, make it happen. 
2. Take a spontaneous trip: The type A in me has almost always over powered the rest of me that just wants to go on an adventure. Here’s to silencing that part of me for just a brief moment this year. 
3. Sell something I’ve made: Don’t ask me what or why. I’m not sure. We will figure this one out together this year.
4. Read 24 books: I love to read, but somehow it always gets pushed to the side when I get busy and stressed. This year, join me in making reading a priority. 
5. Buy a king sized bed: Why I don’t own one yet is purely for frugal reasons. I don’t want to spend that much money! But with a husband and two dogs in my bed, it’s time. It’s been time...
6. Start a book club: My friends and I have discussed this idea for months now. I think it’s time to get it going don’t you think ladies?
7. Be debt free by 30: My husband and I have been fighting tooth and nail to get his seminary loans and our car loans paid off for the past year and a half. We are so close. This year is our year!
8. Visit Germany: The trip is planned for June! 
9. Run a 10k: Some of ya’ll might laugh at this one, especially those of you crazy people out there that love to run. While I wish I was you, sadly I am not. Running has never been something I naturally enjoy. I’m working on changing that though. 
10. Take a sewing class: Yep, this girl can’t sew. ‘Bout time to learn some basics, huh?
11. Take a cooking class: Now, unlike sewing, I CAN cook, but I’d love to be better. 
12. Take a dance class: I LOVE to dance. But I’ve never had any formal training. As silly as it may sound, dance classes really excite me. I’m thinking tap dancing. We will see how this one turns out. Should at least be entertaining. 
13. Start a new tradition: I have no idea what tradition I want to start. Perhaps a yearly trip, a weekly event, a monthly get together. I’ll let you know when I know 😁
14. Do a spending freeze for a month: A spending freeze basically means no spending money on anything except necessities (groceries, bills, utilities) for a month. As we work hard on number 7, I know this strategy could be the final push we need. Not looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to the freedom it will give us in the end. 
15. Start/join a new small group: My husband and I moved 5 months ago, and I’ve struggled with finding a new group of fellow believers who I can do life with. I think God might be telling me to start my own group, but maybe there is one out there waiting for me. 😜 This is a priority in my spiritual walk and I plan on making it happen either way. 
16. Create my own font: I really enjoy hand lettering. I’d love to be able to share that with others. 
17. Keep up with this blog for at least a year: Hahahaha, based on my previous attempt, this one should be interesting. 
18. Give blood: Don’t judge, but I’ve never given blood. Not because I can’t medically. Frankly, it’s because I’ve been too scared and needles are the stuff of my nightmares. But I plan to change that this year.
19. Do a question and answer session on Instagram: This one is embarrassing to write, but oh well. I enjoy them + I’m terrified to put myself out there like that= the perfect goal for me as I seek to get out of my comfort zone. 
20. Keep a daily prayer journal: So far so good. Hoping I can stay disciplined enough to make it happen. If you have a prayer request, please reach out to me. I’d be honored if you trusted me enough to pray for you. 
21. Host a murder mystery party: My theater days planted this desire in my heart long ago. Here’s to hoping I can get my husband on board. 
22. Cultivate a garden and actually use what I’ve grown: I DO NOT have a green thumb. I’ve killed every plant I’ve ever owned. Seriously. This goal should be a learning curve for sure. Let me know if you have any advice. 
23. Vote: I have voted before, but I think it’s especially important to make sure this one happens this year. 
24. Cut down a live Christmas tree: Just call me Clark Griswold. πŸ˜‚
25. Change a baby’s diaper: I confess, I’ve never done this. If I want kids of my own (which is do, but don’t ask me when) I better at least figure out how a diaper works. 
26. Learn to fry chicken: As a good southern woman I feel like this is a must. Also, I LOVE fried chicken, so why not?
27. Get a spray tan: I am very fair skinned. I have wanted to try spray tanning for years, but I’ve been too scared. I think 2020 is my year!
28. Complete an entire puzzle: Puzzles are fun, but I have never been patient enough to complete one. 
29. Get a massage: I know, I know, you’re a teacher and you’ve never gotten a massage!? Yes, it’s true. If anyone needs one, it’s me. That’s why this has made the list. 
30. Give up sugar for a week: My sweet tooth is monstrous. This one should be interesting. I’m less concerned about the health benefits of this challenge and more interesting in if I can be dedicated enough to see it through. 

Well, there it is. I’m counting on you to encourage me and hold me accountable. I’ll keep you updated along the way. Wish me luck! Only 360 days to go.

Yours truly,

AM








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