Last week I turned 29. Just one more year until the big 3-0 and I’m feeling pretty good about it. It’s funny how priorities constantly change as you get older. My 20-year-old self would have guessed my 29-year-old self would be married with one or two kids, working part time while staying home with the kids part time, and living in our college town. I’m married, but that’s about the only similarity. And you know what? I am SO happy!
Once I gave up trying to fit my life into the perfect little square box I had always imagined, a world of new possibilities opened up. I feel settled for the first time in my adult life, and that feels great.
Two years ago, on my 27th birthday, I decided to create a list of 30 things I wanted to do before I turn 30. Last year I gave another update. With only one year left to go, here’s the list today…
1. Attend a blogger conference
Did this last June…read about it here, here, and here!
2. Attend more events at our local theater
3. Be free of all credit card debt
Well on our way. We’ve been on a serious spending diet for 4 months and have paid off all but one credit card.
4. Become a better photographer.
I’ve made some progress, but still have far to go.
5. Build a wine cellar in the basement
Not so much the building something permanent part, but we have collected a couple dozen bottles that we now store in the basement. Hoping to build some boxes like this soon.
6. Buy a new car
This is happening in early 2017!
7. Convert the garage into a useful space
8. Create a 365 book: a photo from each day for a year
Tried it. I just didn’t have the time or energy. Maybe 40 before 40?
9. Cut down our Christmas tree in the mountains
10. Eat more vegetables
Slowly but surely. I have a new found love for brussel sprouts, but I still can’t get behind broccoli or kale.
11. Finish the laundry room with cabinets and shelves
We’re still on the first step in the process, but that’s something.
12. Get into a consistent workout routine I hate getting up at 5 am but it’s definitely worth it to feel better for the whole day.
13. Get our house as organized as possible
The downstairs is very organized, thanks to a 3-day visit from my mom this summer. And I’ve spent some time on our closet, my makeup drawer, and our cleaning supplies. Next up: the attic.
14. Go to a pro football game
15. Have a kid
I don’t think this will be happening before 30, and I’m totally cool with that.
16. Have more date nights with my husband
17. Help organize a large scale charity event The Herring Hulse Designer Showcase Home
18. Learn to arrange flowers
19. Learn to make curtains for our house
20. Learn to mow the grass
21. Learn to shoot a handgun
22. Lose that certain amount of weight 50 pounds as of last week since last December!
23. Make a cleaning schedule and stick to it
We’ve started doing a “deep clean” day once a month, but we still need to be better about this. Who wants to give me a cleaning service for my birthday?! ;)
24. Refinish a big piece of furniture
25. Spend more time at the beach house
26. Start a monthly dinner club with friends Park Avenue Supper Club started last February.
27. Start a new business Oh hey!
28. Take a photography or art class at the community college It’s a little different, but I’ll be taking a two-day InDesign class at NC State later this month.
29. Take a road trip to nowhere in particular Our little tour of the Outer Banks with no set plans was perfect!
30. Tour a winery
There you have it. I know I won’t get to everything on this list, but that’s not really the point. If you only ever create goals that you know are easily achievable, how can you grow and test your limits?
What’s on your to-do list? (You can check out my bucket list here!)
Background photo Studio DIY.