Well, first of all, I stressed out about it. 'Cause that's what I do: make mountains out of mole hills and stress about making decisions on just about anything. It's the reason I hate shopping, for instance. I'm paralyzed by choices and then get overwhelmed, buy something I shouldn't have and the get pissed. Yay! Aren't I fun?!
I fully realize that most decisions on any given day are about as far from life threatening as you can get, so just make a decision and call it done, right? So I tried to chill out and I took my friend Barb's comment to heart. She wrote, "My only suggestion is pick something you'll enjoy the whole time, not just something you'll look back on and be impressed with but something you'll love at each and every step."
Wow, what a novel idea. Do something fun. Seriously, it was the gentle smack upside the head that I needed to hear (thanks, Barb). I hadn't even been thinking "FUN" just "SET A GOAL AND DO IT" — no wonder I was stressing. So I decided to do something fun. LOTS of something fun, actually.
I made a list. Not a "bucket list" because this is just for the next six months, but a list of all the little and not so little things I've wanted to do for a long time but keep putting off. Why? Various reasons. "I have to work" seems to be a popular reason. "It makes me a little nervous" is another.
None of the things on my list are earth-shattering, and some of you will be going, "Really? She has to put that on a goal list? Isn't that something people just DO?" But that's the idea; do the things that I SHOULD be doing to have a good time in this one chance we have at life. I'm sure I'll be adding to the list as I remember things, but here are some things I have on it now.
- Go through a corn maze (I live in Indiana. Can you believe I've never done this??)
- Go to the cupcake shop downtown. Ask if I can take pictures while I'm there (asking this is what makes me nervous)
- Go to various local bakeries (Sense a theme? I want to sample each places "Best" or "signature" item... and see if I can make it better. *wink*)
- Take Dwight to the Farmer's Market. He's never been to the one in South Bend and it's great. I know he'd like it.
- Get a massage (or three)
- Go to the local museum
- Go to the Chicago museums (haven't been to any of them {except the Art Institute} since I was a kid. Very sad.)
- Learn how to use the photography lights Dwight bought me for my birthday.
- Join LibriVox and record a book (or chapter)
- Hire a photographer for a photo shoot for just me and Dwight. We did boring old Olan Mills shots for our engagement photos. I LOVE the current style of couples photography and want some of us.
- Go to the winery in Bristol
- Throw a tea party
- Learn how to use chop sticks
- Have a smores party in the winter (use the fireplace for toasting marshmallows {note to self: get the chimney cleaned!!})
What do you think? Sound like fun? I think it's going to be GREAT!
I love every single one of these ideas but my favorites have to be going to all of the bakeries and taking couple shots. I just think this list is a million times better than a bucket list! Now, get to stepping lady!
ReplyDeleteHooray! I love your list and when you turn 40 I think you'll look back at this list and say "why stop now?!?" What a great way to not just mark a milestone, but march right through it.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you want company for any of these. I am very closely acquainted with people who love Chicago museums (and happen to be members of a couple).
Thanks, guys!
ReplyDeleteBarb - Definitely! I think it would be great to all got to Chicago together. :)
love your list and I think this is such a fun "countdown" to 40. Writing it down makes it real! Have fun on your adventures :) Katie
ReplyDelete