Because it's a shame to wait until tomorrow

   I've always considered myself a goal oriented person.  In fact, in a recent interview when I was asked to give two words to describe myself, 'goal (hyphen) oriented' was one of them.  I wanted to answer 'sparkly' and 'amazing' just to see a reaction, but I digress.  I like to make lists.  I like to push myself to do things I've never done before-- big or small.
   I've deteriorated.  I've been wary of setting new goals lately, because I'm disappointed in the lack of my own follow through. Gumption.  Mojo.  Motivation.  It's not there.  While I've had more time on my hands than, well, EVER before (thank you State of New York for taking 4 WHOLE MONTHS to process one tiny RN license), I feel like I've accomplished next to nothing in that time. As the Yiddish proverb goes, "The hardest work is to go idle."  I'm hoping that I may hold myself more accountable by making a few of my goals public.  (And by NOT waiting 'til tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, when this list is more perfect or complete)  It's time to get back to work.  (No pun intended)

1)  Languages.  I have the basics of Spanish down thanks to my Argentina trip, and Rochester is one of the most densely populated areas in the US for deaf people.  The LDS services I attend are translated into both Spanish and American Sign Language.  I don't want to waste this opportunity.  By the time Matt graduates from med school, I would like to be proficient in both Spanish and ASL (and, hey, my English vocab could use some work, too).  Not sure how to break it down into 2013, but I'm starting with an ASL class tomorrow!

2)  Diet.  I want to be more conscientious of what I am putting into my body--- less processed junk, more natural and organic foods.  I gave up pop for lent last year, I'm pretty sure it's time to kick it for good.  I want to try green smoothies and cut my sugar intake.

3)  Complete a half-ironman distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) triathlon.  Why not?

4)  Publish at least twice.  (Why are those essays still sitting in a folder on my desk?!)

5)  Read at least 30 (quality) books.

6)  Plan and carry out a 10 year high school reunion well worth attending.

ETC

Wish me luck!

things to accomplish before i die

I first wrote my 'bucket list' in September of 2002 (*please note how this was pre 'Bucket List' movie time and that it was a bit more of an original idea.) Of the productive things I did today (sleep, empty the bathroom garbage, listen to some country music) I took the time to flip through some old journals and reviewed this list. It was quite interesting as I haven't looked at it in a long time...

The are the things I've already done (a few examples):

10) climb Mt. Borah
7) go skydiving
102) witness a miracle
22) learn to juggle (thanx be to Dana)
40) learn to moonwalk (thanx be to Dana)
28) go streaking
85) help build a Habitat for Humanity house
213) ride in a limo
178) try sushi
18) visit Paris with my husband

things I will most likely never do:
217) be on 'American Gladiator'
184) learn sign language (did I ever REALLY want to do that?)
163) teach myself to be ambidextrous
159) find a four-leafed clover
118) be a guest on Oprah (only cause her show is done ;)
86) solve the Rubiks cube
2) win at least 3 state championships (only got one)
45) triple jump 36'
103) wink with my right eye

things I could and should be doing now:
14) run a half marathon
34) learn to cross country ski
58) read the entire bible
224) learn to play Moonlight Sonata on the piano
221) learn German
150) make caramel like my moms
117) be able to identify every country on a map
87) have a 6-pack (pretty sure this is the closest I'll ever get)
60) sew
106) ollie on a skateboard

and things I most look forward to:
153) canoe Loch Ness
161) get a puppy for Christmas
223) earn a Master's degree
214) grow a live oak in my yard
30) experience childbirth (naturally)
26) see a whale in the wild
68) hand milk a cow (I've milked a goat... Kris, Katie, I may could use your help on this one)
90) buy someone a car
131) run all the stairs in the Empire State Building
171) climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
134) visit my ancestors hometowns in Wales and Sweden
140) bungee jump off a bridge
185) write a meaningful fiery letter to the editor
206) hug a giant sequoia

43) WRITE A BOOK

Best be picking a few and getting going...