I make lists. And I made one a year ago on this night looking towards 30 of 30 things I wanted to do, to accomplish, to see and try. I tackled many and have many more to cross of the list. And you know what? That list continues to grow. . . well beyond those 30 items and hopefully beyond my 30th year.
In an effort to wrap and review this last year (and for my own recollection when I turn 60), here are a few updates on my list and 30 in general before I say farewell.
I have a new zip code, apartment, roommate and hometown. I now live in New York; in Manhattan. Making this life-changing move was number one on my list. Truth be told, if it was the only item I checked off I would have been happy. It wasn't, but there is a bold, permanent line through Number 1. I did it.
For as long as I can remember I've wanted a pair of Manolo Blahniks. Who doesn't? I actually purchased a pair in 2006. They were beautiful: black Blixa pump, a 4-inch stunner. I never wore them though and here's why: This shoe that I pined for and carefully selected bought me my freedom. In 2006 I decided to end a relationship and move on, and in order to make a deposit on my rental apartment, I returned those shoes for cash. And I never looked back. Number 2 on my list is symbolic. Maybe I'll have those shoes again someday - after all the world is a circle. But maybe I won't and that's OK. I have something of far greater value.
Here's what I checked off this year (listed + unlisted)
No. 3 - I worked with my church to build a habitat house for a family that relocated to NC from Guatemala.
No. 4 - I went to Tulsa, OK. Maybe not a list topper, but the art deco is amazing and I have two great clients there.
No. 5 - Jumped up on stage with my sister during her "flapper-style" bachelorette party. Preeeetty sure Beyonce's Crazy in Love was playing.
No. 9 - Hello Scotland, a castle adventure, Positive/Negative Superhero night, loads of scotch, The Edinburgh Tattoo and a hot air balloon ride.
No. 11 - I like Grand Cru Rose.
No. 12 - Only long layers now frame my face.
No. 14 - The secret is a dash of cherry juice in the shaker.
No. 15 - Doing better.
No. 16 - One for every list, every year.
No. 17 - Work and happy don't always go hand-and-hand. Truly, I'm thankful for the challenge of george PR everyday. I'm happy I launched this business, more than happy to still be in business and excited my sister has joined the team.
No. 18 - A freelance position (several, actually) and daily reminders to blog (thank you iCal) kept this girl on a schedule.
No. 19 - Another one for every list, every year.
No. 20 - 3 out of 5?
No. 22 - It makes me cry, but I can do it. I am, by no means, quick at it though. Yet.
No.23 - I gave up coffee during Lent to connect through prayer more often and in a more relaxed meaningful way. I'm not totally there yet. Honestly I let many of the daily distractions of life interfere, but each day I wake up in wonder and awe of the blessings we are given - I am given.
No. 24 - I might not have been up all night - unless tossing and turning counts - but I saw the sun come up on the highway heading North to New York, heading toward a new beginning.
No. 25 - Roast chicken is my middle name.
No. 26 - Learn how to spin. Weeeeelllll, I can change tracks and find the beat.
No. 27 - Find joy in everything. It's something my Grandmother Beale always did and always reminded us to do. In my 30th year, I can honestly say that I found joy at almost every turn.
No. 28 - Know when to say when. Saying goodbye to Raleigh was one of the most painful things I ever did - willingly. To leave a life, good friends, leave being "somebody" to move to a place where I would be "anybody" made difficult a four letter word. But I did it and I survived and maybe, maybe will flourish.
No. 29 and 30 - I've got 4 hours to go. . . let's see what they bring.
