Less Than 30 in 30's
The first sign of maturity is the discovery
that the volume knob also turns to the left.
~ Jerry M. Wright
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I awoke this morning with the realization I have less than 30 days in my 30's. I won't lead you to believe it was a profound experience. No, I wasn't sobbing in my bed over my lost youth. I did, however, spend a little time pondering where (ahem, in my youth) I thought I would be at this point in life. After making a list of items for a co-worker to accomplish before her "big" birthday, I decided to do the same. So, here goes, 15 things I will attempt to accomplish or do more of in the last few days in my 30's.
1. Wear a suit. I am not sure why, but I always thought I would have a job where I wore a suit to work every day. I am so glad I don't have that type of job, but I do own a suit. I should break that out soon.
2. Make a difference in someone's life. Yep, I just went from a suit to that! I might not know when this happens, but whether it is providing for someone who doesn't have or bringing cheer to another. I would like to think I make that type of difference every day when no one is watching, but for this one it's most important that my girls are watching.
3. Stop stressing. For nearly a week now, I have eaten on average one meal a day. It's a great weight loss plan, but not necessarily healthy. I know my lack of appetite comes from stress. I do find myself recognizing in others when they are trying to control things that simply just can't be controlled. That is often followed by a deep sense of feeling sorry for that person as it is so much wasted time, energy and life. I choose not to waste my time and stressing about even the smallest of things seems like time not very well spent.
4. Laugh. I love to laugh and I don't know anyone who doesn't. I'm going to try to do that at least once every day, possibly even more.
5. Bake. I love to bake but have found other parts of my life get in the way. I have become that mom who buys the "packaged" cookies you just add eggs and oil and voila! I want daughters of the year to know that it's OK if cookies come from a bag, but it's also great to learn the "real" way to make them.
6. Learn to enjoy messes. Some people may be floored to know that I despise clutter. With two children, I have resigned myself to the fact that there will be clutter in my house. I grow exhausted some days of cleaning up after random playtime. I know that I miss out on enjoyable time with my family by constantly picking up after everyone. Last I checked, no one died because Barbies were strewn out all over the living room. However, this does NOT mean I will be OK with the tiny Playdoh chunks that appear on my carpet.
7. Sing. I love to sing and actually I am quite good at it. However, I only do it in my car or my kitchen. Co-worker of the year might hear my humming in my office from time to time. Daughter of the year #1 got an Adele piano book from her piano teacher for a Christmas gift. She's begging me to sing as she plays and I intend to do just that.
8. Make a snow angel. On a snow day last year I bundled up daughters of the year and went outside and made a snowman. While we were freezing cold, it was a blast. I took a few photos and the pure joy on their face is a memory I won't soon forget. We should definitely do that more. Even if we freeze while doing it.
10. Finish that book. Several weeks ago, I resigned myself to the fact that I would not make my own deadline. It's going to take a Hail Mary (possibly a few Our Father's too) but I'm going to try to get it done AND by my original deadline!
11. Turn off my phone for an entire weekend. As much as I promise not to be a distracted parent, it still continues. I truly understand the greater responsibility I have as an employee and my work ethic just doesn't let me disconnect. But, if it's for a little bit while we play a game, what's the harm? It sure beats hearing daughter of the year #1 saying my name a thousand times to get my attention.
12. Do something risky. As much as I would like to think I am a risk taker, I'm really not. I may take a very calculated risk, but I don't just jump out there for the sake of jumping out there. Let me make myself clear, I do not plan to go skydiving. Not that type of risk. It may take some pondering, and it might happen without me even thinking about it (actually, it's probably best that way), but it will happen.
13. Blog more. I love to write. Love, love, LOVE IT! If a genie appeared with a lamp and I could get three wishes, I would only spend one and that would be to spend my remaining days writing. Nothing makes me happier. However, it's another thing that gets put by the wayside with life duties. Time to spend more time doing the things that make me happy.
14. Put myself first. #13 and 14 really go hand in hand. I never intended that by becoming a wife and a mother, I would forget how to put myself first. Do not misunderstand me, I wouldn't trade those jobs for anything, but I also know I might have the extra dose of patience needed or that last bit of energy to keep up with daughters of the year.
15. Drink less coffee. What am I saying? Yeah right! I think I'll change this to: Locate and buy Jet Fuel!
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