Every year I make a list of things to do before my next birthday, from the fun to the profound, and post periodic updates. Items completed are crossed off; items begun are starred.*
1. Go back to Europe. Specifically Oxford (where I used to live).
2. Read or donate at least half the books I own that I’ve not yet read.* (Working on it, though the stacks grow constantly.)
3. Go back to the Glen Workshop.* (Signed up and making plans.)
4. Visit my loved ones in Abilene. (Loved being there over Christmas.)
5. Finish a draft of that memoir I keep talking about.
6. Pay off my student loans.* (Nearly there…)
7. Go apple picking for the third time. (It was glorious.)
8. Visit a place I’ve never been. (Newport, RI)
9. Read 10 new-to-me classics of any genre.* So far, I’ve read seven.
10. Participate in a cooking challenge with fellow Shelf Awareness reviewers. (Read all about it!)
11. Visit New York in the fall. (A weekend full of wonder.)
12. Cuddle that sweet nephew of mine a lot.* (Made a good start over Christmas, and planning to go back in March.)
13. Conquer the snooze button.*
14. Knit a few beautiful things.*
15. Go to the dentist.
16. Visit Canada, as we’re only a few hours away. (Making plans.)
17. Reach out to two friends every week.* (Continuing to do this.)
18. Reread the Mother-Daughter Book Club series. See my post about these books.
19. Take a vacation with friends.
20. Try 2 or more new recipes a month.*
21. Develop a steady, focused routine for my workdays: less frantic multitasking.*
22. Reimagine our cluttered guest room.* Lots of filing and clearing out over New Year’s.
23. Invest in sturdy, chic black flats.
24. Eat at the food truck on the Common. Love their breakfast granola, apple cider and rosemary fries.
25. Get a pedicure.
26. Invite friends over at least once a month.* Most recently, for four birthdays.
27. Write half a dozen more essays.* (See my second piece at Art House America.)
28. Order myself a new “brave” necklace.
29. Savor the last year of my twenties.*
What lists are you working on lately?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I do this too! I need to pull my list out before my birthday in April!
What a great list – everything is attainable and yet, sometimes it’s the little things that seem to get lost and you wonder why you never got a pedicure. (You really MUST – nothing better than someone else massaging your feet. And Montreal in the late spring!)
I just turn 30 I had my big list too! I just created 2 short goals with my boyfriend and I : 40 states before 40 and Asia before 35.
Such a good list. #2 is very, very high on my own list of things to do too!
Definitely don’t miss “Take a vacation with friends!” I finally started doing this with my three friends named Beth. (Really!) And it’s the best thing ever.
I don’t have a written list-yet. But, I have made a couple of different lists, pertaining to personal goals, relationships, and readings.
Goodreads has helped me keep track of my reading goals.
As to the personal goals, I have started several: quit my full-time job to focus on school and paid for gym membership so I can get my health back on the right track.
As for relationship goals: some I have started (quitting work is going to really free up my time!). I have plans to rearrange my kids’ bedrooms.While this may not seem like a relationship builder, this project will not only get rid of clutter, but also prepare two of my children for the next step in their schooling career-high school for Xavier and middle school for Rheannon. I envision us debating over what things to throw away, donate, and keep-which is always interesting!
This is a great list! I love how productive you’ve been so far!
Lovely list. I might have to copy this great idea… ! 🙂