As I’ve mentioned, I am fond of lists. A few years ago, when I learned it wasn’t cool to make New Year’s resolutions apparently because of their tendency to fail by spring, I began to make mental to-do lists of things to be accomplished or tried by the end of that year. They usually included ways I could live more environmentally, like reduce plastic bag usage, recycle more, buy local, etc., or ways to make my life richer, like reading three books during the summer, joining the blood marrow donor registry, or attending a local event for the first time. These lists were usually small and contained actions I could do easily. Low pressure. Probable success.
(some recent lists I fished out of my purse)
So The List upped the ante a bit: I would do things I had put off doing. Maybe include some items that I was reluctant to do. Stuff I felt compelled to do. Stuff other people did that challenged me and my abilities. Stuff I would regret NOT doing one day. People who knew I was embracing 30 instead of bemoaning it began to suggest stuff for me to do. “Put it on The List!” I’d bellow. And so my to-do list for 2010 grew.
The List has only existed in my head…but here I will share some of what’s on it:
- renew my passport
- visit a new city
- donate blood
- buy my domain name
- start my blog
- do something political
- get an annulment
- climb a 14er
- run or do the Bolder Boulder a race of some kind
- buy (and wear) a bike helmet
- attend church at least once
- get a Brazilian
- buy a piece of art
- learn how to grill a good steak
- scan in all the (hundreds of) photos I took in high school
- watch something that everybody seems to love (The Godfather Trilogy, LOST, Dexter, etc.) from start to finish
- rock climbing (suggested by Jeremy and Jenn Fields, who promise to take me and not let me get killed. Also, blame them for this blog: they dragged me into the blogosphere one night under the premise of teaching me how to cook tofu. By the time the tofu stir fry was on the table, melsidwell.com was born. I paid them in oatmeal cookies.)
- learn how to cook tofu
- attend at least one Film on the Rocks
- run the stairs at Red Rocks
- play bingo at least once
- volunteer at least once
- host something at least once
And so it goes … Again, there is no ultimate goal or deadline per se. I just want The List to be about doable things (stuff I probably should do or do at least once anyway). You know, living life. Also, I’m open to suggestions so please let me know if there is something I should consider putting on The List. I’d love to hear your ideas (sorry no tats). And of course I welcome your love and support (and even jokes at my expense) as I celebrate 30 in 2010.
I can help you with “Learn how to cook tofu.”
in the spirit of mrs. hansen, i’d help with the steak.
Thanks, that would be super. I would love any and all recipes and tutorials.
Loved reading all this, Mel. You are a gem. Anxious to share time and space with you in June. Hugs and blessings.
)
This is indeed a great list! Thanks for sharing
Bingo is SUPER fun. As for a Brazilian, it’s a horrifyingly painful thing to do. Don’t do it. I was convinced I was going to walk out of there missing things.
Love the list, Mel! I would love to see pics from high school. And this year we may both be crossing the same thing off of that list, if ya know what I mean!
Awesome! I’d love to tackle some of your list items with you if you’d like company
My life list is here if you’re curious:
http://meetthewelchs.com/meet-sarah/
Annie, I’ve done one of those things already. The other still awaits me.
Sarah W., I love your list! Thanks for sharing it. Let me know if I should put anything more on my list. I hope my list grows. I’ve done some of the things on your list, which helps me think maybe I’ve done more than I think I have in life. But reminds me there is so much more out there, possibilities I didn’t even think of! p.s. i love the cookbook idea. want to help me rebuild my recipe book into something pretty? I’m putting it on The List!
We all should keep such a list. You crossed off the Bolder Boulder though. What up wit’ dat!
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Um, you need to start striking through these things as you complete them so we can mark your progress!
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