Today is my 38th birthday, and I guess it’s time for a bit of reflection. 38 is definitely in the “late thirties” category, yet I don’t feel that old at all. I feel as though I’m in my late twenties, maybe. I guess that’s because I don’t have a husband, children, or a mortgage, and all of those other things that go with being a responsible adult.
Being young-at-heart runs in my family. My dad just turned 69 and he doesn’t look it or act it at all. He’s still so full of life and vigor, and it’s wonderful to see him enjoying his retirement. (Although he retired 3 years ago, he still substitute teaches because he says the kids keep him young). My mom is the same way – she’s 62 years old and you would seriously never know it. She has a really energetic personally that keeps all of us on our toes, and I love it!
This birthday marks 20 years since I graduated from high school. The summer of 1989 was one of the best ever because it was the one between high school and college. The summer on the cusp of growing up. The summer when there were absolutely no responsibilities. This summer feels very much the same way to me. It’s the first summer in years that I haven’t worked, and I’m absolutely enjoying every minute of it – even the quieter ones.
So, what’s on tap for today?
- Well, I started the day with my WW meeting. The news was good, and the meeting really helped me get on the right track for this week.
- After the meeting I got the car washed – I love the feeling of a spotless car.
- Then I came home and did the Wii Fit. I don’t know what it was, but I broke all sorts of records today. Maybe there were being nice because it was my birthday? Or maybe I’m just advancing!
- I’m planning on spending an hour or so today just reading. I’ve been really lax about reading this summer (too active, I guess), and it is going to be nice to just sit with a good book. I’m reading Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani. Love her writing and I’m sure this won’t disappoint.
- Later this afternoon, my mom and I are going shopping! She said that the gifts that I mentioned to her (she still likes us to give her birthday wish lists) were ones that she needed me to be there to pick out. I’ve asked for some silver hoop earrings, a new coffeemaker, and a few other items.
- After the shopping, my mom is making me a birthday dinner – pasta with pesto, barbecued Italian sausage, and a salad.
A birthday spent with family – shopping and eating well – how much better can it get?!
Now to explain the title. I know all of you can add, but to me, turning 38 is really a wake-up call to me to get back on track with my life list (aka Bucket List, only these are things I want to do by the time I’m 40). So, I have two years to complete the following:
Things to do before I turn 40:
1. Lose 100 lbs. Working on it, but the progress is slow. I’m vowing to do this, though. It’s the most important thing on this list.
2. After weight loss, go on a shopping spree at Anthropologie and Ann Taylor Loft, knowing the clothes will look great!
3. Sky dive.
4. Own a convertible. I should complete this one in August, when I buy the new VW Beetle convertible!
5. Find balance in my life. (I’m so bad with the work/personal life balance). As I wrote earlier this week, I’ve got a great handle on this one.
6. Make spirituality a part of my everyday life.
7. Try yoga. I have not only tried it, but I discovered I LOVE Bikram yoga. I haven’t been in a while, though, so I’m going to go this month.
8. Start meditating. I tried it a couple of times, but couldn’t seem to quiet my mind long enough. It might be worth another shot.
9. Get a Brazilian bikini wax.
10. Go to the beach in a bathing suit and feel proud of how I look.
11. Go to NYC.
12. Go to Boston/Connecticut CTLB’s wedding in August ‘08. I’m hoping to go back next summer to see CTLB’s new house.
13. Run a 5K. (Maybe even a 10K). I’ve walked two 5Ks, and have another one coming up July 19th. Not sure if running one will be realistic.
14. Meet “The One” aka “Mr. Right” and be engaged, or close to it.
15. Own a home (condo/townhouse), even if I’m still single.
16. Go on an exotic vacation to Bali or Morocco.
17. Learn to speak Italian.
18. Get some of my writing published.
19. Use my masters in educational leadership, either in school administration at my school or on the district level working with the new teacher program.
20. Adopt a dog.
So, you can see that I still have several of the items to work on. Some of them are a bit unrealistic, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try. You never know what you can do until you attempt it, right?
38 is definitely going to be a great year, I can just feel it. There is no doubt that I will feel better than I ever have with my increase in activity, focus weight loss, and quitting smoking (July 15th). There are so many things I want to accomplish, but like you know by now, I’m a girl who loves a goal, and I can’t wait to take some of these on!
Happy Birthday, Bella! Best wishes for completing your list in the next two years.