30-something stuff

Update on my 30s Life List

- Mel

I recently cleaned up my 30s Life List, particularly noting some items that I’m not all that interested in completing (um, shoulder tattoos, Louboutins and photography lessons? NOPE.) and have widdled this list from 30-some items to only 22 — with only 5 items crossed off and another half-way attempt (while we’re here: I STILL haven’t had my piano tuned!). While this doesn’t feel very earth-shattering, I recognize some of the things that I’ve accomplished even in the last couple years that were not even on my radar when starting this list in my early 30s (running marathons, for starters; relocating to another city, for another). Lists like this are an interesting reminder about our life phases and personal growth.

That said, I realize that I’ve got some work to do in a year-and-a-half! But… yeah, most of the stuff on this list will be near impossible to achieve. Kilimanjaro, for one, will definitely not happen, but is still something that I would like to do. Eventually. I probably don’t have the motivation to train for kayaking at long distances either. (40-something goals?) Also, rather strangely, the list is a lot of what I want to DO… rather than who I’d like to BE. So, put a little of that in your pipe and smoke on it.

Anyways, I’ll definitely be crossing off two more of these items though before the end of the year, which is exciting! The 52 Books in 52 weeks goal is something that I’ve started and stalled on for the last couple years, and this year I’m going to make it. I guess I could spend that time next year on actually writing a book? It doesn’t feel like a priority goal for me but maybe it’s something that I start to consider again.

My, how my 30s have changed!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

- Mel

30-something list list happy

1. Wine
2. A good run
3. My hammock
4. Comfortable shoes
5. Time to spend on guilty pleasures (e.g.: watching The Bachelorette, reading People Style Watch, days wrapped up in a snuggie)
6. Water: a pool, a river, but especially the lake
7. Teachers that make me work hard for an A (then actually getting an A).
8. Vacuuming, organizing, dusting (seriously, cleaning is my zen)
9. Cats snuggling in the bed
10. Boyfriend

Runners-up:
A good hair day
A good quote

List of Ten Things (of 10 things)

- Mel

Today’s Blogger, May I? prompt had me all over the place this morning. I was in serious “two birds-one stone” mode trying to figure out how I could incorporate something from my to-do list into a post (and then get on with attacking that list). Then I realized the potential this post had for brainstorming future posts so that I can keep up my blogging game in June. This month has been incredibly fun to sit every morning and crank out something just completely at random — by prompt of course, but with little editing, rewriting or even a lot of deep thought. To be honest, I miss writing like that. And lists are my jam.

So here is my list of 10 things of 10 things (for future posts in June):

    ten packing tips for a yoga retreat

    list of ten things I do every morning

    list of ten things that I have saved in my email

    list of ten intentions for June

    list of ten posts I have saved in drafts

    list of ten things that currently need fixed/repaired/completed in my home

    10 things every 30-something should know

    10 things in my bag right now

    list of ten schools to explore/research for grad school

    10 things that make me happy

Looking forward to keeping this new blogging energy alive.

What I’m Learning

- Mel

I did a little skip-a-roo on my Blogger, May I? post yesterday, so that I could focus on (finally) getting my half marathon recap published. Yesterday’s prompt was “What are you learning?” which is my post topic today. And stay tuned for today’s actual post a little later.

If you want to talk about learning in the traditional sense, I have learned quite a bit since starting my applied psychology program last year. I’ve learned that books are even more expensive than 20 years ago when I first stepped foot in college! Among other things. In the, perhaps, non-traditional sense (for lack of a better way to reference), I have been learning a lot about myself lately — mostly that I have changed in many ways even in the last few months.

I have been learning how to live with purpose and intent. I have learned how to slow down. How not to procrastinate. How not procrastinating has somehow made my days feel longer and more fulfilled. Accomplished. I’ve learned how to tame my boredom and be OK with complacency and stillness. I love the quiet. I’ve learned the importance of forgiveness and forgetting — and most importantly, the difference between the two. I’ve learned how to communicate better with my partner (thanks, therapy!). I’ve learned that running changes my body shape. Heck, I’ve even learned that I look younger when I don’t wear eyeliner.

I’ve alluded to personal growth a few times on this blog, and I have made that a priority in my life: to be OK with who I am, who I’ve become, who I want to be. It’s that acceptance that you read about that comes with age. Wisdom with age, the wealth we all hope to accumulate.