And the challenge begins.....

"The best years of a woman's life - the ten years between 39 and 40." ~ Unknown Author 

 

I'd like to think I had another ten years before hitting forty, but in reality I have exactly 15 months starting today.

Thankfully, earlier this month, I was inspired by my friend KimmyLou to start thinking in detail about what I am actually going to do with those 15 months and how I'm going to end out my 30's.

To that end, I've come up with a list of things I'd like to accomplish before turning 40.  These are not necessarily monumental accomplishments or even things I haven't done before.  But they represent things that I'd like to embark on and turning 40 gives me a reason to try harder.

So, here is my list:

1) Run a full marathon

2) Run a half marathon under 2:00 hours

3) Take a trip to Portugal

4) Take a creative writing course

5) Take more golf lessons

6) Get an oral history from my grandparents and my parents

7) Watch five "classic" movies

8) Read five "classic"novels

9) Go on a family camping trip- real camping, no cabins

10) Go on a weekend trip with my mom

11) Go on a weekend trip with just Little Monkey

12) Pick 5 things to throw out (or donate) weekly- PURGE!

13) Write one thank you note (or more) a week

14) Perform 40 hours of community service

15) Be in a play

16) Take a family trip and stay in a hostel

17) Donate blood at least 4 times

18) Dance in a Flash Mob

19) Visit a psychic

20) Learn to change a tire

21) Paint a picture

22) Read the Torah portion and commentary every week for a year

23) Be able to do one pull-up

24) Have a fun night on South Beach

25) Try at least one new restaurant a month

26) Have at least one date night a month with Big Monkey

27) Go on a hike

28) Go on a full moon paddleboard trip

29) Go on a family picnic

30) Meet and take pictures of 40 strangers

"But you only have 30 things listed, Sara", I hear you saying...  

That is where you, my family, friends, and readers come in.  I need nominations, challenges, and suggestions to round out the last 10.  That's not to say I'll do whatever you suggest.  I'm not going to go skydiving or travel to the seven wonders of the world (unless you are bank rolling that), or anything I really don't want to do, but if its something that appeals to me, I'd love to take your suggestions.

So, ready or not, 40, here I come...

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Items added since original post:

31) Celebrating Big Monkey's Naturalization ceremony