The List

So I’ve entered Week 2 of the Quarter Century. And minus a blip or two (details on that to come during a future birthday night recap/reflection), I’d say we’re off to a pretty good start.  But this is a benchmark year, so it’s time to put myself to the test.  I need a purpose beyond the rat race of constant work and school. Thus, I present to you: The 25 in 25

1. Go skydiving – this has been on my “To Do” list for years, and I haven’t gotten my life together to do it. I need this rush. I need to know I can jump out of a plane, rush toward the Earth, feel my heart jump out of my chest and survive it all.  I need to see that the world is bigger than me.  I know there’s no better way to see how big than from a plane.
2. Do an obstacle course – for the last few years, I considered doing Tough Mudder.  But then I thought about it. So many reasons that’s never going to happen. First, I hate to run, so running 12-15 miles ain’t gonna happen.  Second, why would I want to run 12-15 miles AND get shocked by electricity.  Nope, I’m good.  But I AM signed up for this event called Mudderella in September.  Should be a good time. Feel free to join me (guys are welcome, too!).
3. Go whitewater rafting – How much of a rush is this going to be? It’s just necessary.  Plus, I’m a Pisces, so I love water.
4. Go skiing/snowboarding – Just one of those things I need to do before I die, so why not add it to the list.  Plus, I need to get my East Coast Johnny Tsunami on.   Here’s a clip for your viewing pleasure. 
5. Update my blog at least once a week – I love to write. And I need to build my internet presence or whatever.  I’ll let you guys hold me accountable for this one.
6. Complete 25 Random Acts Of Kindness – remember when you were a kid in school and these were a HUGE deal? Ok, maybe that was just at my school, but I used to be really good at them.  And there’s nothing like the joy that comes from helping other people.  The first one I’ve already done, so I’ll post about that later this week.  I’ll make sure to come up with a separate place for all of those so you can keep up with me.
7. Stand on top of a mountain – this can’t go hand-in-hand with #4. I’m talking about trekking it up the side of some rugged thing and looking back down at the steepness I’ll have just conquered.  I really want the chance to see the world for the huge place it is.  And #6 might be a piece of that, but there’s nothing like the vastness of Mother Nature to remind you of how much more there really is around you.
8. Kiss someone in the rain – I’m talking the now-classic passion of Noah and Allie.  Or that line in one of my favorite Taylor Swift song’s.  There’s nothing more romantic and passionate that kissing in the rain, no matter what the conversation was leading up to it.  Don’t believe me?  Just take a look.  
9. Learn a new craft – I originally wrote this as find “find a new hobby,” but I want to do something that’s going to enhance my skill set.  Maybe I’ll learn to knit. Or play the guitar. Or something. I’m open to suggestions here.  Write’em in the comments.
10. Write a novel – this will be happening in November.  Last year, some friends of mine participated in National Novel Writing Month and I thought it was pretty sick.  So I’m adding it to the list.
11. Lose 10 pounds – constant struggle, but it needs to be here, so let’s do this.
12. Read the Bible from cover-to-cover – I was thinking about a book I really wanted to read. This was the only one that came to mind. I’m tired of people always trying to tell me what it says, so I’ll just read the whole thing for myself. This is probably the toughest one of the list, but the challenge of it really excites me.
13. Set foot on land I’ve never been to – I wanted to write “continent” but I figured I’d keep the price bracket a little lower. We’ll see where I end up.  We all know how much I love to travel.
14. Go on a trip with a friend (or two) – as I’ve written, I like to travel alone. I think this will be a pretty cool learning experience, traveling with other people. I’m hoping I can convince my besties to come with, but we’ll see. 
15. Work on my language skills – I’m not going to put this one in a box. I could increase my vocab in my native language or keep growing my skills in Spanish.  But I’ll be honest.  What I really want to do is learn French (there’s a reason, but look for that in a future post). So, we’ll see what happens with this. 
16. Try Pole Dancing – because it seems awesome.  And it’ll serve me well in the long run.
17. Finish this list – this might be one of the last things I actually do, and it’ll get pushed back a number every time I come up with something new.  And again, I’m open to suggestions. 

Alrighty, there it is.  My quarter life crisis solving list.  I’m trying to be better person, so here’s a bunch of ways to help me grow.  I’ll make sure to give you an update.  Wish me luck.  And keep me honest.