Well, it would seem that the calendar year is quickly coming to a close. And with that, it seems like a good time to check in on the good, ol’ 30 by 30 list. A little over 4 months in–over a third of the year gone–so how far along am I? Well, let’s see …
- Complete the Nashville Rock and Roll ½ Marathon – The training was going well. Then not well. Thankfully I have 5 more months before the race. 🙂
- Write 2 novels – Umm … let’s skip this one right now …
- Read all of Jane Austen’s Books – I read Pride and Prejudice and am afraid the rest will be as painful. But I’ll keep it at it.
- Go to an NFL game – Well, I had a ticket to go to see the Titans and Colts play last week. And then I remembered I’d be out of town for work! Whoops! Not sure if I’ll get to do this one.
- Save $1500 toward a trip to Scotland/Ireland – Hmm … I should get started on this.
- Finish Caleb’s fire truck cross stitch – About half way there. Gotta keep working on it.
- Visit 3 Civil War battlefields – So far, I’ve visited the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House. Both key locations in the Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864 I was supposed to go see Shiloh with another author friend, but that may have to wait until the weather warms up a little bit.
- See Brandon Heath in concert – Done and done. LOVED him at the Bluebird!
- Visit Boone Hall in South Carolina (Mount Royal Plantation) – Haven’t made my plans yet, but I think I can get a cheap plane ticket out that direction and will likely do it in the spring.
- Donate $1000 to World Vision for Micro-loans – Working on it. Penny by penny. Nickel by nickel.
- Get a contract for a 3-book deal – I’ve talked to my editor about my 3-book series idea. She said she likes the idea and can’t wait to see the proposal. That makes two of us. 🙂 Guess I better get on that.
- Find a place to serve at my new church – This is always so hard. Well, I’m just trusting that the new year will bring new opportunities.
- Take a cooking class at Whole Foods – My sweet friend Katie Bond is on board for this one. Looking for just the right opportunity.
- Give away 20 of the books on my shelves – Done! I gave away 12 books in my Great October Book Giveaway (congrats to all you winners), and another 10 to a friend who LOVES to read. Feels great to share the love.
- Buy flowers for a friend for no reason – Not yet.
- Eat something with mushrooms – Someone suggested pizza because it masks the taste. Good idea!
- See a show at TPAC – Planning to buy my tickets this week to see Les Miserables in May. Can. Not. Wait.
- Read the Bible in a Year – Working my way through. Among other books have thoroughly appreciated the lessons in the book of Ruth.
- Take an adult beginner dance class – Next summer, methinks.
- Visit the Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios in Orlando – Jess Lacy and I are making plans even now.
- Catch up on the TV show Chuck – Not doing so well with this one yet. But I’m optimistic. Captain Awesome needs some company.
- Volunteer at least 10 hours at a local food bank/shelter – Not yet.
- Read a #1 New York Times Bestseller when it’s #1 – Well, I thought that I was reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins at the right time. But I think I was wrong. Will have to try again.
- Go a week without eating out – I did this back in August without even thinking about it. I just looked up one day and realized that I hadn’t eaten out in 8 days. Funny how something that you think might be hard actually ends up being no test at all.
- Host a dinner party for at least 4 friends – Yup! Katie helped me host a very fun, very yummy pajama party in honor of Heather Cadenhead’s book Inventory of Sleeping Things. Get it? Sleeping things … pajamas. So fun!
- Write a Christmas short story – Well, considering that I’m on contract for one now, I best have it done by February 1.
- Drop 2 dress sizes – Working on it. Right along with that 1/2 marathon.
- Sing karaoke in public – Not yet.
- Drink only water for 2 weeks straight – I keep forgetting about this, but it seems a wonderful idea. Note to self. Get on this.
- Vacation on Prince Edward Island – It was AWE. SOME. So much fun! If you missed the pictures, go here.
Well, by my count that’s 5 completed. Only 1/6 of the way done. Guess I should get rocking and rolling. How are you doing on the goals you set for yourself this year?