Sunday, September 2, 2012

20 x 40 Update


Last year, I posted about my 20 x 40 list...the list of 20 goals I want to accomplish by the time I turn 40.  I figured it was a good time for me to recap and update the list, marking off what I've already accomplished and updating some of the goals to fit what I've decided are now more pertinent.

Learn to can fruits and veggies
Last year, the dad of my best friend taught me how to can fruits and veggies.  It was a great night.  I spent the evening giggling and recalling stupid things that my bestie and I did as teenagers.  Best part...I came home with 10 cans of green beans and 5 cans of stewed tomatoes.  Also, I brought home a canning bounty for Christmas.  Can't wait to give it a go myself.

Learning the ropes

my bounty...

Sew a quilt

Sew something for ME

Road trip across the United States
I did this several years ago, when I was headed to Colorado to write my comps.  However, we were on a time frame, so I never got to stop and see the random things along the way...like the world's largest porcupine or world's tiniest dog.  So, I'd really like to do it again, but this time stop to enjoy the trip.

Take a calligraphy class
I took a calligraphy class, and I've decided it isn't for me.  I just didn't love it...although, my teacher did tell me I had great attention to detail.

Complete a triathalon

MAKE all my gifts for a year

Shop the World Longest Yard Sale

Learn to use power tools

Write a children's book

Make Gran's cookbook

Adopt from Africa
Fear not, you haven't missed a big announcement that there is a baby living in my house.  However, I have initiated this process.  The next step on my adoption check off is a "home visit."  During this step, professionals come into your house, interview you, and make sure that you have a house that could support a child.  I haven't wanted to begin this part of the process in my current house because it is not the best set up for a child.  However, once in my new ranch style house, this will be towards the top of my to-do list.

Improve my digital photography skills (and learn to use Photoshop Elements)

Become a foster parent
After much thought and prayer, I don't believe fostering is for me right now.  I don't have the schedule and set up to be a great support for a child.  So, I decided to do the next best thing.  I'm working on my final week of training to become a CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.  These people are appointed by judges in juvenile cases where a child has been removed from their home and are in state care.  The CASA is the advocate and voice for the child.  I'm very excited to start this process because I feel like it is an opportunity to use my God given gifts of love, passion, and empathy for children.

www.casaforchildren.org

Travel to 6 of the 7 continents (sorry Antarctica) - getting closer
I haven't totally completed this component of my 20 x 40 list, but I am getting closer.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach in China.  The experience was interesting.  I pictured China to be very technological with large buildings and lots of people, similar to Beijing.  However, I taught in a "rural" area of two million people.  It was a great experience.  I'd like to get back to see more of the sights.  Because of my teaching schedule, I didn't have a lot of time to sightsee.  

Bikes, bikes and more bikes

Last month, I also traveled to New Zealand.  Now, that might be a stretch to call this part of the Australian continent, but I did find on-line that some people clump New Zealand, Australia, and the South-pacific together as the Oceania or Australasia continent.  So, in case I don't make it back to Australia...I'm counting it.






Also, I'm in the process of submitting a presentation proposal for a conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  So, hopefully I will be totally finished with this goal by the end of next year.

Write 365 thank you notes

Take 365 photos

Learn to UTILIZE my serger

Visit a fortune teller
Well, I didn't pay a fortune teller to read my future, but I did partake in a fun little children's literature tarot card reading.  One of the professors at NGCSU, kindly agreed to read the children's literature card and relate it to my current and future life.  It was a fun break from writing while we were working hard on several manuscripts...and such a lovely bonding experience.

Live in another country for 6 months

Obviously, I still have plenty of room to grow.  I have well over half of my list still to go, but some of them are getting closer.  I have to admit that it has been liberating altering parts of the list.  Sometimes experiences aren't what you thought they'd be and other times your wishes change.  So, here I am...content with where I've gone and what I've done, but also with lots of room to grow.
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1 comment:

  1. I have missed your blog! I love knowing what you are up to!

    Adopting from AFRICA?!? Amazing...keep me posted!

    Good luck on the move next weekend....will miss you at the wedding!

    ReplyDelete