Thirty…One Year Later

So, about a year ago I set some goals for myself.  I was turning 30, so I made 30 goals.   

First, the ones I didn’t do:

Lose 25 pounds – So didn’t happen. I like to eat too much, I guess.  I am moving more and exercising regularly so I’m okay with this.  Corn row hair – Every time that it was time to do her hair, I would think, “oh, I’ll corn row it next time.”  And here we are a year later, and I didn’t do it.  See Mt. St. Helens – We never got there.  We planned it a couple times and each time we would wake up to clouds and rains and I’ve been told you should only go when it’s clear. Crater Lake – It’s a drive (5+ hours) so we never made it.  Probably not this summer either. Hopefully in 2011.  Attend the temple 12 times – Once a month.  It doesn’t seem like it should be that hard.  I guess I didn’t put enough effort forth, because I only got inside to do a session twice.  I took the kids a couple times and we walked the grounds.  I could be disappointed with myself on this, but the way I look at it, there will be a season in my life when it is easier to get there and spend the time.  And I can’t wait! Paint Doors and Shutters Black – It’s in the plans.  But it hasn’t happened yet.  Make my kids Christmas Pajamas – Whoops.  I can’t follow a pattern to save my life and when I was with people that can, that wasn’t what I wanted to do. (And with after Thanksgiving sales, pajamas are so cheap!)  Paint the Master Bedroom – Too lazy for this one, I guess.  Learn to Hand Quilt – I still want too.

Things I did half way:

Write my daughter’s birth-mother a letter – I did this one.  I wrote it.  But I didn’t mail it.  Writing it was enough for me.  It got my thoughts and feelings out.  And, perhaps someday she will read it (along with other letters that I have written).  Read Psalms – I’m 2/3 the way through.  I am enjoying it and savoring the words.  Read the Ensign each month – I read 9/12 (and I’m still working on May).  Send hand written cards and letters – Thank you cards after Christmas were sent and I sent a couple letters last week.  I’d like to make this more of a regular thing though.

Things I did do:

Submit an essay to Segullah – I did this.  It wasn’t accepted.  And that’s okay.  I also submitted to Desert Saints Magazine – you can read my articles here and here.  Submit to Mormon Women – I did this.  I had several essays “published” there.  In fact, I am the admin on the Facebook page, and I monitor the Twitter account.  (I also watermark pictures).  And write when I feel inspired.  Invite people to dinner – I had hoped to invite more couples over as a way to get to know more people and make more friends.  We had my brother over a few times, my sister and her family over, the missionaries and another cute family over too.  Try New Recipes – I did this.  I tried some great ones too.  Read Harry Potter #1 – I did this. It was good.  I’m not in a big rush to read the rest, but I’ll probably read #2 eventually.  Get New Family Pictures – Done!  Join a volleyball league – I played in one for two seasons.  It was so much fun. Get Highlights – They were subtle but they were there.  Now that it’s summer again, I’m thinking I need more! Enter some Photo Contests – I entered a few.  Didn’t win any, but that’s okay.  Volunteer in the Classroom & Join the Parent Group – Done and done, and planning for next year all ready. Use Scrapbook Supplies – A friend pushed me into doing this.  So I did, and then she moved.  So I haven’t in a while, but I have plans too. Take Portraits of Kids – I got a couple good ones, and our friend that did our family pictures got a couple good ones.  Grow Some of Our Own Food – Last year we did strawberries and tomatoes.  The tomatoes failed.  This year we have planted cabbage, strawberries and tomatoes.  Camp on the Oregon Coast – We did this last July.  It was fun. And an adventure!  Finish the Portland to Coast Relay – Done! And doing it again this year.

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The last thing on my list was Enjoy Being Me – I’m pleased to say, that overall, I am.  I have days when I’m disappointed with myself (for losing my temper, lack of self control or whatever) but I’m happy.  I’ve got a wonderful husband and good kids.  We live in a beautiful place.  The kitchen is stocked.  We have good friends.  I’m blessed.