30 Before 30: An Update

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I’m currently working on a list of 30 things I want to do before I turn 30 on May 5, 2011. Thought it was time for a little update on how I’m doing!

1. Learn to play an instrument. I’ve dabbled a bit on the guitar, with Robbie’s help, but not enough. In fact, it’s been weeks since I’ve played and the callouses are coming off my fingers. Gotta get back on that.

2. Make an article of clothing. This one intimidates me. I have not begun.

3. Read Lord of the Rings. I started this week and so far I love it. I didn’t think I would, honestly. I tried to read it once before and just couldn’t do it. Maybe it’s that I have a longer attention span now, or get more sleep or something, but I’m enjoying it.

4. Be in a musical. Savoyards in the Spring, maybe. Anyone have any other local area musical productions to suggest (preferably featuring a chorus that will take people like me who aren’t necessarily great actresses/singers)?

5. Host a party for friends I haven’t seen in a long time. Still need to do this. Discussed a flannel-themed party because we all wore far too much flannel in high school.

6. See the cherry blossoms in DC. On my calendar!

7. Take an art class. Wake Tech has some art classes I’m thinking about. Maybe a drawing class in the fall.

8. Grow my own tomatoes. I’m working on it!

9. Sing karaoke (in public). Also a scary one, which I haven’t thought much about.

10. Cancel satellite TV. DONE!

11. Take a pilgrimage to my hometown, Redlands, CA. I’m so looking forward to this! I did a little Google Maps tour the other day and found this neighborhood I used to love when I was little. The houses have turrets.

12. Learn to do a loud two-fingered whistle. Anyone want to teach me? I tried to teach myself one time and just ended up light-headed and with slobber all over my fingers. True story.

13. Find my 5 healthy go-to recipes. First I have to be willing to cook. Hm. This may be harder than I planned.

14. Finish my web technologies degree. I’m taking Security 110 this summer, which is basically a Security+ class. It’s riveting. Heh.

15. Edit my wedding video. I feel as though I should edit my friend’s wedding video first, though, so I’ll get to this eventually.

16. Finish a full cycle of P90X. I’m starting this on Sunday. Here’s hoping I’ll be done with this goal 92 days from now!

17. Go kayaking. Meh, it’s too hot. Maybe this fall.

18. Stay up all night in Vegas. I’m hoping we can plan a big old West Coast trip, including Las Vegas, Redlands, Disneyland, Hollywood, and the beach.

19. Go to a roller derby match. DONE!

20. Write a movie script. This is in the “discovery” stage. Basically I’m watching a lot of Indiana Jones.

21. Run barefoot. Funny story: Today I am wearing sneakers to work (try building an outfit around that– I look like a camp counselor) because yesterday I went for a 1.5 mile walk in my high-heeled boots and got a giant blister on the ball of each foot. So running barefoot fills me with the unholy promise of pain right now, and I don’t want to think about it, really.

22. Learn all the words to a song… in French. This is le goal stupide. What was I thinking? Oh well, I’m stuck now. I’m thinking “Beyond the Sea” or some other old standard.

23. Learn to two-step. Where does one learn to two-step anyway? It’s not exactly a ballroom standard.

24. Buy an eReader. I think I’ll change this one to “get an eReader,” mostly because I don’t want to pay for one. Maybe my wish will be granted. Stranger things have happened.

25. Go vegetarian for one month. I think this will also involve me cooking stuff. Ugh.

26. Re-read and re-apply 7 Habits. Think I’ll tackle this once I’m done with Lord of the Rings. I don’t like to mix business and pleasure reading.

27. Say “yes” to something I normally wouldn’t. I can’t decide if I should cross this off or not… More details at a later date.

28. See the New England fall colors. Thinking of combining this with a trip to Boston to see my wee bruder.

29. Go to Romantic Times convention. I may actually instead go to Rom Con in Denver. I won a free ticket. But it would be better if I had also won free airfare. I know, I know.

30. ??? OMG, I still need one more thing! Someone help me! What’s missing from my list? What would be on your list? Leave it in the comments!



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  • http://twitter.com/kimberlyhirsh kimberlyhirsh

    Savoyards are your best bet for a fun, friendly group with a large chorus. PLUS you already know someone ON THE BOARD! (For the next week anyway. I might get voted off, who knows?) I promise you're good enough to be in our chorus. Other local groups take themselves too seriously, I think. And have longer drives for rehearsal.

  • http://ginnyskal.com Ginny

    Awww. I love this list, Sonja. I turn 30 on May 27, 2011 and you've just inspired me to create my own list. I'll work on it this weekend while I'm at the beach. You can borrow something from my list that I plan to do for my 30th birthday: Get another tattoo. That's right, ANOTHER. I got one 6 years ago and swore I would never get another, but times change. Good luck tackling your list. I see a lot of things on here that I may borrow. Also, not sure what kind of art class you want (you mentioned drawing) but Ornamentea has a really great Saturday class called Beadworking bootcamp. It's where I learned to make jewelry and I'm hooked. Also, I took at class at Sew Unique in Raleigh and learned how to sew a shirt this year, so maybe you can find a class too. Good luck.

  • http://sonjafoust.com/blog Sonja

    Wow, that sewing class sounds like it would help me out with the “make an article of clothing” goal. I need all the help I can get on that one. :) Good luck on your list! Please share it when you've got it! Love to see it. Maybe I'll start collecting other people's 30 Before 30 Lists and posting them here too!

  • http://sonjafoust.com/blog Sonja

    Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY a day late!

  • http://sonjafoust.com/blog Sonja

    Thanks for the info! “Friend of a board member” has got to be a good thing when auditioning, yes? :)

  • http://twitter.com/kimberlyhirsh kimberlyhirsh

    “Willing to come to rehearsal” is mostly what we require.

  • http://twitter.com/kimberlyhirsh kimberlyhirsh

    I have a friend who's taking a class at Sew Unique and really enjoying it. I'd like to do that one myself (although I HAVE made an article of clothing, yay me).

  • http://twitter.com/kimberlyhirsh kimberlyhirsh

    More betterer info: Our next show is Princess Ida http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Ida – the singthrough is Nov. 14 at the Arts Council (downstairs), auditions are December 5 – 7, rehearsal for the chorus will start in January. And there's a Savoyards party/annual meeting a week from Saturday if you just want to socialize. I'd be happy to introduce you around (but there is a $3 kitty for booze). Let me know if you want me to forward you the invite.

  • http://twitter.com/kimberlyhirsh kimberlyhirsh

    Oh and you can order a copy of the Princess Ida score from lulu.com http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/princess-… and if you're auditioning for chorus only, you can sing whatever you want for your audition.

  • ACW

    Okay, I'm not fabulous at sewing, but I was able to knock out four of these skirts for my kids last weekend:
    http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/circle-sk…
    I prefer the instructions to a cut-and-match pattern, and it's forgiving.
    Also… if you're looking for fabric, I'd recommend the Scrap Exchange on Foster St, near the farmers' market. They have a huge assortment, usually for $1-2 a yard… so if you completely hose your project (as I'm known to do), you're not out a huge investment. :)

  • http://www.bethcaudill.net/ Beth Caudill

    You know, on the play an instrument thing – I played the flute/piccolo in Jr High, High School, and College. So I already learned to play. But a few years ago, I thought it might be cool to learn to play the Cello. Still think it would be cool. I just haven't done anything about it.

    Since you don't seem to like cooking, you could add take a cooking class to #30. Maybe make it an international cuisine. I'd like to take a pastry class eventually. Just because I like to bake and I want to understand the chemistry of baking better.

    I don't really have a desire to sew clothes, but I do want to create a quilt eventually. Specifically I want a Queen sized Double Wedding Ring quilt in my wedding colors. It's a bucket type one of these days items I have.

  • http://twitter.com/clubjuggler Tanner Lovelace

    30. Learn to juggle! (It's really not that hard…)

  • http://twitter.com/clubjuggler Tanner Lovelace

    DEFINITELY go to the Savoyards party! Savoyards parties are very cool. We'd be there for it if I wasn't going to be in Vegas that day.

    Also, you should definitely audition for Princess Ida.

  • Lisa

    I can help you with the sewing if you want. :)