Checkity check!

Well, here it is… time for a 30 while 30 list check in. If you remember (as I am sure you do), I turned 30 in November. So I have had about two months to get to work on my goals. I have to say, although I have only progressed a little, I have started to work on some of the bigger ones. I am actually proud of myself for (uncharacteristically) not procrastinating. And because I am sure you are waiting with bated breath, I won’t put it off any longer… The big check in:
I have begun to work on what I believe to be the biggest of my goals: #10. Be at a place where I am satisfied with my health. The gym has been helping. We have also been cooking better meals with more veggies. I still have a ways to go, however. At least I got started.
I have also started #3. Plant a garden. We’re moving right along in the garden prep area.
Hello, in case you haven’t met me, my name is Emily and I am actively weaning my child (#13). Slowly but surely. I’ll bet you all can’t wait for me to complete this one so there will be no more breast posts.
And now, to the goals I can cross the heck off:
#19. Write Josephine’s birth story. If you haven’t read it yet, be prepared. It’s long as hell.
#23. Put together a family picnic for my high school friends so that we can all meet each other’s spouses and families.
This came together pretty seamlessly. This past weekend a group of my high school friends and their children and significant others (if applicable) got together at a friend’s parent’s house to hang out and barbeque. It was amazing and fun, and really, I feel guilty about saying that I put it together. Our friend Lori was stopping though our hometown for a couple of weeks. A bunch of people on Facebook said they wanted to see her. Lori said a date that would work for her, and I put together a Facebook event. After that, everyone pretty much planned it together, worked out the kinks in the plan due to weather, and showed up. Easy Peasy.

I have to say, this was way more fulfilling and fun than I could have planned. I haven’t been around all those people in a long long time (especially not all together like that). It was fascinating to hear about where each person was and is in life and catch up. It was brilliant seeing their children, and watching my child interact (as much as my very independent march to her own drum two year old could) with theirs.

A few of the kids playing in the back yard.

And how much fun to see and meet the boyfriends/husbands/girlfriends/wives of the people you knew so well way back when. I have to say, my friends have great taste in spouses and significant others. They were all really nice people. And funny. And talented. But so are these friends, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

Watching Ashleigh and Eddie’s amazing short Summer of the Zombies

The laughter and reminiscing was so beautiful, and I really hope this happens again. And that more people can make it. And that next time I can spend even more time catching up. What fun.

So there it be… my 30 while 30 update. Still a lot to do, still a long way to go, but on it’s way none the less. I think I want to pick out a fun one to do next. Like maybe the date night one. Lord knows we need a date night up in here.
And while I’m at it, thanks to those of you who read. I feel like this blog has already helped to motivate me to live a healthier, more well balanced, more active, less lazy, more inspired life. At the very least it has pushed me to take at least some action and given me a place to write. So thanks. Although I think I might still be doing this if not a soul read it, the encouragement and comments here and on Facebook when I post are kind and appreciated. Thank you readers, friends, and lurkers alike!

Emily’s 30 While 30 List
1. Clean Josephine’ playhouse out
2. Buy new underwear (yeah, I said it)
3. Plant a garden
4. Host a yoga day with friends
5. Have a backyard campout
6. Organize the guest room
7. Make Josephine a star shaped wand (I made some of these a few years ago for children I know. Josephine has yet to get one)
8. Go away with Taylor for at least two nights (a calmer version of Vegas?)
9. Get a family photo taken
10. Be at a place where I am satisfied with my health
11. Re-furbish the playground in the back yard
12. Get my eyebrows done professionally (I’ve always wanted to do this)
13. Wean Josephine
14. Write at least one children’s poem (I used to do this for the 52 Week Club. I’d like to do that again)
15. Set up my sewing machine
16. Create a socializing spot outside
17. Decide if we would like to have another child (don’t get me started, I’ll flip flop all over the place)
18. Go on a camping trip with Taylor and Josephine
19. Write Josephine’s birth story
20. Go to the Academy of Sciences
21. Ride a mechanical bull (it is a lifelong dream of mine. I live in the Cowboy Capital of the World. I really have no excuse)
22. Blog at least once a week
23. Put together a family picnic for my high school friends so that we can all meet each other’s spouses and families.
24. Write at least one letter that isn’t a thank you card and mail it old school
25. Get our sun room/office/art space up and running
26. Take one week off from Facebook (because everyone needs a break)
27. Have dinner with one couple who we have never had dinner with before
28. Volunteer somewhere outside of work
29. Set up a regular date night with Taylor
30. Get a massage (so hard, right?)