30 before 30: Climb a Tree

Yesterday I went to my brother's house to help him plant some stuff. While I was there I thought that I could mark something off of my list and climb one of his trees!

After giving me a boost (because I'm short), I crouched in the tree looking for the next place to go, Bro coaching me from the ground. Then I remembered something--I have a big fear of falling. I went to a place about 6 inches higher than I was, wrapped my arms around it and asked, "Does this count?"

Bro: "Do you think it counts?"

Me: "Yes! Take the picture!"

Getting down was even scarier, and involved Bro laughing at me and telling me that he had me and to move my other leg, and now my arm.

So, I don't think I'm going to be trying that again (however romantic climbing trees sounds in my head).

30 before 30: Sign up to be a bone marrow donor

Okay, so it isn't quite complete yet because I'm still waiting for the kit and then I'll have to send it back it, but I'm calling it complete. 

I read through all the information on bethematch.org about what it means to be a bone marrow donor and the different methods they use. I also learned that only 1 in 500 people on the registry are ever called to donate, which is surprising, and that you stay in the registry until you're 61. So I could never be called, or I could be called next week or in 5 years. Kind of interesting to think about. 

This is an amazing thing and I really encourage everyone to look into it and consider it. 

30 before 30

So, I know that it's a little cliche or whatever, but I decided to make a list of things I want to do before I turn 30. That gives me 2 1/2 years to complete the list, which I am definitely going to need for some of these items. :) The reason I thought about doing a 30 before 30 list is because there are things that I keep saying I want to do, but I never do them, so I'm giving myself a deadline. And also, I was just starting to feel like I haven't done a lot lately.

I tried to pick a wide variety of items that would improve me spiritually, physically, and mentally, and that would hopefully teach me something. There are also a few things that will hopefully help me get closer to my family.

So here's the list:

Learn to ride a motorcycle
I've wanted to do this for a while, but I'm kind of a scaredy cat. I'm thinking that maybe I can convince my brother to take the class with me.

Finish writing a book
I'm great at starting them, not so great at finishing them.

Go back to England
When I turn 30 it will have been 10 years since I went. This is the next trip I'm going to save up for.

Learn to do my own make-up/hair
To be honest, I just fake it and hope it doesn't look horrible.

See the Northern Lights
Apparently there's a place in Colorado where you can see them in January.

Learn to oil paint
Sis is gonna help with this. :)

Have my first kiss
Yes, I realize how lame it is to be 27 and never been kissed. And I also realize that this is dependent on another person.

Catch fireflies
I have never seen fireflies. We don't have them in Utah. I may have to go visit a friend somewhere.

Have professional pictures taken
Other than school photos, I have never had this done.

Enter something in a contest
Don't know what at this moment, or what contest, but something.

Buy something from Tiffany
They have a whole section of things for under $250. And since I don't think anyone will ever buy me something from Tiffany, I'm gonna give the blue box to myself.

Create a "work of art" by throwing balloons full of paint at a canvas

OH YEAH! This is gonna be freaking awesome. Sis already said that she would do it with me and maybe we can have Kid K (who was once Baby E) help with it.

Change my job situation

Successfully make a soufflé

When I was unemployed, I bought all the stuff to make a chocolate soufflé, but then I chickened out because it seemed too involved. 

Make a video and post it on YouTube

Have a hand-made Christmas

Surprise, family!

Apply to grad school, again

I have three more years before my GRE scores become invalid and I have to take it again.

Get henna

A lot of lists say something about getting a tattoos. I don't want anything permanent, but henna is beautiful.

Buy an awesome costume for comic con

See a ballet

The last (and only, I think) ballet I saw was The Nutcracker when I was pretty young. I don't think I appreciated it.

Climb a tree

My bro just moved into his house and it has some trees that look very climbable.

Get a bull's eye

I've gotten an interest in archery lately, so this will make me go more often.

Finish David Copperfield

I started this 3? years ago. It's time to finish it.

Get a pen pal

I like getting letters. I may adopt a soldier or something. 

Learn more about being a bone marrow donor and sign-up on bethematch.org

Have my dad teach me to turn

My grandpa taught Sis and Bro how to turn wooden bowls on a lathe. I never really wanted to because tools scare me, which I think is the reason why I should.

Attend the temple once a month

I should really be better about this, so I'm giving myself a goal.

Go to my 10 year high school reunion

Next year, guys. It's gonna be weird. Also, I didn't even get invited to my 5 year, so we'll see what happens this time around.

Finish the Book of Mormon

Begin the process of buying a house

This is contingent on finding a different, more stable job. But it's always been part of what I called my "alternate life plan" (which is starting to become just my life plan), which was to first have my own home by the time I was 30. We'll see what happens.

So, there it is! I'm going to print it out and put it somewhere where I can see it everyday to motivate me to do it. I'll keep you updated.

On Being Happy

I know it's been a LONG time since I've written on this blog. With my book review blog, work, and other writing, I haven't been keeping up with this as well as I used to do.

The last month or so has been filled with some really hard things, personally. I've been angrier than I have been in a while, and sadder, too. This has all just added to my stress. So about two weeks ago, I decided to start exercising again.

Those who know me, know that I do not like exercising. Yeah yeah, it's good for you, blah blah blah, but the act of doing it? Nope. I don't like it. But since I decided too start, I've been working out 6 days a week. It's just a little bit, but it's something and I've been lengthening how long each week.

Then something happened this week.

I've worked out everyday after work (just at home with the help of apps and a Wii). Every morning I've been reading my scriptures as I eat breakfast. And on Wednesday I went to the temple after work. Then on Thursday, I realized something. I was getting my breakfast ready and I stopped because something felt different. I took stock of my body and my mind and I realized what it was: I felt good. I felt less stressed and a little happier. And that is a big deal for me. Especially at 6:45 in the morning.

I learned something that I had been hearing all along. If you take care of your physical and spiritual health, your mental health will benefit. Which is why I'm determined to keep exercising, going to church, reading my scriptures, and attending the temple. Because the blessings of them far outweigh any inconvenience I might think they create.

Dear Baby E, This Christmas

Dear Baby E,

You aren't so much a baby anymore--you are almost 18 months! After you and your parents moved to Utah, I've seen you grow and change so much!

Here are a few highlights from our Christmas together:

You were sick the whole time, but there were still moments of sweetness.

You LOVE helping to clean. You actually just love helping. First, you help make dinner. After dinner you want to help wash the dishes. You like to vacuum and sweep. Basically, if someone is doing something, you want to do it too. And you are so quick at learning! I'm not biased or anything, but I'm pretty sure that you're one of the smartest kids around.

Speaking of which, we worked on your animal sounds. You know cow (mmmm) and sheep (aaaa). We also taught you what sharks say (doo do. doo do. doo do doododododododo) and sea turtles (duuude). We're still working on the sea turtles.

Then I taught you how to "touch" like Gr. Grandpa does, and how to fist pump and explode it. It's basically the cutest thing ever.

Except for one. We were playing one time, just you and me. And you picked up your little Hello Kitty bag and walked toward the hall. You stopped part way there and turned and waved. I waved back. Then you came back toward me and gave me a kiss (the first time you had ever given me a kiss!). Then you walked back toward the hall, turned and waved at me again. After I waved, you came back and gave me another kiss before walking all the down the hall to see what Mommy and Grandma were up to. It was probably the highlight of my weekend.

Even when you are grumpy and won't eat or sleep or wake me up before 6 am, I still love you, girl.

Your Auntie