30 before 30: Get Henna

Last weekend was Salt Lake Comic Con FanX. I was walking around the vendor with Kid K while Sis fed Baby B when I saw a big sign proclaiming "HENNA". What a great opportunity to check something off my list! So on Saturday I went and got henna.

I did an "artist's special"--I paid the money and just told the artist that I liked lotus flowers and she made up this design right on the spot.

This was taken right after it was done.

After I peeled off the paste that night. It has since darkened.

Didn't she do such a beautiful job? I also liked the smell of the henna--like a mix between turmeric and nutmeg.

I'd most definitely get henna again.

30 before 30: Learn to Oil Paint

Now, I can't say that this is finished, since I feel that learning an art skill is a life long endeavor--something I've learned from my 24 years of playing the piano. But I have learned a lot since I started in January and I want to mark something off my list. :)

For most of my life, I thought that art was not for me. I thought it took a talent that I wasn't born with and so, as much as I love art, I never tried to really learn. About 8 years ago when I was on my study abroad, I took a drawing class, because I needed at least 2 classes and that one seemed better than the other. That class was the first time that I realized that I could draw something somewhat well. There were a lot of things I didn't understand and no matter how many times it was explained to me and how I tried, apparently it was never right (looked right to me though!). When it came to "figure drawing" and we were sent out to the museum to pick a statue to draw, I drew something I could be proud of.

I wasn't the only one who chose that statue (to be fair, it was probably the easiest statue to draw, so it's not surprising), and I think it's interesting that each person drew the statue differently. We unconsciously inserted our own perceptions of beauty and women (the statue is of Eve), and I think art, in a way, shows how each individual views the world, even if we are all drawing/painting/whatever the same thing.

That was a long winded introduction into my painting. I have seen myself improve these past couple of months. The way I look at the world is different; I find myself looking at colors, shadows, shapes, etc. I bought a sketchbook. After viewing a lot of different tutorials online, I have become encouraged by how positive and helpful these people are--people who believe that anyone can do art. They explain sketching things out in a way that I can follow--even simple human figures. They are teaching me different ways of interpreting the literal world into something that resembles it, but doesn't at the same time. Something that tells a story.

I know that I'm never going to be a great artist. I'm not going to be paid thousands of dollars for a painting. But I've found something that calms me, that gives me joy in creation. Creating something that I can look at, that I can give to someone else to show my love for them, that's pretty amazing.

One thing I would like to learn is how not to get messy. I watch these artists on YouTube and they may get a little paint on their hands. For me, it's like paint is just drawn to my hands the moment I open my pallet. And then I get paint all up my arm. It's a good thing I have an outfit specifically for painting, but those are also covered in paint. (There is something about the fact that you can tell that I'm right handed by where most of the paint is on my clothes. Like, if I were arrested of murder or something and the person was killed by someone left handed, these clothes would prove me innocent)

Here are some samples of my paintings:

The first painting I ever did. Still makes me laugh.
 I was trying to follow a Bob Ross video.

My second painting. It was slightly better. 

After this point, I got some advice on better paints, which made a big difference.

This is the first painting I was truly proud of.

Another attempt at mountains. Look how much better they are!

My latest (finished) painting. "Second Star to the Right"
In my sketch book I have a lot of plans for paintings
based on my favorite movies and books. 

30 before 30: Change My Job Situation

Last month I applied to another job. For nearly the past two years, I had been looking for and applying for jobs off and on. I had started to become discouraged. I'd apply for a job and either never hear from them or get an interview and then never hear from them. 

It's a hard cycle to constantly be in.

So when I applied to this job, I was like, "Well, I did what I could do, time to move on." 

Then I received an email requesting a phone interview. That seemed to go pretty well. That night I got called to set up an in person interview. Two days later--nervous as all getout--I had my in person interview.

And I totally bombed it. Seriously. I started my interview with "I'm just really nervous . . ." which I'm pretty sure is number 2 on the list of interview don'ts, closely following "Don't wear sweatpants". And I felt that every answer I gave was wandering and tangential, and worst of all, WAY too long. I found myself thinking "Shut up. Stop talking now." This all means that I left the interview feeling pretty sure I wasn't going to get the job. And completely exhausted because of how nervous I had been all day.

I sleepwalked through the weekend, trying to forget, but having to relive it whenever someone asked how my interview had gone. And then Monday I was asked to come in for a third interview. That completely blew the socks off me. 

Tuesday I went in, and left with an unofficial job offer! What the what?!

In two days time, I will start my new job as an Editor, course of study for the College of Healthcare Professionals at Western Governors University.

ACK!

:)

30 Before 30: Make a Souffle

During the holiday, my mom and I attempted another of my 30 before 30 goals: Successfully make a souffle!

I had wanted to try it out for a while, but it seemed pretty overwhelming, so I'm glad I had my mom to help.

Well, we did it on one try! We made this recipe from Martha Stewart.

Here are a few pictures:

Buttered and sugared souffle dish 

Chocolate base

Beating the egg whites

In the dish with buttered parchment paper around it

Complete!

And it tasted pretty good too.

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.