40 x 40

Tomorrow is my birthday.  35 this year.  Over the last couple of months I have felt inspired to start a 40 by 40 list - a list of 40 things I would like to accomplish by my 40th birthday.  Some of things I want to include are long-term goals or just items that I know won't happen in the short term, so I thought it would be good to give myself the next 5 years to accomplish everything.  Part of my reason for starting this blog was to provide some accountability for this list.  I figure if I have it posted on the internet for anyone to see (even if no one reads it) I would be more determined to accomplish each item.  It is still a work in process (not quite up to 40 items yet) and will be revised throughout the process, as needed.  For now, here is my list:

1. Pay off debt
2. Start a new job
3. Finish a quilt
4. Learn to crochet
5. Take the kids to Disneyland or Disney World
6. Go on a vacation with my husband - just us
7. Make a family recipe binder
8. Make a meal planner
9. Finish a filing system for all paperwork and keepsakes
10. Write a will
11. Get a tattoo
12. Learn to can food
13. Go on a zip line
14. Get the backyard in order & build a clubhouse for the girls
15. Start a blog to track my progress with this list
16. Exercise regularly - 3 times a week
17. Get new living room furniture
18. Finish fixing up the inside of the house
19. Get and stay organized
20. Complete a scrapbook for each of the girls
21. Have all 40 items listed by my 35th birthday (this didn't happen, so this is one that will be revised a bit)
22. Finish Christmas stockings
23. Write down the girls' birth stories
24. Make at least 1 recipe out of each of my cookbooks
25. Frame and hang my favorite pictures
26. Frame or finish my cross stitch projects
27. Fix up the front yard
28. Stop drinking so much soda
29. Make time to do something creative each week
30. Plan ahead more for dinners
31. Live a "greener" life
32. Be comfortable with who I am and what I believe; don't be so concerned with what someone else might think or if my beliefs will offend anyone
33. Train for & complete a mud run, obstacle course, or similar event
34. Take the girls on a beach vacation
35. For one year, make all gifts that I give

So, it is almost complete.  It's not really a "bucket list" as some others are that I have come across, but it is filled with things I want to accomplish.  If anyone is reading and has any ideas for the last 5 items to complete the list, I would love to hear them!  I can now cross off item #15, so I am already in good shape.  I'll post updates as I complete each item.  Let's see how long it takes me...