Before I'm 30

This year I will celebrate my final birthday in my twenties. What that means in regards to my extended family is that this is actually my last birthday and whenever people ask me how old I am, I forever get to respond, "29."
Last year a friend and I were talking about things we want to accomplish before we turn 30. A Bucket List of sorts. She decided to name hers "10 in 2" and write down ten things she wanted to do in two years. Brilliant idea. I wanted to do the same but couldn't come up with ten things. So I came up with four. Shall I call it the "4 in 1"?

Without further ado, drumroll please, here is my (short) list in no particular order:

1. Run a half marathon. A full marathon is just plain crazy, but I'd love to do a half. If you recall, my husband ran a half marathon last summer so this year we are going to run it together in support of World Vision. Our church has a World Vision partnership in Zambia so we'll be helping to raise money and awareness for the ministries our church supports. I'm currently looking for a few running buddies (hint, hint.... anyone?).

2. Learn French. Why not? French is the world's most widely spoken language (with English as the second most popular) and is spoken in many African nations in addition to France and Canada. I'm currently downloading some "Instant Immersion" cds that I got from the into my iTunes now. However, I'm a visual learner and without a book with the spellings, listening to the tracks may not be as fruitful as I hope.

3. Get my reading license. I only have one more course to complete and then the official reading licensure test before I'll be an official K-12 Reading Teacher. Yes, it's true, I've already done the job as a reading teacher and I loved it! But getting the real license will hopefully help me secure a job more easily. So, the plan is for me to take my final course and the test this summer and hopefully (seeing how the job market pans out) get a job for next school year. I'm really enjoying being a stay at home mom, but everything has a season and it may be time for me to go back to work next fall..... we'll see.

4. Compile a list of Twin Cities Bakeries and taste test their goodies! I love, love, love to bake (please refrain from comments about how my waistline proves that fact)! Writing a list of bakeries in my area, along with a critique of each, would be just downright fun!

I also had on the list to lose a few pounds, but the older I get, the less I care about the numbers on the scale. I have two pounds to lose before I hit my pre-babies weight (which once I'm done nursing, those few pounds will disappear) but I've realized that it's more about being healthy and strong and fit than how much I weigh. So that one got crossed off the list.

To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to my next two birthdays because along with birthdays, come greater accomplishments, wisdom, and, of course, birthday cake.