Something to Look Forward to!

There is something refreshing, stimulating and exciting about having something to look forward to.  Whether it's nearing the end of your first pregnancy, or the arrival of a package, or in our case a long weekend...the anticipation is a pleasant arousal.  I literally just feel all riled up with internal smiles.  I'm SO looking forward to our ride in the car together - the ebb and flow of comfortable conversation, and our time to be spent with "easy" friends(you know the kind...spending time with them is like putting on your comfiest jeans, or laying on the deepest pillow top mattress...restful and easy.)  I look forward to knitting, carefree hours spent laughing and talking over cocktails, a day spent in Portland, and mostly just decompressing.  Sounds beautiful doesn't it?  J.

50 Before 50

So here it is!  This is my 50 Before 50 list(in no particular order).  These are things I want to accomplish/do before I turn 50 in 5 1/2 years.  I reserve the right to swap out for something better.  :)  Some of my choices might raise eyebrows, but I hope you understand the lightheartedness with which I put this list together...purposing to step outside my comfort zone as much as possible, stretch, and grow as a person/woman.  Feel free to laugh!  Enjoy!  JH

1. Get a Passport

2. Gallop a horse along a beach

3. Become a runner – Run a 5K to prove it.

4. Learn to be a friendly neighbor

5. See the Northern Lights

6. Learn to rock a hula hoop

7. Cloister alone for a weekend – speak to no human

8. Go fishing for the first time

9. Find a Sushi I like

10. Lose 30 pounds

11. Visit Mt. Rainier

12. Pay for the meal of the person behind me in the drivethrough

13. Make Pottery on a wheel

14. Kiss at the top of the Empire State Building

15. Take Guitar lessons – Play a song for someone to prove it.

16. Get a Brazillian Wax

17. Surprise a friend

18. Surprise myself
19. Have a drink at Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia tower (2nd highest Starbucks in the world)

20. Buy a Serger and learn how to use it.

21. Find a red wine I enjoy

22. Sky dive

23. Ride in a helicopter

24. Volunteer at Children’s Hospital

25. Take a swim class – learn Swimmer’s breathing & End of lane Flip

26. Ride a zip line – in an exotic place

27. Read the Bible straight through in a weekend.

28. Go river rafting

29. Hike by moon light

30. Wear a real flower lei in Hawaii

31. Take a class about the Stock Market

32. Remove my Age spot

33. Ride a Jet ski

34. Snorkel off a tropical island

35. Take Piano lessons

36. Get a tattoo

37. Take an art class

38. Learn to surf

39. Master Crocheting

40. Dance like no one is watching

41. Learn to eat proficiently with chopsticks

42. Go Vegetarian for a month

43. Build a dining room table (and chairs?)

44. See an Opera

45. Take a Spanish Class

46. Knit something for myself with “expensive” yarn

47. Skinny dip

48. Take a flower arranging class

49. Treat myself to a spa weekend

50. Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center

Swim lessons - Update

A short update on my swim lessons:  I have taken 4 classes now and I’m excited to tell you all that I have successfully learned to do the breathing.  Last night I swam several full lengths of the pool breathing alternating between the left and right.  My biggest problem is stamina.  I get winded too easily.  That will come with practice and time.  My teacher told me that my stroke looks great, even when I tire.  So WHOO HOO!!!   It feels so great to have struggled but pushed through.  I feel so strong when I’m swimming.  I’m still trying to find that groove where you are just swimming along without too much thought, effort, or accidently trying to breathe into my nose instead of out.  I feel that with another practice or two I will be ready to learn the next thing.  I am signing up for the next session of classes as well.  I’m SO excited!