40 before 40

Happy birthday to me! Yup. Yesterday I turned 39. This coming year will be my last before the big 4-0. To celebrate, I made a list. ;) Because, know what? I feel like celebrating. Forty still seems like a big number, don't get me wrong, lol. But the whole "over the hill" thing doesn't make sense to me. The me who's been trying to run more lately says, if it's all downhill after 40, won't that just be easier? ;) 

So. In no particular order, here are 40 things I plan to accomplish in my fortieth year...to celebrate where I've been, who I've become and what I'm looking forward to in the coming years...

40 Before 40. 

1. Complete the Equinox half marathon (I officially blame Deanna if I live to regret this, lol.)
2. Read 40 books (Shouldn't be a problem)
3. Volunteer (I'm deliberately leaving this vague and will see what opportunities arise...)
4. Update this blog (new header and organization and maybe an actual plan?)
5. Get a good family portrait taken
6. Try a new recipe monthly
7. Pay for a stranger's meal
8. Try yoga
9. Do a pull up unassisted
10. Go to high tea with Molly
11. Draw more
12. Throw a party
13. Splurge on a "good" bra (that's not a sports bra and isn't designed only for comfort, lol)
14. Update my passport (and get some for boys)
15. Create a family portrait collage for the hallway (I've had the frame and the spot ready for ages...)
16. Read at least 5 books out loud with the boys
17. Archive all my photos
18. Watch Casablanca (because I never have)
19. Get my wisdom teeth out (not exciting, I know, but it would be nice to have done and off my list, lol)
20. Hand make Christmas cards again
21. Run 400 miles
22. Dress up for Comic Con
23. Write a letter once a month (using actual stationery and stamps)
24. Go to a drive in movie with the boys
25. Take the boys to a baseball game
26. Take an art class (for me!)
27. Grow cucamelons
28. Find my perfect pair of jeans (I hate shopping for jeans but love the convenience of jeans, so this would be huge)
29. Visit a national park I've not been to before
30. Update my will and emergency family documents
31. Make it all the way through a 30 day hula hooping challenge
32. Try a different hair color
33. Finish my unfinished projects for others
34. Go ice skating (haven't been in decades)
35. Use our new local MAX system at least once
36. Declutter at least 40 items from my stuff
37. Shoot my bow with the boys more regularly and score at least one 30
38. Establish regular date nights...once a month with each of my guys
39. Buy more shoes (because I figure I should have at least one item on here that's a given, lol)
40. Make a bucket list for the coming decade (so that I can put some bigger items on the list and have enough time to have a shot at accomplishing them) ;)

Whew. I've started a new category over on the left to track this list and will blog as I accomplish them. :) If you have any lists of your own, I'd love to celebrate with you...link me up!