OMG! I’m Almost 30 and There’s a List!

It’s a true story. I’m almost 30. I’m by no means dreading turning this age- aren’t the 30’s the new 20’s like Pink is the new Black or something like that? I’m actually quite excited about what my 30’s will bring. I hope for as much adventure, self-discovery, and ups and downs as the last decade, and I’ll embrace and cherish whatever comes my way.

The reason for the mini-freak out is that I have a list of 30 things to do before 30, and I realize I need to get moving on it! I can use every excuse there is- it is eternally winter in Calgary… I got super busy with work… or I just got lazy with it. Either way, I have a renewed sense of focus. I do, however, fully acknowledge that I may not complete everything on the list in the next 3 months. The whole purpose of my list was to motivate me to keep living, learning and experiencing. Goal-setting and me work well together. I’ve had some great experiences lately, like hiking in the Grand Canyon in early April, and hiking up Prairie Mountain last weekend. I think these are pretty list-worthy.

And since I made the list, I think I’m allowed to change it.  For example, I have now made the following update:

1. Go Skiing Snowshoeing in the Rockies

I wanted to go skiing just to do some kind of activity during the winter months. My feelings for winter are comparable to my feelings on high-fives or all things Charlie Sheen- I just don’t like. But since winter is a long season in Calgary, I figured I should do something. Though I do enjoy skiing, I’ve had a few skiing experiences where I felt I almost broke my legs. So I do have some fear and apprehension when it comes to skiing. Excuse? Maybe… because I think it’s sheer laziness that kept me from going to the mountains, and I know I’ll get back on the horse at some point. But then during an awesome Easter weekend away in Revelstoke BC with some great nerds, I was able to go snowshoeing. That’s definitely a winter activity. So I’ve now swapped skiing with snowshoeing. Just ’cause I can.

What else can I write about regarding my list? I will say it right now: I will fail to read The Kite Runner (#15). I just won’t do it.  However, I am still working away on The Comfort Trap (remember, I’m all over the self-help books as revealed in a previous posting), and The Thief of Always, by Clive Barker. I remember reading this latter book in elementary school and decided to re-read it now as an adult. It’s scary stuff for a kid! According to the Miami Herald- “Menacing demons, wondrous miracles, sinister magic, and vivid characters… A compulsive, lightning-paced tale that almost begs to be read aloud.” Agreed Miami Herald. Agreed.

For #6, Buy Myself some Expensive Jeans, I just don’t think I’ll do this one right now. Maybe sometime down the road I’ll walk into Harry Rosen, throw down a wad of cash, and say “Dress Me!”, but at the moment, financially, I cannot justify this action. There are also many other things on which I could spend a wad of cash… you know, groceries and consumables. And lastly, it will not be possible to complete 5 rounds of P90X by the time I’m 30 (#22). The number of days left are just not there. I’m on the verge of completing Week 7 of Round 4 though. Just gotta keep bringing it!  Damn you Tony Horton and your addictive exercise DVDs!

Overall, I’m content with the progress I’ve made on completing the List, but clearly it’s time to step it up!! Thirty is just around the corner….

Author: rickohikes

Avid hiker, mountain lover and fitness enthusiast with insatiable wanderlust. Usually battling with an injury and my mental health, but I always persevere! View all posts by rickohikes