20 things to do in 30 days

the golden gate bridge through presidio trees, originally uploaded by jen_maiser.

A couple of months ago, I picked up a copy of Sasha Cagen's book To-Do List: From Buying Milk to Finding a Soul Mate, What Our Lists Reveal about Us.  It's an inspiring book -- a collection of lists from strangers, and since reading it, I have written many lists for myself.

Cagen also has a blog, and last week she posted a list that caught my attention.  It was a list by a woman who wants to do 30 things before she turns thirty.  I turn 35 in about a month, and thought that I would tag on to this fabulous list.  What better way to ring in a new half-decade than by accomplishing some fun things leading up to it?

I'm excited about this idea.  Lord knows that I have more than I can handle on my plate at the moment, but these things seem fun and feel self-indulgent. A few things on my list are personal, so I've blanked them out.  I will keep you apprised of my progress as the month goes on.

20 THINGS TO DO IN 30 DAYS

1.  Post a day (post on any blog counts).
2.  Unplug for an entire day each week.
3.  Kiss a baby.
4.  Find 10 photos that will make a series.
5.  Take a self portrait.
6.  **********
7.  Photograph a stranger.
8.  **********
9.  **********
10.  Write a letter.
11.  Random act of kindness.
12.  Find a class to take.
13.  Write a thank you.
14.  Write an apology.
15.  Swing at a playground.
16.  Walk to Ocean Beach.
17.  Call an old friend.
18.  Do a volunteer project.
19.  Bake something.
20.  Eat something I've never had.

Comments

[Genie]

I love this list idea! Best wishes as you accomplish it, item by item. I just crossed the 35-year mark myself, and it felt oddly more momentous than 30. Not sure why...and not in a bad way. Just...more.

[Virginia]

I LOVE lists and find them (and yours) inspiring... I'm checking out Cagen's book from the library. Thanks for sharing both the book and your list.

Hoping to make a Wed. nite soon - after we get back from some travels!

[sam]

I think I am going to do this too. Despite no birthday or youthful number 35 to look forward to.
I love lists!

[Jen]

I can help you take care of #3, 15 and 19 all in one day. :)

[Amanda Louden]

I want to know 6, 8, and 9.

[Steph]

As a longtime hard-core list writer, I am intrigued by the subject matter of this book! It's also good to know that the author, Sasha Cagen, is from Rhode Island, my lifelong home (up to this point, anyway).

[Tea]

Cool idea!
Wish I were there to join you for #16.
Happy countdown--I may copy this idea in Dec.

[rache]

number 19 says a lot about your commitment! ;)

[Gudrun of Kitchen Gadget Girl]

thanks for the book recommendation, sounds nice and thought provoking. I am coming up on 40 (in about 18 months) and thought recently about doing something similar. For my 50th, I am vowing to travel to all 50 states by the time I turn 50. Not sure what to do for my 40th, it might involve something with my siblings, or a list of 40 things to accomplish. Working from a list is so satisfying....

[sam]

I haven't forgotten # 20. I am currently working on it for you!