Yikes...what have I done!?!

So, I went to bed last night (at 10:15pm and after kissing all 3 of the boys) with such a feeling of accomplishment!  I had taken the first steps of my newest endeavour and had even gotten a good response-thank you to everyone for the encouragement and positive thoughts!

This morning I woke up very rested (almost 9 hours of sleep!) and realized not only did I have 242 more days of this, but I actually had to DO the things on the list in order to call this little "thing" a success!  After hyperventilating a bit and feeling completely overwhelmed, I decided I had 2 choices...

1. Get it together and have a plan of action OR
2. Delete the whole page and deny to anyone that I even had the idea.

Obviously, I decided to get my act together and continue moving forward...for better or worse! So, I've added a few more items to the list...I've had an envelope in my purse now for weeks that I jot down my thoughts when I have them (church, work, driving (only at stop lights), gymnastics/strings/baseball practices and of course next to the bed)  I've also started thinking about how I'm actually going to get all this done (thanks in part to my wonderfully organized and creative Aunt Jeanne).  I'm definitely going to have to pace myself, but also get started sooner than later!  

This weekend we're headed to Indy for a gymnastics meet...that means 2 hours in the car, 2 hours off and on during the meet and hotel down time (like when everyone else is swimming or sleeping), to ponder and figure out the right plan of action (POA).  

I also realized that there is no real way for anyone, other than me, to monitor how I'm doing on this list...unless of course you are part of an item on the list!  So, feel free to ask me  how I'm doing!   I'll do my best to post when I've completed something or to give an update on those items that are ongoing!  

**Btw, I talked to a friend today about a "new job"!  I also did yoga.  

I am definitely on my way...  

243 days and counting...

8 months from today, I will be 40-years-old...

I'm not sure how I feel about that yet?  I mean, I'm not angry (it happens to everyone, right?!) but I'm not entirely happy about it either.  I suppose it depends on how you look at it that makes all the difference...

• I've probably lived 1/2 my life already OR
• I have the 2nd half of my life still to go and it's going to be great

The first option is a little depressing; however gives me a challenge of proving that idea wrong.  The second option is absolutely true and is how I'd like to think of what lies ahead.  SO...I've put together a list of things I'm hoping to accomplish in the next 243 days.  A 40-year-old bucket list of sorts that will allow me to not only graciously welcome, but celebrate turning the big 4-0!  They do still say that "40" is the new "20", right? 

So here's my list, from big goals to little, trivial things and everything in between, take it or leave it.  This will keep me accountable for reaching the goals I've set, in order to start off the 2nd half of my life with a smile and feeling good about saying, "I'm 40 years young"!

1. Lose 40 lbs (I know this is a big one and quite cliche, but this is the time because from what all my friends say it only gets harder!)
2. Use up all those gift cards I've been saving all these years
3. Fix and print out Aiden's blog (I believe my last post was when he was entering preschool and he's not 1/2 through Kdg...I've got some work to do)
4. Speaking of work to do...I have 3 baby books that haven't even been started (yes, I'm a little embarrassed about that fact, but I have everything together so it shouldn't take long, right?)
5. Keep my toes pretty...whether that means getting a pedicure or doing my own nails, I'm not sure yet, but seriously women, we NEED to have pretty toes.  No one likes to look at gross feet...no one. On my way with this one...pedicure #1 CHECK!
6. Kiss my boys good night, every night, no matter what.  Honestly, I do this for the most part, but occasionally things get in the way and it may not happen.  Parents really need to do this...there is just something about seeing your kids sleeping that melts my heart even after a bad day.  What's the saying, "Always kiss me goodnight"...there really should be one that says, "kiss your kids nightly".
7. Clean up/organize my desk weekly.  I am horrible about piling things up for them to never be seen again (until I get the bill statement that says I have a late fee and I get all pissed because it's right there on my desk...somewhere.
8. PAY BILLS ON TIME. (no need to explain and really shouldn't be difficult)
9. Be in bed by 11pm during the week.  That means in bed ready to fall asleep, not turning on the hours of Chicago Fire or Grey's Anatomy I have dvr'd and can't seem to catch up on.
10. Talk to far away friends more than 1x/year (or less in some cases).  And that doesn't mean a message on FB or a text because I need something.  Really reaching out and talking to friends on the phone, letting them know they mean something. Yep...did it this weekend!  Thanks for the great talk, Steph!
11. Fix relationships that need fixing...make amends with those who are worth it.
12. Call my Mom and Dad at least 1x/week...usually done, but not always.  Cherish the ones you love!
13. Keep my in-laws in the loop about what we're doing, the boys' activities, plans for visits, etc...
14. Go out with girlfriends more often...this is actually a tough one for me.  Anyone that may be reading this, please help me!!
15. Go out with my husband at least 1x/month.  We deserve that, right?!
16. Pursue a new job or that career change I've always thought about (no...not the truck driver or librarian!)
17. Cancel any credit cards we don't use...time to slim down the wallet.
18. Put pictures up on the walls.  Believe it or not, I tend to hesitate on this just in case we end up moving again.  After more than 4 years here in KY, I think it's safe to start putting up pictures. 
19. Make all the doctor appts. and follow-ups you're supposed to do when you're an adult.  Like that lovely OBGYN annual, dentist 2x/year, annual physical (when was the last time you did that!?) vision, and whatever other doctor is necessary as you get to be "my age".  Dentist...CHECK!
20. Run...just run.  Whether it's races or for fun, I need to pick up running again.  It's good for your body (remember I have 40 lbs to lose) and good for the mind.
21. Almost forgot...get a blog up and running!  And continue blogging until 9/29/14! (I've already started this one...yay me!)
22. Get a family picture taken...one that is acceptable and where we all look amazing!  Got have something great to hang on the wall!
23. Finish Connor's tattoo.  The hubby and I got our son's footprints tattooed on our wrists for our 15th anniversary (and 5 years after losing Connor)...I know, so romantic!  I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted (and still don't) but know it's not complete yet.
24. Help my husband with the chores.  Ladies, don't get jealous, but I have one of those incredible husbands that enjoys doing laundry, cleaning and dishes (awesome, right?!)  Unfortunately, this has made me become quite the slacker in this department.  I promise to help out more around the house (of course, in my spare time :))
25. Go to yoga 1x/week.  I've just recently started doing yoga and surprisingly I LOVE IT! I feel so good afterward and the breathing alone helps me get through the day a little calmer.  Although, this may be tough...it's expensive!
26. Really listen to my kids when they are talking to me.  So much of our days are running around going to and from places, dropping off, picking up.  I cherish the times I can sit down with any of the boys and "catch up".  I guess the goal would be to slow down and enjoy any conversations I can get with the boys.
27. Speaking of slowing down, how about stopping to smell the roses.  With this huge list, I'm going to be even busier than normal!  But, sometimes everything else can be put on hold...nothing is going to happen if the dishes are still in the sink or the floor doesn't get vacuumed right away.  I'm going to STOP, and appreciate what I have at least, once daily.
28. Make an appt with my hair stylist when I should, not once it becomes necessary!  I'm not even sure how often I'm supposed to go??  But I'm certain waiting 3-4 months is too long.  
29. Go shopping for me!  For most people, this probably isn't difficult, but I HATE shopping for myself and rarely do it.  Honestly, I need someone to help me with this...I've realized over the past year that I THINK I have style but I really don't.  Right now, my "style" consists of yoga pants and t-shirts and jeans on a good day.  So sad...wish Clinton and Stacy were still doing What Not To Wear!
30. Keep up my skin routine.  I was lucky enough to be treated to an amazing facial by my MIL over Christmas (Nancy, now I know why you always have such incredible skin!)  I came home with great products and would love to continue taking care of my skin.  I may be getting older, but I don't have to look it, right!?
31. Put my jewelry in the jewelry box that's sitting on top of my dresser!  Sounds silly, but that would also mean going through my jewelry and getting rid of the things I don't wear (like the necklace my middle school boyfriend gave me!)  I even have an earring holder that I made (thanks to Pinterest) that is hanging on the wall...empty!
32. Go through the abundance of boys clothing...donate, throw out, organize and LABEL tubs to make finding them easier!  I was really good at this when I had 1 kid...just saying.
33. Buy a bike.  One of the things on my "life" bucket list (not sure I can add it to this list) is to do a mini-triathalon.  I can swim, I can bike, but the running scared me in the past.  I think I have that down now.  Only problem is, my husband thought I should let my oldest son should get my mountain bike since he was big enough for it and needed a bike.  So, he stripped it down (grips, pedal straps, etc...) and now I have no bike.  I love to ride but I need a bike...
34. Take more pictures...with an actual camera, not my phone.  I'm not saying my phone hasn't taken some incredible pictures, but I have a really nice camera and it takes great pictures!  Also, videos...again, we took videos all the time with our first kid.  Where is that video camera anyway???  I take it out for recitals and such, but really need to do it more often and also figure out a way to actually watch them once we record something!
35. Do random acts of kindness!  I want my boys to see that kindness still exists and is important.  Plus, girls dig it!    
36. Use all the Groupons/Living Social deals I have spent money on...such good deals, unless you forget about them or let them expire...Curse you Groupon and Living Social!
37. Go through our bookshelves...get rid of books we don't use, need or want.  Put books on there that are helpful, special or help make it seem that we are a family of great readers!!
38. Re-do my bedroom.  You know how they say the Master bedroom should be a serene, calm getaway...mine is the opposite of that!  I hate my bedroom and I definitely do not enjoy going in there at the end of a long, stressful day.  I may need to call the professionals for some help with this one.
39. READ MORE BOOKS...I have never really enjoyed reading, mostly because whenever I start a book, by the time I pick it up again I've forgotten what I already read!  I end up reading the same chapters over and over!  I do appreciate a good book though, so feel free to comment on any good reads you've had lately!!
40. While I was at yoga last week, the instructor said something that I loved and made me really think.  She said something like this, "...look deep inside and smile at your soul of acceptance..."  I thought this was really beautiful.  Even if I don't finish the other 39 things I have listed here, this one I need to do!  Everyone should... 

Putting it all down on paper is a little overwhelming and I'm thinking I should have started a year ago.  And I only have 20 tasks!!  (We're up to 30!)  I'm giving myself the right to add/delete/modify, as I find necessary, but I'm doing this because I want to make this time of my life significant in some way.  I don't expect it to be easy but I want this to be unforgettable and to prove to myself I can do it.  I'm famous for writing lists...so why not "40 things to do before 40"!  I don't know if anyone will read this or if it's just for me...I welcome any thoughts, concerns, suggestions (I think)!?  More to come... 

This is what I need to do for me!

Wish me luck.  Here we go...