Whimsy and Ink

The 30 before I turn 30 project

2010-05-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

On February 24th, 2o12, I will turn 30 years old. With this milestone looming above my head like a dark cloud, I've started to reflect on my accomplishments and life experiences thus far. As it stands currently, I have never left North America. Nor have I learned how to speak a foriegn language. And I always talk about wanting to take a letterpress class from The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. Despite wanting to accomplish numerous things that will take me outside of my comfort zone, it has always been nice and safe here in my little bubble. But I want bigger. And I want better. So the following is a list of things I wish to accomplish before the 3-0 arrives. I will carry it with me in a little notebook wherever I go. And I will document my progress on this blog. Of course, it is my goal to accomplish everything listed but even if I can do better than 50%, I will still have been successful. Because, it's not simply about ticking items off a list. It's about resolving to experience a more exciting and fulfilled life. I invite you to start a similar list, and we can embark on this journey together.

So with no further adieu, I present to you, The list!

1. Learn how to do a cartwheel.
2. Practice yoga and meditation 4 days a week for a month.
3. Learn how to use a letterpress machine.

4. Ride my bicycle to the beach.

(source)

5. Crochet a granny square afghan.
6. Make a new friend.
7. Visit a new museum every weekend, for a month.
8. Find a job that brings personal fulfillment, and pays the bills.

(source)

9. Design and sew a party dress, and wear it all day... just because!
10. Publish a short story.
11. Learn how to play a song on guitar. And perform it at an open mic night. (I sing hoooorribly, btw)
12. Write and snail mail 25 thank you cards.

(source)

13. Step foot on another continent.
14. Have a conversation with a stranger, in Spanish.
15. Volunteer 50 hours.
16. Get a new tattoo.
17. Take dance lessons.

(source)

18. Read 100 books.
19. Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.
20. Eat vegetarian for a month.

(source)

21. Sleep under the stars.
22. Enroll in grad school.
23. Pay off all consumer debt.
24. Perform a random act of kindness for a complete stranger.

(source)

25. Drive my convertible up the California coast.
26. Dedicate one weekend to giving back to the planet.
27. Take a dance class.

(source)

28. Move out of Orange County.
29. Feel fierce in a swim suit.
30. Fill every page of a blank journal.

What I'm listening to: Jónsi

2010-05-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

(source)

If I could write something elegant enough to capture just how Jonsi's music moves me, I would. Instead, I'll let you experience his music for yourself. Because, indeed, Jonsi's music is something that must be experienced.

2010-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

(source)

This blog of mine has been something that I have fantasized about for ages. Whenever I come across an inspiring blog or a fellow artist who tickles my tummy, I always think I should really include this in my blog. Yet, it never happens. My blog remains barren and my thoughts and images remain swirling around in my head. I really believe that the only thing that had been holding me back is fear. Fear that my writing will be bland and my content incohesive. Fear that no one will ever find my blog among all the other wonderful blogs out there, written surely by people who are much more interesting than I am. Or fear that *gasp* someone will leave a crushing comment on a blog post I had spent forever constructing. The really sucky thing about fear is that it cripples us, prevents us from pursuing our passions and living our most fulfilled lives.

Then I came across this very inspiring blog post and it allowed me to view my current situation from a fresh perspective. How very silly of me to place so much stock in my fears. And if I never attempted anything for fear that something might go terrible wrong, I might never leave the house. So what if my blog sucks. And who cares if I only have a handful of readers. This space is really just an outlet for all of my ideas and inspiration.

All that being said, I welcome you on this journey with me. Destination: unknown. But that's half the fun :)