Unexpected Adventures of my Birthday Week :)

Well, I knew this would happen.  Unexpected adventures.  Here's the thing....I'm really good at planning and getting myself psyched up for something that's on my schedule.  I'm also really bad at going with the flow, and doing things that are not on my schedule.  Especially when they are new things, or "adventures" as I'm choosing to call them.

This week has been full of people singing to me in public (which I don't choose on my own.  ever.), people celebrating me (which is always hard for me to accept), and in general lots of joy!

Today, I did two things that I never thought I'd do but because of my goal of, basically, getting over myself, I tried them!

Numero Uno:  I ate a Spicy Tuna Roll.  That's sushi.  I LOVE sushi.  I do NOT LOVE spicy things.  Alas, I ate this little bugger, and it was spicy and weird, and it was great.  Then the entire section of the restaurant sang to me.  Two in one!

Numero Dos:  I participated in the Birthday Dance at Social Dance Studio.  As one of the birthday folk.  This is partially due to my AWESOME friends who encourage me so well!  This means I swing danced with strangers, in front of a crowd, messed up my dancing, in front of a crowd, and all in all had a great time.  Here's a picture of some random people swing dancing.

What a fun time having some random adventures! :)

Reflecting

In the past week I've had a lot of time to reflect on my goals for the year, my life, relationships, etc.  I'm even more excited about going on adventures this year than I was in the past few weeks!  :)  I'm incredibly thankful for all the people in my life who are celebrating alongside me for my birthday this week, and for all the people who are encouraging me in my choice to seek out adventure in my life and to enjoy the life I've been given!

I've also been thinking about a few things on my list, and I've decided to update it.  So here's the updated version of my list of things to do this year.  I'm aiming for a bit more adventure...I think I can handle it....:/

Here's my list!!

1.  Take a lesson in down-hill skiing.

2.  Attend a wine tasting event.

3.  Go to a roller derby.

4.  Take a swing dancing class.

5.  Get my nose pierced.

6.  Take a long bike ride through MN.

7.  Go on a date.

8.  Go to the top of the Foshay.

9.  Go trap shooting or to a shooting range...

and actually shoot a gun.

10.  Go on a brewery tour.

11.  Go sailing on Lake Calhoun.

12.  Pick up an instrument.  aka:  play it each day for a month.

Down Hill....

...Skiing...falling...laughing...looking like a fool...enjoying every moment of it.

Today marks my first day down hill skiing.  And I had the best instructor I could ask for.  He's the best for two reasons:

1.  He knows what he's talking about.  

2.  He already harasses me on a daily basis,

so nothing is going to change after making a fool of myself. 

So here's how it went down.  Or rather, how I went down.  A hill.  :)

I started off by finding some snow pants to help protect me.  I felt like a little kid on the playground wearing these big, puffy pants, but it made falling a lot less painful!  I tried on different jackets, different under-layers, found gloves I thought might work, and searched for my earmuffs.  (And still forgot my knee brace.  Of all the things to forget.  I'm paying for that mistake as I type.)

I got to the hill far too early, sat in my car, ate a dinner of left overs from lunch that included hummus and carrots and a candy cane.  I changed stations on the radio every 10 seconds, called my mom, texted people.....anything to make me feel less nervous!  Finally, it was time for me to go into the lodge.  Luckily, I didn't have to stand awkwardly for very long, since Dan walked up shortly after I got in there.  Whew!

Got my skis, figured out the trickiest pair of shoes I will ever wear, and headed to the hill.

We started off with basics, then started by going about half-way up the hill to practice turns.  Little did I know part of learning these things meant that I was being told to do things that would most definitely make me fall.  I figured that out pretty quickly though.  By bruising my hipbone.  If only I had more natural cushioning...wait....no, nevermind.

Anyway, I practiced, and then got to go down the hill a few times before my lesson was over.  Definitely worth it!  Bruises, joint pain, tired muscles, and all.

This is Dan, my ski instructor!

And this is Dan and Dave in a really great video...

One down, 11 to go...

1.  Take a lesson in down-hill skiing.

2.  Attend a wine tasting event.

3.  See a fashion show.

4.  Take a swing dancing class.

5.  Get my nose pierced.

6.  Take a long bike ride through MN.

7.  Go on a date.

8.  Go to the top of the Foshay.

9.  Try a fun new hairstyle/haircut.

10.  Go on a brewery tour.

11.  Do a complete art project.

12.  Pick up an instrument.  aka:  play it each day for a month.

I'm turning 25!...?

That's right, friends!  I'm turning 25 this month.  I know it shouldn't seem like such a big deal, but for some reason the age of 25 has always held some sort of unspoken importance to it.  It has always meant maturity, really being an adult, and making decisions on my own.  It has always meant that I can stay up late and get up early, and work where I want, and do what I love.  I have a bunch of maturing to do, but I definitely work where I want and do what I love, so I think I'm on the right track?! :)

Well, since this year of my life is quickly approaching, and I've always held it in such high esteem, I'd like to at least attempt to have my 25th year live up to all the hype that I'm probably wholly responsible for.  Or maybe it's not all my fault....can't you rent cars at 25 or something like that?

Anyway, I'd like to do something each month that fits into one of the following categories:  something I've never done before, something I've always wanted to do, or something that pushes me outside of my comfort zone.  My goal this year is to push myself to be confident, to try new things courageously, and to enjoy the things that God has given me.  This means being uncomfortable, doing things that I love, and allowing others to encourage me in those adventures!

I've made a list of 12 things that I will be doing throughout this year.  One each month.  I have a few backups in case I end up doing more than one of these in a month.  I will update each month as I do these things on the list.  When I complete a task it will be crossed out.  Which means it will satisfy my personality trait of loving to make lists simply because I can cross out the things on the list!

Here's my list!!

1.  Take a lesson in down-hill skiing.

2.  Attend a wine tasting event.

3.  See a fashion show.

4.  Take a swing dancing class.

5.  Get my nose pierced.

6.  Take a long bike ride through MN.

7.  Go on a date.

8.  Go to the top of the Foshay.

9.  Try a fun new hairstyle/haircut.

10.  Go on a brewery tour.

11.  Do a complete art project.

12.  Pick up an instrument.  aka:  play it each day for a month.

I'm open for suggestions, so give me some ideas in the comments, and maybe your ideas will make the updated list! :)