Forty before 40

The other day, a friend of mine posted on Facebook about crossing somethings off her list.  "List" made my ears perk up so naturally, being nosy, I asked what list she meant.  She's working on a 50 before 50- fifty things she wants to do before she turns 50.  I loved the idea so much, I've made my own list- 40 before 40. I have just over three years until my 40th birthday so taking into account time and budget, here is the list I've created (in no particular order).

1. Learn Spanish
This is one I've started.  When Jason and I visited Florida a few weeks ago, several of our Lyft drivers spoke Spanish.  One, in particular, had just been speaking English for 30 days!  It inspired both of us to try to pick up the language again (we both took classes in high school).

2. Learn how to decorate cakes
Because I love to bake but I want to make a beautiful cake.  I want to learn how to frost things and use fondant and all of that.

3. Buy an expensive bottle of wine and compare
I wonder the difference in quality.  I'll report my findings.

4. Get married
Okay, this is basically on here so I can cross it off. 

5. Get a passport
For the honeymoon. Obviously.

6. Add at least one stamp

7. See Harry Potter on Broadway
I visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter last month and it is now one of my favorite places on Earth.  I read the whole series, as an adult, and love, love, love them.  It's only fitting that I see the play.  


8. Master Grandma Betty’s cinnamon rolls
My Grandma Betty made the best cinnamon rolls and always had a pan waiting for us when we pulled up to the farm.  I've tried once and failed, sadly. 

9. Complete a couch to 5k program
I've started something like this multiple times but have yet to complete it.

10. Run a 5k

11. Watch a sunrise
 Preferably somewhere breathtaking!

12. Watch a sunset
A couple of my kids read through my list and one said, "You can cross that off tonight!"  Sunset from our house wasn't exactly the view I had in mind.  We'll see.

13. Master the DSLR
I took a photography class in high school and I loved it!  I want to master the camera, in manual mode, and annoy the crap out of my kids taking their pictures.

14. Photograph the stars
After #13. 

15. See the Redwoods
I've only been to Southern California but I would love to see the Redwoods.  Jason and I plan to drive down the coast of California at some point.

16. Spend a day at the spa
I never go to the spa.  At one point I had gifts cards to three spas for almost $300.  I regifted them because I didn't have time to go but I'm going to make myself take the time.

17. Print all the pictures and organize them
I take lots of pictures. Loads.  There are currently over 4,000 on my phone.  I need them in hand, proof that I took them, physical evidence of our lives.

18. Learn how to make sushi
We love sushi at our house...well I like what I like but Jason and Ethan eat most any. 

19. Learn how to make Bobba’s strawberry jam
My mom's mom, Bobba, makes the best strawberry jam.  I told my mom that I want to not just make it but make it enough that I know it.  

20. Drink from a coconut
Somewhere tropical.

21. Read 5 classic novels
I love to read but I have not read any classics.  It's a shame really.  I've chosen To Kill a Mockingbird,  Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Catcher in the Rye.

22. Go out for a fancy dinner and dress up
But to where?

23. Own a fantastic dress
For #22

24. Build a bookshelf
I have a huge shelf in mind and it will be beautiful!

25. Build a wine cart
I've seen a few on Pinterest but I haven't decided which style I like best.  I'll need it for #26

26. Find a favorite bottle of wine for various types- white, red, sweet red, pink, dessert
I love wine. I like to try different bottles and pick them based on their label.  However, I want to know my favorite...my go to red or white.  Plus it will be fun to sample.

27. Say yes to the kids for 24 hours, within our budget
I say no.  A lot.  Emma says I only ever say no.  Not totally true but she's close.

28. Try one new recipe a month
This will be easy because I love to cook and I like to try new things.  I sometimes feel like I make the same recipes over and over.  Got any good suggestions?

29. Take a family road trip
Six kids in a car...sounds fun, right?

30. Bake croissants
They intimidate me so I'm going to try them.

31. Camp in a national park


32. Plant and not kill a vegetable garden
...with my black thumb...

33. Buy a car
I need a "new to me" car and now that I'm finished with school and start a new job in August, I can finally afford one! 

34. Drink more water
I drink about a cup a day.  Yeah.

35. Find a good facial routine
I have to find something.  I've started breaking out like a teenager this summer. 

36. Explore Tulsa. Do things other than in South Tulsa.
I realized the other day how little I know about where I live and I found that sad.

37. Explore my ancestry
This is something that I'd like to do as much for me as for my kids.  I think it's interesting to know your family's history and from where they came.

38. Swim in the ocean
Going to the beach is not a new thing.  I love the ocean but I just want to visit again. Hoping that by putting it on my list I'll do it.

39. Lose 15 pounds


40.  Blog about our adventures
And so it begins...