#20. Eat at a famous chef's restaurant.

I am so excited about this one. I have been wanting to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant forever, and this list gave us a reason to stop in Savannah on our way down to Florida. I love her show and I do not care if she cooks with 2 pounds of butter...that is why it is good. I heard her say one time that if you are coming to her restaurant looking for a healthy version of Southern food, then you came to the wrong place. By it's nature, Southern food is not healthy....it's Southern AND good! I enjoyed fried chicken, ooey gooey butter cake, rice, black-eyed peas, cheddar biscuits and hoecakes...yummy! Can I do a repeat on this goal?

#22 Participate in an fundraising event for a cure

David and I participated in the Help the Homeless Walkathon again this year. This had to be the coldest year ever. Also participation and visibility seemed to be down, and I suspect it has to do with the economy (Fannie Mae is one of the largest sponsors).

This event has several special meanings to me. The first year I did it, David coordinated the sponsoring church group, and so that was my very first interaction with him. Who knew he would later become my husband!

Second is that, also on that first year, Claire and I had our apartment fire later that evening and, in the span of about 12 hours, I went from walking to becoming temporarily homeless myself! Although I am extremely lucky that I had friends and resources to help me, I can definitely see how one can become homeless very quickly and very unexpectedly.

This is the fourth year that I've participated, and I hope to continue the tradition well into the future. I just hope next year is warmer!

#15 Try a food that you've never tried before

As part of one of our kaiseki dinners (12 courses of the chef's freshest foods), I tried raw shrimp (pictured on the right). I tried many kinds of raw fish, but unfortunately the shrimp is one of the few that I can identify. Actually, it was quite good; I loved the texture. But I would never eat it raw in the U.S. Somehow our standards don't seem as high as in Japan. Hmmm.

#9 Take a train trip (Amtrak or other)

We took many trains in Japan, and it made me so envious. I wish the U.S. had such reliable and efficient transportation! Here is a video of the Shinkansen (bullet train):

#1 Go on a trip to an exotic location

I think Japan counts for this one. I chose this picture because it is probably the most exotic thing we encountered over there. Which button would you press to flush the toilet?

#27. Do a random act of kindness for someone you don't know

This one seems very hard. We tend to stay in our shells and reaching out to people we do not know is not comfortable. Last Friday, I heard about a child in our school, I do not know her, that did not have any food. She frequently comes to school dirty because mom does not have the money to buy soap. At lunch, this child devours her food as if it is the only meal she will have all day. Working part-time, I do not see these things. However, I was struck by the story I heard. Finally, I had a purpose for all the free food and health and beauty items I have acquired. When I got home, I quickly filled up a box full of items. A random box of food. A random act of kindness in less than 15 minutes.

#7 See a world's largest something

This is the Daibatsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) in Nara, Japan, the world's largest wooden structure. The current Dabatsu-den was restored in 1709 and is two-thirds its original size. It's 157 feet tall and 187 feet wide.

The Buddha inside is 53-feet tall. If you can crawl through the hole below (the same size as Buddha's nostril), you'll have a fast-track to enlightenment.

#11. Go to a cultural event (one you normally don't...)

Any cultural event these days is one that I would not normally go to thanks to the economy. We just gave up going to plays, musicals, concerts, etc. when we had to cut back on our spending. I was hoping to make it to a monster truck pull for this goal, but I guess it will have to wait until next year. Curtis and I could not justify paying that money which could go to groceries. You know, things always have a way of working out. A coworker came to me and asked if I wanted to take Cora to the Renaissance Festival for free! They had an extra ticket and asked if I would go. I was pumped. Cora had a pretty good time. She got stung by a bee and I spilled frozen lemonade all over her. BUT other than that she said she had LOTS of fun. Here we are riding a giant rocking horse...definitely not something I would normally do. And anyone who thinks the Renaissance Festival isn't cultural hasn't really experienced it. There are kings, queens, walking trees, jousts, and peasants juggling fire.

#29. Go to a live radio show

I would love to say that I was able to see "Wait, wait don't tell me" live. It is one of my favorite radio shows on NPR. However, money prohibits me from taking an adventure to Chicago. So, I had to look close to home to meet this goal. I am happy to say that this radio show did not disappoint. It was no witty review of the week's news, but it was a relaxing way to get in some good music. Plus, it was low key enough that Cora could dance (and sleep) in the aisle with no problems. If anyone gets a chance to visit Mt. Airy, make your way to the old cinema downtown and check it out. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

#5. Lose 10 pounds.

This is probably the most exciting check off on the list for me yet. I honestly did not think I could accomplish this goal. I have lost 10 pounds (actually 11!!), and I am still losing. About four weeks ago, Curtis and I decided to seriously make changes in our eating habits. I had all the Weight Watchers materials from years past, as well as a cookbook purchased at Walmart. We decided then to cook all our dinnertime meals from the cookbook, and closely monitor our points, writing everything down. It has worked! I have taken off about 2.75 pounds a week. Now, a lady never tells her actual weight, but let's just say I haven't seen this number in YEARS!!! Here's hoping I lose another 10!

16. Go tent camping.

Cora, Curtis and I packed everything up and set out to go tent camping on Labor Day. There was no one at the campground except this little fella. Cora had such a good time talking to "Mr. Deer." Well, we got the tent set up, went for a couple walks, cooked dinner of chicken with satay sauce and cold sesame noodles, roasted marshmallows to make smores, built a campfire....all was going well. Then, it was Cora's bedtime. All I can say is I have never heard her scream like that before. By 8:00pm, we had to pack up and made it to the gate only to find it had been closed. Luckily, ten minutes later the ranger showed up to let us out. I am counting this goal as fulfilled because anyone who has set up a tent site with a 2 year old would agree. I do plan on setting up the tent in our front yard next weekend or so for her to get used to sleeping outside. We did have so much fun BEFORE bedtime....

#18. Go to a winery that you haven't been to.

In an effort to have a change of scenery, Curtis and I turned to the list for some inspiration. Stanly County, surprisingly, has quite a few wineries, and seeing as how we have only been to one, we thought we would visit a new one. Uwharrie Winery was quaint. Cora had a good time building forts with old corks, while Curtis and I tasted the harvest. I needed this distraction. Who would have known the list would prove to be so handy!

4. Go on a girls' weekend (and Julie Greer has to be in attendance).

This is actually a check off the list for both Emilee and myself. We just got back from Kiawah Island with Pam and Julie. It was so great to spend time with my friends, regardless of where it was, but it doesn't hurt to be at a beautiful beach. Apart from the monster spiders that lived outside our door, we had a great time. Can't wait till Girls' Weekend 2 next year!

#18 Go to a winery that you haven't been to

When David and I were in San Francisco, we rented a car and drove out to Napa. We first visited the Hess Collection Winery. They have a great art collection featuring Francis Bacon, Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella, among others. We did a tasting there but weren't too excited about any of the wines we tried.

Next we visited Domaine Chandon, part of the same company as Moet et Chandon (all owned by Louis Vuitton). We did the tour and learned how to officially open a bottle of champagne (untwist the wire 6 turns, then twist the bottle while holding the cork).

We did get to sample some of their sparkling wine in the shop but the tasting room was mobbed and we weren't able to do a full sampling. I liked what I tasted though and hope to sample more in the future.

#19. Go on a full-fledged picnic.

We took Cora on her first picnic with much success. She had such a good time running around and laying down to look at the clouds. We did not go far for the occasion, just up to Morrow Mountain State Park. This has made me realize that I should do this with Cora more often. She had a great time and it cost us nothing. Plus, it was quite relaxing for me and Curtis. We ate cheese and crackers, yogurt, watermelon, homemade bread, and fresh plums. Yummy!

#24 Have your picture made at a famous landmark that you've never been to

I have been wanting to see this landmark for a long time. I am such a History nerd and this list was all the motivation I needed to go here. Custer's last stand was the last big effort of the Native American Indians to fend off the white man. On June 25, 1876, they did just that. The Lakota, Cheyenne, and various other tribes defeated Gen. Custer in a battle that we all know as the Battle of Little Big Horn. The cool part about this picture is that it was taken on June 25, 2008, exactly 132 years from the date.

#1 Go on a trip to an exotic location

The word exotic may render thoughts of white sands and crystal blue oceans. However, the word exotic simply means foreign or unusual. So, our trip to Canada counts. We traveled to the Prince of Wales Hotel for tea. I think it may have been one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

#7 See a World's Largest Something

I wasn't sure what I would exactly think about this list, but I am finding it fun to complete. It is helping me to take a new perspective on the everyday and add a little spice. That being said, I have seen 5 of the world's largest things in the past 10 days! Wow! Sounds unbelievable. I know you are on pins and needles as to what I saw, so here goes. First up, the world's largest collection of wooden spoons.


Then, we traveled to Jackson, WY and saw the world's largest collection of belt buckles, the world's largest cigar, the world's largest fishing creel, and the world's largest ball of barb wire! Wow that was awesome!

We wrapped up the adventure by seeing the world's tallest geyser. The steamboat geyser in Yellowstone is the world's tallest geyser. The last time it had a major eruption was in 2005. When it does erupt, it feels like an earthquake that can last up to 90 minutes. Glad to say that we did not see a major eruption, just a minor one.

#30 Grow a Plant

Not only did I grow a plant, but I took a potato that had sprouted, cut it up into pieces, planted it, and am now watching it grow. Do you see the potatoes coming up out of the dirt?? I am so pumped about this. We have already cooked some potatoes I grew earlier with a potato my grandma had. Here is a picture of those. Yummy!

#29 Go to a Live Radio Show

From the cheap seats, you might not be able to make it out, but this is at a live radio show: A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Filene Center in Vienna, VA. The musical guests were Rhonda Vincent (awesome bluegrass!) and Raul Melo (fabulous tenor). You can listen to the show we attended and see pictures here. My favorite parts were the political jokes and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.

#16 Go Tent Camping

David and I took a quick trip to Lewis Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park, about an hour and a half's drive from D.C. We cooked dinner over the fire, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed the sunset. I wish I could have stayed longer, but we had to get back early the next morning. We did buy an annual pass though, so I'm sure it won't be long before we go back. I needed this list to give me the push to go out there and do it -- it's far too easy to just stay home and do nothing!

#2 Hike Part of the Appalachian Trail

David and I visited Skyline Drive/Shenandoah National Park a few weekends ago. The AT winds along with the drive, and we hiked on the trail probably 2 miles or so -- from Lewis Mountain Campground to the AT's Pocasin shelter and back. I hope to go back often!

#15 Try a food you have never tried before

I have met this goal twice since it has been written. The same night we wrote these goals, I tried guacamole at Emilee's house. Good, minus the cilantro. However, I never thought I would eat radish greens. Yep, that was a first. We are growing radishes in our garden and I was looking online for different ways to cook them. Several websites suggested cooking the radishes as well as the greens in a saute pan. Skeptical but curious, I gave it a shot. It was edible but far from delicious. Guess I won't be making that again.

#11 Go to a cultural event (one you don't normally do)

On Saturday, May 10, I dragged David to a very special cultural event at American University. My co-worker Kristina had invited us to a recital from her dance studio which would feature 150 dancers. And not just any kind of dancers. BELLY dancers!

The performance was fun to watch, but after awhile, we both had had a bit too much visual stimulation. I didn't know where to look! But the best part was, all shapes and sizes can belly dance, and, in fact, the rounder your belly, the better you can shake it! I loved the celebration of women's bodies and all their different shapes and sizes.

Another accomplishment from the evening, though not part of the 30 things list, was that David and I managed to run across the street and order dinner from McDonald's, eat it, and make it back into the show before the end of intermission.

#12 Shake a Celebrity's hand

On Wednesday, April 23rd, almost a full month after turning 30, I finally got to shake a celebrity's hand. No, it may not have been Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts, but I was still pretty excited to shake ole Bill's hand.

...one down, 29 more to go!

The List

Here's the list! We'll post each time we cross off an item.

1. Go on a trip to an exotic location.
2. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail.
3. Create a work of art for display in the home.
4. Go on a girls' weekend (and Julie Greer has to be in attendance).
5. Lose 10 pounds.
6. Take a cooking class (and supply photo evidence).
7. See a world's largest something.
8. Create your own recipe.
9. Take a train trip (Amtrak or other).
10. Think of a new use for an old product.
11. Go to a cultural event (one you don't normally do).
12. Shake a celebrity's hand.
13. Attend an inaugural ball.
14. Get an annual checkup at the doctor.
15. Try a food that you've never tried before.
16. Go tent camping.
17. Host a party at your home.
18. Go to a winery that you haven't been to.
19. Go on a full-fledged picnic.
20. Eat at a famous chef's restaurant.
21. Write a persuasive letter or an editorial and submit it.
22. Participate in an fundraising event for a cure.
23. Visit a chocolate factory or other confectionary.
24. Have your picture made at a famous landmark that you've never been to.
25. Read and finish two books in a year (we each pick out one of them).
26. Plant a tree.
27. Do a random act of kindness for someone you don't know.
28. Learn how to play a song on a musical instrument and record it.
29. Go to a live radio show.
30. Grow a plant.

How it Works

While visiting Emilee on her 30th birthday, we had a grand idea to come up with a list of 30 things we should do while we are 30. After many grueling hours, we developed our list (to be published by Emilee soon). Our rules are simple. Within the span of this year, we must complete the entire list, no cheating. To ensure adequate completion, we have established a committee of verification to certify the accuracy of our progress. Members include ourselves, my husband, and Emilee's husband. Join us as we embark on this adventure to not only learn a little more about each other, but about ourselves too. Who knows, you may even find out something about yourself in all this!