Little girl in a big girl apartment

So, I had found my new big gal apartment, everything should have gone smoothly from there... right?  Not exactly.  I had to cut the metaphorical umbilical cord.  My mother and I have an odd relationship.  I've always thought that we were close, but then I take think on it, and there are some unspoken boundaries.  She has all these wonderful hopes and dreams for me.  She believes in me more than anyone else.  I have always felt the pressure of those hopes and dreams though, they seem to be a giant weight that I carry with me.  Whether it's competing with my brothers or just trying to compete with myself, I always wanted to please my mother.

In the times that I knew I may disappoint her, I had a tendency to omit details.  Instead of sharing and comfortably discussing the disappointments and joys of life, I avoided.  I joke that my mother and I have a policy similar to the recently revoked, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  I know she loves me something fierce and that makes it all the more difficult to disappoint.

When I found my new apartment, I knew I'd be disappointing my mother.  When I lived at home, my mom and I were great company for each other.  My parents are happily married, but friends I am not so certain of. With me around, my mom had a built in friend, she had company, someone to talk to, and I had someone to always rely upon.  But, it was time for me to move out.  I did not handle the decision like the big gal I wanted to be in my new apartment.  I sprang things on her at the last minute and I avoided sharing details.  Naturally, like any awkward breakup, her feelings were hurt, she lashed out passive aggressively and we continued the dance of avoidance.  My reaction to her hurt feelings was to become upset with the injustices of her reactions and to lash out right back.  I kept feeling justified in my actions believing that I was it was appropriate for a 30 year old to move out of her parents house.  I excused my bad behavior with pathetic and poor logic.  But, alas, I did it.  I packed up the uhaul and drove myself to my big girl apartment feeling inappropriately justified in my poor behavior.  I had achieved independence, but at what cost?  This was no way to be a big girl.

Once at my apartment, it took us several weeks to heal our deep wounds and find our way back to each other.  There was no overt apologies, but I knew she had forgiven me as only a mother could forgive her child.  My mother's and my relationship may never be perfect, but I am trying to be a big girl.  I am trying to realize that if I want an honest and real relationship with her I have to allow her the chance to be disappointed in me, or else she doesn't know know who I am.  I'd like for my mother to know and love the real me, flaws and all.  

Project Memories

This morning on my way to work I heard an interesting story on NPR.  I will stop here and readily admit that I listen to NPR.  I find it informative and interesting, that is my official position.  I also like people talking to me while I drive.  Anyway, back to the story, it was all about memories.  How we tend to have what the experts call 'childhood amnesia'.  It led me to start thinking about my memories or my lack of them.  I have a  terrible memory, not sure why that is, but I can only imagine that this memory is only going to get worse.

So, instead of gifts for my 30th birthday, I'd like to request memories.  Yes, I am selfishly asking for these memories or stories to be about me, it is my birthday people.  Tell me your favorite memory, or even just a really good one with me.  This may seem like a daunting task, but you have about 5 months at this point.  Get cracking people!

I highly recommend listening to the story and source of this inspiration... http://www.wbez.org/blog/clever-apes/2011-12-13/clever-apes-23-first-memories-94877

My very old and outdated list!

When I was 25 and just getting over a break up, my friend and I each wrote lists of 100 qualities we would like to have in our future mates.  The list is provided below.  It is definitely good for a few laughs.  Almost like looking at an old journal entry. Many of the criteria were written in direct response to the relationship I was just getting out of, but some of them just reflect my personality.  Lots of my criteria have changed as I have grown into myself and my values grown and changed too, but many have stayed the same as the core of me remained steadfast!  Enjoy!

1 Good Communicator
2 Gets along with his family
3 Gets along with my family
4 Taller than me ~ at least 5"10
5 Gets along with my friends ~ enjoys spending time with my friends
6 Not arrogant, but still confident, a little cocky
7 Treats me princess that I am
8 NOT a momma's boy
9 Athletic ~ but not obsessed with how his body looks or working out
10 Competitive
11 Not a vegetarian ~ has to love a good juicy steak
12 Drinks alchol, but not an alcholic, ~ MUST have a higher tolerance that I have
13 Not skinny and awkward ~ must have some meat on his bones
14 Catholic ~ Church = not neccesarily every weekend, but willing
15 Good with kids, enjoys spending time with them
16 Sympathetic to others in need ~ to a degree
17 NOT obssesive compulsive
18 Tidy and willing to clean ~ can put up with my disorganization
19 FANTASTIC kisser, and what other talents are neccessary for pleasure
20 Sense of humor ~ has to be able to make me laugh
21 Enjoys the outdoors
22 Willing to try new things ~ ie food, activities, movies
23 Reads books ~ well read but not too well read
24 Smart ~ not too smart
25 Good story teller
26 Is passionate about something ~ or is extraordinarily talented in something
27 Does not need to be touching me all the time ~ not a cuddler
28 Must have an independent life from me ~ goes out w/o me and have separate friends
29 Laid back, flexible
30 Good traveler, wants to travel, likes to travel
31 Able to cook ~ self sufficient in the kitchen
32 NO temper
33 Likes card games ~ ie poker
34 Likes more than one type of music ~ not just a metallica head
35 Loves beer and football as much as I do
36 Dark hair
37 NO BACK HAIR
38 If losing hair must do it gracefully
39 Willing to comprise during an argument
40 No facial hair ~ or willing to shave for me
41 9 to 5 worker
42 Never been married ~ or engaged (clause could be reconsidered)
43 ABSOLUTELY NO illegitimate children
44 Handy with tools
45 Knows how to spend and when to save ~ able to convince me to upgrade
46 College Degree
47 Likes pizza
48 Has a well muscled back ~ shoulders
49 Knows how to dress appropriately and when to do so
50 Doesn't always talk about himself
51 Hair MUST be shorter than mine
52 Doesn't ride a motorcycle
53 Not afraid of heights
54 Doesn't have girly hands
55 Patience, Patience, Patience
56 Has to SMELL good ~ willing to wear cologne sometimes
57 Does not expect me to fall into the typical female roles, ie cook, clean, bear his children, stay at home with them, etc.
58 Not a tree hugger
59 Profiecient with a computer
60 Has to be some Irish
61 Has to be able to romance me ~ not too much where I want to throw up though
62 CANNOT make fun of my family ~ the Czuba family unless I do first
63 Must be supportive of my hopes, dreams, ambitions, and any lame thoughts that I may have
64 Must be able to tell me I am beautiful when I need to hear it, sometimes even when I don't
65 Has to be able to laugh at REALLY REALLY stupid shit sometimes
66 Overall cheerful person
67 No glasses ~ if bad eyes WEAR contacts sometimes
68 MUST never EVER buy me carnations
69 Has to be ambitious in career ~ but too much so that he forgets about me
70 Has to desire more out of life that what is right at the moment~ cannot be too content
71 Cannot be domineering or controlling
72 Has to be able to share the lime light with me 
73 NON SMOKER
74 NO BACKNE
75 No pot marked face
76 Is nice to old people
77 Doesn't have food allergies, ie peanuts
78 Able to be playful and silly, ie wrestle without the thoughts of getting naked
79 Can put up with my quirks and maybe thinks that they are funny a little bit (tolerence very important)
80 NOT perky in the morning, if he is MUST be able to leave me alone
81 Has a good set of teeth ~ cares about oral hygeine and brushes often, no smelly breath
83 Does not have an incomprehensible accent
84  ....

When I wrote this, I typed it up in yahoo notepad.  Apparently I didn't finish typing it.  I know know know that I had 100 criteria.

Apt hunting = Online dating

In October I was only casually looking for apartments.  I had promised myself that I wouldn't take any action impulsively.  I vowed that the place I would move into would have to fit all of my criteria, price range, space, light, location etc.  I went to see a couple of places that seemed to good to be true, and there's a reason why that is a saying, it was because they all were.  The first one I looked at was in the perfect location, it was at the bottom of my price range. The pictures made it look quaint, but like a clever personal ad, the pictures were taken from only the good angles and air brushed.  The apartment appeared to have been designed for a troll and I am not talking about aesthetics here, I mean height and size.  The doorways were only about 3feet wide and 5 ft 10 inches tall.  The bedroom would have fit a cot and the kitchen would have caused me to loose weight because I would not have even been able to open the fridge.  I would hesitate to call it hobbit like because I really liked to Lord of the Rings and wouldn't want to insult the poor hobbits.  I was incredibly disappointed. 

The next place that I checked out also looked really great on paper.  It again was in my price range and it had really great pictures, though I had become cynical enough by now not to necessarily believe them.  At least this time I could see what I was getting into.  So I took a chance, I started to get really excited again.  I started mentally planning my decor.  I emailed all my friends about this place.  The anticipation was almost more than I could handle.  When I arrived at the building, I waited for the agent with whom I had spoken to several times.  I waited, and waited and waited and waited.  Did I have the day wrong?  Was I at the wrong address?  After waiting a half hour, I spoke with the agent who had forgotten to call me and cancel our appointment because she had just found a tennant.  I was not only being stood up, but I was being rejected by someone who had never met me for another person.  Ouch. 

Now as a seasoned online dater, I can tell you that this  cycle of emotions beginning with seeds of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, excitement again, and the finally disappointment is very like that of the emotional roller coaster one experiences with online dating.  Once I made that realization my whole approach to apartment hunting changed.  Like online dating, I began to just approach like it never hurts to just look! 
I found another apartment, this one didn't have any pictures and it was a little bit farther north than I would have preferred, but since it never hurts to look, I figured why not?!  I scheduled the appointment later that week and didn't just cancel all my plans to check it out as I had several of the others.  The day of the viewing I was Switzerland neutral, I was calm cool and collected, I hadn't allowed myself to be duped into becoming emotionally attached. 

When I walked in it was a bit of a mess, boxes everywhere, the slightly naseating smell of cat pee in the air, but sunlight drenching the small cozy room.  It had a cute little kitchen, with DVDs stacked on the wire cabinet.  The adorable dining nook had bunk beds in it for the previous tennants two small children.  Somewhere in the apartment a cat was loose feeding on the leftover garbage, scratching the vintage pine wood floors.  It was oozing with potential, it just needed a female touch, and buckets and buckets of pine sol.  It felt like meeting a man with the perfect smile and sense of humor who hadn't gotten a hair cut or been shopping since the early 2000's and thought that cargo pants and floppy hair were still in... ouch.  A bit of work, but great potential.  I applied immediately!

Halloween at the Museum

I decided to take a half day on Halloween, not because I wanted to go trick or treating, quite the contrary.  I should explain, I work in pediatrics and most kids do in fact want to go trick or treating, so my schedule was painfully light when I decided to take my half day.  I also decided it would be a prime opportunity for me to check an item off the list, off to the Chicago History Museum I went.  I got off work around lunch time. 

I took myself to Manny’s Deli for lunch.  It’s a fairly famous spot, where Barack O’Bama and Mayor Daley would share lunch.   I really didn’t know what to expect when I went there, and thankfully I got there a bit after the lunch crowd so I didn’t feel like a total moron.  I walked into the deli and it looked like the line at a school cafeteria x20.  Immediately upon grabbing my lunch tray I was asked by three different gentlemen manning the sandwich stations what I would like.  I was overwhelmed!  How could I make a decision so quickly?  Without thinking I ordered a classic corned beef sandwich.  It came on a plate with what looked like a giant slab of unidentifiable fried food. 

The sandwich was GIANT.  Between the two pieces of rye bread was enough meat for a weeks worth of sandwiches.  How does one attempt to eat this sandwich?  Where does one begin?  I started with a fork.  It was delicious.  I then decided to tackle the unidentifiable fried food, I took a bite, nope still didn't know what it was.  It could either have been potatoe, or corn bread odd, those two things are not exactly alike. 


Onward to the Chicago History museum.  The ticket was expensive, so I figured I would meander my way through the museum taking my sweet time, getting my full money's worth.  Unfortunately, my interest was never peaked.  I walked around the museum rather aimlessly, reading an exhibit every once in a while, but my attention was never held.  In the two hours that I attempted to "soak" in the history of Chicago without doing any in depth studying, I learned that Chicago is named after a stinky onion, the world's fair had exhibits displaying torture, midgets and incubators, (I hoped that they were three different exhibits).  I saw pictures of Chicago throughout history and heard music that originated in Chicago.  I read about the different architects that built the world famous sky scrapers, I looked at a whole exhibit about Lincoln.  Perhaps it was the 2lbs of corned beef in my belly, but I just could not get excited or interested in the museum.  I was exhausted.  I felt like I had a brick in my belly and I just wanted to sit down. 


I grabbed pumpkin spice latte from starbucks and toasted to the perfect blustery cloudy Halloween afternoon that we were having sitting on a bench in the park adjacent to the museum.  From my bench I had the lovely the pleasure of watching trick or treaters weave from house to house filling their bags with candy in the picture perfect Gold Coast neighborhood.  


This is what I was missing in the museum, I wasn't outside, I wasn't enjoying what Halloween was for me.  Halloween is always about the tradition or being outside come rain or shine.  It was about pumpkins and candy and kids gleefully comparing candy bags to see who's was more full.  It was about the homemade costumes that got completely covered up because mom always insisted that we wore a coat to protect us from the chill in the air.  It was perfect.  This was halloween!

Architectural Snooping

On Sunday, my gal pal and I decided to check out this event called Open House Chicago.  The Chicago Architecture Foundation sponsors a free behind the scenes look at some of the city's greatest spaces and buildings.  (taken from their website of course)  Anyway, my friend and I really just wanted to achieve two goals, to go to a Chicago neighborhood that we haven't really checked out before, and to snoop on a landmark or building that we typically wouldn't be able to get access. 

Armed with our yuppie starbucks and dressed in, not planned but matching attire we set out with our smart phone map to guide us on this adventure.  To achieve our first goal of visiting a neighborhood  we typically wouldn't, I chose a destination that was on the way downtown, the old Sears Roebucks and Company complex in the neighborhood of Garfield Park or North Lawndale/Homan Square.  The neighborhood is one which I probably wouldn't venture to at night, but during the day it had it's charms.  We parked a few steps from the original Sear's Tower.  I'll bet you didn't know there were two!  It was a 14 story tower that was once a part of the Sears Roebuck and Company complex where catalogs were printed and orders were filled.  This tower was in complete disrepair.  We were required to sign safety waivers before entering the premise because it was considered a construction site. 

In the elevator I made uncomfortable jokes so that I didn't have to acknowledge the reality of how decrepit the elevator was and the chances of it plummeting to the ground causing our gruesome deaths.  Awkward jokes were definitely better!  When we got to the top, I was happy that this is where we started.  The elevators opened to a large open room filled with the cold fall air and gray sunlight.  Exposed brick walls and paint chipping from everywhere forced you to acknowledge the age of the building, and the strength of it for withstanding the many years it has seen.  There was a small outdoor space (no wider than I am) that people could go out on and look at the clear view of the city (ya know if you ignore the scaffolding).  It was amazing.

Our next stop on the tour was to the old power house for the Sears complex, which has now been turned into a school.  As my pal pointed out, can you imagine going to Power House School?  Has to be the easiest school to be a cheerleader for... right?!  We got to see the school cafeteria which which used to be full of generators and power equipment.  There was a giant hook hanging in the middle of the room and huge fans that oddly enough seemed to do nothing for air flow.  We continued our adventure and checked out two different factories, one designed by Frank Llyod Wright and another that had an Egyptian motif, quite interesting.

On the second leg of our journey we sought to see the underbelly of our fine city's government at City Hall.  Although the building was lovely, the tour left something to be desired.  At City Hall I was hoping to be blown away by seeing many secrets of the city, seeing the office where the mayor sits or going to see the much touted roof top garden.  Instead we walked past many offices and empty rooms.  I imagine that it would have been exciting had we known what happened in those many offices and empty rooms, but alas, taking a pee in the City Hall bathroom may have been the most exciting thing that I did there.  Until my friend and I spotted a dictionary outside what we determined to be someone very important's office (or so my story goes).  The dictionary was opened to a very boring word like book, but to help make ourselves laugh we turned it to the word sensual, most of our delight was in imagining the stuffy bureaucrat who noticed being slightly appalled.  After telling that story, I should have stuck with the bathroom being the most exciting anecdote... oops!

Our next stop was to the Chapel in the sky.  We continued to take rather precarious elevators during our architectural adventures.  In a rather ironic twist of fate, we had to put a great deal of faith into a small and rickety elevator that took us the the highest place of worship in the world.  The Chapel was lovely and full of light, but I prefer to worship in other ways and in other places.

Our journey continued with an interesting stop at another place of worship.  A odd looking church that sits on my favorite road along the river.  This church had had aisles upon aisles of sea foam green velour covered seats.  Again, not a place where I will be worshiping my higher power, but another place to check of the list of odd architectural curiosities.

Our final destination, after a short McNugget and fry snack (which was desperately needed) was at the Tribune building.  We got a sneak peek at the executive offices that are rarely opened to the public.  The walls were made of beautiful mahogany and there were secret doors where the crotchety original executive would only allow those he wanted into his private offices.  There were so many books some dated back to 1914 on the tall shelves.  And the panoramic view left me to wonder how this important executive ever got anything done.  We ended our adventure at someplace only fitting for my friend and I, a brewery.  Both of us were a tad curious as to how this establishment ended up as part of the architectural open house, but far be it for us to argue!  A couple of beers later, we cared little for how it had ended up on the tour!  A day I hope to repeat again next year.



Art poser!

So, in following my own advice a couple posts back, I decided to appreciate what my city really had to offer.  This past weekend I had two separate but equally wonderful dates with the city.  Saturday, I had been invited to join two of my friends who are incredibly talented artists to enjoy the Open Studios event held in the Pilsen neighborhood.  This event is part Chicago Artists Month 2011.  I was so excited for the event I believed I may have text stalked my pal slightly that morning before she had even woken up (I may be an early riser).  Instead of waiting around my house, I grabbed a book and headed to my favorite bakery on the west side in Old Little Italy, grabbed a cannoli, cup of coffee and a corner table that was bathed in the mid morning sun.  I sat and read for a couple hours realizing that I would have been completely content reading all day in this perfect little spot.  I didn't though, when I got the text message from my pal that they were heading down the the art walk, I headed over. 

I had dressed in my art walk best, I needed to look the part of a 'real' art aficionado (I'll admit that I am a total poser).  I must really have looked the part, my friends of many years took a second to recognize me.  I had on my best fedora, grandpa cardigan and loose  beige scarf (just so you can picture it).  Anyway, the event was incredibly cool.  Basically over 50 studios or art 'spaces' which ranged from art galleries to people's apartments or even school auditoriums all transformed into galleries with art all over and even a few DJs pumping out an array of eclectic music.   

During the event I saw some art that was jarring and emotionally provoking.  I asked my friend why anyone would purchase those pieces and hang them in their home.  He explained to me (what a dunce he must have thought) that some art was to bring home and be appreciated over and over again evoking the energy one wants to have in their home.  Other art was created to be seen and evoke such a strong emotion that it leaves you thinking or often conversing about the subject matter or the inspiration.  DUH!  I felt like such and idiot. 

Anyway, from that day I was inspired to start my own personal art collection.   I have decided to start with a piece from each of my friends that I joined on the art walk.  I already have several jewelery pieces from my friend Amy Primeau, which are very cool and incredibly unique.  If you want to check out her stuff, which I definitely recommend, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/amyprimeau?page=1. 

I have already chosen the piece from my friend Carey Primeau, called City of Seouls (seen below).  To check out more photography from Carey Primeau go to his website http://careyprimeau.com/home.html. 

My date with Autumn

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of the year.  This fall has been extra special, it's like an extended cut on your favorite movie.  I decided to enjoy it.  Apparently, today so did everyone else in the world.  As I pulled into the local Arboretum, the line of cars seemed more extended than that enjoyable movie, but I wasn't going to let that put a damper on the start of my day.  Things started looking up as the gentleman who took my money and gave me the park map was utterly handsome and took an extra second to flirt with me.  But I was already on my date with autumn... and map man was not invited.

I pulled from my handsome man into a parking spot and immediately wanted to see more and get outside.  I grabbed my bag to commune with nature.  I hiked and hiked away from the crowds.  I saw colors that I didn't know were naturally possible.  What a beautiful day!  I found a perfect spot against a tall oak tree, next to a slow moving creek.  I spent hours cozied up against the oak reading and drawing.  Now, I'm no artist, but I love color.  The breeze kissed my face and the sun kept me warm.  It felt great.  I enjoyed my date with fall!

30lbs before 30yrs

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

So, I've signed up with an online weight tracker.  This will force me to get on board.  I am tired of not fitting in pants, and frankly I am tired of making excuses for myself.  I have been done with graduate school for over three months.  I have probably gained more weight since I graduated.  There are no excuses for me at this point.  It's time to put my feet to the pavement and keep the fork from my mouth.  Hello skinny jeans, you are trend that I will eventually embrace!

Embracing my city!

Yes, I am looking to go to new places and try new things... but I also have to realize that I need to embrace my own city too!  There are neighborhoods just a few miles away that are steeped in cultures that are unknown to me.  Today, I enjoyed an amazing bruch with a gal pal.  The cute breakfast spot was located on a shiney and polished street with new condo buildings and franchised restaurants.  While breakfast was delicious and coffee was piping hot the remants of what the street used to be were fashioned all over in statues and plaques.  The street used to be a corner of culture, it used to be crowded with characters.  Yes, there may have been some insidious characters and others may have called the corner "seedy," but now, it is cleaner than a load of whites washed with bleach. 

After breakfast, my pal and I were driving back to her place.  She lives in a neighborhood that is a thriving area of history, art and culture.  Sides of buildings are painted with historical and polical murals.  Some people would possibly call it graffitti and the artist criminals, but these artists are revered as heroes who are applauded to their expression and documentation of the rich culture.  With our windows open we heard the loud pounding of tribal drums before we saw the vibrant flashes of color moving rhythmically to the sounds of the drums.  My friend and I looked at each other knowing we would be remiss if we didn't immediately park and check out what was going on.  We walked over and checked out what appeared to be a small street festival celebrating what, we are still uncertain of.  We watched as about twenty dancers of all ages pounded their feet to the rhythm of the thunderous drums.  After every song, it appeared that the dancers made some sort of sacrifice.  We sat on the curb absorbing the sights and sounds in front of us, thrilled with how lucky we were to have stumbled upon such a sight. 

After the unbelievable experience, I have come to realize that I need to appreciate the city and neighborhoods at my finger tips before they disappear...

Ferris wheel

I have several fears in life, but my most dibilitating fear is that of heights.  I will admit that it does have some qualifications, such as if I am indoors, but very high, I am ok.  Also, I am ok on airplanes... but I think that has more to do with deconditioning than anything else.  My greatest fear is open air heights.  If I can lean over something with the possibility of falling, then consider me terrified.  My knees go weak and my stomach is in my throat, my heart beats far too quickly and my palms become incredibly sweaty. 

When I was on a high school trip to France we went of the Eiffel Tower.  Seems ok right?  No, this is exactly the type of open air heights that terrifies me.  Even the elevator was open to the elements, which was four walls of metal cage.  There was no where to hide in this thing.  I will admit that cried the entire way up it gripping my high school friends hand.  Do I consider this incredibly embarassing, yes, was this the only time that heights has caused embarassing behavior... absolutely not!  If the Eiffel Tower was around the corner, trust me going up it without crying would be at the top of my list, but instead I will just have to settle for the Chicago Ferris Wheel.

You may be asking how can one really compare the Chicago Ferris Wheel to the Eiffel Tower... well my friends they are quite comparable in terms of my fear of open air heights and my reactions to them.  When I was in going to college in Chicago a few friends decided to check out the scene on Navy Pier.  Since none of us had been on the Ferris Wheel they thought it would be fun.  Instead of wanting to look like a party pooper, I bought my ticket somehow hoping that I had spontaneously overcome my fear of open air heights.  I hadn't.  Repeat hand holding and crocidile tears.  Repeat embarassment. 

So that's where #30 on the list comes from.  It will be the first item that I will tackle.  Fear.  Only fitting since I am a little fearful of turning 30, so why not tackle fear right off the bat?!  I will be attempting to enjoy the Chicago Ferris Wheel without tears and hand holding on Friday September 2nd.  If you are interesting in joining me just let me know.  Don't worry, I will bring a camera!



  Eiffel tower elevators with glass in the window!


Navy Pier Ferris Wheel... Scary isn't it!?
.

Official List!!

Alrighty then...  See below for the official list.  I have organized the list into categories, they are pretty self explanatory.  I am pretty excited about it.  There will be a calendar attached to some of the events, so check back and be with me as I check off some items on the list!

Goals

1.       20lbs

2.       Pay off CC

3.       Move into a big gal’s apt

4.       Compete in a sprint triathalon

5.       Bike the length of the lake shore path

6.       Adopt a family for Christmas

7.       Learn how to change a tire/change my oil

8.       Get scuba certified

New

9.       Make the perfect soufflé

10.   Pick a new drink to order at the bar

11.   Learn how to knit a scarf

12.   Take a guitar class

13.   Get fitted for a proper bra

14.   Send a drink to a handsome stranger

15.   Cheesy kiss under mistletoe

Culture

16.   Go to a wine tasting and actually learn about the differences

17.   Go to a new Chicago museums

18.   Paint a picture that I would be willing to hang

19.   Pick a favorite song

20.   Make a full meal from ingredients from the farmers market (host a dinner party)

Quirky

21.   Fly a kite

22.   Take pin-up girl calendar photos

23.   Sing Kareoke (well)

24.   Make a gingerbread house

25.   Organize a beer pong tournament

26.   Play craps and know what I am doing

Travel

27.   Go to a new country

28.   Go to a new city

Fear

29.   Go on a roller coaster

30.   Go on the Chicago ferris wheel

Let the Games Begin....

Sooo... I am looking to start a blog.

Currently, my life is in a bit of a holding pattern.  I am 29 years old, I just graduated grad school and I am waiting to start my job.  Ohhh... did I forget to mention that I live at home with my parents.  Oops.

So, after a couple of beers and some serious bouts of depression I decided to dream big.  I decided to set some serious goals.  I would attempt to do 30 fun, interesting and BIG things before I turn 30.  Perhaps, it will make the big 30 a little less scary if I have actually achieved things that I am proud of... perhaps. 

Anyway, we will start this first blog, by opening it up for suggestions.  There is no limits, ANYTHING, seriously... I will consider all.  The more ludicris the more fun.

I can't wait to set up the list!  Hurry people, my birthday is in June, I am loosing time.