My fast 30...

With the school year winding down (only 6 days left!!), I am well aware that the summer always flies and that I need to "live it up"! I know this because I've always been the kid that can't bring cupcakes to school for my birthday. I'm a summer baby. And...yes...this summer, I turn 30.

Don't roll your eyes. This is not one of those "oh whoa is me! I'm old!" posts. I am more than happy to be turning 30. Not everyone gets to do that so, for me, I'm happy to say that I'll be 30 at the end of July. I hope to wear it proudly.

At this point in my life, knowing that 30 is right around the corner, you start reflecting and taking a tally of what you've done or not done. Even as I sit here, watching "The Bucket List", I try to think of things that I didn't get to do yet that I'd always wanted to do. I'll say another piece very proudly that there isn't much that I haven't had the chance to do yet. I have a wonderful husband, family, and son. I have a nice house. I am able to pay my bills. I've traveled. I've gone para-sailing in a foreign country (so scary). I've gone skydiving (so FUN!). I've gone to different places in the US. I've gone surfing. I've tried strange foods. I've seen concerts and met famous people. I've done a lot. I'm very lucky.

So for my 30th birthday, I decided to follow a 30 in 30 program. For the 30 days before my 30th birthday, I do something each day that I have either been pushing off or just want to do. (Best part- it's during the summer, so I don't have a job slowing me down.) Even more important, I want to invite all of you to follow along or come along with me on my 30 in 30 adventure. So...starting on June 29th, I'll be doing my 30 things in 30 days before I'm 30. Please let me know if you want to join me on any of days and I'll add you to the reservation!

June 29th- Pinterest Day: If you know me, you know that I am fairly obsessed with Pinterest so my first day of the 30 in 30 is going to be a chance for me to try all those things I see on Pinterest. I'll be making crafts, sewing, masks, workouts, and of course the FOOD!

June 30th- Favorite Day: I will be doing all my favorite things. Watch my favorite shows/movies. Eat my favorite foods. Wear my favorite clothes. Do my favorite things. So excited for this day!

July 1st- Walk in the Park Day: Today, Noah and I will be taking Ayden up to Hawk Mountain and hiking with him. We've only gone for short walks with him at Hibernia. Anyone have experience with taking a 19 month old to Hawk Mountain? Or a 4 year old lab? I'd love to know if you have tips for this day.

July 2nd- Start a New Habit Day: I am a little lost on this day. I have a lot of habits I could be starting (or stopping) so I'm not sure what my habit will be but I'm starting it today.

July 3rd- Bury the Hatchet Day: I'm sure I have a LONG list of people that I've angered, offended, upset, or hurt in my fast 30. So today, I'm writing letters to those people to apologize for the things I've done. I won't be asking for forgiveness or anything in return, just a chance for them to know that I'm sorry for what happened.

July 4th- Ayden Day: I rarely get to hang out with my son for the entire day. I want to have a mother/son date day. This is also a habit I'd like to start for us. He's my baby boy and I want to raise him the right way. On a side note, I realize that is Independence Day and we will certainly show our respect to the many that serve our country.

July 5th- Thank you Day: Much like July 3rd, I have many people to contact. There are so many people I have to thank for so many things. I've said it before, I'm a lucky girl. So today, I'll be writing to as many people as I can to thank them for what they do/have done for me.

July 6th- Day with Technology: Today will be a challenge. I will be stashing the cell phone, laptop, tv remotes, and anything else that I rely on for my technology fix. No Facebook (gasp). No Pinterest (double gasp). None of that. Wish me luck. It will be difficult. I may have to actually read a REAL book. YIKES!

July 7th- Random Act of Kindness Day: Today I will do something (hopefully multiple things) to brighten someone else's day. I might pay a stranger's bill. Or maybe I'll help change a tire on the highway. Whatever it is, I am really looking forward to making someone's day different.

July 8th- Fancy Dinner Day: I have never dressed up for a dinner party. I mean, other than going to a wedding or prom, I've never gotten all dazzled up and then have dinner. I also have never eaten on our fancy dinner plates. We've been married for 5 years and they are still in the boxes. That's just craziness! They are beautiful and I want to enjoy them! So feel free to join us for a dress up dinner at our house. We will have all the "fancies" out.

July 9th- Noah Day: Just like Ayden gets his day, Noah deserves a day too. Noah was here before Ayden anyway and he is my partner. So today, it's just me and him hanging out. And no, you're not invited to this day. ;-)

July 10th- British Invasion Day: Many of you know that, along with Pinterest, I'm obsessed with Kate Middleton. I mean, she's a freaking princess! How can you not love her?! So I will be going for tea in my best British outfit and hat. If you want to join, let me know so I can make reservations. It's so much fun and the treacle pudding is to die for!

July 11th- Wedding Book Day: As I said earlier, I've been married for almost 5 years and STILL haven't finished the scrapbook. My photographer was great in letting us have the photos and the chance to make our own book. I will be finishing it today.

July 12th- Tattoo Day: I have always wanted another tattoo and I know exactly what I want. I'll be getting that today.

July 13th- Donation Day: As has been said multiple times, I'm a lucky girl. I have more than I could ever need, so today, I'll be donating stuff to Goodwill so that someone else may have. Feel free to donate with me. They always need more!

July 14th- Sign Language Day: I have always wanted to learn sign language. Ayden signs a little with us but we'd love to know it fluently and be able to converse without speaking a word. So today, I'll be figuring out a way to learn sign language- a class, book, program, etc.

July 15th- Zoo Day: Although I've done some really amazing things in my fast 30, I have never been to the zoo. I've been to Zoo America in Hershey but never to the zoo. So today, to the zoo we go.

July 16th- Custom Jewelry Day: When we had Ayden, Noah got me a great push gift. However, I want to have a custom ring for Ayden. Luckily, Etsy.com has some really great options fo rme.

July 17th- Hershey Spa Day: Oh yes...I am really looking forward to this day. I have had a gift card for almost 2 years and I have yet to go. I can't wait!

July 18th- Camp Out Day: Before we had Mac and Ayden, Noah and I liked going hiking and camping. Now that we have babies, we haven't gone. So even though it may be in the back yard, we are going to camp out with Ayden and Mac. Oh that should be entertaining...

July 19th- Find my Roots Day: I think anytime someone starts looking back, it makes someone wonder where they come from. Today, I'll be doing some research on where I'm from. I know the Heckman side of German but I want to know specifics. Any ideas on how to do this?

July 20th- Create Day: Today I want to make something...anything from scratch. Be it jewelry, pottery, outfit, or whatever- I want to make something original. One of a kind.

July 21st- Messy Twister Day: This could fall under Pinterest day because I saw it on there but I just have to do this. You put paint on a Twister mat and then play like normal. So excited to get hosed down because I'm covered in paint. So fun!

July 22nd- Get a Strike Day: I have NEVER gotten a strike in bowling. I am determined to get a strike in bowling today- no matter how long it takes.

July 23rd- Lake Day: Originally, I wanted to go to the aquarium because I've never done that either. However, we may not be near an aquarium at this time so instead, we will go to the lake and have a picnic/sand day.

July 24th- Make a Dress Day: I am dying to sew my own dress. Not just a skirt or shirt, I want to make a dress. I'll be using a completely new pattern so this too should be interesting.

July 25th- Charity Day: I will be working for a charity today. I absolutely love animals so I'll be volunteering at the Humane League in Lancaster today to help them out with all the wonderful work they do with animals. I make no promises about coming home alone... :-)

July 26th- New Language Day: As many years in Spanish class and all I really know is Donde esta el bano? Yeah...ok, I know a little bit more than that, but I want to know more. I will be coming up with a plan to learn a new language today. Any suggestions?

July 27th- Plan for the Future Day: The day before my 30th birthday, I will be setting my goals for my next fast 30. Now that I've looked back and reflected, it's time to look forward to my next chapters in life. Today is that day.

July 28th- Happy Birthday to Me! Today I just enjoy a bbq and good times with my friends and family.

So that's the plan so far. I am really looking forward to this closing of a chapter.