bucket list

just after my husband's 30th birthday (1.5 years ago) I posted my own "30th Birthday Bucket List".  That post has been viewed 108 times.  Since my average viewing is 5, that seems like kind of a big deal.

So, wanna know how I did?

1. be debt free (minus the house...and student loans)
--almost.  We hit some very rough months.  But back on track and very close.  And if I told you how much debt we've paid off, you'd probably be appalled at how much debt we once had.  But on the other hand, I've heard worse.  And considering what we've accomplished, we're doing good.  So being debt free is granted a six month extension.

2. get down to my wedding weight and maintain
--I weigh 152 pounds (I'm 5'10").  And despite sincere efforts, I have weighed that for a year now, unable to break the plateau.  So I accept the number and move onto a better indicator: I am a size 6 (sometimes even a 4).  WOOHOO!  I haven't tried my wedding dress on recently (it's packed in storage but I have no doubt that it fits.)  But better than that, I know that I am in better shape than I have ever been in my life.  I am stronger, have better endurance and better muscle tone than I've ever had.

3. Hawaii
--tentatively scheduled for spring 2014

4. a cruise
--see #3

5. a triathlon...that's gonna take some work.  I may regret writing that.  But I hope training for a goal will help me maintain my working out motivation.
--I didn't do a triathlon.  I started training and found out that I really don't like swimming.  and I didn't really have a place to train in swimming.  However, I love going to spin classes and know I can handle the biking portion of the race.  Even better, I ran Ragnar, holding a 9 minute mile pace for 18.5 ish miles.  I had to train for it, it was a challenge and I have definitely maintained my fitness regimen. So I'm gonna consider that goal to be met.  My next race is in November.

6. get back onstage (even just once).  I haven't done anything since college, singing/ dancing/ acting/ tech.  it doesn't really matter what because it's not about the display of talent (or lack thereof) but about being part of something like that again.  I miss it.
--I haven't done any theater.  But I think I found something better.  Exactly one year ago, I became a fitness instructor.  I've trained for it, I'm developing a talent, practice regularly and I work hard at it.  It fulfills the need: I'm part of a team, I share that energy and excitement with colleagues. I'm learning a lot and find that education satisfying. Teaching classes feels like performing, complete with the same adrenaline thrill and confidence.   It's challenging and rewarding and I love it.

7. take classes.  I'd like to start a master's program but that might a little too ambitious for our current situation so I'd settle for classes about cooking and parenting.
--I loved the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class we took and feel like we really benefited from what we learned.  I've certified in GroupKick and Zumba.  We also recently started taking classes on investing and I'm so excited about this new opportunity and can really see it building into something great.  More to come on that for sure.  Additionally, Parenting Love and Logic class scheduled for October.

8. read 6 great American novels.
--this was the hardest one.  Raising three small kids doesn't leave much time for reading.  Especially reading that takes concentration and focus.  I've read a handful of novels and a few self improvement books about leadership or finances or character building.  I'm working on reading books on parenting.  Overall, my favorite was a tie between Seven Habits (self improvement) and The Undaunted (about the Hole in the Rock Pioneers).

9. climb something big.
--I still haven't been out on the mountains again yet but I've started rock climbing on our gym's climbing wall.  Not much so it's something to look forward to still.  We had a big canyoneering trip planned that got rained out so I'll have to come back to this one.  However, see 2. Specifically, that I know I'm stronger and in the best shape of my life.  And that gives me great satisfaction as well as motivation to keep setting new challenges and plan more adventures.

10. visit at least one historical site that I've never been to before. has to be out of state and can't double with #3 or #4.
--Done: the Grand Canyon.

Yay for me!

Now accepting suggestions for my 40th birthday bucket list.