50th Year in Progress - 16 days to the big day

I usually do celebrate my birthday in some way. Sometimes with a party or a dinner and sometimes with a trip/adventure. As I contemplated turning 50 I made some decisions. Even with the longish life spans in my family, every day truly is a gift. Putting things off is no way to live life. 

I started with a list of 50 things to do this year. Not exactly a bucket list, though some of my bucket items did make the list.

A few of the items are seemingly simple, but actually represent much more. As with everyone who walks this planet I won't get every "thing" I want in life. However, I won't settle for missing out on experiences and emotions and connections any longer. 

My 50th year is not the end or the beginning, but it is a way to step up and move forward. Get out of ruts and create new habits and LIVE.  All of us can choose to LIVE or to worry about what might be. I actually am not one to sit around and feel sorry for myself, or at least not for long. I also know the best way to move past that "place" is to do something. 

Honestly, 2015 could be better. Some crappy things have happened, but some amazing things are finding a way to bloom in spite of the negative conditions. I am going to approach this year with positive energy and thoughts. 

So, what's on the list? 

1.	3 stamps in Passport
2.	Visit one New State
3.	50 Notes of Gratitude
4.	Lose 50 pounds
5.	Visit Kai
6.	Visit Chris
7.	Write book
8.	See 4 sunrises
9.	See 10 sunsets
10.	Clean the house 50 times
11.	Landscape house
12.	Go to the beach 50 times
13.	Painting Class
14.	Color Me Mine Dishes
15.	Host a Dinner Party
16.	Read 50 books
17.	Organize Closet
18.	GO to an Opera
19.	Hike to Mash Site
20.	Eat Vegan twice a week
21.	Go to Fitness classes each week
22.	Do 5 L.A. Hikes
23.	Ride bike to work
24.	Go on a real date
25.	Attend Cinespia
26.	Go to Grand Park 3 times
27.	Walk dog 3 times/week
28	Attend Shakespeare in the Park
29.	Finish Joey’s Quilt
30.	Host 3 parties
31.	Tattoo
32.	Spirit Blog
33.	Yosemite
34.	Go to the Center of U.S.
35.	Go to Professional Football Game
36.	Clean/Organize Garage
37.	Make plans with diff groups of friends
38.	Go Dancing
39.	Try 5 new restaurants
40.	Fall in Love
41.	Buy a couch
42.	Go Skating
43.	Call one friend every week
44.	Pull out carpet and sand floors
45.	Re-do Bathroom
46.	Grow vegetables
47.	See Mike DJ
48.	Earn Salary Points
49.	Host a crazy no reason party
50.	Try something NEW

Obviously, the goal is just to live out loud and be with people I love and take some things off the todo list. And I am not going to feel bad if everything is not accomplished exactly as I want. The goal is to DO and BE and ENJOY and INTERACT and BE GRATEFUL for EACH AND EVERY DAY.

I hope to see you all on this year long adventure.