Twenty-Seven

One more year to file away with its collection of stories, memories and lessons. Twenty-six did its thing. It forced me to grow. It showed me how low I can throw myself and how I can bounce back. It showed me wonderful times and dark days. Twenty-six was my wake up call. I just hope twenty-seven is the snooze button. I need some serious rest after last year.

I'm lucky. My birthday comes nipping at the heels of the new year. I get twice the chance to look within and without; twice the chance to figure out where I am and who I want to be. Not to mention a chance to give any resolutions a little boost 11 days in.

Inspired by Lisa's lovely list, I've decided to create my own year-long list of things I'd like to do before I turn 28.

1. Learn Italian (in progress)
2. Travel to a new country
3. Take swimming lessons
4. Find my own go-to cafe
5. Finish the hallway photo gallery
6. Design 5 greeting cards each month
7. Date...maybe (in progress)
8. Write a letter to one extra friend each month (eight)
9. Freelance for more publications (Lemondrop.com)
10. Dust off my SLR camera (done)
11. Take walks through the park with Toby (done)
12. Tell one person I love them every day...and mean it
13. Be of more service to others (forever in progress)
14. Have a sleepover filled with junk food and chick flicks
15. Host a cocktail party
16. Plant sunflowers in the spring
17. Cut my hair (done)
18. Explore watercolors (done)
19. Forgive (in progress)
20. Sign up for this and this again (done)
21. Eat, breathe and smile (done)
22. Remember it's not personal and let things go (in progress)
23. Speak up
24. Face three fears (one, two)
25. Be spontaneous (done)
26. Bake cupcakes (done)
27. Dress up for work (done)

So now I'm officially in my late twenties. I don't know what twenty-seven will bring, but I'm wishing for yummy goodness and smiles.

Image: thehausams.blogspot.com