40 before 40

I had this wonderful idea. Looked at dozens of other postings of people who have planned 40 before 40 things and realized... I only have 84 days before I turn 40. What if I created a list of 40 things to do before I turn 41 (while technically being 40, I would do these things before 40 itself was over.) So here is my list. Please keep in mind I was inspired in some of them by other blogs. If you want, google 40 before 40 to see my research.

1. Have my name on a giant check (either giving or receiving)

2. Ride in a hot air balloon

3. Spend the night in a hammock

4. Go on a mission trip (does not have to be out of the country, but it can be)

5. Seek a leadership position (I have a couple of things in mind, but have not solidified which one)

6. Be published (an article counts)

9. This is Edward, isn't he cute?

7. Have a great Valentine's Day

8. Read 40 books (between now and the end of 40)

9. Take Edward Camping

10. Attend the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (June in Atlanta)

11. Go to a country that does not touch the 50 states (this requires me to acquire a passport)

12. Watch the sunrise and the sun set on the ocean (yes I realize this will require some bi-coastal planning

16. This is what crow pose looks like. This is a stretch goal.

13. Be debt free

14. Hike a volcano in Hawaii

15. Finish a quilt

16. Do crow pose just once with both my feet off the floor (even if just for a second)

17. Write a letter to the editor

18. Go snorkeling

19. Either ride 100 miles in a single sitting or 1000 miles in the year (biking)

20. Give up something meaningful for Lent

26. This is my friend Julia (Josh in the background thinks we're strange)

21. Host a community service project for my family

22. Visit all 50 states (only 3 to go- Hawaii, South Dakota, Wyoming)

23. Go Parasailing

24. Go to the observation deck in Reunion Tower

25. Attend a roller derby game

27. I have many more embarrassing pictures of Cheri. :)

26. Tour 3 new breweries (preferable with my friend Julia)

27. Paddle Board in Austin with Cheri

28. Visit OKC solely for the purpose of seeing friends

29. Ride the train to Ft. Worth and check out the museums

30. Consolidate retirement plans (lame, but something I have been putting off for years)

31. Learn to juggle (Rachel may have to teach me)

31. Rachel on the left. 37. Dhriti in the middle. 

32. Enter something in the state fair competition

33. Stand under a waterfall

34. Do something nice for my neighbors

35. Attend the AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary event in DC (September)

36. Ride a jet ski

40. Me and my super twin

37. Cook dinner for Dhriti (cause she cooks for me all of the time.

38. Journal

39. Top Secret- But will share if I actually accomplish it

40. Celebrate my birthday with the best twin on the planet.