Astute readers will remember that not only did the end of February mark my thirtieth birthday, but the end of my 60 Before 30 project! This was one in a long line of goal sets with a longer time horizon, as I generally prefer them to yearly goals. Though I’ve done a few 101 in 1001s before, this was my first time trying a 60 before 30. In short, I LOVED it! I think I’ve improved over time at this long-term goal setting thing, because in the past, I’ve been a little over my lists by the time I entered the third or so year of them – but not this time. Though I didn’t complete all 60, I still feel as passionately about each of these as goals as I did three years ago. Partially, that’s because I allowed myself the freedom to replace any goals along the way that were no longer relevant or important to me. I only ended up changing about three, but the freedom to do so was liberating. To quote myself (ha), “I hope writing these things down and working toward them will help me become the person I want to be — strong in mind, body, and spirit; capable and adventurous; encouraging and kind; grateful and generous — when I reach a new decade.” So… did it work? I’d say yes! I will never be these things fully in this life, but I do think I am more these things than I was three years ago, and I think this project helped. Plus, I had a lot of fun along the way! Let’s take a look at how I did! We’ll start with the goals I did not complete (womp womp): — Host a themed party — Go on a missions trip &#

After putting it as a goal on my first 101 in 1001 list, and then my second, without checking it off, I’m extremely happy to say that for me, the third time was the charm. Last week, we went to Europe, and it was marvelous! Anytime I get to travel with John is my favorite, but this trip in particular was very sweet. I’ve wanted to go to France since my freshman year of high school, and it was almost hard to believe at times that I had really made it! A full report is coming soon, but in the meantime, here are the basics: — We spent three days in Paris, two days in Provence, and three days on the Cote d’Azur. — Everything that’s said about French people and baguettes is true – we ate so much bread during our stay! No one was complaining, though :) — We walked almost 90 miles in 8 days (!!!), including 45 in Paris alone. My Toms sure were broken in by the end! More to come soon! P.S. I’m at 23 of 60 goals checked off on my 60 Before 30! Next up: nos. 14, 19, and 23 (surprisingly, I’m actually making progress!)

With my birthday, this project has concluded! Go here to see my full recap. Happy birthday to me! 27 is the first year, I think, that has felt “older.” Not “old,” and not older in a bad way, just… older. It seems like I’m closer to late-twenties than mid-twenties now. I see 30 on the horizon, and I want to be ready for it. So, instead of launching a third 101 in 1001 list, I’m trying a 60 Before 30 list! Some of these “goals” are silly, some are serious, some will be really hard, and some are already well on their way to completion. More than anything, I hope writing these things down and working toward them will help me become the person I want to be — strong in mind, body, and spirit; capable and adventurous; encouraging and kind; grateful and generous — when I reach a new decade. Start: February 28, 2014 End: February 27, 2017 Items completed: 43 1. Cultivate a lemon tree and/or blueberry bush (blueberry bush planted April 2015 and I am so excited!!) 2. Post a guide to the Triangle on EFM 3. Support a friend in something he or she is doing (Kollin’s Kickstarter!) 4. Expand on my very minimal eye makeup techniques (thanks to my personal consult with Sam in December 2016!) 5. Host a themed party 6. Go on a missions trip 7. Plant something pretty around our mailbox (March 2014) 8. Order an heirloom-quality wedding album for our home (January 2015 – post here) 9. Make a watercolor, oil, or acrylic painting 10. Develop a repertoire of at least 12 plant-strong meals we love (post here) 11. Make an appointment with an allergist and consider treatment plan options (June 2014) 12. Pay off the Mariner car loan (February