It has been one month since I started the pursuit of my “22 Things to do Before I’m 23“. So far, that adventure has proven to be challenging, yet achievable. In just these few weeks I have begun many of the adventures that will take some time to complete (getting my passport, learning the harmonica, etc) however I can report that three of these tasks have been completed.

4. Tip 150% to my waiter without him/her noticing.
I had the perfect chance to tip 150%, at a moment which seemed to be totally undeserved too. My server was having a very rough day, to say the least. Poor service certainly played a factor in my experience at this restaurant, but when I overheard a conversation she had with someone regarding her two kids and the busy work schedule she had, I knew that I had found the perfect person to surprise.

 15. Send “Just because” notes and mail to others.
This has become a part of my daily routine. I write a few notes or postcards out almost every afternoon, often to people that I randomly think of. The most rewarding part of this experience has been taking time to pray for each of these people before sending it out. Intentionality once again proves its power in my life.

22. Sing and dance in public more often than usual.
This past week, a group of friends and I celebrated the birth of our friend, Lauren. On this special occasion, we ventured to Applebee’s for Thursday night Karaoke, a chance for them to “reclaim the night scene”. I did not know that Applebee’s ever had a night scene, but I appreciate their attempt to do so. Through the night, I found myself blatantly volunteering to assist in everyone’s karaoke escapades, with songs like “My Humps”, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy”, “Summer Girls (LFO)” and “Baby Got Back”.  Many songs later, I realized that I had swallowed all pride remaining in me to perform these musical acts, complete with an air-guitar solo in the night’s final performance of “Don’t Stop Believing”, featuring all 12 of us in our party. This was an amazing night and one that I hope continues to happen throughout the Spring.

I am not the only person pursuing these short-term to-do lists. My friend Abi has been persistently seeking to cross off things on her list as well. One of my favorites was accomplished last night.
 
11. order an insane complicated drink from Starbucks


Abi’s order: May I have a venti, sugar free, nonfat, vanilla, white chocolate mocha, one pump peppermint, one and a half pumps vanilla, double shot, upside-down, no foam, light whip, three ice cubes, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, light cinnamon dusted on top, with chocolate drizzle, stirred, no lid, double cupped, and a straw…PLEASE!

 Abi with the barista that was very patient and kind enough to help her cross the task off her list.

What is your dream for your life? How about this year? Perhaps, even this week? What is stopping you from pursuing this dream at this very moment?