Sara, of moments of exhilaration, has been working on a 30 Before 30 list. Her list includes things like climb a 14K and write a book. She plans to do this and (HOLY CRAP!) 28 other things before she turns 30 in October.
For months I’ve been reading as she’s checked things off her list. For months I’ve been loving on this idea. I mean, I’m turning 30 in October as well. And, hell, I really like lists. But I’m not even going to pretend like I can climb a mountain or write a book in between playing peek-a-boo and not taking showers.
That’s when it hit me! Why not make a totally do-able 30 before 30 list? A list of things I really want to do, but just don’t make the time for. A list of treats really. Nothing quite as grandiose as a bucket list. Something more like a… small container list.
1. Take a long, hot shower.
2. Pick out some books for Ruby at an actual book store.
3. Watch a movie in the theater.
4. Surprise someone with a present just because.
5. Paint my toenails.
6. Buy something for myself I really don’t need.
7. Run a race.
8. Pick out a Halloween costume for Ruby.
9. Go on a date with Jason.
10. Do something artsy.
11. Go to a coffee shop and blog WITHOUT the baby.
12. Buy a piece of lingerie.
13. Go to the Sausalito Art Festival.
14. Sleep in.
15. Eat at a nice restaurant.
16. Get a haircut.
17. Eat a sundae at Fentons Creamery.
18. Quit being cheap and buy a new pair of running shoes.
19. Use that gift certificate I got for Christmas and get a massage already!
20. Drink a real glass of wine. You know, the kind with alcohol in it.
21. Go to story time at the library.
22. Get dressed up and put on makeup.
23. Bake something fattening.
24. Set up a play date with someone outside of the mom’s group.
25. Pick out a sewing project and buy the supplies.
26. Treat my mom to scones at First Street Cafe.
27. Write a short story.
28. Go swimming WITH the baby.
29. Assuming I’m set up to accomplish #28 – buy a new swimming suit.
30. Celebrate my birthday!
Anyone else with me? What’s on your small container list?
Fantastic idea! I’ve been so caught up in the things I CAN’T do right now, that something like this might be just what I need to do. Except I’m 32. So maybe 33 before 33?
Posted by Pam | August 19, 2012, 1:13 pmAwesome!! I think 33 before 33 sounds perfect!
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 1:17 pmYes! I love it!! I love the idea of the small container list. Some of the stuff on mine was definitely like that – things I’d been meaning to do but never gotten around to. Like watch the Godfather movies and print out photo albums. Some of the stuff was bigger but plenty of it was small. Sometimes you need to just give yourself that push to take time for yourself. Good luck with your list!
Posted by momentsofexhilaration | August 19, 2012, 4:46 pmThanks! I still maintain that your list is CRAZY! There’s no way I could have done all that! Even if I had started when you did!
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 7:42 pmGreat idea and great list!! You’ll feel awesome after you do a lot of those things! And this may sound bad, but after Amelia was born and I had a glass of wine I just loved her SO much (she was sleeping) but all my fears and anxiety went away for a little while, so maybe it would help. I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m encouraging you to drink a lot or all the time, but just to relax a little
Posted by Kari | August 19, 2012, 5:06 pmIf I become an alcoholic I’m blaming you. JK I get what you’re saying!
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 7:42 pmNo, no, no! You know I rarely turn down random blogging suggestions, heck I even posted 31 days in a row just for you, but I wouldn’t go a mile next to a list like that. Especially considering my utter failure of any things to do before turning 29. Today’s list had exactly one bullet: run. And I didn’t even manage that. Maybe there’s still time?
Posted by greekmelie | August 19, 2012, 5:21 pmHere’s what you should do. Think back on what you did today. Write everything done on your list and then cross them off. Then missing one tiny, little run won’t seem like a big deal! I’m serious. I do this.
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 7:44 pmGreat list– I love it! I don’t like bucket lists because they’re so grandiose, but I do like the small container list. Focusing on the smaller joys of life is much more reasonable. Can I steal this idea and do a 36 before 36 post? I will give you full credit. BTW– I’m an October baby, too!
Posted by alundeberg | August 19, 2012, 7:38 pmThanks! I sort of have a bucket list in my head, but I always refrain from writing it down officially because I don’t want to feel like I actually have to do everything on it. Ha! And PLEASE steal the idea! You deserve a few treats just as much as I do!
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 7:46 pmLove the list!
Posted by Christy H | August 19, 2012, 8:28 pmThanks Christy! And thanks for reading!
Posted by Laura | August 19, 2012, 9:58 pmGreat idea, I might steal it too! Your list is great! I guess my first thing on the list would be to actually sit down and write the list!
Posted by Sarah Kelly | August 20, 2012, 11:51 amYou should totally steal the idea! Writing the list sounds like a good start!
Posted by Laura | August 20, 2012, 12:16 pmI love this. I’m only 25, and my birthday isn’t until April, but still. Maybe a 26 before 26? A haircut and seeing a movie in an actual theater sounds nice!
Posted by Ashley Austrew | August 20, 2012, 1:50 pmThe small container list has no rules! It doesn’t matter how many things are on your list or when you do them. Go for it! Yay!
Posted by Laura | August 20, 2012, 6:42 pmTotally love this idea as well! My list would include things like eat an ice cream sundae without feeling guilty, watch TV and be on Facebook at the same time without feeling guilty, let the hubby put the kids to bed all week long without feeling guilty…notice a trend?? Also – like your new look. =)
Posted by sanjosemrtt | August 21, 2012, 9:23 pmThanks!! Yes, it sounds like you need to give yourself permission to have a little personal time! Write that stuff down and then tell yourself you HAVE to do it. Only let yourself feel guilty if you don’t!
Posted by Laura | August 21, 2012, 10:14 pmI think I need to write one of these. And the first item probably needs to be- finish list before my birthday which is in just barely over a month holy crap!
Posted by vandeblogger | August 22, 2012, 6:50 pmI think you need one too, if for no other reason than I know you like lists too. But also because you should get a few birthday treats.
Posted by Laura | August 22, 2012, 8:21 pmHave a glass of wine by the end of the year. I aim high with my goals.
Posted by Victoria @ Running Peanut | September 12, 2012, 3:44 amThat’s actually the perfect for a small container list! Notice how that’s on my list too?
Posted by Laura | September 12, 2012, 7:48 amHave a ‘on the seventh day’ box. I put into a box just before the sabbath what I plan to do, to not do, to think about. It ritualizes the sabbath and for me gives meaning. A rabbi once called this a ‘Shabbos box’. I like the box in the picture, how can Iearn to build one. A good new year to all.
Marty Kirschen
Posted by Marty Kirschen | December 31, 2012, 11:20 am