Final bucket list item

After 6 years and 11 months in San Diego, I finally went surfing. Keep in mind, I had wanted to go surfing when I first moved out here in 2006.

The waves pushed me around, and I ate salt many, many times, but this did not keep me from loving every minute of it! I almost stood up, but I was content to ride the waves on my knees.

I aspire to continue surfing now that I'm back in San Diego, though it will likely have to wait until after I return from NY.



P.S. the picture is of me on the zipline, because I don't have a picture of me surfing, but the zipline was really fun, too. And after having to be pushed off the zipline the first time, this is a picture of me after having pushed myself off of the second line. So the spirit of accomplishment is represented.

Bucket List #1

So, this is my last full weekend in my 20s. How does one commemorate the end of a decade?

Well, I can say I ended my 20s with a bang. Literally. I rear-ended a parked car last week. It was my first real accident, so I suppose I cannot complain. Diction is very important. When someone says "just back up" that implies there is nothing at all behind you. Minor accidents in the past include love-tapping a parked car (I was a teenager, though), knocking off my side view mirror (I think I backed into a garbage can), and a deer hit my car. Yes, the deer ran into my car. I think the lesson here is that I need to look behind me in my 30s when I am in a moving vehicle. This is how wisdom is made.

There were, however, fun things I have accomplished this month. I went to Ostrich Land and touched ostriches and emus.

I also walked into a drive-in movie theatre. It was epic. (pun intended, since I saw the movie 'Epic')

I only start to feel old when I compare myself to younger people, so I've stopped doing that. My 20s were fun, but I don't want to go back. And if I do say so myself, I look much cuter now than I did in my early 20s. This trajectory will eventually end as I climb the upward hill of age, but I will always be beautiful in Christ ("it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:4).

As for my non-completed bucket list items, I will most likely have surfing lessons at the end of June during the Urban Life summer camp. Regarding reading my poetry at an open mic night, well...maybe I'll make everyone at my birthday party listen to my poem that will be published in June and call it good. 

Perhaps turning 30 will hit me as I start telling people I am 30 years old. Maybe 31 will be hard, as 30 seems to have more bragging rights than 31. Or maybe once I'm settled into my 30s, like 35. Or maybe, just maybe, I will embrace every new year with a smile and a celebration with cherished friends and family. 

Bucket List #2

April was an exciting month!

#missionweek2013, #weouthere, #urbanlife kicked off the month with a week long retreat at a church in La Jolla. High school students (from City Heights, mostly) served the community in City Heights. It was rowdy, exhausting, and fun. You know, how youth ministry is every day.

During Mission Week, I learned a beat. The week after that, I wrote some lyrics to go with the beat. I haven't "performed" it for anyone, but it exists. I created something to a beat. My first step toward spoken word? Maybe, if I actually speak it to people. Thanks, #bestfriend.

I also found out that I will have a poem published in June (most likely). A childhood dream come true. Ok, my dream was to publish a novel but a poem will do. Another first step? Perhaps. Maybe, if I'd actually make some time to write.

Oh, and I ran a half marathon two days ago. Actually, 13.5 miles. I ran more than a half marathon. Well, I jogged...the entire time...#praiseJesus.

Suggestions for bucket list items in May are welcome. Surfing scares me, actually. So does an open mic night.

Anyone want to help me plan a flash mob on June 2? Even if we gather a bunch of people and perform the Wobble. I can teach you, if you don't know.

Bucket list #3

With much trepidation, I completed a bucket-list item on Thursday. I went to Ocean Beach (the most hippie-friendly beach in San Diego) to play my djembe drum on loan. I remember 3 different beats from the drum circle workshop in Big Bear through Urban Life. (Does anyone remember any other sayings? I remember "pass the popcorn," "Mississippi-yuh," and "strawberry ice cream.")

Regardless, I felt high self-conscious as I walked to find a scarcely populated spot. I enjoyed drumming the different beats and practicing transitioning between two different ones.

I have a special bucket-list shout out. My cousin, Louis, taught me how to get all of the white cubes on one side of the Rubik's cube.

And now to tackle my avoided 20s bucket-list items: surfing and reading my poetry.

Bucket list #5 and #4

So my burst of energy fizzled for my 20s bucket list, but I managed to scrape some items from the bucket of my life.

In January, I wrote a song. By "wrote a song," I mean I edited a poem to match a 4 count beat I played on a drum. It's not quality, but I'm proud that I attempted to combine my words and music and play with rhythm.

In February, I went to my second cheer competition in 2 months. Oh yes, in January I went to a cheer competition as well as in February. I now know what hurdle kicks are. Bring it on.

In March, I am looking forward to potentially publishing a poem, seeing my cousin in Santa Barbara, celebrating Easter AND said cousin's birthday, and a Bollywood dance performance. Perhaps my "bucket list" item will be driving up the 101 to Santa Barbara, or perhaps back to San Diego on a Sunday.

Either way, I am thankful for a March filled with fun things to look forward to. Last year, March was a very difficult month. On the 5th, I will be eating peanut butter cups and remember my uncle Peter. Rest in peace.

Thus continues my march toward turning 30.

Bucket list #6

In December, I quietly decided to start a bucket list for my last 6 months in my 20s.

My list for December was short and manageable, much like myself.

I finished my short story and submitted it to the New Yorker. Perhaps one day they will publish something I submit.

I also started a book about Listening Prayer. I'm trying to be more in tune with God's presence. We had a little bit of a conversation through my thoughts and Scripture. The bucket list for December was accomplished.

This month, I am considering an open mic night (yikes!).

Regardless of my bucket list, I plan to audition for a hip hop dance group January 19. I've auditioned before. It's, at the very least, a free cardio hip hop class!

In February, I'd like to purchase a djembe drum.

The timing is not so much important as long as I complete at least one task each month.

Future endeavors included surfing, so if any of my surfing friends want to help me make that happen, I'd appreciate it!

I'm also open to suggestions.

The culmination of this will be twofold, my 30th birthday on June 2 and the World Famous Mud Run at Camp Pendleton on June 8. I was serious about 30 being dirty.