How to Dress Like a Frumpy Old Man

I was running by the local college yesterday when I came across a student dressed like a frumpy old man. I almost stopped to talk to him because after all, any one dressed like this has to hold great wisdom that comes from many years of life and a warm cardigan. I wanted to ask him what happened that morning to lead to the decision to wear penny loafers, ankle high white socks, gym shorts that DEFINITELY violated the fingertip rule and had John Stockton’s approval, and the brown wrinkly sweater. And where was the pipe that finished such an outfit? Instead I kept running, thinking over the next mile how someone should inform this student that after college that outfit goes in the closet until such frumpy wisdom is truly achieved. Today I realized this random student may have been a figment of my imagination, representing the crossroad in my life of turning 30.

This past Sunday at Buca di Beppo I shared some of my 30@30 list with friends and family. My dad asked me what happens if a year from now I’m about to turn 31 and my list is not finished. My mind froze for a minute and I faltered at a good answer. I still don’t have an answer to that daunting possibility….but I know the only way I can fail on this is to not try at all and that is what keeps me motivated.

Before I present the list I want to mention this is not my bucket list. That list, to me, represents singular acts that one wants to achieve before they die. In addition, I’m 90% positive this is not my midlife crisis. If it is, I should probably make it better than simply completing a list of 30 things! Instead this list stands for living in a different way than I have, in a way that allows me to give more of myself to others, to get more out of life by doing the things I love, and to live in a way that is intentional and on purpose.

So here is my list, I put it out there and welcome feedback on any of the items! The list is set, that will not change, but I need your help in achieving some of these (i.e., #26: What is the best pizza you have ever tasted? #5: What’s your dream…something you always imagine doing and how cool it would be?). A lot of them are easily achievable (#8, #10, #27), a few will be completed only through hard work and perseverance (#4, #7, #23). ALL of them come with a story and a reason.   

In no particular order I give you my list of the 30 things I will do in my 30^th year!!! I can’t wait to get started!!

1. Run a Marathon
2. Go Surfing
3. Go Snow Skiing
4. Volunteer for a Year
5. Help Someone Achieve a Dream
6. Surprise Amy
7. Have Dinner with a Celebrity
8. Go Camping
9. Teach Again
10. Start and Write a Blog
11. Rekindle a Friendship
12. Tell Someone they made a Difference in my Life
13. Sing in Public
14. Share my Faith
15. Play Basketball
16. Spend all Day in a Museum
17. Go to a Movie Premiere
18. Tell Someone I'm Sorry
19. Play a Prank
20. Go Somewhere I've Never Been
21. Ask Someone their Life Story
22. Spend an Entire Day in Silence
23. Buy a House
24. Go to the Theater
25. Write a Story
26. Eat the best Pizza I can Find
27. Play Disc Golf
28. Go to a Sunrise Beach Service
29. Wear a Tux
30. Throw a Party