Sooo remember that time that I made a list of 25 things I would do while I’m 25? Well… about that. I didn’t do so well at knocking things off the list, which is unusual because usually I’m quite the taskmaster. I think I accomplished 6 things on the list, but I’m not even 100% sure about those. There were a lot that I started – painting, puzzles, books, notes, visiting places – but didn’t finish. I’m not even going to tell you which things I did accomplish, but you can guess if you like.

Even though I didn’t complete my 25 Things at 25 list, there are some incredible things that happened while I was 25. Let’s call it my *revised* 25 things at 25 list.

– Quit my “dream” job
– Started my own company
– Launched a new blog site
– Celebrated 2 years of marriage
– Comforted my granddaddy as he passed away
– Planted flowers that actually bloomed
– Became a mom of a preteen for a month
– Drove through the night to and from North Dakota
– Left my church of over 10 years to start a new church in Antioch
– Spent a weekend with my aunt and uncle
– Fulfilled Jury Duty service
– Survived both me and Casey having mono
– Went hang gliding

So maybe not 25 things, but it’s definitely been an exciting year full of lots of challenges, adventures and growth.

So here’s to 26! May it be as action-packed as 25!

 

I thought I would celebrate my half birthday by updating you all on my 25 Things at 25 list progress. Frankly, I’m disappointed in my performance thus far. There are some things that I’ve definitely failed on. Next time, I won’t set recurring goals like I did before. One off week and the whole goal is shot. I have made some progress though. There are a couple of things I could use your help on if you have a minute. Take a look.

• √ Learn 1 new skill – I wanted this to be sewing and might still learn that, but recently I’ve learned a lot about website design. It’s been frustrating at times, but fun to see it all come together! You’re looking at the fruit of my labor and that of a few friends.
• Walk Minny at least 2 times per week – So this is definitely not happening. Poor dog. I did take her to play in the park this weekend since it was so nice.
• Complete 3 art projects – I know what these will be, but haven’t made the time to complete them. I’ll definitely show you once they are complete.
• Visit my grandparents 4 times – Sadly, I’ve only done this once. 3 more to go!
• Bake 5 cheesecakes from scratch – 0 of 5 done. Anyone like cheesecake? Apparently my husband doesn’t.
• Host 6 dinner parties – I’ve only done one of these which is very unusual for me.
• Spend 7 full days alone with God – Haven’t even spent 1/4 a day alone with God.
• Plant 8 varieties of produce – I’ve planted 3 with my neighbor. 5 more to go.
• Complete 9  jigsaw puzzles – I’ve done 4 and even broke my personal record by completing one in 3.5 hours in one night. I’ve got a system. Read about it here. 
• Paint 10 walls in my house – I’ve only painted the 4 in my bedroom. Here’s the post on that. Next is the guest bedroom.
• Make a fool of myself 11 times in public – I haven’t done this at all. At least not on purpose. Any ideas?
• Cook something new 12 times – Typically, I cook something new about once a month. I’d say I’m halfway there.
• Give 13 random strangers a gift – 0 of 13 on this one, but I think this is going to be one of my favorites!
• Learn 14 new words and use them in conversation – Hmmm… can’t think of any new words. Anyone want to enlighten me?
• Where a hat 15 times – I’ve definitely done this 3 times. With the winter here, this one should be easy.
• Take 16 soothing baths – I’ve taken 2. One of those was very special though. Find out why. 
• Buy one < $17 item per month at a thrift store – I’ve done this 3 times. Bought a puzzle, a skirt and a blazer.
• Watch 18 sunrises – Got the pleasure of doing this about 5 times while walking Minny in the morning with Casey.

• Read 19 books – 90 Minutes in Heaven, The Help, Saving Savvy,Hold Me Tight are read. I just finished listening to the Old Testament. I’ve got a few in process.
• Surprise Casey 20 times – His Christmas gift was a surprise, but definitely need to do this more.
• √ Volunteer 21 hours – If you count all the time Casey and I have put into running Children’s Ministry for The Church at Antioch, I’m well over 21 hours.
• Go 22 days without dairy – Once we finish the yogurt in our fridge, we’ll start our 22 day dairy fast.
• √ Donate 23 items – We recently cleaned out our garage and donated a lot of items. Still more to giveaway.
• Write 24 notes to those I love – Not sure how many I’ve done, but not enough.
• Visit 25 new places – Rochester,Downtown Memphis, Collierville,Chicago, Bismarck — I’m sure I’ll visit lots of new places when we go on our Spring Break vacation.

I’m looking forward to working towards more of these goals in 2012. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

My 25 Things at 25 list requires me to complete 9 jigsaw puzzles. I LOVE completing jigsaw puzzles. When Casey and I first started dating I had him work on my puzzles with me. I have since learned that he is much better at striking conversation while he watches me complete the puzzle. I don’t know why he doesn’t like jigsaw puzzles. Of course he is kind of color-blind.

I started my first jigsaw puzzle since making my list and thought I might give you some advice on how to best complete a jigsaw puzzle, should you be a newbie.

1) Buy your puzzle at a garage sale or thrift store, but never buy one that’s been opened.

2) Spread puzzle pieces out on a flat surface (preferably one that’s a contrasting color) in a place with good light.

3) Flip pieces over so all are face up

3.5) As you’re flipping pieces over, separate your edge pieces into a separate pile.

4) Complete the edge of the puzzle.

5) Separate remaining pieces into piles based on similar color/pattern.

6) Complete as many connections in one pile as you can before moving on the next.

7) Place into the center of the puzzle, using the picture as your guide.

8) Fill in the missing pieces.

Voila!

I completed this puzzle in my personal record of 3 hours over 3 days 🙂

What do you do for fun to help relieve stress?