February, 2011 | Lovely Indeed

Well, Lovelies, it happened. I’m 30, and nothing exploded or melted down. In fact, I have this weird sneaking feeling that my 30′s are going to be kind of amazing. While I ponder on that for a bit, here’s a breakdown of how things shook out with my 30 by 30. Did I finish it completely? Nope. Did I do way more cool stuff on it than I thought I would? Yep. So I’m gonna label it a big fat success. Check it out.

CHECKED OFF THE LIST…

2. Find a new apartment. {Completed 10/30/10.}
4. Write another song for my niece, and record all of the songs that I’ve sung for her. {Completed 11/24/10.}
5. Ride the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. {Completed 10/3/10.}
7. Take an impromptu trip to a place I’ve never been. {Completed 1/30/11.}
8. Do a YouTube ukulele collaboration video with Ryan. {Completed 2/24/11.} (Keep an eye peeled for this one.)
10. Complete 30 hours of concentrated vocal practice. {Completed as of 1/22/11.}
11. Re-read James and the Giant Peach. {Completed 9/22/10.}
12. Fix the buttons that have popped off of my couch. {Completed 11/2/10.}
14. See every Broadway show that opens between now and my birthday. {Completed shows that had opened before I left town for tour. 1/10/11.}
15. Make my own sangria recipe. {Completed 12/25/10.}
16. Make a stop-motion video. {Completed 10/15/10.}
17. Do a successful handstand. {Completed 2/22/11.}
18. Embroider something. {Completed 12/9/10.}
20. Go to at least one choral concert. {Completed 10/15/10.}
21. DIY this shower curtain. {Completed 12/1/10.}
22. Reorganize our bookshelves. {Completed 11/11/10.}
23. Delete MySpace. {Completed 9/21/10.}
24. Watch a sunrise. {Completed 10/17/10.}
25. Bake these cupcakes. {Completed 10/13/10.}
27. Eat at ABC Kitchen. {Completed 1/9/11.}
28. Watch the final episodes of Pushing Daisies. {Completed 10/25/10.}
29. Learn one dramatic and one comedic monologue. {Completed 2/15/11.}
30. Leaving this one up to YOU — whaddaya think #30 should be? (Update: Calling this one good – I booked a year-long national tour, which sounds like an excellent #30 to me.) {Completed 11/1/11.}

DIDN’T QUITE GET TO…

1. Do one unassisted pull-up. (But I’m SO close!)
3. See New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Delaware. (Time got cut short when I headed out on tour. Planning to do this in the coming year.)
6. Learn how to rag knit. (Will tackle it as soon as tour ends.)
9. Complete 30 hours of concentrated piano practice. (Only did 6.5 hours. Will try again as soon as there’s a piano at my disposal.)
13. Find and buy something fabulous from a thrift shop in the East Village. (Again, ran out of time when tour commenced. We’ll get this one done!)
19. Be consistent with a food journal. (This one was hit and miss. Will persevere.)
26. Go up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. (Plans were foiled when rehearsal was scheduled the day I had tickets! Can’t wait to do it when we’re back in the city.)

OVERACHIEVED AND DID THESE, WHICH WEREN’T ON THE LIST AT ALL…

Have been consistent with Lovely Indeed and have built my readership up a bit (thank you, Lovelies!). And started guest blogging at The Sweetest Occasion — super exciting.
Booked two readings of awesome new musicals in NYC.
Challenged myself to take an advanced rock music performance class. It, well, rocked.
Was able to be with my family to see my niece baptized.
Figured out a way to tour and work with Mr. Lovely.

Phewph! When I look at it in list form, it’s kind of overwhelming! It’s been an excellent challenge, and I’m kind of already considering making another for the next birthday — a 30 by 31, maybe? I’ll think it over and let you know. And guys, I want you to join in the fun! Let’s all do it, and encourage each other. Who’s got a list going? xoxo