30 Things Before 30

I'm ready for a new year, so here's to 2014!

Instead of setting a resolution for this new year, I decided to create a list of 30 things I want to accomplish by the time I turn 30. I wanted these goals to be within my control, which meant things like "fall in love" or "take a trip with friends" were out.

I've also been living the last nearly 22 years of my life trying to live for others. I lived for my parents for many years. Then I lived for my boyfriend who became my husband. I often aim to please. But this list is about me. It's about attaining my goals, uninterrupted by a need to please others.

1. Keep some sort of record of my progress through life in general
2. Earn my Bachelor's degree (will be finished in May 2014)
3. Earn my JD
4. Earn my Master's degree
5. Take a romance language class
6. Get to a healthy weight and stay there
7. Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture (changed from Museum of Crime and Punishment due to permanent closure of that museum)
8. Go ice skating in Central Park, NYC
9. Have my palm read in Jackson Square, New Orleans
10. Visit Boston
11. Visit Philadelphia
12. Visit Chicago
13. Go wine tasting in the Napa Valley
14. Travel to Europe
15. Become financially stable
16. Get a tattoo
17. Learn ballroom dancing
18. Build a dining table from scratch
19. Get a full-time job I love
20. Find a church to call home
21. Get a piece published nationally
22. Buy a full suit
23. Take a cooking class
24. Go on a 2+ day road trip
25. Eat at a top-tier vegetarian restaurant (changed from eat at a Michelin three-star restaurant due to realizing that most three-star restaurants don't cater to vegans)
26. Visit Disneyland or Disney World
27. Have an apartment decorated the way I want
28. Spend a day at a warm beach
29. Host a five-course dinner party
30. Camp under the stars