Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Pause & 30 Before 30 list checkpoint

First of all I want to ask all my readers to stop and say a prayer for Egypt.  I subscribe to the blog of a girl who lives in Egypt.  Early last week she posted something about the protest before it was in the news, before anything had grown in momentum.  She was going to protest with her brother.  She was scared, but knew it was important to take a stand.  To show support for something she believed in.  I can't even do that in everyday life, so I admire her courage.  She is a girl I relate to through her blog. She has a lot of the same thoughts, dreams,and aspirations I do.   These people in Egypt are humans just like you and me.  Yes, their culture and homeland is different, but we humans are more alike than you can imagine.

Then her internet access was cut off and she had a friend from outside the country post updates.  I wanted to know what was going on there and have been trying to follow the story but it is hard for me to even wrap my head around.  I just can't imagine what these people are going through.

And if you think just because we live far away from all the distress, don't fool yourself and think it doesn't affect us.  I just saw a reporter interviewing a group of Murbarak supporters and they told her to go away and that they hated Americans.  She tried to ask them why they hated Americans and they said "Because you are not a good person...we hate Americans."  Then they forced her and the crew to flee in their car while they beat on the car and threw rocks.  Why?  Why is there so much hate, anger, and violence?  I don't know enough about either side and I don't know why they hate Americans so much, but it scares me.  I know Americans aren't perfect but I would never look another human being in the face and tell them I hate them just because where they are from.  The violence between the protesters and police scares me.  The politics behind it all scares me.  All that is happening to the infrastructure and daily life in Egypt scares me.  Please pray for Egypt.

Now to something less heavy.  I wanted to pause and look back at the list that started this whole blog.  I have 8 things left on my list and I still plan to mark them off in the next couple months:

1. Get in the best shape of my life- I think I am almost there.  Not weight or body wise yet, but I am running more than I ever have and doing weights regularly.  I am going to run another 5K in April and want to come in under 31:00.  I want to do an 8K, 10K, and half marathon eventually. 

9. kayak- hopefully in the spring I will be able to convince some friends to help me mark this one off my list.

10. Catch a fish
- maybe in the spring my favorite 4 year old can show me how to catch a fish!

18. Upgrade one room in my house- I attempted this one with my bathroom.  But I think I made it worse.  I SUCK at painting.  I will never do it again.  It I can fix the trim maybe I will consider this one done, but there are so many other things I want to do to my house.  Here is a sneak peek at the bathroom:


Old bathroom- not bad, but needs improvement

New bathroom

Turquoise stripe on one wall

Obviously I can't stay inside the lines- and yes I did use tape
21. Go skinny dipping- I have plans to mark this one off my list.  I've been skinny dipping before, but it is time to go again.  I'm just not going to tell anyone when or where until it is done.

26. Kiss in the rain-  I don't know about this one.  I am very cynical about love right now.

27. Read the Bible all the way through
-  I have been trying.  This one is so hard because the Old Testament is sooo hard to read.  It has crazy stories that make your jaw drop and then very long passages about lineage or long detailed instructions for building the Temple or what to bring for their offerings.  But I do have at least 7 books marked off.  Tons more to go though.

29. Attempt Surfing- I hope to do this one just before my birthday on my annual beach trip.

Any advice for any of the things left on my list?

8 comments:

Christy Ashley said...

Oh my gosh I know exactly what you mean about the Bible! I'm reading it now! What makes it easy is that I have a One Year Through the Bible guide in the text of my Bible (I'm sure you can get these online!) so I never read more than 2-3 chapters a day...I'm on the Book of Leviticus right now and oh boy...all these laws about clean/unclean! It's tough! Good luck with the other things on your list!

Francesca said...

Oh, I am so glad I just came across your blog! It is too cute! Kiss is in the rain-love it! Doesn't it just sound amazing! I'll be adding that to my list also. I wanted to pass along the Stylish Blogger Award to you! I hope you accept! You can see more at my blog!

cheerfulcarolina.blogspot.com.

Anonymous said...

I love your new bathroom! I hope to someday soon live in a place that i am allowed to paint. It really dose make a huge difference in the feel of the room!

GinH said...

I've read the Bible twice now - the first time, I bought a small copy of The Message version and whoa... definitely written in current day slang! I laughed a lot b/c I couldn't believe they used some words - but it inspired me to read it again and I bought a One Year New Living Translation and I think this is my favorite translation. It was SO easy to read and understand and even made NT read-able and somewhat enjoyable. I also have a couple of reference books I use in case I need to know more. Good luck!

Oh - and for kayaking - check out Great Outdoor - they often have groups that go!

Unknown said...

Hi new follower here found you as i searched for a bucket list/ 30 before 30 type. Always heard about these list but never attempted to create one. I guess now is a best time as any since i've been moved away from my comfort zone and am in much need to explore. Thanks for the inspiration!

Me said...

Great list!! When is the big day...just curious how much time yo have left? Have you ever read Jill Smolinksi's The Next Thing on my list? It's a similar concept and she actually did it in real life on her blog similar to what you're doing here...what a great ocncept for a blog. Good luck! I'll definietly be following you ont he rest of your journey.

Seashells and Southern Belles said...

OMG, where is the coral shower curtain from?!?! I LOVE it!

Kelly said...

Ohmygoodness, that is the most gorgeous shower curtain. I am obsessed with coral prints right now. Love it!