PERSONAL

Another year, another list. I made good progress on my last list and made many memories along the way, from adventuring through Iceland, to experiencing the beauty that is Thailand with my closest dearest travel buddy.

Over the years my favourite aspect of these lists is how they’ve spread through my friend group.

The aforementioned travel buddy has been making her own list for a few years now. Her last list she invited her friends to participate in aspects of it and then all her friends started trying to get themselves on her list when she checked off items! She’s the closest anyone has been to completing a list! Both of my work besties have now made lists. My sister has tried a list! Honestly, birthday bucket lists are where its at! It’s really nice to have something to focus on for the year and something to motivate you to try new things.

Though I did not finish my beloved 28 x 29 list, I’m determined to finish this list as it’s the last year of my 20s. Surely, if there was ever going to be a year, it’ll be this one!

Without further ado, my 29 x 30 list:

1. Try snowshoeing– Done!
2. Create a new Christmas tree decoration theme (thinking crocheted craft twine and wooden bead snowflakes)– Done!
3. Make a macrame piece from Natalie’s book– Done!
4. Complete a whole 90 – Done!
5. Decorate a fancy sugar cookie– Done!
6. Make the mix of dinner roll appys for a party
7. Make a mango salsa– Done!
8. Donate blood (research if allowed)
9. Create a vision for my 30s
10. Watch the sunset
11. Lay under the stars – Done!
12. Find a family doctor – Done!
13. Go to the movies by myself
14. Pay off all student debt
15. Go rock climbing (even if it’s just in a gym) – Done!
16. Go to orangetheory 100 times – making progress
17. Tour a vineyard – Done!
18. Learn more about my personality type
19. Take a trip with Mathew – Done!
20. Get a therapist – Done!
21. Read 12 books
22. Review expenses monthly and try to budget– Done!
23. Learn about investing
24. Volunteer
25. Learn about my genetics – Done!
26. Practice level three listening
27. Ask for what I need– Done!
28. Learn to love my body– Done!
29. Run a marathon

It’s been two years since I started working at my current job. When I was applying, I told my sister there’s no way I’m getting this job. I’m so unqualified.

Apparently, I was wrong.

Not only was I the most qualified candidate (according to my boss), I’ve been fortunate enough to overhaul a bunch of processes, rebuild incredible rapport with our internal departments, and grow my career significantly.

Despite being hired as the website administrator with a graphic design background, I now spend majority of my time advising our internal departments on how best to communicate their events or projects. So on my two year workiversary, I get to celebrate with a fancy new title. I’m now a ‘Communications Advisor’.

I’m not really sure how this dorky little design student has found herself working on some pretty important intergovernmental packages and writing speaking notes for our Mayor.

But I’m loving it.

And I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities this job has created and the world that has been opened up for me.

So, while it’s not actually a ‘promotion’ in every sense of the word, it sure feels like it – so it counts in my books.

There’s another thing to check off my 27 x 28 list!

Have you ever gotten a promotion or found yourself somewhere in your career you didn’t expect?

While I was back in Ontario surprising my dad for his 60^th birthday, I was able to sneak in going back to my church for the Sunday service. I know this probably isn’t what my sister intended when she put ‘Go to church’ on my 27 x 28 list, but I’m going to count it anyway.

Since I’ve moved to Alberta, I haven’t found a church like my one back home. I can’t pinpoint what it is that’s holding me back from committing to finding a new church, but I’m pretty happy with my life right now so I haven’t made it a priority. I also am just so dang busy all the time. And really, there’s just no place has that felt like going home like my church in Ontario.

Have you ever felt that way about something? Aside from the fact it makes it easy to see majority of my people in Ontario, there’s just something about standing in that auditorium that feels like home.

I’m at ease. Comforted.

It doesn’t matter how much time has passed or how many frustrating thoughts or conflicted emotions I’ve had, within 5 minutes of the worship set beginning, I settle right it.

It could be that it’s the only church I’ve ever known.

It could be that I don’t slow down enough to feel that peace.

It could be that I’m surrounded by my people (usually after being away from them for quite awhile).

Whatever it is, I’m so grateful for the feeling of going home it presents to me.

Do you have somewhere that’s not home, but feels like it? Tell me about it!