Hurray! I am very pleased to announce that as of July 29, 2010 I have finished all the items on my 30 before 30 list. It’s hard to believe I finished it nearly a month early considering I was out of the country for awhile. I’m so thrilled to have had an opportunity to challenge myself and do some fun things in the mean time too. My last 3 consisted of cooking something fancy, getting back on the piano again, and submitting to a conference.

Finished !!

1. Visit 5 new restaurants/museums, etc I have never been to
2. Read a new book every quarter
3. Visit the Grand Canyon - and preferably hike it
4. Get back in the same shape I was in when I started undergrad 12 years ago
5. Go to Las Vegas
6. Go to Los Angeles
7. Start recycling more
8. Get another piercing
9. Start playing the piano again
10. Work on plan to keep in touch with long distance friends and family more often
11. Hug someone at least once a week
12. Start walking and biking more, which means, possibly buy a bike
13. Become a home owner (or start the process) –> replaced with paying off debt
    
14. Record a few songs with other musicians in the area
15. Paint a canvas
16. Learn a new craft
17. Help someone else learn something new
18. Go to a movie or a nice dinner by myself
19. Attempt to make time for dating
20. Submit to present at a conference
21. Take a new dance class –> replaced with Krav Maga
22. Make a new friend/contact every month (12)
23. Learn to cook something fancy schmancy
24. Go on an adventure
25. Visit another country aside from Canada
26. Improve my graphic design skills
27. Expand my professional career building to another medium
28. Have a me date every other month.
29. Resist the urge to trade in my car
30. Do something I never thought I’d do

As much as this was my own list, it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several awesome people that I wanted to take time and mention now.

• Debbie (@spellwight) - Her podcasting lesson helped me greatly for when I start podcasting as part of taking my professional experience to a new medium. Who knows if I will ever be as amazing as she is though.
• Dani (@tsdivadani) & CJ (@twinklergirl) - Both of them were so willing and able to help me with my podcasting for dummies class also and I know I will probably be tapping into their knowledge in the future also!
• The Smunch Crew (@SmunchPhoenix) - Part of the reason I was able to visit so many new establishments!
• Becci (@design_gal) & Sami (@tambre) - Both went on my trip to the Grand Canyon with me and helped me with my new UX website.
• Meghan (@accidentalwi) - Meghan’s 30th birthday accomplishments were part of what motivated me to start this list to begin with. She’s also been cheering me on to the finish line the entire time.
• Kerri - Kerri’s been my Operation Sexy Bitch morning workout partner since I returned to the country. She’s also convinced me to run my first half marathon which I start training for this week.
• The Divas - Being overseas wouldn’t have been as bearable without the greatness of the divas I was fortunate enough to be around while I was there. Love those girls!!
• Angel (@angel) - Without Angel’s help I’m not sure my first trip to L.A. would’ve been as cool. I also now know about the areas of LA I see on 90210 and had my first bachelorette party!
• Denise (@theguigirl) & Sarah (@sgmitch) - Also there to witness the day I was celebrating my wedding and having my birthday!!
• Kayla - My BFF Kayla is amazing. She’s just all around been there for me whenever. Love her.
• My Coworkers - They are rockstars for supporting my trip overseas and just being the best people ever!
• Bob (@bizmarquis) & Jessy (@bizette) - Who knew I’d be assisting with the creation of a film? Not me, but I think Bob knew.
• Noah (@pinkfedora) - Noah helped me with so many things!!! First and foremost he’s awesome. Secondly, he made it possible for me to sound good while I recorded music for the first time in ages and he was at my canvas painting party.
• Nicholas (@hepnova) - The mastermind behind getting me on stage singing and recording once more. Also has been a great cheerleader!
• Loveland Boutique (@lovelandaz) - What would I do without Loveland? Not only do they make me look fabulous, but they were responsible for the veil headband that caused me to be a future bride and hosted my canvas painting party!!
• Jessica (@greyst) - I can’t thank her enough for always making sure I was staying on task & motivating me to complete my goals. She was always there when I needed her - including my canvas party!
• Crystal (@crysohara) -  Came with me to make me less embarrassed to paint at my canvas party. She along with everyone else, clearly outdid me though!
• Melissa (@melissabalkon) - Melissa taught me how to sew a button and gave me a sewing kit to practice/use.
• Interaction 11 (@ixdconf) - They do a good job of convincing you to submit a proposal to speak.. that’s for sure!!
• Last but not least… my family! They were so encouraging of anything I wanted to do and are my most favorite people ever. I wouldn’t be half the person I am without them.

Heh. It’s been awhile hasn’t it. Combination of lack of wireless on top of being very busy has kept me away the past few weeks.

It’s been a great experience being here. I feel so fortunate to not only have the opportunity to have this experience but be able to learn from so many experiences I couldn’t even have imagined having.

This post isn’t about that though. It’s about the realization that in the past year or so I have truly found myself some amazing friends. Sometimes you don’t realize how luck you are immediately. I’ve always known that I have some truly special people in my life but lately it’s really shown through.

Even with technology it’s hard to keep up with friends. I know this because I’ve been there and I’ve been guilty of doing it. Your life just gets busy and if you aren’t reminded you don’t often think to call someone or send them a message.

My friends are awesome though. Especially the past few days. I can’t tell you how much it means to get little emails that someone’s thinking of me, an @ reply on twitter, or a message on facebook asking me how I’m doing; letting me know someone’s anxious for me to come home (and meaning it).

It’s not only my friends back stateside either. Friends that I have made while I’m here have been the same way, and it’s very genuine. It’s the small things that keep me going here… and also make me want to come home. They are what make me bust out laughing for 20 minutes at a time (like I did most of today) and what make me shed bittersweet tears for what I am missing back home. They are what make me realize there are people in my life I should’ve had more contact with while I was back home.. and that I shouldn’t be shy in my love life anymore.. there may be someone I need to ask out when I arrive back safe and sound.

I want to let you know that I truly love and appreciate all of you. Those who have worried about me when I haven’t been around for a few days at a time. Those who have sent me little cards and care packages… you don’t know how much a letter means when you’re here. Those who have even called me or IM’ed me to check on me. Those who help motivate me to do all I can while I’m here and try to make a difference for myself and others.  Those who are okay with me being myself. Those that help give me a sense of normalcy over here. Those who are there when I need someone to vent with…. and those who know that sometimes I need to cry.. and are okay with that.

You know who you are. If you are back in the states, I cannot wait to see you once more. If we met while I’m deployed, I hope we have the chance to keep in touch and meet once again when we are all home safe and sound with our families and friends.

This entry is long overdue. I am so fortunate to have such amazing friends in my life. It’s entirely true that you can tell who your true friends are during hard times and in times of crisis. It’s when you need them the most, no matter how significant the event may appear to others, that true colors shine through.

I have to admit that I’m pretty picky about my friends. It hasn’t been until recently that I’ve really even had close friends. I hold my friends up to a pretty high standard. This week all my friends shone through and really and truly helped me and supported me in many different ways and some without even being aware.

I went through some difficult times over the weekend that I will write about later when I have the strength. I don’t much like to make excuses for myself or to complain, because all in all I have a great life. However, I also don’t candy coat things and well, it came up, and people were genuinely supportive.

When push came to shove, I was just overcome with awe and surprise at how much my friends truly do care for me. I was given excuses to keep myself busy so I didn’t start dwelling on the negative. I was taken to my favorite coffee spot for a bit of relaxation. My schedule quickly filled up the entire week to keep me busy. I was given lots of hugs and lots of words of encouragement and support.

If you were there. If you gave me a hug and told me everything would be okay. If you asked me if I needed anything. If you got me out of my house. I truly appreciate it more than you will probably ever realize. This is what amazing friendships are made of. And for all of you, I just want to say likewise. I am always there for you. I will always have your back.

I’m now tearing up due to both sadness and joy. I love you all.