8 out of 25

4.22.2013

After I initially made my 25 before 25 list list 109 days ago, I had a few doubts about it. I knew already where this doubt was coming from and after dismissing those thoughts as negative self talk, I become truly ready for the challenge and the crossing off started to begin. My focus in life has definitely become to live life to the fullest, and in light of the events last week, I've never wanted to pursue that more.

That said, it's time for an update!





3. Go one month without shopping for clothes. This was something that I didn't need to do per se, but something I wanted to see if I could do at all. Could I go into Nordstrom or Target or browse on ASOS and not buy that top I (really) want that's also on sale? Since I put it off for the month of February (Prabal) and March (I forget), I figured there was no better timing to do it than during my Whole 30. It was also the perfect time to really clean out my closet and reorganize it. Now, it's time to shop.

4. Do a typically group thing alone. Yeah, yeah, tons of people go out and eat alone, I know. But I've never liked dining out alone as it reminded me of being in HS. I wish I had ignored all those sneers for eating alone sooner because it's totally liberating! While I enjoy the company of another while dining out, being comfortable within myself to eat alone means I don't have to wait for someones schedule to open up in order to try out a restaurant etc.

9. Hold plank for a minute. Considering I was averaging 10-15 seconds at the start of the year, I'm really happy with my progress. (And the strength in my core and arms isn't bad either.)










10. (Secret) The secret to-do was to complete the Whole 30. Done and done!

11. Purchase personalized stationery. I may have picked up a few more sets since this post, but in my defense, they have been coming in very handy.

13. Wear something out of my comfort zone. You wear a bag, right? Either way, I really did not expect to walk out of Macy's having purchased this stunning, bright orange DKNY bag. Given that most of my bags (and shoes) are black, while I would admire this bag on someone else, it is not something I ever thought would pick out for myself. Yet, here we are. And you know what, I LOVE it.

18. Take a group dance or fitness class. Almost everything on my 25 before 25 list requires me to be put in a position that takes me well out of my comfort zone. So far, ballet wins that title.
Thinking I was "past my prime," when I saw an offering for a ballet class for everyone, signing up was a no brainer. I may tumble on my pirouettes and be too exhausted to do anything post-class except lay in bed, but it has been so worth it.
My ballet slippers on the first day of class. They definitely have some wear on them now!

21. Learn more about photography. I can fiddle around with the camera enough to get a decent shot, but I don't want to be a fiddler! I just want to know what to do in a given situation. I know photography is about practice, but I thought a course would help. In mentioning this to my dad, he told me to just practice (what?) and handed me this massive practice set. I'm about 1/3 of the way through it, but I've learned so much already, from different lenses (hello vintage 50mm prime lens, ways to upload (how easy you make life card reader), and the best ways to achieve the shot you want. Hopefully my very own DSLR will not be long now!

15 comments :

  1. You've done so much–I'm so impressed! I actually love eating (and being) alone some days. I think I started getting into it once I moved to NYC. It's nice because it's such the norm here–no one looks at you like you're a bizzarre, friendless creature!

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    1. I definitely agree with you. I feel like it's as common as swiping a Metrocard LOL.

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  2. i love that your taking ballet - wish they offered something like that where i live :/

    xx

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    1. Aww, I wish they did too! I couldn't recommend it more.

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  3. This is awesome! I do a lot of things alone and it's very liberating. This includes shopping, eating and even concerts (which isn't as bad as it sounds!)

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    1. I can't shop with people; it drives me NUTS! LOL. What I would love to do next is a concert since my taste in music is so different from my friends.

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  4. You've done so much! Ballet? That's awesome! I would be SO nervous! But stepping out of my comfort zone more often is something that I need to do...so maybe I'll give it a go! Keep it up! xo

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    1. It is SO nerve racking! It's funny when I find myself in the front of the class-I'm always the one in the back! Overall, it's truly liberating.

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  5. glad to hear you have been making progress and taking great strides to step out of your comfort zone. I know that is something I should push myself to do more as well.
    The orange bag is gorgeous. wear her well!
    Chic on the Cheap

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    1. Thank you Lydia! It was a challenge but it's been getting easier and easier.
      And isn't she a beaut? Best impulse buy ever.

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  6. Doing things alone has become such a norm for me, which is funny because a few years ago it would have freaked me out. But it's awesome to do things on your own (weren't we talking about this a few weeks back? That and napping haha) and something I'm going to push myself to do even more. Like an art exhibit that I want to go see at the Phoenix Art Museum. See? You're inspiring me already!

    And I've been talking about doing a fitness class for what seems like forever, but can't commit. So bad, I know, but we'll see :) :)

    xx Nina

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    1. Such a norm for me too! And we definitely did talk about this. I'm glad I'm inspiring you :) Go so you can tell me all about it later!

      I think I would pick a dance over a fitness class. I think i may be terrified of taking a fitness class.

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  7. Ok girl you asked, so here it is. Will you email me the quick and dirty of the paleo diet? I feel like im eating pretty darn close to it already i just want to know mostly just the major dos and donts to possibly avoid buying the book. i know its no dairy, grains, and sugar. what are the fruit rules? thanks! email me at jillstyle55@gmail.com Thanks a bunch!

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    1. You got it!! Will email you shortly! Also glad to see you are not going it alone! I did my Whole 30 with my mom and that definitely made things easier as we were able to commiserate together and keep each other in check!

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  8. ps I also convinced a bunch of my hot yoga girls to try this with me so i may email this to them as well! Your the best!

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