8 out of 25

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!