#47 Go on a Cruise

Completed March 8-15, 2008

I just got back from an amaaaazing cruise for spring break. Jessica, Sarah, and I left from Charleston, SC on Saturday, March 8. After 2 days at sea, we arrived in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. The three of us did a combination kayak and snorkel trip on Seven Mile Beach, apparently one of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean. Afterward we got lunch, drinks, and layed on the beach - it was really nice. The next day we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. Sarah and I got a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, where we got to walk through the town to our bus, and took a 45 minute bus ride to the Mayan ruins at Tulum. They were gorgeous, but the beach they were on was incredible- best beach I've seen in my life. The water was perfect. Our third stop the next day was Key West, where Jessica's dad met us and drove us around the island and to a beach, then out for cocktails. We had one more day at sea and then it was back to Charleston. All in all, it was a really great experience, and I can't wait to go on another one.

#44 Donate Hair

Completed September, 2007

A little belated, but I did cut off almost 12" of hair to send to Locks of Love. They make wigs for children with allopecia (not cancer), free of charge. Here are my before and afters:

#55 Own a Bible

Completed March 4, 2008

I got Dave to take me Bible shopping because, well, there are about a million different Bibles and I knew he'd be able to help me pick out one that would be best for me. I ended up with The Journey, which is an NIV version that's kind of geared toward people who are just starting on the path towards becoming a Christian and exploring their faith.

We went to Bible study at Ray's house right afterward so I got to use it right away (we were talking about Luke 15 8-32 - I know that's not the right way to write it but I'm new to this). The conversation got pretty intense- I brought up two of the major points I've been wrestling with lately and Ray helped me think through them- I'm drained. It was almost disheartening to realize how much thinking and soul searching I need to do, but I suppose it's exhilarating at the same time. At least now I can start getting a grasp on the actual word of God and start answering some of my questions.

#63 Try Every Tea in the Coffee Shop Where I Work

Completed May, 2008

I worked in the university's coffee shop in the library (8:15 @ Boatwright), which is basically a Starbucks but for some reason not technically licensed. We sell Tazo tea, just like Starbucks does. In an effort to be more health-conscious, I've been trying to drink less coffee/espresso beverages and more tea. On that note, I'm trying to branch out from China Green Tips, which I usually get. We have 12 different kinds, and I liked all of them except for Green Ginger. Zen is my new favorite, and Wild Sweet Orange is really good but it's decaf.

#21 Visit Two New Countries

Completed July, 2007

After leaving Australia and before coming back to the US, I flew to New Zealand for 5 days- New Country #1.

This summer, after visiting Jim, Nicola, and Lynsey in England, Nic and Ash and I flew up from Scotland where we spent a few days roadtripping between Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and a whole bunch of stuff in between- New Country # 2.

Of course, now that I'm planning on moving to London in September 2008, I might have to make a new goal of several new countries to visit.

#64 Make a 10-Item Mini-List of Recommended Goals

I saw this on someone else's blog- it's a small list of suggestions of goals, things that I had already done before I started this list and so I can't actually put on my own list, but which might inspire someone else. What I have so far is:

1. Become an organ donor.
-It's checked on my license, but I think I might have to actually register.
2. Have a conversation in a foreign language with a native speaker.
-I've done this in French, Japanese, and kind of in Spanish.
3. Learn to read music, then play an instrument.
-I sing, and I played violin for 6 years and piano for one.
4. Become CPR certified.
-My certification ran out, but I could probably remember the basics.

# 62 Grow a Bonsai Tree from Seed

In progress

Someone a while ago got me a kit to grow a bonsai tree including the pot, soil, seeds, manual, etc. but I've only just gotten around to planting it. The instructions were a bit vague and I've had the kit for a while, so I don't know if it'll work. If not, I'll try again- maybe I'll grow one in my 'flat' when I move to London!