This is my 40 — Two months in

At the base of Mt. Princeton: Hot springs fun. [dropcap custom_class="normal"] T[/dropcap]wo months in, and I'm steadily plugging along on my #40before41 list. This month's big "check-off" was my Colorado hot springs visit.

Turned this into three sections: Done, In Progress, and Ahead of Me Still. Notes intermingled.

• 40 Before 41 • 

Done!

• Develop a new website for my blog — Do you like? • Have a tarot reading done — A friend read the cards for me on my birthday. They indicated a lot of challenge over the next year, but lots of potential success too. • Find more opportunities to dance — Tap dancing every Tuesday evening at Ormao. Also making Sunday line-dancing more of a priority. • Visit a hot springs in Colorado — I visited Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Buena Vista, Colorado, with my dear friend Jessica. It rained as we sat in the pools and it was a lovely, sensory experience.

In Progress

• See my byline in a national magazine — I got an assignment and have written and submitted my story! Will see the byline this fall. • Yoga and meditation, daily — I struggled during my first month, but I've had movement in this area over the past two weeks. • Blog at least twice a week — Plugging along. • Climb Pikes Peak — Walking and hiking more and more. Follow my training journey on my blog in the weeks to come via "#Couch-to-14er." • Read at least 52 books — Ahead of schedule. Twelve books down, five in progress. Best novel of the past month? The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green. • Send a snail mail letter/card/postcard/gift once a month — On track. Sent a surprise, for-no-reason gift this month. • Plant and grow something edible outside — One tomato plant, chard, basil, baby lettuce and mint in the pots. So fun watching them grow. (Note: one day after I got everything first planted, we had a massive hail storm. Nothing survived. Had to start over.) • Journal at least weekly — This is about all I've managed. However, I just returned from a yoga/writing retreat and we shall see how that impacts my writing as I go forward. • Invest in a week’s worth of matching bras and panties (foundations matter!) — Three new sets purchased. Lots of lace. • Intentionally play music in the house every day — This has been awesome actually. Somehow it makes the house feel more like a home. • Participate in a stage show (play, musical, etc.) as cast or crew — Still waiting to hear on the audition. Callbacks aren't for another month, and I know it's a long (long, long) shot, but I'm rather proud of myself for going through with it. • Play paintball — Recruiting friends to join in because this seems like it would be more fun with a group. • Continue to reduce my wardrobe, a la Project 333 — It's amazing, really, how much easier it gets each time. • Facilitate and participate in at least one improv writing session a month — This is happening (!) with a group of four friends. • Show up (my 2014 “one-word” soul mantra) •

Ahead of Me Still

• Learn to bake French macarons • Have at least one item of clothing tailored to fit • Build a terrarium • Visit Ojo Caliente • Take French language lessons • Make new connections with at least three bloggers I respect • Plan my next trip to France • Attend the Santa Fe Opera • Take classes on how to use all the buttons on my DSLR • Figure out my signature style • Skinny dip • Learn to make ginger beer • Find the perfect red lipstick (and wear it) • Add a piece of original art to my collection • Take a trip with a girlfriend • Give generously what I want to receive • Stay up once all night until sunrise • Perform at a poetry slam/open mic • Get will and living will in order • Get make-up tips from a pro • Take performance driving lessons •

Are you trying new things? Share them with me, won't you?