Birthday Goal Report

Yesterday marked the one month count down to my 28th birthday. So I am just catching up on what is left on my list. I'll say this right now, this year has been a tough on the list. I'm going to have to rethink my approach to the list next year.

1. Learn a new “mommy” skill
   - A perfect example of what I am trying to learn.  My great friend Brooke taught me how to make individual microwave cakes.  I now know a practical skill for snacks without spending the money on the store brand stuff.
   - I made home-made Mariana sauce to freeze.
   - I had a awesome sleep-over with my nephew Scott
2. Take a class in a subject that interests me- I took an InDesign and Design class this last semester from SLCC.  Loved it.  See some of my projects here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here (whoa that was a lot).
3. Develop a relationship with the library- Although my level of book check out isn't high mostly based on my lack of time to read and a one month time frame doesn't always fit my schedule my record continues, a full year without buying a book. 
4. Design a personal scripture study program and use it
   - My plan is to do an hour of study every Sunday morning and 15 minutes daily.  Not so great at keeping up with it.
5. Learn about nature
   - I would like to learn more about geology.  Nothing done yet unless you count the little booklet I picked up in Bryce earlier last year. Does the desire to get a dog and name him Geo count?
6. Learn about my family -
   - Did you know I am so much like my Grandma Berger? I talk to complete strangers in the grocery line, I snatch food off other people's plates and ask people where they got their red hair. She wrote her life story which is amazing if I do say so myself. She is my hero and example of a strong woman.  I am working on transferring it to the computer. It is taking a lot of time so we will be adding this to next year's list.
7. Gain a personal testimony of the temple & temple work - - I went to the temple in July to receive my personal endowment. It was an amazing experience and I am so happy. 
   - Reading "The Holy Temple"
   - Was a little bad in Nov. and Feb., but otherwise I have been going to the temple at least twice a month.
8. Experience a different culture- I joined my family last July for a trip to Germany.
9. Teach someone a skill- Taught Talena how to set up a slackline for her family reunion.
10. Pick up a new outdoor skill - My friend Marne is a master at orienteering. I am joining her and her family for a little mountain biking trip to Moab in 2 weeks. This should be a great opportunity to learn her skills.
11. Understand the body and how it functions - I have been collecting articles about nutrition and exercise science.
12. Expand a passion - Signed up for a photography class and you can see my first 2 assignments here and here.
13. Research a topic that confuses me til I understand- Computers!  Purchased my first computer and I spent a lot of time talking with my computer smart friends about the components and hardware.  
14. Be creative-  This seems hard to explain, but I feel life this is an entire state of mind change and I can see how my vision has changed. (Design classes, craft night, seasonal crafts and more have been completed this year.)
15. Improve grammar and spelling
    - I have been keeping a spelling list and practicing just like the old elementary days.
    - Talena loaned me a grammar book, still to be read.  
16. Acquire a new resume skill- My InDesign class has really been a huge skill boaster.  
17. Expand a talent
    - Learn 10 new songs on the piano and/or guitar. Due to my crazy schedule I had to stop guitar lessons and sadly I haven't played either the piano or guitar.
18. Learn from the past - Change is difficult and it takes a long time for some habits and weaknesses to be changed, but this is going well. Vague I know.
19. Develop a Christ like characteristic - The person I am and the person I want to become are not one in the same. I am sure that many of us can express that same sentiment. I hope to build a relationship with my Savior and become more like Him. A lifelong goal.
20. Explore my surroundings - A recent photo day got me running around the Salt Lake valley exploring places I have never visited and seeing old things from a different perspective. It was a really fun day. It will have to be repeated. 
21. Challenge myself physically - I start training for another tri next week. It won't be completed before my birthday, so I hope you will forgive me for checking off the list despite the timeline.
22. Participate in my community- Talena and I attended a neighborhood meeting in January. It was really nice to hear what was going on and to meet some of our neighbors. We meet Laura who lives just a few houses down from us.
    - I have been reading the newspaper almost daily and I am very excited about knowing more about what is going on in our legislator. I am even following a few bills as they are debated.
23. Share the gospel- Gave out 2 Book of Mormons this year.
24. Record my experiences, thoughts and feelings
    - I am horrible at keeping a journal.  I have started and stopped many times in my life and even after setting this goal I have been struggling.  This is a work in progress.  But the goal is to write at least once a month. And yes I know the blog could count, but I am not satisfied.
25. Discover an old friend- Somewhat monthly lunches with my old roommates, Marne & Lindsey.
    - Pen-pal Melina. We have been friends since we were 5, but we live far away. The pen-paling has been much more fun then Gmail or Facebook.  
26. Serve in secret - If I told you it wouldn't be a secret.
27. Develop a healthy habit- This one goal has had two habit forming benefits. The goal to eat out less and prepare more meals at home. The result, more money in my bank account and maintaining a healthy diet.