18 For 2018
HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR, ALL! The fact that this blog post is so untimely is the perfect example of why I gave up New Year’s resolutions years ago – I can’t even make my lists on time, let alone complete everything on it within 365 days. That being said, as an avid listener to Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Gretchen and her sister Elizabeth gave me a great idea on how to enjoy this upcoming year. In lieu of resolutions, I’ve decided to make an “18 for 2018” list of things I want to do, ranging from the fun to the mundane. Note, this is NOT a goals list (I always have a list of goals, but that’s a whole different story). These are just some random things I think will be fun to experience, and checking off the so-called “tasks” will give me a sense of accomplishment, even if some of them are crazy easy. I won’t bore you with my entire list, but here’s a sampling of the 18 things I plan on doing in 2018:
Get my PADI license.
As an ocean baby who could swim before I could walk (and as a part-time wannabe marine biologist), a legit scuba diving license is long overdue. Plus, it’s probably safer than free-diving to dangerous depths without the proper equipment like I normally do. Apologies to the crew in Egypt who oversaw my Red Sea snorkeling adventure back in 2006.
Read a classic novel I’ve overlooked.
I have been a fan of Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters since I was in middle school, and I’m a total nerd when it comes to classic literature. But there’s several classic novels I haven’t gotten around to yet – like This Side of Paradise and Lord of the Flies.
Complete Shaun T’s 30-Day version of Shaun Week: Insane Focus.
Much to my own surprise, I actually made it through the Shaun Week: Insane Focus program from Beachbody last year. I loved it so much that I can’t wait to complete the 30-day version for even more results. (Notice this doesn’t mention anything vague like “losing weight.” This is a single, MEASURABLE task to complete.)
Do 23andMe.
I’m about 99.9% sure I already know my ethnic background, and I don’t think any genetic/ancestry report is advanced enough to separate the Polynesian islands/tribes to give me more details. So until further notice, I’m Tongan/Chinese. But I love how 23andMe also analyzes the health aspect of genetics, and it’s probably best I see what’s working for and against me.
Get a new passport stamp.
I haven’t left the States since I moved back from London in 2008, and Canada doesn’t count. For years, I’ve felt “claustrophobic,” so it’s definitely time to venture out again.
Make a Prinsesstarta cake.
As an avid fan of The Great British Baking Show, I was impressed and intrigued when I saw Mary Berry make an incredible Prinsesstara cake. I consider myself a master baker (haha), so it’d be fun to see if I can make one that doesn’t look like a complete train wreck.
Go to at least one musical at the Paramount Theatre.
Seeing Aladdin last year with my mom at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre made me realize how much more affordable it is to see Broadway shows in the Pacific Northwest, as opposed to NYC. Might as well take advantage of it while I’m here.
Visit Leavenworth for Christmas.
I love how this leaves me enough time to plan things out and enjoy the other months of 2018. Leavenworth is a small Bavarian-style town in the Cascade mountains, and it’s absolutely gorgeous during the Christmas season – especially after a fresh snowfall. There’s several buses that shuttle people back and forth for day trips, so I can’t wait to finally experience it for myself.
If you haven’t yet, I definitely urge you to make your own list of 18 for 2018. Just remember the following: 1) they should be fun, 2) they should be measurable – ie: not “habits,” and 3) you should be looking forward to checking off each one. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling year ahead!
