2 down, 28 to go

I love reading. In fact, one of my favorite things in the entire world is the first sentence of a new book. I also read insanely fast. Combine those things and knocking out 30 books should be a piece of cake. It hasn't been. Why? I blame Twilight.

I got pulled into the Twilight world hook, line and sinker about a year ago. I read all the books in three days (see, quick reader) and re-read them again ... and again ... and again. And then the movie came out. And then I discovered a link to an unfinished copy of "Midnight Sun," aka book 5. And then I got pulled into the embarrassing world of fan fiction. Don't laugh until you've tried it. There's seriously some incredible talent out there writing some insanely interesting stuff. And, it's free! So I've spent months curled up with my computer soaking in each new chapter of my favorite stories.

Problem is, I haven't cracked open an actual book in months. I'm trying to remedy that as I refuse to let something as silly (and crazy addicting) as fan fiction stand in my way of completing my goal.

My goal originally started out as 30 classic novels because somewhere along the way I’ve missed out on reading books like “Anna Karenina” and “Pride and Prejudice.” It probably has something to do with my obsession with “classic” novels like “Twilight” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” So the first book I picked up to read was in fact "Pride and Prejudice." I'd seen the movie many times so (spoiler alert) I knew Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy fall in love. The book was ok. I can definitely see the draw to Jane Austen books ... but it was also the reason I changed my goal from 30 classic novels to 30 novels. My head hurt from all the prose.

So for my second book I continued the vampire theme and started "The Southern Vampire Mysteries," aka the premise for HBO's "True Blood." It has nine books in the series so that will help me work towards by goal 0f 30. The first book, "Dead Until Dark" was a quick read and the plot pulled me in pretty quick. I've got book two on my nightstand ready to read over the long weekend. With any luck I'll grab a couple more books in the series and finish them as well.

-B

#23

I baked!

True statement. I actually baked. Very moist and very delicious chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I was driven to bake by a repeat offender commercial on tv showing mother and son baking sinfully delicious chocolate cupcakes with prefect chocolate swirled frosting. I cant say mine looked as nice but tasted quite fabulous.

Some might say premix box cake mix and premade frosting is not baking but we all have to start somewhere. Little baby steps of progress on this learning to cook thing. I don’t know about you but I could live on cupcakes!

-K

Time to revisit the list

Holy crap, it's November! Time keeps ticking away and I haven't looked at my list for at least a month. There's a lot to do on there: read 30 books, lose weight, re-learn French; I may have been slightly ambitious when creating it.

I feel like I mean some strides on one of my goals last week: I kind of, sort of moved a notch up the corporate ladder. I had a meeting with my boss last week, something I should have done a long time ago, to discuss my current performance and the next steps in my career. I'm a modest person in aspects of my life, but when it comes to my career I'll be the first to tell you that I've kicked some serious ass since I joined the company three years ago. However, as vocal as I am about my accomplishments to my family and friends, I can't seem to have that difficult conversation with my boss. You know the one, "I feel that I deserve a promotion."

I had every intention of using last week's meeting to implicitly state my thoughts on a promotion, but instead the conversation went something like this:
B: "I scheduled this meeting so we could check in on how I'm doing relative to my goals as well as discuss what my next steps are here."
Boss lady: "I'm incredibly impressed with your performance. You continue to take on additional responsibility and show strategic initiative."
B: "So I'm on track for a promotion ... "

And then my brain got in the way and I started freaking out that I was asking too much and what if she says no. So my dumb ass follows that statement with ...
B: "... when the economy turns around the company starts making money."
Boss lady: "Yep, sometime in the future."

I swear I sabotage myself. So how did I make any headway on my goal to climb the corporate ladder? I had a tough conversation, and those are difficult for me. And although I bitched out at the last moment my hope for a promotion is on her radar, and hopefully in the near future I'll see some results.

I'm now off to find out whether or not Rosetta Stone can make good on their promise that I can start speaking French within 10 minutes.

-B

30 Before 30 - K's Take

Yi! So here’s the skinny… I’m truly not afraid of turning 30. That being said I am sure when the big day actually arrives I am probably the most likely candidate to be in the fetal position. Therefore I embark on the 30 before 30 journey as way for me to help prioritize my life and complete a few things I have always wanted to do. In the end I am hoping when reality sets in it is because of all the things I have been able to accomplish will help make the transition from 20-something to 30-something easier.

My official journey started in September 2009. Even though it has been a slow start I am excited for the journey. Buckle in and hold on, because even though it is only 30 things before we turn 30 I promise the ride will leave you wanting more!

-k