Inspired by my friend Sahil Dhingra and the start of a new year, I’ve begun compiling a 30 before 30 list (I turn 30 on September 26, 2014). Rather than focusing on resolutions to be more or do less, I wanted to make myself a list of all the things I keep saying I’ll do ‘one day’ and light a proverbial fire under my butt to get them done. No day but today right?

So without further ado, here’s my list (in no particular order). I’ll be blogging, tweeting and sharing my progress as the year goes on. Want to help? Leave me a comment below or tweet me – let’s do this together!

1. Run the Color Run 

It’s a 5k – in COLOUR. This is mandatory – and looks hilariously awesome.

DONE! I ran the Color Me Rad race in Toronto on May 31, 2014. Great run, wicked sunburn, and many different shades of awesome.

2. Ride in a hot air balloon

I’ve never done it and have seen some amazing scenic photos taken from above the trees. Extra points for a funky coloured/designed balloon.

DONE! After 2 unsuccessful attempts (bad equipment and bad weather) I got the chance to soar above the clouds, and right through some low trees. What an amazing view!

3. Get published and sell my writing

This just seems like the natural next step for all of the writing I’ve been doing. I’m hoping to publish a book based on my TEDxUTSC talk. This is a big one.

4. Run a 10k

I’ve already scheduled an 8k, so a couple extra kilometres should be easy right? (That’s about 6.2 miles for my American friends).

UPDATE: The Oasis Zoo Run was a success! 10k in 1:16:28. The run was rainy, muddy and wonderful. Here’s to the next race!

5. Run a half marathon

Another, slightly more ambitious running goal.

6. Run a marathon

Yet another, even more ambitious running goal.

UPDATE: Officially registered for the Niagara Falls International Marathon in October 2013 with Laura Pasquini and Sean Eddington. Game on my friends! 

UPDATE: I ran about half of the marathon before my knee gave out. Calling this one a mulligan with a renewed focus on running and fitness goals for my 30s. 

7. Bungee jump

Pretty please? This just looks like fun.

DONE! Fun?! I’m not sure fun was the right word. Scary? Terrifying? Exhilarating? Really freaking high?! I jumped from 200 feet at Canada’s Highest Bungee. An amazing experience, but not one I’m in any hurry to repeat. 😉

8. Skydive

Perhaps the closest I’ll get to being a superhero for a day. But still no capes – that won’t end well.

DONE! I completed the World’s Highest Tandem Jump at 18,000 feet in Orlando, Florida on March 22, 2013. 

9. High five a penguin

This. But one of the penguins will be me. Because cuteness that’s why.

10. See a Broadway show on Broadway

I love musical theatre and want to see it on Broadway. The show doesn’t matter, I just want the experience. And all the singing and dancing.

DONE!

My friend Marc Anthony and I took in WICKED on Broadway on May 25, 2013. An awesome show with incredible company!

11. 52 in 52 book challenge

Inspired by my friend Becca and other SA pros on Twitter, I wanted to try my hand at reading 52 books in 52 weeks (around 1 book per week for a year). I’ve got a ton (almost literally) of half finished and not started books waiting to be read. To keep track, I’ve created a Pinterest board where I’ll be posting (pinning) each book as I read it and captioning it with my favourite quote. This is both to share some of the great wisdom and lessons and to keep me accountable. This one is so exciting for me – I collect books like we’re nearing a literary apocalypse.

DONE!

What an amazing year of reading! See all of the books I read in 2013 on my Pinterest board. 

12. Habitat for Humanity Build

I love giving back and getting to know my community, and this seems like a perfect mix of the two. The ability to give a family something I’ve often taken for granted – a roof over their head – would be amazing.

UPDATE: Looks like we’ll need to move our build date. Here’s to more schedule Tetris!

13. Attend Fan Expo/Comic Con/Anime North in full cosplay

I keep threatening to do this but I never have. I’m thinking of dressing up as Poison Ivy but I’m open to suggestions.

DONE! I attended Toronto Fan Expo 2014 dressed as my Canadian idol Robin Sparkles. Let’s go to the mall!

14. Visit Prince Edward Island (PEI)

One of my great childhood literary heroes, Anne of Green Gables, lives here (you can’t tell me she’s not a real person). I also really want to experiences views like this in person.

DONE! I spent an amazing but far too brief time in PEI in June 2014, rounding out some time on the East Coast after a conference. The island is beautiful and I can’t wait to go back. See you again soon, Anne!

15. Return to Victoria, BC to visit

Another one I keep saying I’ll do but never quite get to. I miss my West Coast friends!

16. Visit the Rockies (Alberta)

I have seen far too many stunning pictures from friends who have visited this place. Yes please.

17. Donate blood

Something I’ve never done but always wanted to. Another easy yet so important way to give back.

DONE! April 1, 2013. Here’s to an evening well spent.  

18. Finally decide whether or not to pursue a PhD program

Enough of you have told me that ‘Dr. Endersby’ has a nice ring to it. Time to do some research to see if we can add some more letters behind my name.

DONE! I think I’ve known for a while that I want to do a PhD but I was too scared, somehow, to admit it. My next big list of resolutions will include the application process. 

19. Hike Gros Morne (Newfoundland)

Because this. That’s why.

20. Record and post 30 video blogs

I’ve wanted to explore video blogging for a while as another alternative to sharing and connecting. The number of posts keeps with the ’30’ theme, and I might do one video per entry on this list. Stay tuned for a firsthand look (hearing?) of my Canadian accent eh?

21. Have fun with Improv Toronto

These people just look like a bunch of fun. Previous awesomeness includes this and this.

DONE! Improv Toronto hosted Canada’s Largest Water Fight on Saturday, August 23rd 2014. We walked in humming the Mission Impossible theme and left soaking wet. A good day all around.

22. Create and keep a year long Awesomeness jar

I saw this posted a couple of times by friends on Facebook and wanted to try it out. You can read more about it here. I’m really looking forward to going through this jar on New Year’s Eve 2013.

UPDATE: The jar is made and ready to rock! Thanks to James Kuchta for the label and my dear friend Lisa (the better half of LisaSquared) for the book.

DONE! I’m still stunned somehow that we’ve reached the end of 2013. Looking forward to seeing what awesome moments I can relive as we enter the new year.

23. Plant a tree

I’d like to do my part to keep our Canadian forests lush and beautiful. Of course, this is also another excuse to get outside.

24. Do 10 full/proper push ups in a row

If my trainer can get me to actually like running, she can help me do this. Beast mode activated!

DONE! I cranked out ten push ups in a row (with my trainer as judge for proper form) on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Amazing what can happen with someone who has the audacity to believe in you and a little bit of hard work.

25. Visit Australia/New Zealand

A little ambitious? Yes. A travel bucket list item that I must do? Absolutely.  The koalas and kangaroos are waiting for me!

26. Take a dance class

I took dance classes through most of my childhood and for all four years of high school. I miss dancing and would love an opportunity to do it again – hopefully minus the hideous spandex this time. Hopefully.

DONE! I had a great time taking Level 1 Salsa classes at Toronto Dance Salsa. Who knew that salsa would be such a great workout, let alone a fascinating exercise in remembering your left from your right foot.

27. Organize a big snowball fight

Gotta keep up my Canadian cred – and it just sounds like fun! American friends are more than welcome to join eh?

DONE! Thanks to a little positive peer pressure and the perfect mix of snow and sunshine, we had a great afternoon of throwing snowballs at each other in the park. The plan now is to make this an annual tradition. 

28. Scuba Dive/Snorkel

I’m on a hunt for Dory and Nemo. P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.

DONE! An unexpected yet awesome opportunity to try snorkelling led me to exploring the exotic (read: not exotic) waters of Wasaga Beach on Monday, August 5, 2014. Learning to trust my own breath was an interesting and, at times, frightening experience. Can’t wait to do it again in more interesting waters! 

29. Volunteer 100 hours

An ambitious goal yet a somewhat insignificant contribution. I don’t often make time to give back as I should. I am privileged and honoured to fill my time with things that are personally and professionally fulfilling – it’s time I used and shared some of what I’ve learned.

30. Complete a month long photo challenge

I’ve been researching some photo challenges for my friend James and his own list and I got curious. I’m going to pick a month and take some photos to stretch my creativity muscles. Inspiration and my choice of challenge will come from here.

DONE! I completed my photo challenge in September 2013, posting one photo a day based on words James gave to me each morning. You can see my full collection at the link below.

http://www.pinterest.com/lisaendersby/september-2013-photo-challenge/