thirty six

thirty-six

Originally written in 2015

All around me, people are turning 36. Last week was Mike’s birthday, and he’s not the first to roll over this hump. Do you have a scary age? The age you dreaded turning? For me, it was 26. I think it was because it meant I was closer to 30 than 20, which seemed old, but now that 36 is approaching, I am feeling the same uneasiness again. But really, what is old? For me, right now, I feel old when… I am at the gym, and I realize I could be the mother of some of the girls in the class; my child can turn on Netflix without my help, and high school ended eighteen years ago (which is more years than the age I was when high school ended)!

So this is depressing… but I’d like to blame February for the mood funk. To get myself feeling better about 36, I am creating a list of 36 things to do before I turn 36. It’s going to be hard because my birthday is less than four months away, and I am not great at having fun in the winter, but I am going to work hard and make this time suck less. Feel free to hop on board any of these adventures. (in no particular order):

thirty-six things to do before I turn thirty-six

Paint a room
Wallpaper a room
Go to the art gallery (for real) – I was down to the wire on this one. Last week I had to run downtown to pick something up at the printer and had an hour to kill before school ended. I could of gone home and worked but I went to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia instead. I love the Maud Lewis room.
Get a pedicure – Amanda and I went to Princess Nails on a cold, wet, dreary night. It was not as blissful as a spa but I love the neon pink toes.
Relax on the beach with a magazine – This would of been less enjoyable had I done it this spring on a beach in Nova Scotia however, I was lucky to vacation at Anna Maria Island in April.
Run in a race – Bluenose and the Cabot Trail Relay!
Go snowshoeing – I crossed this off the list on day one (did I mention we were snowbound?) but I went out again for our Storm the Mountain eco-challenge.
Go on an airplane – We made Anne Murray proud and snowbirded the hell out of here to Florida.
Ski moguls – I’m no Jean-Luc Brassard but I made it down the mountain in one piece.
Sell five items on Kijiji – 1. A sweater 2. Push bike 3. A DVD 4. Tent 5. Washer & Dryer flood victims
Finish 4 books – 1. I’ll Give You The Sun 2. When Everything Feels Like the Movies 3. We Were Liars 4. The Sky is Everywhere
Brunch at Edna Restaurant – So good. Sooooo good! When Jane’s closed I never thought I’d find another good vegetarian Eggs Benedict but then I went to Edna’s.
Visit the ocean – I saw the ocean in Nova Scotia but my hands were too numb to snap a pic. Florida was a lot warmer.
Learn how to rug hook – I did and now I’m hooked (wink). I can’t wait to show you my finished project.
Swim – I even boogie boarded.
Walk in point pleasant park – Several times – I walked around with David and Henry, ran it, raced in it, cursed the hills, and even assisted a photoshoot in the park.
Hike in the Cape Breton Highlands – I ran it, which I think is cooler. However, I did hike up the damn steep hill at the end of my leg.
Choose a signature drink – I’m so fancy… Basically, I fill a glass with gin, some tonic, a splash of grapefruit juice, and a lemon (if I have one). It's best consumed from a beach-friendly sippy cup with a straw.
Make homemade rolls – I think Karen is holding back on sharing her actual roll recipe because mine were nowhere near as good as hers, but I really enjoyed making them.
Go to Field Guide for a drink – X 2! If you haven’t gone, go. I love Field Guide and I especially enjoyed reuniting with an old friends over drinks.
Make a chocolate cheesecake – My aunt Joanne made the most amazing chocolate cheesecake and I always felt like she was making it especially for me because I loved it so much. I thought I had her recipe but I can’t find it. I still made a chocolate cheesecake but it tasted horrible and it made me miss her even more.
Build a sand castle – Another victory thanks to our trip to Florida.
Host an outdoor Friday Night Pizza Night – Sarah helped me with this one. We had a Friday Night Pizza Night at the Park Avenue Community Oven. Everything was delicious, especially the s’more pizza. Jealous?
Take a kickboxing class – To say I was good and/or graceful would be a total lie but I did it.
Take a carload to Value Village
Go for a bike ride – We’ve done a bit of local biking but one of my favourite days in Florida was our bike adventure. We had so much fun exploring the island… Didn’t we Jodie?
Explore a new park / beach or trail in Nova Scotia – On Mother’s Day we went to Crowbar Lake Hiking Trail and it was awesome. You’d be surprised how far kids can walk when you dangle a granola bar in front of them.
Visit a new store in Halifax – I’ve now been to the Independent Mercantile twice and it’s a great store.
Barbecue
Buy stain to paint the patio
Go for a run with a friend – Running a half-marathon with a friend is so much more enjoyable than running alone. Thanks Jenna.
Ride the yellow slide at the Canada Games Centre – And the blue one too!
Skate at the Oval at least once more – I don’t think this fail is my fault. Because of the extreme weather conditions we faced this winter, the Oval closed early and without much warning. I only made it there once and didn’t get back after I wrote this list. I did however ski a boardercross course and nearly killed myself. My friend suggested that it made up for the lack of skating.
Print and frame a photo – Yes!
Open the windows and put out the patio furniture – Yes! However we’ve also turned the heat back on in June. Oh my…
Go dancing – Technically I didn’t actually get gussied up and go dancing but I have danced. Mostly alone or with David but I am still counting this as complete.

I am happy with the results = 32/36 = 89%. Most of them were fun, and it was an excuse to spend time with great people. My theory: Make a list, and they will come.

I am thirty-six. What the hell? There is no time for a pity party; I have a summer list to tackle. Bring it.

xomeg