Well, here it is. My official 35th birthday. I think I’ve handled it rather well. 
For the first time in a long time, the year ahead feels full of possibility and hope.
“Each moment of the year has its own beauty, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I started doing this years ago. For the past few years, I’ve fallen out of the habit. In the spirit of positive change (which hopefully this coming year will be filled with for all of us), I bring you the list of goals for my 35th year.
My 36 before 36
1. Find a job I am happy at, a fulfilling job – personally and financially – that helps me feel good about the world and my place in it.
2. Brush up on my conversational French.
3. Run a 5K.
4. Pay off all debts, except for the student loan – that’ll be awhile 
5. Finish writing novel.
6. Submit writing for freelance work each and every week.
7. Sign up for some toddler and me classes at the Y. Done!
8. Refresh my yoga practice, whether with a class or just renewed daily yoga time.
9. Fit into a size 10.
10. Plan at least one weekend away with B. Just B, and me.
11. Get a nice, long massage.
12. Read 25 books.
13. Write more letters.
14. Make (and stick to) a monthly budget.
15. Start an investment fund for Ian.
16. Make water my beverage of choice.
17. Cuddle Ian every day. 
18. Learn some conversational Spanish.
19. Take a writing class.
20. Purge some unused stuff.
21. Build a wardrobe based on Tim Gunn’s Style Essentials.
22. Connect with God.
23. Get into nature as often as possible.
24. Take Ian on many hikes, bike rides and frolics.
25. Tell B I love him every day.
26. Entertain at the new apartment (now that we have the outdoor space)!
27. Switch to decaf.
28. Take Ian to some baby-sit reading times at the library.
29. Get a new car.
30. Develop a better system for grocery shopping.
31. Cut food and household expenses down to $150 a week.
32. Devise a plan to purchase a house no later than summer of 2013 (hopefully sooner)!
33. Do something nice for myself once a month.
34. Volunteer.
35. Post 200 new blog entries.
36. Attend a writing conference.
“You try to make an interesting journey between the cradle to the grave, you know?” ~ Robert Duvall
Great post, Rachel! Also love the photos and can’t believe how big Ian looks. See you soon! Happy birthday x 35, then
XOXOXO