27

Tomorrow, I’m photographing a wedding. And also turning 27.

For the first time in my life, I’m not stressing about getting a year older. Maybe it’s because I’ve mentally been 27 since sometime last year, when I told an insurance adjuster that I was 27 and she tried to convince me that I was actually 26 and I wouldn’t believe her (until I realized she was right and then felt kinda silly). Or maybe it’s because I don’t feel closer to 30 than 20 yet and I can’t get Taylor Swift’s 22 out of my head, which I think just proves that when you’re in your twenties, the only age you really ever feel is in-your-twenties; the actual number doesn’t matter.

Because the years from 22 to 27 are all about finding your way. I’m pretty sure I still have a whole lot of lessons to learn…and life still feels like an adventure. I sorta hope that doesn’t end when I turn 28.

And because I had so much fun with last year’s list (12 of 26 completed!), I can’t help but make a new one for this year!

27 Things to do before turning 28

1. Visit at least one foreign country. Mexico!

2. Find a dentist. For real this time.

3. Go to three museums (aquariums count). National Gallery of Art, Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame (when in Nashville…)

4. Invest in some real clothes – ones that will make me want to wear something other than yoga pants every day.

5. Paint a piece of art.

6. Sew something fun. Tulle skirt…as a gift, but it counts!

7. Do yoga once a week. So I made an effort on this one, and I probably only missed about 10 weeks, which is way better than I expected!

8. Go for a weekend hike.

9. Try stand-up paddle boarding.

10. Go to at least one concert.

11. Find one new musician to listen to on repeat.

12. Read 12 books (upping the ante this year).

13. Send one postcard a month to a friend in another state.

14. Go skiing.

15. Sing in front of an audience. And I even had an opportunity to do this too, but chickened out.

16. Shoot 3 rolls of film and get them developed. Two of three came back blank…heartbreaking!

17. Buy a polaroid. Technically, I didn’t buy it, and it’s not officially a Polaroid, but I got a Fuji Instax for Christmas that fulfills this wish!

18. Make girls weekend happen.

19. Take a flower arranging class.

20. Try a recipe with tofu.

21. Go on a picnic.

22. Location scouting once a week.

23. Visit my sister.

24. Practice gratitude.

25. Pick a cause and volunteer.

26. Pay off a college loan. Even better…paid them all off!! This was a huge accomplishment this year!

27. Create for the joy of creating and do a substantial personal project. Finally found the ideas…now to pursue them in the year ahead!

Enjoy the weekend…and have a cupcake!