40 in 40 Review - Third 10

21.  Give up pop 60 days in a row - Oh yeah baby - I DID it!  This was, by far, one of the most unrealistic items on my list in the beginning.  I was a Mt. Dew ADDICT.  The cravings were pretty bad for 28 days (yes, 28 days) and then it was no big deal.  I have, however, gone back to my old habits although not at the level I drank it before.  This is something I'll do again.  I was mad though 'cause I didn't lose any weight from it.  That was a bummer.

22.  Have family pictures taken - Yeah, sorta.  We did take family pics at the open house.  That doesn't really count and I'm mad I didn't do this now that Elyse is heading to college.  I think we'll do this at Thanksgiving.

23.  Host a neighborhood barbecue - Haven't done this unfortunately.  This summer has really gotten away from me.  It was unrealistic to begin with considering we had gradation and an open house this summer.  I've also been a bit chicken....

24. Join a community band - I did this.  I didn't last long.  It was a combination of frustration with my lack of talent anymore and the time commitment.  I discovered as much as I still sort of enjoy playing - I don't enjoy playing when I stink and I don't have the time to practice like I once did.  So, I did do this but I'm not doing it anymore!!

25.  Join a women's group - sort of :)  I have joined a group of ladies working on fitness on Facebook.  In addition to that - I've also hooked up with some of those same ladies - just recently - doing a couple of ministry type events.  I'm hoping this continues in the future as I just love them and what they are doing for the city of Toledo!

26.  Less Serious/More fun - My kids used to call me the "fun sucker".  I have worked on this and I haven't heard that phrase for a long time.  I'm not perfect and I have a long way to go - but - this summer - I road a roller coaster.  I almost died, but I road it :)  It was a horrible experience - lol!

27.  Let go of community bitterness - Oh my.   Great strides have been made in this arena.  I don't want to go into great detail here - but I am happy to say there has been growth.  There are still some things in my heart I need to work on (as evidenced by dreams of fighting with certain people - lol!) but we are moving in the right direction!

28.  Lose 40 pounds.  I've lost 5. That's a long way from 40.  This goes on the next list.

29.  Meet with friend about groceries - I didn't actually meet with her, but we talked over the phone.  I also did a tremendous amount of research and as said in one of the previous review posts, I've cut the grocery bill by over half.

30.  Missions trip out of country - not yet.  HOWEVER!!  There is a trip in the planning stages for next summer to Guatemala.  Didn't see this one coming - but it's on the books!  Have I mentioned how excited I am about this??  We have met some incredible people through the planning process.  We're going with Champions in Action.  Your welcome to join us!!


Final 10 coming up tomorrow.