40 Before 30

I am sure most of you have heard of "30 Before 30" lists.  Well why stop at 30?  I have so much more that I want to accomplish and to limit myself to a list of 30 is just silly.  I would like to introduce you to my "40 Before 30" List (the ones crossed off are the ones I have already completed): 

1. Read the Bible cover to cover
2. Attend a Duke vs. North Carolina basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium
3. Take a picture at the top of the Swiss Alps (picture below)
4. Read the entire Harry Potter series
5. Start a family
6. Go back to Italy
7. Attend a Jay Z concert
8. Go gator hunting in Louisiana 
9. Get my concealed handgun license
10. Learn to surf
11. Get my MBA
12. Complete a triathlon
13. Learn to snowboard (picture below)
14. Learn to box
15. Lead someone to the Lord
16. skydive
17. Watch a cirque de solei show in Vegas
18. Move out of Waco
19. Go on a mission trip
20. Complete a half-marathon
21. Take pole dancing lessons (thanks to Keely Foster's bachellorette party)
22. Learn to play guitar
23. Become a graphic design guru 
24. Customize my blog
25. Make a donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation
26. Go to tea at the Ritz (I'm currently trying to find my picture from this moment)
27. Take an adult ballet class
28. Pay for someone's meal behind me in the drive thru
29. Attend Tomorrowland in Belgium
30. Become a Big Sis in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program
31. Be in better shape than I was in high school
32. Own a puppy (King Charles Spaniel to be exact)
33. Be able to splurge on something nice for my parents 
34. Go skinny dipping
35. Get a tattoo
36. Run 1000 miles
37.  Own my own home
38.  Play each golf course on the British Open rotation (I can mark St. Andrews off the list already)
39. Conquer a fear
40. Live without regret

John 10:10 says: 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and live it abundantly."  

This verse has always been one of my favorites, but has really caught my attention the past few months.  There are times where I catch myself becoming idle and complacent with where my life is at the moment.  But in reality, I am light years away from fulfilling the dream that the Lord has for me and while I may not know what my final mission is yet, I know that I am called to always live life abundantly. 

I do not believe in regrets.  Every moment and event in my life has helped shape and mold me into the person I am today.  Regret is merely a setback and life is too short for setbacks :)

I am excited to be able to update you on my "40 Before 30" progress! Below are a couple of pictures from a few of the items I have marked off my list already. 

During a summer trip to Europe with the Baylor in great Britain program, my family and I were fortunate enough to visit the top of the Swiss Alps!! It was one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen.  God is so good!!

Alex Benda (who is now a very successful marine) taught me to snowboard over Christmas Break of our senior year! She forced me to face a personal fear and for that I am thankful!

Last spring break I went to Las Vegas with three of my best friends.  I don't have a picture of us at the Cirque de Solei show we went to, but I figured I would put up a picture just to prove that we were actually in Vegas. 

xoxo,
Ashley