Turning 27 – A Goal Analysis

Each year on or around my birthday I take a look at the goals I’ve set for myself and do a quick check up. This year I can’t help but notice that I’ve crossed very few items off my bucket list, but have made some incredible progress on many of them. In order to keep things rolling, I’m breaking my bigger goals down into smaller goals for the year.

I can’t say enough about how rewarding it is to actually putting these ideas in writing and publishing them. I was dreaming big 2 years ago when I first wrote my 30 before 30 bucket list. I know most of these goals, big or little, would not cross my mind as often as they do if they weren’t right here for me as a reminder of what I want.

30 things to do before turning 30

3 years and counting…Here’s what’s left!

1. Backpack through Europe
2. Become debt free - If this is just ”bad debt” then I’m on my way. I am planning a wedding, however, which could be a problem. I unfortunately expect to see Student Loans on my 40 before 40 list.
3. Begin an AD&C business - This was important to me when I wrote the list because I wanted to get myself creating art on a regular basis. Perhaps that should have been the goal. I can say the business part is not on the priority list right now.
4. Build a sand castle - Must plan a beach vacation!
5. Build a snow man - I really wanted to check this one off this winter, but we didn’t get enough snow! I believe in global warming.
6. Buy a stock - This is such a quirky goal for me, but I am keeping an eye out for something fun.
7. Climb a mountain - Must plan a hiking trip this summer!
8. Complete a NYT crossword puzzle
9. Defend my Master’s thesis - I really, really have to do this.
10. Donate $1000 to charity – I’m keeping tabs on this one. Do family count as charity? Regardless, I will make this goal and feel great about it.
11. Get promoted – I was promoted right before I made this list. It’s an interesting goal, but I like it!
12. Learn how to sail
13. Paint a self-portrait – Must make time for this! I’m smiling just thinking about it.
14. Play 18 holes of golf - I am certain that I will need a lesson. I will try to start at the driving range this summer.
15. Purchase a hybrid car – This is another interesting one. I’m not in the market for a new car just yet, but the environment will be on my mind when the time comes.
16. Purge my wardrobe - I managed to get through half of my wardrobe last spring, other half needs to go this spring. Less is more.
17. Read 100 books - I took a look at this goal this past fall and realized I really had to pick up the pace this year. I am keeping up with it now and loving it.
18. Run a <30 min. 5K - I made good progress on this one in 2010, but then let it slide in 2011. Registering for a race might be the motivation that I need. Any suggestions?
19. Schedule a physical - Ugh. This is not a fun one, but it should get added to the short list for this year.
20. Shake hands with a US President
21. Speak at 5 professional conferences – Wow. I will  probably end up meeting this goal, this year alone. I will hopefully be speaking at the dotEDUguru Summit, PSUweb, NYSACAC and NACAC this year!
22. Start an emergency savings account - OK. Does a wedding savings count? I know it doesn’t.
23. Take a spontaneous weekend trip – This one is also on the short list for this summer and I think it should be to a state I’ve never been. I’m looking at you Ohio/West Virginia/Tennessee.
24. Take Ballroom dancing classes - I definitely want to take some dance classes before the wedding.
25. Tour Washington, DC – Why have I not done this yet?!
26. Travel with my Dad -My Dad is currently recovering from a hip replacement. I can’t wait for him to heal and take him on one of my traveling adventures.
27. Travel with my Mom
28. Visit 30 states (currently at 19/30) - This year I have plans to visit Wisconsin, Colorado, and Michigan.
29. Volunteer 1000 hours - There are so many great opportunities to serve in the Rochester community. I’m logging these hours and I am always up for new opportunities.
30. Watch AFI’s top 100 movies - I am not even half way through this list. I think I am going to have bust out the Blockbuster membership while I still can!

12 Mini Goals for 2012

(Updated 3/15/12)

1. Reorganize my art supplies.
   In order to start a self portrait
2. Go to the beach. Build a sand castle.
3. Write up my masters project. GRADUATE!
4. Keep pushing for opportunities at work.
5. Hit the driving range.
   If that goes well, hit the course.
6. Purge the rest of my wardrobe.
7. Keep reading.
8. Run. Sign up for a 5K.
9. Find new doctors.Schedule a physical.
10. Cross off travel goals with spontaneous weekend trip - A new state with a mountain to climb? Or a DC tour?
11. Travel to Wisconsin, Colorado, and Michigan and speak at conferences.
12. Watch all of the Top AFI movies that come to Netflix this year.

   PRO TIP: Start with the Monday crossword. It’s the easiest.

New York Times: February 13, 2012

I am beyond excited to officially announce the launch of my new project Admissions Live. I am teaming up with Seth Odell and the Higher Ed Live network to expand the conversations happening over at higheredlive.com to include topics relating to college admissions and access to higher education.

My project is starting next week with a live weekly web series on higheredlive.com. I will be bringing on different guests each Tuesday at 7:00 pm ET to discuss anything and everything related to college admissions. Watch my 2 minute video announcement and then join me Tuesday, January 10th at 7:00 pm ET for my very first episode of Admissions Live!

Designed by the incredibly talented Stephanie McNabb.

We’re engaged!

Selecting the perfect wine for your occasion is fairly simple once you know what to look for. Unless you are able to taste the wine before you buy, the selection process can be daunting. Here are my best tips on wine selection that will help you pick the perfect wine.

Start with LOCATION.

Most wine retailers will organize selections based on where the wine is from. Location will tell you a lot about the wine’s flavor, so this is the best place to start. European (Old World) wines are made with traditional practices and will tend to have more complex and earthy flavors. American (New World) wines tend to have more floral and citrus flavors. Climate will also have an impact on the wine. If it’s from a hot part of the world it will be spicier. If it’s from a cold part of the world it will be crisper. For example, Riesling is a crisp white wine, so you would want to buy one from Germany or upstate NY rather than one from Australia or Chili.

Pro Tip: What grows together, goes together.

If you are cooking an italian meal, pick an italian wine.

Red vs. White. (skip this step)

Red and white wines come from the same grapes. The coloration happens in the wine making process. Red wines are made with the grape skins left on. In white wines, the skins have been removed. Leaving on the skins will change the flavor of the wine, but don’t make your selection based on color alone. Instead pick a region of the world, skip red vs. white for now and move right on to your price range.

Price.

There is a good wine for sale at every price point and you can find this wine with a little bit of wine knowledge. Again, start by first picking a regions of the world. Ask yourself, are you drinking wine with food? Or just a glass on its own? Are you looking for something crisp and refreshing? (Cold regions) Something with complex earthy flavors? (Old World) Once you are happy with the location and have identified how much you want to spend, you can narrowed down your selection to a few bottles.

Now we read the labels.

Most bottles will have descriptions of the flavor and you will already have an idea of what these flavor are or should be based on where they grapes were grown. You will also want to consider the % alcohol content. Higher alcohol (12.5-13%) will have stronger taste and may bring heat.

My favorites and general crowd pleasers:

REDS
Pinot Noir – Light, smooth red. Great from Northern California, Oregon, Washington (cold places).
Chianti – Light Italian red. Only from Italy. Cheap ones are as good as the expensive ones.
Cabernet Savignon – More flavorful, fuller red. Spicier from hot places, lighter from cool places.

WHITES
Savignon Blanc – Flavorful crisp white. Flavor will change with climate. Try one from France!
Riesling – Fruity, crisp sweet white. Stick to cold places for this one.
Pino Grigio – More flavorful, crisp white. There are good value wines from Italy.
Chardonay – Usually oaky, fully bodied flavors. Great selections from California.