Earlier this year I posted a list of 25 things I wanted to do in the year before my 26th birthday. I feel like I’m a little behind, and there are already a few entries on the list that I know I won’t be able to cross off this year, but that’s ok. The whole point of this list was to give me some fun goals for the year and I’m already very pleased with the fun things I’ve been able to do so far.
Over the past several months I have been able to cross off some things from my list that I never got around to posting about! I feel bad about that because I could have easily made individual posts for these things and shared with you more pictures. But sometimes a shorter update is better :)
Here are four things I crossed off earlier this year that I never got around to posting about!
#12 Swim in the Mediterranean
Before we left France we took a day trip down to St. Cyr, which is about an hour east of Marseille. The water was so clear and blue, I can totally see why so many people like to vacation in the south of France. The beach was really crowded, there were even people waiting for other people to get up so they could take their spots. The weather was beautiful and although we had to drive three hours there and back, it was such a lovely day. I would have really regretted living in France for two and a half years and never getting to see the Mediterranean.
#14 Join a club
Several months ago my blogging friend Regina @ The Sunflower Pages mentioned that she wanted to start an online book club focusing on Young Adult books and I immediately jumped on board! I love reading books with other people, and the fact that it’s an online club was even better for me since I was living abroad at the time. Now that I’m back in the States it’s still nice chatting with people from all over the place.
So far we’ve read Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson (LOVED IT), If I Stay by Gayle Forman (just in time for the movie), We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, and A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall. Right now we’re reading Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard.
#20 Attend a masked ball or period-era ball or maybe just a really elaborately themed party
In June we had to say goodbye to our Grenoble community, and it was even more bittersweet than I thought it would be because they threw us a Disney costume party! It was so well done between the decorations, the food, the games, and of course the costumes :)

My friend Laure (Minnie) who drove down from Lyon to see me, and my American friends Joy and Lisa who planned the party :)
#21 FIND A NEW JOB
This was one of the biggest things on my list, and in my October Highlights post I shared with you that I had an interview in the beginning of November. Well…I GOT THE JOB! I started last Wednesday so this week is my first full week. So far, I love it! It’s a very small office (there are 4 of us), but that makes everything so much more personal. The job itself is low-stress and relaxed, which is a nice change of pace. I’m very excited for this new direction I’m taking, and I’m also looking forward to my husband finding a job so we can find a place to live & finally be able to settle down and unpack our wedding gifts (they’ve been in their original boxes in my parents’ basement for nearly 3 YEARS because we moved to France right after getting married).
Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, and gave me interview advice! I am so so thankful :)
Congratulations on your new job! You are so lucky to find a low-stress job; I think they almost unheard of anymore. Enjoy!
Thanks!! I know, right?
I love your Peter Pan costumes, so adorable! Did you make them?
My Wendy outfit was super simple. I found a plain blue dress and then tied a light blue ribbon around the middle and wore one in my hair as well, bought white tights, and the black flats I already owned :) My husband put more work into his costume which he made by hand (except the green polo and the leggings). He even sewed and hot glue gunned!
Wow, you guys are so creative!
Thanks!
Wonderful update – you’ve knocked off some really cool things from your list! I love the fancy dress party goal – I haven’t been to one, and would love to go. Not like for Halloween though because I don’t need the spooky theme. :) Congrats on the new job – it’s so important to enjoy where you work, and it’s lucky that you’ve found a good place!
Thanks Charlene! I am very happy that I’ve found a job I enjoy :) I know a lot of people have to work jobs they don’t like and I’m thankful that’s not the case for me.
That is so awesome that you made such a list and were really trying to achieve them! Heck I totally need to make myself a little list for next year – not a new years resolutions so much like i know people tend to not stick to those – but a goals of things you want to get done that year. Congrats on your job and achievements!
Thanks!!! It’s been fun crossing things off my list :)
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