Three months ago, I set up a challenge for myself. I wanted to run through a list of 30 tasks before I turned 30 years old.
You helped me build my list of tasks! You started your own lists. It feels like we’re all out in the world trying to do good, be better and share cupcakes.
Except. Well. Um…
I haven’t given you an update on my 30 Things list because well… I’ve already gone and turned 30… and I’m no where near done with my list.
So! The 30 Things Before 30 Years has become 30 Things For 30 Years.
It’s a work in progress. I’m a work in progress. So far, it all feels pretty good.
Here’s the list that’s going to keep me busy this summer.
Let’s be better to ourselves, for ourselves, to each other, for each other. Let’s just do that, and be that, and make a list about that… now!
30 Things For 30 years:
Eat 1 giant birthday hot dog with sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and beer.
It was a pretzel. There was coffee. It was awesome.
Send flowers to 2 friends.
Workin’.
Buy 3 strangers their morning coffee.
1 down, 2 to go.
Take 4 new people to church on Sunday.
2 down, 2 to go.
Make 5 new friends.
Done! But these people might not know we’re friends yet. We’re friends. This summer I’ll prove it!
Mail 6 hand-written letters.
Inspired by the PenPal Project… so far I’ve written 78 letters. No joke.
Compliment 7 strangers.
I love this. Mostly because it’s awesome to tell people that they look pretty.
Leave 8 lucky quarters on the ground.
Done. Easy.
Send 9 of my favorite books to 9 of my favorite people.
Workin’.
Smile at 10 strangers.
I try to do this everyday. It really does feel awesome.
Go in for 11 high-fives.
Workin’. Awkward every time.
Give away 12 fresh cupcakes.
Send 13 postcards to 13 blog readers.
Done!
Tip my waitress $14 above average.
Done!
Leave 15 nice comments on 15 other blogs.
Gotcha!
Make (at least) 16 coffee ice cream cream puffs.
Workin’.
Enjoy 17 beach sunsets.
Workin’.
Give (at least) $18 to my favorite charity.
Workin’.
Pick 19 super ripe figs.
Can. Not. Wait.
Ride my bike at least 20 miles.
Whitney! It’s me and you!
Give 21 bits of advice to a new 21 year old.
Make 22 beers. Yea… make beer.
Andrea! We’re doing this!
Stay up for 23 hours… just for kicks… and bourbon.
Who wants to play sleep-over!?
Take and develop 24 pictures… with film.
Workin’.
Take a 25 year old out to lunch.
I need a 25 year old LA friend… who is hungry.
Take 26 yoga classes.
Workin’. I own you downdog. (not really).
Clean my closet and give away 27 things.
Let’s be real… it could have been way more than 27 things.
Learn 28 new words.
Workin’.
Write down the beauty of the day for 29 days.
Workin’.
Tell 30 people why I am grateful they’re in my life.
All the time. Super important.
dzung
oh my gosh – first off, i’d like to say hello, i’m dzung and i found your blog today and am in loveeee with it! i’m reading through all of your posts!! second of all – you just made me realize that i’m turning 30 in 30 days too! ahhhh!! *as i sit in my cubicle sobbing* … jk.
BUT now i’m inspired by your post to do something extraordinary each day for the next 30 days!!!
dayanara
it’s so inspiring. A friend sent me this link and I end up with an amazement ….with a big wow of your idea to cheer me up …. really love it. Thanx for such note :)
Always Wright
Thanks for your wonderful idea of making a list. You came up with so many thoughtful things to do! I will write my list and will have to add many numbers to 30 to get to my age. I love your blog. THANKS!
LinnieBell
Your beach pic is my new screen saver.
It’s saving me….
bob
If you want an extension for number 7, try and compliment people on things other than their appearance. Be deep!
Good work on trying to improve yourself, it can be hard sometimes = )
Matt @ StartingtoCook
This project reminds me of something I’ve been doing for 8 years called the 101 in 1001. I’m on my 3rd (technically 4th since I lost track of one once) list.
They even have a site to track it and some ideas you can quickly add. The idea is 101 stretching, fun, awesome or just plain interesting goals in 1001 days. It’s 1001 days so if you put “surf the best wave ever!” and you break your leg for one summer you still have chances.
I couldn’t live without my list. Literally. I never used to share how important this thing is to my life but lately I’ve been sharing and your post inspires me to share again. http://dayzeroproject.com/user/photomatt
There’s mine. If you ever make a 101 list, I want to know!
CJ
Thanks for sharing, Matt! Now I might have to go create a 101-item list… :)
Briel K.
I love this list! I live in LA but unfortunately I just turned 32 (how’d that happen?!) so I don’t fit the category of a 25 year old. :)
Jessica @ bake me away!
I have less than 7 months to go until 30 and so far have only completely crossed two things off my list. :-\ Thankfully the numbers of mine don’t indicate how many times I have to do something like yours! That’s intense, but I like it. I wish you could help me with my 28. (Relearn how to ride a bike.) It scares me.
Joanna
just reading this list makes me smile. thinking about doing these things makes me feel both calm and excited. it captures all of the simple joys in life and reminds you of the good in the world. thank you for sharing. i look forward to making my own!
Gemma
I love this list. I’m turning 32 on Monday and feel the need for a little focus for the next year, a few mini goals, maybe it’s time for a 32 before 33 list…
Katie
I love your list of 30 things! I’m doing 26 things before I turn 26 in August (and attempting to keep track of them on my blog), but they don’t have the nifty feature of including the number… I like!
Erika
I love this! I’m going to be 30 a week from today, and it’s really inspiring. You’re my favorite blogger (that I don’t know!). May I modify and copy your idea? I can’t watch beach sunsets or pick figs. :) Thanks for sharing and making so many people smile.
Rocio
I’m 26 and in LA. And hungry! Close enough? Hahaha
Dena
How about for 25 you take a 26 year ild who is gonna be turning 27 and will be in LA for her birthday for lunch! <3 because I know I just wanna shake the hand of the person who is consantly feeding my mouth with amazing goodies! <3
A. Sparkle
This is totally a great idea! I just turned 30 recently, so I think I’ll hop of the list of 30 things bandwagon.
Lauren Helen
Thanks to the lovely Elsie from A Beautiful Mess, I’ve found you! This post especially has totally inspired me!
I’m going to be 17 in exactly two months and a day, and I am definately going to make a list like this! Not to mention that I’m going to start writing letters like a madwoman!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Juliana
your list is awesome! i recently started reading your blog and everything looks delicious, dangerously delicious. i saw that you need a 25 year old friend in LA, i recently moved to OC and fit the 25 year old part. lunch sometime?
Lauren
thanks for making such a great inspiring list! Cheers to accomplishing all of it! Gonna go start my own!
Lauren
oh joy, you dear heart! i love this and your 21 pieces of advice. you always make my day!
Tiffany | Peanut Blossom
This and your 21 pieces of advice post are two of my favorites you’ve ever written. So inspiring. Thanks for making me smile today. You can count me as one of your 10 strangers for the day.
Jessica W
Love!
Julie
Nice! Would love to read a blog post on your attempts to make beer! My friend bought a beer making kit and he’s made all kinds of stuff….banana beer….coconut beer…IPA….think about all the other possibilities!! =)
jeannette
love bourbon, sugar comas, yoga, totally interested in making beer and i’m 25… you should take me to lunch… just sayin’ in a totally i live a billion miles away from you (texas) but we could totally be friends kinda way. totally platonic. word.
anne
YOU ROCK! So inspiring, I love it. Gotta do something like this! The pen pal one is a fav -“never underestimate the power of a handwritten letter” right? Also, you can so ride your bike 20 miles. My friends and I rode our bikes from San Diego to Seattle last summer, and one of my favorite days was riding from Long Beach (blech) to Santa Monica. We rode all along the path and it was great. There are also some great rides up in Solvang! I loved riding through there, absolutely gorgeous and there are some great people living there. So yeah! Can’t wait to hear about that adventure! Post pictures when you do!
-Anne (http://annetheadventurer.blogspot.com/p/social-action.html)
molly
This is great :) It makes me want to do something similar…
Jessie
I’m 25! Ok…I was almost a decade ago but who’s counting? And truth be know, I sure don’t act my age! ;)
Rayanna
I’ll be 25 on the 26th of August. I am very hungry and eating takes lots of creativity at the moment. Feel like coming to London? Yes, London, England… not Ontario.
Seanna Lea
I love your list. Every time I see it I’m reminded of how much I love it.
amanda
You are such an inspiration Joy! Also- I am so excited to hear that you are gettin’ your downward dog on! I am a yoga teacher and yoga is a HUGE part of my life- it inspires me to be a do-gooder every day…but I also LOVE cooking and baking and all things that make life a little bit sweeter (like loads of butter and sugar*) and unfortunately, these things do not always jive with “the yoga lifestyle.” It’s all about finding that beautiful, delicate balance though, right? I’m working on it. I’m ok with the fact that I will probably working on it forever : ) Giving a fresh baked cupcake to a stranger in its own way is doing yoga and THAT I can totally dig. Anyhoo- you kick a#! and I would love to hear about your yoga adventures should you be so inclined to share. <3
Rossella
That’s an awesome list! I am turning 27 next week and I’d love to go through my very own list!
btw I would love to be 25 yo and be in LA…..that would be one.glorious.lunch!!!!!
Aimee
Absolutely. Freaking. Love. This.
I’m turning 28 in a month so I have a bit of time to do this myself. Thankyou!!!
Thankyou also for cinnamon pull-apart bread. Made me feel like a professional (a.k.a. awesome) and made my boyfriend feel guilty he never bakes for me (hurrah!).
Happy days…
Lauren Reese
You’re pretty awesome and I look forward to your blog each and everyday, you’ve put a smile on my face many a’times =)
jennie
love this! and wish i was 25 and lived in la so we could do lunch!
Diane
I’m turning 25 (in a few months…) and live in LA. Also, I just opened up my first few bottles of home-brewed IPA. It tastes like beer, which is exciting. I’ve already got a second batch fermenting; an espresso cream stout that I think I’m going to call Hipster Bitch.
Aleksandra
Joy if you need any words to learn in… polish/ farsi then I can help and teach/write some.
Im not sure how many Polish live in California but Im sure many of Iranian :)
First in polish “cze??” [Cheshch] and mean “hello”. Easy peasy :)
Brandi B
You’ve already accomplished so much on it! And you have an entire year to finish the rest :-)
margaux
Love the list!! especially the High 5s! I totally do that and people often react the same way. I’m certainly not stopping ;-)
Honeybee Sweets
I’m 25 and live in LA! Let’s do lunch! Alcove? Food Truck? Food crawl?
julia
Joy the Baker. My sister is 25, she moved to LA last year, she is an aspiring actress-singer and a current blogger, and she loves you. If there is any tiny chance you might consider making her your 25-year-old, I would…do something. Send you at least one handwritten pen pal thank you note from NYC, for example. hearts and ice pops, julia
Lauren
love it, thanks for the inspiration!
JessB
Wow Jow, great work! It can take a lot of courage to admit you haven’t reached your goal yet, so good work for re-setting the goal posts and keepin’ on going.
Also, a possible addition to your list of new words – cooee. It’s an Australian word, used to get people’s attention. Pronounced just as it looks “coo” (like a bird) and “eee” (like at the end of ‘Joy’, very short and almost cut off). It’s used for fun in the bush, to get the echos going. There’s nothing like really yelling it out, and getting one back from someone who’s out there too, but invisble in the gum trees and ferns. It’s also used when you drop in to someone’s house ‘Cooee, anybody home?’ Sort of a gentle, polite ‘hey’. I love it, and for some reason have been thinking about it a lot lately.
Love you Joy xo
Kathryn
Your Doing Great!
We should all make our own list no matter what out age. Life is so short we need to brightening our lives and the lives of others as much as we can.
Charlotte
Well now – myself included – there are a whole lot of 25 year olds in the LA area in need of a lunch date! I say we throw a potluck party because hey why not? Of course those over and under 25 could just be an honorary mid-twenty something for the day and join in. What do y’all say?? :)
Kat @ Cupcake Kat
Good work on your 30. I have been wondering about how you were doing on these
Rachel W
Oh my gosh – I’m 25! And I live in LA! And I’m ALWAYS hungry! (Well, tomorrow’s my 26th birthday so maybe it won’t count for your list…but if we go by the Hebrew calendar, I’m not turning 26 for another couple weeks.) So if you need a 25 year old I can be your woman!!!
And by the way, your list is so inspiring. If there were 20 more people like you smiling at strangers around LA and sending their friends flowers, this city would be so awesome! You’re inspiring me to be nicer to people. Thank you.
Megan B
I can be your 25 year old friend! I live in LA and I’m usually hungry :)
TaraTakesCake
I’m right about to turn 25 and would happily alert you to the next time I’m in LA…probably the next month or 2 :)
Selfless volunteerism, of course.
andrea
Dude, beer. I CANNOT WAIT.
joythebaker
it’s going to be the best part of my week!! on the real.
Carly
I don’t know if it was just a coincidence but it is a Jewish tradition to give donations and gifts in $18 denomonations ($18, $36, $72, etc). The Hebrew word for “life” is “chai” (the “ch” is said at the back of the throat) and the numerical value of the Hebrew letters for chai is 18. Cool beans.
Meg
Great list!
I am 25 and I live in LA! although I will be turning 26 in about a month so only a few weeks to get that lunch in :)
homegrown countrygirl
I love-love-love that your list is mostly all about the little things that you can do for others.
kelly
what kinda bike do you have?
joythebaker
a single speed bianchi.
Marcela
Awesome list! Can we still send you an address…or two? :)
joythebaker
sure!
Lisa Waszkiewicz
Love the list! Inspired me to do my own. Except then I realized I’m about to be 40….
Becky
I love the 8 quarters.. .You know you’re going to brighten someone’s day who finds each one, probably a little kid and it cost you almost nothing!
Naina
I love this list – please post about those coffee ice cream puffs!!
Betty @ scrambled henfruit
Love your list and should make one of my own. I love the handwritten notes- my goal is to write two this week. :)
Jan
Hmmm… I am almost 30. I think I need a list. I forgot I was almost 30. I thought I was 27, then I realized I wasn’t 27. I freaked out. I need a list!
Cory
Just found you. Love you. And I don’t love much.
XO
kate
I signed up for Merriam-Websters word of the day emails:
shaggy-dog\shag-ee-DAWG\
adjective
:
of, relating to, or being a long-drawn-out circumstantial story concerning an inconsequential happening that impresses the teller as humorous or interesting but the hearer as boring and pointless; also : of, relating to, or being a similar humorous story whose humor lies in the pointlessness or irrelevance of the punch line
Sarah
I’m almost 25 and I can come to LA for lunch :)
Jen M O
I think your list is great and that you are still working on it. My list makes up of places to see. A few passport stamps done!
sarah
I love your list! I need to check in on my list to see what I’m forgetting to do.
Carissa
Love this! I’m inspired by the kindness in all 30 of your goals. Your spunk is great!
Ju'eta
That’s awesome. I should work on my list too.
One in a Brazilian
I love your handwriting. I wish mine was as pretty as yours. Is that weird?
Stef
If it is, then I am a weirdo, too.
Maris(In Good Taste)
This is a fun and worthwhile list
Jenny
I’m 25, and I live in L.A. ! I’m also verrryy hungry. :)
erin
amazing list. i really really love it and you are a total inspiration. i’m workin’ on my twenty-one list. ps your advice is the best.
Stephanie
I love that your “30 things” is now a WIP. Quilters and crafters usually have a WIP (work in progress) basket or bin going on… Why put a limit to it at all, you know? It’s become more of a life list of sorts for you. And it’s full of things we should all do… so keep rockin’ that list!
Mandy @ Withmilkandflour
What a wonderful list! I love how the list includes doing lots of nice things for other people
tj
…Joy, you’re awesome!
…So enthusiastic, so…well, “Joy”ful! ;o)
…I do the ‘list five things I’m thankful for’ in a little journal every nite, it does help. There are days when it’s a stinkin’ chore to come up with a piddly five (’em bad days), but then there are other days where you can come up with fifteen things to be grateful for that day (’em great days!)… It does make you realize just how much you have to be grateful for, seriously. :o)
…You’re doing a great job girl!
…Blessings… :o)
Erin @ Cake Makes Sense
I love this! And good for you for continuing to do all of these fabulous things. Not only is it a great project, I am sure if feels wonderful to cross something off the list!
schlachtplatte
I have a new word you could learn! That way, you’d be closer to goal number 28! How about “smultronställe”? It’s Swedish and literally means a place where you can spot wild forest strawberries. It is more often used however to describe a place where you can totally relax and feel good! It’s one of my favorite words as it boils down what good food means: relaxation and good times!
tracy
i want to stay up 23 hours with you!!!
Gwen
I did a similar post this year…I’ll be 29 in a couple months, so still time to get it all done! Love your list.
http://saturdayswithmaggy.blogspot.com/2011/01/before-turning-30.html
Nicki Woo
I’m so proud of you, you 30 year old person. Keep up the good work. Do us thirty somethings proud :)
Amy @ Saving with Us
I love number 15! And I love your site! I have tried several of your recipes and they have all turned out great despite my limited cooking skills. =) And your cat is adorable! I did a post on my site about your blog since so many people reading my site are new to the whole savings and food blogging thing. Anyway that’s one down and fourteen more to go!
http://www.savingwithus.com
Joy
no one seems interested in the 23 hr. sleepover. dang…that’s silly! I’d be all over that. Except I’d switch that bourbon to gin. :-P Thanks for sharing your recipes, your blog and your life with us…i’ve been secretly in love with it for a couple years now. welp, cats outta the bag now. Happy belated Joy!!!
Jenny
Dear Joy,
I had actually been wondering about this list and your progress! Glad to see an update; you’re doing great! BTW, if I was picking a charity for those $19, I’d chose an animal rescue center.
Katie Thompson
I’ll be your 25 year old hungry LA friend! I am all of those things. Pick me! :) And, you could kill two birds with one stone… I could be one of your new friends, too. Ha.
Gen
Such a great great post! I love your concept. 78 letters for the penpal project! This is amazing, do you think of an after-project? I mean, if people answer you and all?
Mallory
I love your list – I am a list person. I enjoy the postcards and letters…what a great idea! Who doesn’t enjoy getting mail?!? Hope you have a great week and good luck on this list – thinking of making my own :)
Katrina
Glad to see you’re on your way! Love this list.
Panya
I squealed when I saw the picture of my letter! :-D It’s next to me right now, underneath my scissors and some skeins of crochet thread — the pink scalloped edge peaks out, and every time I see it, I smile. <3
skylark
I am 25 and in LA. If you do need to take care of this, by all means, let’s eat…
Jackie
New word for you to help achieve your goal of learning 28 new words: “shapirta”
It’s Assyrian for beautiful (the feminine form of the word). Because you are beautiful, on the outside and inside! OK, I don’t really know you and I only read your blog, but still… I can tell. :)
(Hey, you didn’t say the words had to be English ones. Why not learn words in an ancient Middle Eastern language too?!)
Jackie
Rachel
PLEASE tell me where you find figs. I am dying to find them in my whole foods and I haven’t seen them yet! I live on the East Coast, am I doomed? I need figs in my life!!
Amanda
I love this! I love you! That is all.
:)
Karyne
This is the most awesome list/idea ever! I’m going to make these for all my soon-to-be 30 year old friends :) Thanks for being inspiring all the time!
myrna
You always make me smile! And you made me laugh when you worried about an earthquake hitting in the middle of the night and you finding yourself braless=D Your list rocks and my favorite is “Giving 21 bits of advice to a new 21 yr. old” I wish someone would have done that to me=)
Bethany
You inspired me to do a “30 before 30” list as a gift to myself from your O.G post. Well, I’ve stared and have a good number of things checked off, but my birthday is in early August, and it won’t be finsish before then. So, I too turned it into a “30 for 30” about a month ago. Seeing your post today made me smile!
Susan (Oliepants)
I love this so much!! Great job on starting and finishing so many on your list!! :)
Rebecca
You inspire me so much Joy!
Emily Rose
I love this! I am about to turn 29 and it seems that everyday one of my friends or colleagues turns the big 3-0. For my New Year’s Resolution this year, I started a blog listing one thing that I am thankful for each day, so your #29 and #30 are right up my alley! It just feels good!
I have started featuring weekly guest bloggers and would LOVE if you would be one of them! If you look at my blog, check out http://ayearinthanks.blogspot.com/2011/06/today-i-am-thankful-for-food-blogs.html…one day I was thankful for food blogs and you made an appearance :)
Kalyn
It’s a wonderful list even if you haven’t managed to do them all before you turn 30. (And since I am more than twice your age, am I allowed to say that you seem wise beyond your years? Even though I’m not a baker at all, I love your blog for the good feelings I get from your words.) Hope your birthday was wonderful.
Laura
This has to be one of the best lists I’ve ever read. I just turned 23 on Saturday, so I could definitely do all this by the time I’m 30. But I’m pretty sure I’ve done most of this stuff already. Well, except the quarter thing. Hehe! Have a great day Joy! Oh, and I’ll be making your cinnamon-sugar pull-apart bread for a July 4th church brunch this weekend! And maybe that strawberry upside-down cake too. So excited!
Kelly
I’ve had a lot of friends who have done similar things for their 30th. I’m thinking it would be fun to do one once I turn 29 and give myself a year to do it. Thanks for the boost and inspiration.
Kristy
I love this! I think I’m going to write one of those Future Me e-mails to myself that Tracy was talking about on the podcast and set it for my 30th birthday. Should be fun to receive an e-mail from past-me…or present me.
Meggie
All of these sound awesome! Except maybe staying up for 23 hours…I think I’d pass on that one :)
sheila @ Elements
What a wonderful list, Joy! How cool that you’re making your own beer!! Fun, fun, fun! :) Since you’re stayin’ up for 23 years for kicks and bourbon, maybe you could make your own bourbon beer that night! I love bourbon ale! It has such an incredible flavor! Have you ever tried it?
Catherine R.
Joy! This list is awesome, and such a great idea, you are really inspiring and you have definitly made your mark on this Earth, I wish I could be a creative, kind and thoughtful as you. Your friends and family are really lucky to have you. Thanks for always sharing your life, mishaps, and joyful insights with us! Good luck finishing up your list! :)
Ashlee
I’ll be 25 until next month and live in the IE! I look for any excuse to go to LA, though! :)
Maggie @MaggieCooks
I love this! haha so cool!
Natalie
I’m 25 and live in LA…and we could even knock off one of the 26 yoga classes while we’re at it…lunch yoga date? :) (Then a cupcake afterwards)
The Experimental Cook
Great list – I wish you all the fun doing them.
The recipients of your good intentions are some lucky people.
Teagan
Aww how inspiring! I’m definitely going to try making my own list too :D Good luck with yours (I would totally help you out with yours if I lived closer ^_~)
tracy
i’m 25, am in LA, and hungry. i’m down if you are.
thoughts.
Renny
I am 25 and I will be in L.A. on Friday, and I want to be your friend. Just sayin’.
Priya Sreeram
so sweet and so real- u go gal !1
Megan Swicegood
Oh my gosh! This post made me insanely happy this morning. Reminded me of summer – all the good bits of summer – the fun, freedom, extra hours of daylight, friends, kindness. Thanks, what a great way to start my day.
VADEPAN
How great is your list!!!!!! …and shows what kind of person your are!!!!
Courtney
I could pretend to be 25 if that will help :) the only problem would be deciding on which yummy restaurant to head to.
Gabbie
A year ago, I was 25 and in LA. Now I am neither… missed connections. But I am always hungry. If you ever need a 26-year-old SF friend (who is hungry), I’m your gal.
Krissa
Could we pretend I’m 25? And I’ll drive up to LA for lunch with you any day! :)
Mikel
Loved the entry, loved all the projects. I’m going to turn 30 in two years I might actually take you up and do the 30 things to do before 30. One of them could be bake 30 dishes from Joy The Baker during 30 days… or something like that! That’d give the excuse to be baking and eating sweets LOL
Not really, I think this is just amazing, you are truly a great great woman. I’d have a crush on you if I didnt like dudes… LOL
Hugz from Spain,
M.
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit
This is a great practice to get into! I especially like the high-fives. They will never get old. haha
Courtney
I’m 25 and live in L.A…well I’ll be 25 until the 5th. Congrats on getting so far on your list already! You inspired me to create a list as well, so thank you! I tend to get in a rut and do the same thing so this has really helped. I hope you have a fabulous week!
Emalee
If I come to LA when I’m 25 (in January) I will let you know and you can take me out for lunch. :)
Eliz. K
I’m twenty-five! But on the wrong side of the country at the moment… (we’re talkin’ about movin’…)
So glad to see this update! It’s an awesome list!
Laura
I’m a 25 year old in LA (who is very nearly always hungry) and I love your blog… Just saying, if you still need one.
Judi
What a great post to wake up to! I love a good list or three so I’m totally taking this as inspiration.
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
What a lovely way to live your life! I feel good knowing I have done 75%. Handwritten letters are too hard even though I know people really enjoy them.
Kirby
I’m 25, and I’m hungry! =) I live in LA….lower Alabama! :D Great list; keep it up!!
Jennifer Frick
If you ride your bike to a playground, then you get the miles and you will see children. there are always kids wanting to be pushed on the swings. Then you can high five when you are done. Two birds with one stone kinda thing. Good luck and thank you for being a wonderful role model for us all.
sherri lynn
I had been wondering what the status of your list was. Glad to know the 30 things!
Juls
I always. always give strangers compliments where they are deserved. I also write to companies, shops etc to compliment them because everyone writes or calls to complain and I like to be the person saying “you’re doing a brilliant job!” I think, though, I left a fair few waitresses a bit creeped out in my wake after I tell them they’re pretty. They shouldn’t be. I’d love it if a stranger told me I was pretty. The last person that did so to me was a drunk middle aged man in my local pub that told me I was “magnetic” and then asked me to yank on his nipple ring. I’m not sure that counts.
I love the list Joy! I’d totally do the same but I’m still seven years off thirty. Then again, that gives me plenty of time so I can be leisurely about it all! I like leisure.
Ecochic
Your listing is very inspiring. I forwarded it to a friend who is freaking out about turning 30. She wants to do certain things before then, and I think your list can be a starting point. Although her list is more like: Get 1 Masters degree, give 6 lap dances for birthday presents, do 7 keg stands, have 8 sugar highs with her daughter, etc.
Baking Holly
Joy- this is SOOO creative. I am 21 and I hugged the advice that you wrote for your 21 year-old friend. I have a bucket list but maybe I should split it up into years!
megan {a dash of megnut}
joy, i’m having a pretty crappy/boring summer so i think maybe i should make a list like this. if only i knew where to begin.
Michelle
being better day by day. every day, walk in the right direction. you are a great blog friend!
Marina
I’m still chuckling about the high-5’s… I might try it just to see other people reaction. Loving your list – go for it girl!
Melanie
I wish I were as brave as you to tackle this list!
Also I love the podcasts with you and Tracy! Thanks for doing those! In accordance with #30, I’m grateful for the entertainment and positive light your blog brings!
I seem to have went a little exclamation point crazy
!
Clarissa
I’m 25. And I’ll be moving to LA from NYC at the end of August.
…and I’ll be arriving hungry. :D
FRIENDS?!
Caitlin
I love this!! super inspired to write my own list. PS – i’m 25 but live in Boston, so if you’re ever on the opposite side of the country I would love to do lunch &help you complete this task!
Louise
Hi Joy, I just had a birthday last week and turned 56. I’m buying a journal today and I’ll write down 60 things to do for 60. This way I’ll give myself a head start. I’m inspired by several of the things on your list that you have chosen to do for others. They are very heartfelt. Thank you!
Debra
I’m 25!
and i read your blog everyday!
and i’m hungry!
except i’m in NY :(
can we still be friends?
Karen
Great list! I’m 25 but not in LA. We could have a skype lunch date!
Myrna
This makes my heart smile! YOU inspired me today–except I think it’ll be adjusted to 40 things [be]fore 40 — errr…..I mean ’31’ :oD
Melinda
You’re awesome and inspiring…love the list…love how it has morphed with no apologies…’atta girl :) The high fives should be pretty easy if you find children…they will almost always unabashedly give high fives with kid gusto – making you feel awesome instead of awkward.
Kaylie
This is super inspiring. I have my own bucket list but it is not nearly this cute or eclectic. Love it.
Kasey
Proud of you.
Angie
High fives are awkward… Unless you find yourself in a group of small kids (I have nephews & nieces & they have friends, or you could maybe take a trip down to the Sunday school class next time you’re at church). Kids love high fives – they miss, they giggle and it makes awkward super cute!
Beth G.
Love this project!!! It inspired me to do my own version, but my progress is not as great as yours. I will strive to do better. ;)
Sasha (Global Table Adventure)
Awesome progress! Just one tip: don’t wait much longer on the “stay up 24 hours” thing. The older you get, the less appealing it is. The thought makes me want to scratch my eyes out, and I’m only 2 years older than you! Unless, of course, you’re a rock star and then… well… you might love wildly late nights for life. ;)
Amy
Hi Joy! My sister is 25 and lives in LA! I’m sure she would loooooove to have lunch with you. ;)
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
I’m so glad you gave us an update! It’s nice to look at this list once again and it always brings a smile whenever I read it. You’ve accomplished quite a lot. Doesn’t matter if you didn’t finish it before you were 30. The main thing is that you’re still bringing “Joy” into this world and making a difference.
You’re awesome, Joy!
Nelly Rodriguez
Seriously, I love love this list and the fact that you’ve written 78 letters! I love snail mail! Thanks for sharing!
Silvia
this is the best way to celebrate, love your sharing happiness with strangers
Christi B
LOVE your list Joy! And I also love how, now that I’ve listened to you on your podcasts, I can TOTALLY hear your voice in this post… You blog just like you speak! :)
birrrd
I like how simple most of the things are. It’s not about doing fancy stuff but mostly about living more aware and being social i think. : ) Good luck for the rest to go!
Kendra
My mom and three sisters and I decided to do 101 things in 1,001 days. We started last year, and I have until next September to do another 74 things. If you get kicks from your list, this one is fun, too. It gives you almost three years to do everything, and that leaves room for stuff that takes more time. Tons of fun.
Maureen
What a clever idea. They say you won’t accomplish anything if you have no goal and holy cow, you have goals. :)
Michelle
Love this! And I’m stealing some of your goals :)
Vickii
I have a similar list but it’s all me me me! I LOVE how most of your list is about making someone else’s day better or putting a smile on someone’s face – it’s incredible! I’m going to take inspiration from your list (and by inspiration I mean blatantly steal some of your ideas ;p) and add them to my list to make it slightly more balanced. Thank you for being you and for proving that there are some wonderful people in the world!
sharon
I love how u embrace life.
And I’m so stealing this idea for my 30th! 5 yrs away, but im gonna get started on that list.
Joy, u actually inspire people to be better beings. thought u should know. Hug.
Sarah
This is such a great post! I’m trying to set up some goals for myself right now and figure out some new big life steps and this is a great model of some big things and some little every day things. thaaaaank you!
Melissa
I’m working on something similar called the Day Zero Project. Complete 101 goals in 1001 days. Love your list!
~Melissa
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I’m so impressed at your progress! If you need to send cupcakes to anyone else, I’m always open:-)
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
Joy what an awesome post and thanks for the progress report!
Between all the letters, postcards, blog comments that you’ve been writing for people, your hands must be hurting :) It’s great that you wrote REAL letters, too, not just email/cyber writing.
Donating more than 27 things, awesome
Your 21 post, loved it
High fives…so awkward for me too. I am NOT a high fivey kinda girl :)
jenny b
Hey those who have a problem with high fiving……I too was one of those people who felt awkward ….. Joined a bowling league….. We high five each other as well as those on the other team!
Charis
Will you write a few more letters Joy?
Pretty please :)
Nic's Notebook
Love this list! Hope you achieve it all and more xx
Khushboo
This is an inspiring list! Much better than mine which only include buy this, buy that :p
Leah
This looks like such a fun list. I love it!!!
Jamie
I live in Rwanda, Africa…we are obsessed with your recipes here. Of course we have had to make due without some necessary ingredients, but determination for dessert leads to creative problem solving. And now I have decided I will be making such a list for my African adventures! Thanks for the awesome inspiration.
Jamie
oops put my wrong website!
monica
brilliant!
Lucia
I have such a kind of list, but it’s “Crazy Things to do before turning 25”
Yours is so bright, and kind, and fun. We should always love each other more, and better.
Three-Cookies
Some look challenging like make 22 beers. Is it implicitly make and drink 22 beers?:)
Kathryn
I like how this list is a mixture of stuff that’s fun to do and stuff that’s really hard to do (like smiling at strangers or buying them a coffee) but is really worthwhile. Although I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to pull off a high five…