AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve updated this list with six months remaining in my 25th year. So far, I’ve accomplished five on the original list. Below is a revamped list of 20 things I’d like to accomplish before June 3. I’m keeping the original list below, you know, in case I happen to knock any of those things out.

1. Continue to be true to myself, my career goals, and my goals as they pertain to skydiving.
2. Live in a simple fashion – eliminate the clutter.
3. Be a good mentor to someone (I’ve heard I can cross this one off from multiple people but this is one of those things that is on-going).
4. Facilitate an engaging discussion at SXSW 2011 about mentoring.
5. Get to 100 jumps, and if time allows, my coach rating. The coach rating thing is a 2011 goal, but I don’t see why that can’t happen before June.
6. Visit my family at least once between now and June.
7. Stay in touch with my friends and former colleagues in Chicago. (Hi everyone!)
8. Save enough money for a skydiving trip to somewhere cooler, climate-wise, when it’s blazing hot in Austin.
9. Get new contacts.
10. Go to the doctor.
11. Blog more. Explore other areas of PR/Marketing and all things social. And respond to comments. I miss responding.
12. Help a student in their job search.
13. Bring great people to WCG.
14. Make time for myself so I can recharge and keep the creative energy at the highest level possible.
15. Stay sane while the boy is on his adventure on the east coast. Set dates to see him while he’s in Chicago next season. Continue to be awesome to and with him and grow as a person. This one should count for 5 points.
16. Keep my car maintained. AKA, get my car in for maintenance.
17. Spend less money on stupid stuff. (See also #8)
18. Commit to a fitness plan that is sustainable. (See also #14)
19. Eat clean. Go big or go home. Stop eating garbage and get back on track. Holidays are over, tubby.
20. Do the right thing. Every time. It might not always make sense, but follow my gut. It’s served me well so far.

OLD LIST

This is a list of 25 things that I WILL do (or at least attempt to do, you know, assuming I make it through my 25th year on this planet) while I’m 25. Ready, set, GO!

1. Get my A-license (certified to skydive). (July 10, 2010)
2. Ride the ferris wheel at Navy Pier. No, I really haven’t done it yet. I know, I’m a bad Chicago resident.
3. Go waterskiing.
4. Master one signature meal – from start to finish. Appetizer, salad, entree and dessert.
5. Pay off my last credit card.
6. Visit NYC – not for business, or at least have time to explore after a business trip.
7. Shoot a gun.
8. Go to a driving range.
9. And a batting cage.
10. Extend one business trip by one day so I can skydive.
11. Run and/or walk a 5k.
12. Make snow angels in three different parks in Chicago.
13. Get promoted.
14. Learn how to make sushi.
15. Get my family up to Chicago – while it’s nice outside.
16. Buy some grown-up clothes so it’s not a last-minute dash when I need something nice to wear.
17. Pay for someone’s toll behind me that isn’t a family member or friend that’s following me.
18. Go on a blind date..
19. Learn how to play a song on the guitar.
20. Make cupcakes that don’t suck.
21. Ride a new roller coaster that I’ve never been on.
22. Grow and use fresh herbs.
23. Be an awesome mentor to someone.
24. Get that whole 401(k) thingie figured out.
25. Meet Oprah.