Welcome to our blog.

This was our original purpose for creating this blog:

We are both baby boomers fast approaching sixty. This blog will chronicle the time leading up to reaching our significant day. Our mutual goal is to complete sixty specific tasks each by our 60th birthdays, and to both celebrate our experiences and our accomplishments.

We are "the fabled tortoise" in this effort. Our blog will begin with a slow start, so we ask for your patience. We are aiming for a strong finish, so we ask for your encouragement. We invite you to join us on our journey, laugh and cry with us, and celebrate with us. We encourage you to leave us your comments and feedback. Most of all, we hope you become inspired to perhaps create and complete your very own "___ by ___ list."

We borrowed this idea from a blog one of our nieces told us about: http://makingitlovely.com . The author is working on her list of "30 Before Thirty."

As we progressed we continued to reflect on the process and the progress:

We would like to make a point of clarification. Because we did not begin our endeavor until April that left us both with less than a year to complete all 60 tasks on each of our lists. Actually, JR has about four months and CEA has about seven months. For that reason we agreed that we would both use CEA's birthday so that we both have the same amount of time to complete our tasks.

Now we are both 60 and moving forward. We have decided to continue the blog, setting goals and celebrating our accomplishments, sharing our experiences and voicing our thoughts, and enjoying life by making the most of every day with which we are blessed.

Friday, April 9, 2010

JR's list #39 - (done) Give myself a French manicure.

I have always had flimsy fingernails which would tear, split, flake and chip easily.  I have never been able to keep long nails for any real length of time.  In the early 90s I tried acrylic nails.  After about two years something happened and the acrylic quit adhering to my nails, so I had to give them up.  From that point to now I have just been keeping my nails trimmed close to the quick.  

Lately, I had started contemplating trying to grow my nails out again and went shopping for supplies. First stop on my shopping foray I spotted a kit for do-it-yourself  French tips.  I bought the kit and started growing out my nails.  I now have a French manicure that I did myself and #39 checked off my list.  … and my French manicured nails?  They're still fairly soft, they don't look perfect, but they're good enough to go public.  I've kept them going for a month now  …and best of all, I did it myself!

Monday, April 5, 2010

JR's List #1 - (making progress) Do serious walking.

In creating our lists, we tried to be as specific as possible.  I realize in rereading my #1:  Do serious walking, it really isn't very specific.  I'll have to think about this one some more and update the task.

With that said, I have made progress.  I purchased a pair of Skecher's Shape Ups.  I have been wearing them for about a month now.  For me walking in them is like walking on pillows.  I love 'em, so much so that I am now wearing them to work.  Last week, when I mowed the grass, I wore my old tennis shoes.  They felt like I was wearing boards on my feet.  They do take some getting used to, but I think they are worth it.

Whether it's the Shape Ups, better weather lately, or both, I have increased the amount I am walking each day.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

JR's List #17 - (done) Renew Majestic tickets.

I just renewed the Majestic theater tickets for next year's season.  Candace, our friend, Cindy, and I have attended for several years now.  I think this year's selections are some of the most exciting shows that have been offered in recent years.  Candace lives out of town, so the three of us don't get together very often,  Going to a play or musical at least six times a year gives us an opportunity to enjoy a meal (with dessert, of course), catch-up, and enjoy the show together.  It's going to be a great year at the Majestic.