Oct 05

33 While 33

With each birthday, I find myself reflecting on the previous year, usually in awe of how quickly it flew by while somewhat saddened by how old I am getting. Part of the journey of aging is to appreciate truly living. Making these lists of accomplishments – some small, some big, make me feel a bit more at ease as I get whisked into blowing out another candle on the birthday cake. My 30 while 30 list and 32 while 32 list makes me realize that my thirties have truly been the best years of my life.
1. Went to my 6th continent: Africa.
2. Met some amazingly talented people on my travels.
3. Released Sketchbook & Ready Set Go with American Crafts.
4. Visited New Zealand for the first time.5. Got a Nike Fuelband & hit my goal (3000) most days.
6. Carried the same amykathryn handbag the whole year, along with the same iPhone 4S.
7. Cuddled a koala.8. Posted lots of Instagrams.
9. Watched & loved Seasons 1 & 2 of Downtown Abbey. And nearly all the seasons of Breaking Bad. Oh SO good.
10. Got press on Target’s online magazine, A Bullseye View.
11. Did 6 months of Project Life.
12. Fed a kangaroo & a baby elephant. (Adult elephant pictured below-they eat the banana whole, peel and all!)13. Shot a little segment for national TV – TBS.
14. Played golf for the first time and liked it.15. Did physical therapy for my knee.
16. Had clients take me to Phuket and Kona. (photo from volunteering in a Phuket orphanage)17. Visited 17 Spotlight stores.
18. Went on a safari. (It was unbelievably amazing.)19. Changed back to a middle part for my hair for the first time in over 8 years.
20. Was a guest on 3 episodes on Paperclipping Roundtable.
21. Played a lot of Scramble With Friends.
22. Completed a “catch” on the trapeze.
23. Taught classes internationally in Lima, Puerto Rico (I think this counts as international), Johannesburg and Cape Town.
24. Took JC to his first Nascar race.
25. Took road trips to Palm Desert and Palm Springs.
26. Didn’t cry at a wedding. (I think this is a first in my adult life.)
27. Suffered from exhaustion and recovered.
28. Prayed for JC’s mom, Ahpo, and others.
29. Got lots of happy mail.
30. Enjoyed the blessings of wonderful family & friends.
31. Continued to feel grateful for all I have and all I don’t.
32. Learned to be more patient and trusting.
33. Worked really hard. And finished my first book!
And there you have it. Couldn’t have summed it up better than my friend, Margie, who said yesterday, “33 was good. 34. Better!”
Yes, please! And hello 34!

75 Responses to 33 While 33

  1. Cathy L. says:

    Happy Birthday, Amy! What an amazing year you’ve had! You’ve done more traveling in one year than some of us have done our entire lifetime. I am determined to get some stamps in my Passport before it expires! Hope your day is wonderful and life continues to be full of blessings!

  6. Sammy says:

    i love #16. i love love love phuket. my parents recently moved back to chiang mai and we all went as a family a few years ago. phuket was amaaaazzinggggg. i love that country. my dad volunteers at a chiang mai orphanage while he’s there.

    you had an awesome year!

  10. Nicole K says:

    Happy Birthday! I just turned 33 on Tuesday, so I think the list idea is a good thing! Thanks for sharing!!!

  14. krista smith says:

    holy cow girl.

    you are inspiring…amazing…and incredibly busy.
    what a fantastic year to say the least!!

    and i LOVE that you took the opposite approach to the typical 34 before 34…and did a look BACK at the 33 amazing things you already did last year. That rocks!

    xx

  15. Susan A says:

    Happy Birthday! You had a fabulous year- happy for you! 34 was one of my best years so far- I just loved 34!! Hope you do too!

    • Amy says:

      that’s good to know! Thanks Susan, please give your sweet daughter a hug from me! Can you believe Spark was just a year ago?

  17. Lisa - GAP girls says:

    Happy Birthday Amy!
    What an awesome year you have had!
    Wishing you health and happiness for your 34th year!!!

  19. mandyb says:

    well us down under girls loved seeing you here….now of course you need to come back and see more of NZ!!!
    happy birthday….Ra Whanau Koa

  20. caz hancock says:

    what an awesome year you have had girl, i was blessed to have met you this year too, that is up there in one of my big meets :)

    have a fabulous birthday girl and an even better next year :)

    • Amy says:

      Aww, Caz – you are so sweet! LOVED meeting you and your family. And of course spending the day getting crafty. Hope to see you soon!

  22. sophie says:

    happy birthday, Amy! what an amazing year you have had. i’m wishing you many, many more magical years like this last one. enjoy your celebrating!

  26. Beth says:

    What a fantastic year you have had !! And yes, I’m sure 34 is going to be just as great, if not better :) What an awesome photo – love it !! And love the idea of the year list. It was one of my highlights this year to have met you on your trip to Australia :) oh and Happy Birthday xxx

  27. Irene says:

    Amy congrats on your 34th! Hope you have a lovely day. Love your list and omg you look beautiful in that jumping picture. Bye Irene

  30. Rosa Nissenbaum says:

    wow… you’ve accomplished so much in your 33 years already! Reading your blog today was a reminder to me just how fast time flies and how important it is to seize each and every day and to make the most of it. No looking back, no regrets… only looking forward to more adventures whatever they may be!!

  32. Olya says:

    Happy birthday, Amy! I was wondering what sign you are, now I know and it totally makes sense with all your creativity & beautiful ways of living :) thank you for always inspiring me and others, we’re grateful beyond belief :)
    All the best for your 34th. May it rock!
    Hugs & love from Vancouver, Canada.
    -your twitter follower with a giant stash of WASHI tape :P

    • Amy says:

      haha, washi is really the best, isn’t it.
      thanks so much for your sweet birthday wishes! hope to make it back to vancouver sometime soon!

  37. Anne F says:

    Amazing and inspiring! You are a remarkable human being. Happy birthday! Btw, I really did remember – I posted birthday wishes on your birthday to your FB page. ;)

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *