24. Yikes. I'll always feel young though because my brothers will always be older than me!

Most of you reading this blog are probably thinking this sounds extremely young, but to me...my numbers are getting up there.  I'm still able to celebrate being young because after all, I'm still not able to rent a car! One more year, and let's hope this year goes by pretty slow..I've still got a lot of life to live before I turn a quarter century.

I feel old mostly because I have friends that are younger than me.  The other weekend I was at the local tavern with a good friend, Becky, and she had her ID out waiting for them to card her.  Those were the days.  Of course, I still get carded because I'll admit that I look like I'm 15. Yep, just your typical 15 year old trying to get into the bar.  Last year on my 23rd birthday, I didn't get carded in downtown Champaign, but I got carded on campus...and better yet, double-carded. Seriously? Well, when I'm 50, I'll look 41 and I am a-okay with that!

So anyway, if you know me well enough, you know that I try to live life to the fullest.  I believe that living life on the edge has its risks, but I also believe that I'm on God's plan and he will take me when needs me.  Jumping out of an airplane? Pretty frightening, but also extremely amazing!  You want to do it? Do it! I absolutely hate the saying YOLO, but it's true...You Only Live Once. God's holding you and knows when it's your time, take some risks and live a little. Would you rather say "I want to" or "I did."?

I'm hoping with age, my running gets even better.  While I was 23 I broke my personal bests in the marathon, half marathon, 5k, and 2 mile race!  I'm hoping that at 25 I break my personal best in the full marathon once again in Chicago--but that's yet to come with a little bit of hard work.

Saying that, my 24th birthday plans include going skydiving! My great aunt has always wanted to do this, so we're going to! I don't know why everything on my bucket list has been done twice? Ha.  This is a link to the first time I went skydiving, and it was amazing!

Here's the typical list of 23 things I've done while I was 23:
1.  Beat my PR in the half-marathon at the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. 1:55:56
2.  Beat my PR in the 5k at the Illinois 5k.  23:14
3.  Beat my PR in the 2 miler at the Women's Distance Festival. 14:30
4.  Beat my PR in the full marathon at the Flying Pig Marathon in Ohio. 4:19:45
5.  Bought my first bike since the age of 7, and I love it! I ride at least 20 miles a week while using it for cross-training and a means of transportation when I want to save gas...haha, yeah--I ride it 16 miles into the next town over.
6. Moved away from an awesome town, St. Joseph, IL, and left some memories--but I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to be back around home.
7.  Convinced my mom to run a 5k!!! Most fun race ever! She's the coolest mom around :)
8. Learned that not all 'friends' are really your 'friends', but to cherish those who truly are a phone call away and hold a special place in my heart.
9.  I got asked to be the maid of honor at my best friends wedding! Kaci is such an awesome friend/twin, and I couldn't be more honored to be part of her big day!!
10.  Received a world series ring from the best team in MLB, STL Cardinals! ...even if it was just a promotional day..it's still awesome!
11.  Accepted the fact and celebrated my moms 50th birthday, although I'll still be telling my friends she's only 40.  
12. I attended my first NFL game, the St. Louis Rams.  Based on their rankings and field skills...I don't know if they count as a 'real' game. I sat in the first row, it was amazing!
13.  Met Lovie Smith, the Chicago Bears' head football coach & few players too, but who are they compared to Lovie?
14.  Got an iPhone/my first smartphone! What did I do before I could check Facebook every waking hour of the day, or track my runs/play music on my phone?  I probably actually called people..but now it's like a walking computer.  Oh, and I have email on my phone!! Would have been nice when I was in college.
15. I paid my car off!! Finally...well 2 and a half years early!! Wahoo!!! I don't know how I did it with a student job and credit card bills, but when you actually like the taste of Ramen noodles and water, I guess that's a good way to save some money.
16.  I created a budget like an adult should and saved 6k in 6 months.  Couldn't be more proud of my cheapness.
17. Attended my first NHL game, St. Louis Blues vs. Arizona Coyotes.
18.  Went to spring training for the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and LA Angels
19.  Did NOT get pulled over.  Nope, not once.
20.  Crossed off three additional states off my 'run in 50 states' challenge: Missouri, Florida, Ohio
21.  Ran over 400 miles in one pair of running shoes.  Brooks T5's=Amazing!
22.  Figured out that I'm mildly allergic to the food coloring 'red'...it was a great 23 years of eating red, orange, and yellow food.
23. Got braces. finally. I now know why my mom didn't put them on me when she was in charge of paying for me.  Ha, super expensive.

What's on the agenda for 24?
1. Running the Chicago Marathon (3rd marathon)
2. Ironman 70.3 with Kaci? She's crazy, but I'm crazy for agreeing to it..haha
3. Running my first international race with Kaci!! Canada, baby!
4. Getting a motorcycle license and a fun bike to ride in the summer.  I'm actually doing this in a few weeks. Eeeeeeh!!!!
5. Possibly going back to school...more thoughts on this to come.

The big 2-4 is around the corner. July 28, 2012. 

This list is designed mostly for family members who have asked for my list, I'm not a selfish person who thinks everyone should get me something...however, if you want to--go ahead!  :)

 SO on that note, I thought I would send out my birthday list.  Usually when I make a birthday list, it's as if it didn't even get any attention at all because some people just cannot get others what they are asking for.  In other words, I am just saying that I am trying to make it easy for you and give you a list rather than moseying around in the mall for a few hours thinking of what I would like. So, here it goes...

Birthday Wish List (in no particular order):

A car charger adapter for my iPhone.

Runner's Remedy Shin Wrap Recover Sleeve.

This would be great for my running.  They are similar/the same as the recovery sleeves I have now, except this comes with ice packs that I can apply after my run (which would be really convenient because ice packs slide off all the time and are super annoying!).

You can purchase these online, under the retailer tab are a list of stores, or you can get them at Amazon.com.  They are around $40 at amazon because you would need to purchase the sleeves and the ice packs separately.




Race Registrations:
Women's Biathlon: This would be awesome because it is my first biathlon, so I'll always remember this gift! :)  This is approximately $45.  I would run 3.1 miles and bike 12 miles in this race.
Shoreline Classic: This is a 15k race in September at the lake in Decatur.  The registration is not online yet, but will probably be around $40.
*If you want to do a race registration, I will need to actual register because I have an account for the running registration site.



Big Book of Marathon and Half-Marathon: This is a newly release Runner's World Book that I would absolutely love to have!  The book itself costs $27.95 and you get a free Smart Foods book and free shipping if you order online through Runner's World.








Fashion Cocktail Ring: This ring is from Kay's Jewelers and is $199.00.  If you go into the store, mention the Fashion Cocktail Ring #6306.  There are two rings that look similar.  I like the one that sits up higher on your finger, not flat against your skin, if that makes sense.


Nike SportWatch: I tested one of these watches during my Ohio Marathon & I absolutely loved it.  I don't know the difference between the three on this page, or if there is one, but I tested out the black and yellow one.  This is $149-169.

Thorlos Experia Socks: These socks are amazing when running because they add the padding to the balls and heels of your feet.  They are available mostly at racing expos, but can be purchased online at amazon for $12.50.  I only have the grey color now, but am up for any color.

Eat&Run: This book is around $20 and can be purchased at any major book store, or online at amazon.

Accidental Athlete: This book can be purchased at amazon or any bookstore.  I don't care if you get a used copy for a cheaper price, as long as it's readable.

Compression Socks: These can be purchased at any running store, race expo, or online.  I currently had yellow sleeves, and two pairs of black socks.  I like either the socks or the sleeves.  Any color will be okay with me...dark blue would be a good option. These are around $15.

GIFT CARDS: Target, Gas Stations


Investments:

Invest in the welfare of my future and help me reach my savings goal with a monetary donation.  

OR, put your donation toward a specific cause:


Skydiving Money: I am going skydiving ON my birthday!

Scooter/Motorcycle money: I'm determined to get my motorcycle license by next year and have something 'fun' to drive in the summertime by next year.

Sponsor a month of my cell phone payments! Fixed amount, and you've got 12 months to choose from.