Ready, Set, Go!

The Idea:

I turn 30 on July 10th, 2011, and I'm challenging myself to learn a new skill each week until then. Some of these are certainly going to be smaller than others, and I'm trying to keep the scope under control to keep this from turning into a full on "bucket list."

The whole thing started when I realized that I still don't know how to do a certain something which shocked several people. Here is an example of this conversation unfolding:

Me: Yeah, I don't know how to change a tire.

Everyone else: What! Really...? Seriously, you don't?

Then, I started asking friends about what skills they either 1)think are good to know or 2)also have an interest in learning.

While brainstorming with two of my best girlfriends and a handful of co-workers, we came up with a pretty interesting jumping off point:

-learn braille
-take a nude figure drawing class (nude models, not nude artists!)
-learn to drive a tractor
-learn CPR and first aid (check!)
-salsa dancing
-swing dancing
-Serbian folk dancing

I'm sensing a trend...

-how to french braid
-how to plant a garden
-how to mend a hem and sew a button (check!)
-how to weld
-how to solder (check!)
-how to start a fire from scratch
-how to throw a punch


You get the idea. Things like "learn French" and "play the cello" are on a life long list, but don't fit the criteria of something that could be taught and/or learned over the course of a week. I'm also trying to keep the financial scope somewhat limited as well, so things like scuba diving or flying a helicopter don't fit on this particular challenge. Maybe someday!

Since I've gotten a late start, I'm going to double up intermittently to make up for lost weeks as the lessons go forward, working towards a final tally of 52 lessons by July 10th, 2011. Here goes!

Well, that's about it! Here goes!