Last year I posted a blog about goals for my 29th year on this planet.

1.) Finish Grad School!

2.) Maintain 127 pounds and learn to swim.

3.) See Ravi Shankar in concert.

4.) Join the 21st century by purchasing a digital camera and an iPod.

And here's the follow-through:

I didn't graduate from Grad School, but I did start my thesis and plan to be completely finished by June 2009.

I've actually gained about 5 pounds due to an increase in weight lifting. I started lifting more after meeting with a trainer in January, and have worked weights into my routine. Everything seems pretty solid, so I'm not worried about the extra pounds. Besides, one should always take HEALTH into consideration NOT WEIGHT. Weight is a measurement of nothing. And, as we have seen, the B.M.I. measurement is a load of crap. Don't buy into it!

Unfortunately, I did not learn how to swim this year. Instead, I bought a bike. I say that equals everything out.

I saw Ravi and Anoushka in November. I'd love to see them again soon!

Because I intended to write this post, I finally figured out how to charge the digital camera my parents bought me for Christmas . . . this morning. See how writing can also be motivational? *ha*

I still have not purchased said iPod, because I'm not sure if I need one or not. Most people say they "can't go to the gym without it." But, I can motivate without it, so do it need it? It would be nice to be able to play better music around the house, though. But then you have to buy one of those iPod docks, and I just don't know if I have the motivation to buy another item that won't fit into my apartment. Maybe my parents will buy me a dock for Christmas, and I'll learn how to use it in July 2010. *HA*

Suziemusi's 29th Birthday

I didn't have a huge Dora the Explorer cake or a jump house for my birthday. And good thing too... I wouldn't have remembered.
I got an ice cream cone with a candle in it, and that was good enough for me.

I love socializing, but I really don't like throwing parties. I actually put together a baby shower for a co-worker a couple of months ago, and was shocked by myself. So, maybe it would work for my own birthday - no, not decorating with duckies or buying gifts at Baby's R Us - I mean planning a 29th birthday for myself. Silly.

One problem is the activity. I have a pretty diverse group of friends, and sometimes a theme isn't as appealing to some as it is to others. Also finances is important. Some friends can afford a nice meal, and some can't. Then there is the whole thing where everyone feels like they have to pay for you, but YOU picked the restaurant and drank 2 bottles of wine. That's not really fair.

Then there is the issue of how to get a number of people to be at one place at one time. A restaurant would be a nice place for up to 10 people, but above that it becomes a zoo. A park would be nice, because there is lots of room, but August is HOT, people!

Part of me just wants to hide away on my birthday like I did last year. I went to a coastal resort and spent two days in nature - by myself. I went hiking and running, read a book, got a massage, ate nice meals. It made me feel like very Euro-independent, but it was admittedly pretty boring after the first day. Camping with a few friends could be fun. Alas, no camping equipment. *argh*

So, what to do:

#1. Dinner at Menara Moroccan Restaurant in San Jose. I just love sitting on the floor and eating with my hands! Entertainment is belly dancing! It's about 25 bucks a person, which includes a number of courses, and drinks would be extra. A few friends may opt out. I will pay something up front so I don't get my meal for free, because I don't think that's fair.

#2. Taking the weekend off to go camping somewhere. I would need to find friends with equipment.

#3. Go to a spa. This would be an activity for girlfriends, as I am not aware of any of my guy friends who like pedicures. Although, I think everyone needs a nice nail cleaning and foot rub every now and again... I'm not going to push it.

#4. Dinner at the new Hooters in Campbell. This could be hilarious as it is typically a place where men would celebrate their birthdays. Very non-traditional.

#5. Bowling, Bocce or Mini Golf. I would tend to put them in the following order 1-Bocce, 2-Bowling, 3-Mini Golf, only to avoid a large number of children. No, not that my friends are children! Again. Silly.

Anyone have a better idea?