Quick Trip to Tastings Downtown

(Scott) - Hello there, I have not posted for awhile, so I believe I am due to write.  I have chosen to discuss our experience at Tastings which is a wine bar in downtown Indy.  Tastings is a progressive wine tasting experience as it utilizes a unique way to sample their vino. 

You start your experience by purchasing a prepaid card, putting as much money on the card as you desire.  The prices of the samples range from a couple dollars up to several dollars. You walk around to various stations and have several wines to choose from.  Each wine has a description to assist you which will hopefully prevent you from making a bad decision that could result in that bitter face that we have all made at some point in our lives.  Once you make a selection, you insert your prepaid card, put the glass under the nozzle, push the button and out comes a 'sample' amount of wine to be swirled, smelled and drank or just to be chugged...the preference is yours.  I am a fan of just throwing it down in order to get to the next sample.  If you are finished sampling, or prefer not to sample, you may buy a bottle of wine to enjoy along with various food items.

The crowd was definitely one that aimed to please the avid people watcher. You could determine who was on a date, who was there to impress, who was tipsy and who was having a good time.  The typical patron that night was dressed in very formal attire and 'appeared' to have significant cash flow; although, don't interpret that to mean Tastings is expensive, as you determine how much you wish to spend.  

In all, Betsy, Lauren, Will and I had a great but short time at Tastings even thought I felt very under dressed.  It was a short time for us as the prepaid card ran down quickly (we put a whopping $15 on our card), and it was time to move on.  I would definitely recommend trying this at least once due to the technology, location and the variety of wines.  That's all from me...hope everyone is doing well.

Quick Update

(Betsy): Scott and I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd update everyone with what has been going on in the last couple of weeks. We aren't aggressively pursuing anything on our 30 list right now, but we are being mindful of the list and doing things like reading together, budgeting, etc.

Speaking of being mindful, we are currently reading Mindfulness, written by this guy, Ven. Henepola Gunaratana. We are having a difficult time getting through it, partly due to reading time limitations and partly due to the content of the book.

The meat of the book is about meditation: how to meditate, where to meditate, what to do and not do while meditating. You get the picture. Scott and I have no  intention of practicing meditation, but what we do appreciate about the book is the author's approach to viewing the universe and in particular, the human experience. Details to come. 

I must admit that a bulk of what we have read is over my head, but Scott has a really great skill of interpretation and is able to explain some of the content to me in ways that are applicable to our relationship with each other and with others around us. So, with that said, I'll leave the details of the book for Scott to explain in another blog.

In other news, we have started our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course and absolutely love it! It is so great to be around others just like us (only older) who want to live life debt free. We feel so encouraged after hearing stories of other couples in our class who are actively working to change lifestyle habits they have developed over the years. We also feel fortunate that we are taking this class at a young age so that we can build a solid financial foundation with no debt. We are fired up about our finances and are so pumped to see our official budget set into action in September.

After examining where our money has been going the last few months, we have found that most of our cash goes to eating out (aside from fixed expenses--Scott's mortgage, my rent, utilities, etc.). We really enjoy the quality time and conversations that accompanies eating out; however, we are always in shock when we get our bill--"60 bucks! That's a whole weeks worth of groceries!"

To counteract our eating out habit, we have done two things. First, we have challenged ourselves to not eating out for 30 days. This includes sit-down restaurants and fast food. We had made plans to eat out with Scott's parents before an Indians' game prior to our challenge, so this will be our one and ONLY exception. Scott frequently has to take clients to lunch/dinner, but that is on his company's tab. Our challenge is strictly for financial purposes, so while Scott gets to enjoy Indy's finest restaurants for lunch (on Blue), I'll be enjoying Lean Cuisines and turkey sandwiches. I'm not jealous or anything... :)

Secondly, we have subscribed to a genius website, e-mealz.com. The idea behind the website is to keep people from grabbing fast food or going out to eat simply because they don't have all ingredients at home to make a quick meal. For just 5 dollars a month, you subscribe to a menu of 7 meals. Additionally, the website generates a grocery list, so you know what to buy. Many of the ingredients are used in several of the meals for that week, so you are not wasting and throwing out extras. You can also personalize your menus. For example, Scott and I chose "Walmart for two," and we got a menu specifically designed for two people who buy groceries at Walmart. You can also choose options like "Vegetarian Kroger for a family." The options are endless. Pray I don't burn down the house while attempting to cook.

In addition to our financial class and new eating challenge, Scott and I are both keeping busy with our personal agendas. I started my Masters of Public Health this past Monday. I am currently going part-time but hope to eventually attend as a full-time student. Many people ask me what I would do with a Masters in Public Health; I am currently deciding between two "majors"--Health and Policy Management and Epidemiology. I'll keep you posted, but I am sure loving my Epidemiology class right now.

Epidemiology is essentially studying why people get sick--on a population level, rather than an individual level. Epidemiologists look at groups of people and study illness and disease trends. All of the course material is really fascinating. In my Wednesday night class, we were discussing mortality rates among women in the United States. If you ask the average woman what the number one cause for death among women is, she will likely answer breast cancer. Clearly, this is because breast cancer is marketed so well. We constantly hear about breast cancer--the risks,the causes-- though advertising by organizations such as the Komen Foundation. Each year, millions and millions of dollars are pumped into marketing the disease, but what many do not know is that much of this marketing is funded by tobacco companies. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. There is a direct correlation between smoking and heart disease, so by exposing breast cancer so aggressively on a national level, tobacco companies are redirecting attention from the true number one killer to another disease. What a clever, yet dangerous marketing ploy! Good stuff...

Scott recently interviewed to be on the board for Fresh Start of Indiana, an organization designed to support victims of abusive relationships and help them successfully transition out of those relationships. If given the position, he would serve as the board treasurer. Please keep him in your prayers. We are really wanting to involve ourselves with helping the less fortunate, and this would be a great opportunity for him to volunteer his area of expertise, accounting.

Well, that is our last couple of weeks in a nutshell. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend at the downtown library...a lot of studying for me and a lot of work for Scott. Everyone have a great weekend!

White Water Rafting in West Virginia

(Betsy): I am finally getting around to posting about our white water rafting trip. Thank you to everyone who reads our blog!

A few weekends ago, Scott, Lauren, Will, and I packed up our gear and headed east for a weekend of ultimate white water rafting. Lauren and I went on a trip last year, had a blast, and decided to take our beaus along this time around. The company we rafted with, Cantrell Ultimate Rafting, is one of seven rafting companies left in West Virginia. According to our river guide, Walt, there were, at one time, 27 companies. But, not unlike other businesses, the big eat the small, and only the strong survive. Cantrell is locally owned and operated, and we absolutely loved rafting with them. Definitely consider them if you are thinking about taking a trip!

Lauren and I definitely took advantage of our "expert rafting" status and had Will and Scott a little worked up and anxious on the six hour drive to Fayatteville. The conversation went a little something like this:

Betsy: "Hey Lauren, did you mention to Will that we'll be rafting over a 14-foot drop? I forgot to tell Scott..."

Lauren: "Oh. Shoot. I forgot to tell Will, too. Don't worry honey. Only a few people have died. We will be fine."

Meanwhile, Will and Scott started looking a little uneasy, but Lauren and I milked it for quite a while before admitting the trip would be pleasurable and not dangerous.

When we arrived to our cabin on Friday night, let's just say the boys were less than impressed by our rustic bungalow (coined "rusty bungalow" by Lauren and I last year). While the cabin was a step-up from tents and air mattresses, I was certainly looking forward to my own bed after two uncomfortable nights of sleeping.

Despite our rough lodging arrangements, we woke up Saturday morning enthused and energized, ready to hit the river. A five minute, scenic drive took us to the Cantrell campgrounds where we were served a great breakfast--biscuits and gravy (Don't worry, mom. They did not taste better than yours), fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and coffee.

Shortly after breakfast, we signed release waivers and geared up for the day, avoiding, at all costs, moldy life jackets and cracked helmets. Below are pics of Will and Scott signing their lives away as well as a group shot of us in all our rafting gear:

When everyone (about 35 of us) was dressed and ready for rafting, it was time to take the bus to the river to launch the boats. Surviving the bus ride to the river is an accomplishment in itself. Being escorted by a driver (convicted, we were told, of several DUI's) in a 20-year-old bus up and down winding roads lacking any sort of side railings is not my idea of fun. Needless to say, we arrived safely, and were thrilled to begin our adventure.

The scenery along the New River is breathtaking. I felt so lucky to be experiencing God's beautiful creations once again. The mountains are incredible, and believe it or not, there is an extreme sense of peace that comes along with white water rafting--the sounds of rapids, nice breezes through the trees. I was truly in awe of the beauty.

I must say, however, that our whole trip was not peaceful. Apparently, over time, river guides have developed some sort of river code of conduct, river etiquette, that is to be followed by everyone involved to ensure an enjoyable trip. Walt, our river guide, who has been leading trips for twenty-three years, has never picked up on these rules.

Walt is around 40 years old, about 5'6, and refuses to wear shoes. What he doesn't refuse to do is chew, use profanity, and cut other boats in line when rafting. Big no-no.

As a part of the rafting experience, river guides try to take their parties "surfing." From my understanding, surfing is the act of purposely getting your boat stuck in a hole or pocket of water, only to be released by mother nature. Sometimes river guides can maneuver their way out of the pocket, but sometimes outside help is needed--a pull with a rope from strong helping hands on land.

There are only a few pockets during summer months in which boats can surf. Summer is a busy time for rafting, so there is usually a line of boats waiting their turn to take a whirl. Walt, however, didn't have time to wait in line. He had an agenda, a plan, and that plan did not include waiting for other boats to attempt the pocket.

He commanded us to begin paddling, quickly, and we did as we were told. Soon we were passing other boats who had been waiting for a shot at surfing. While we were busy paddling our hearts out and getting glared at by angry rafters on other boats, Walt was busy cussing out the other river guides, telling them he did what he wanted and he didn't care what they thought or said. To top things off, Walt purposely kept our boat surfing for about 20 minutes (other boats surfed for about 45 seconds-no joke) in order to keep other boats from taking a turn.

Lauren, Will, Scott, and I knew that Walt was completely in the wrong; however, in just a few minutes of getting to know your river guide, you develop some sort of strange bond and alliance. So, despite our confrontation with about 15 other boats, we promised Walt that we would have his back that night at the campground, where he was expecting a fight with several other river guides.

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of us actually on the water. An independent company sold video and picture dvds for an outrageous price, but because Scott and I are both being frugal right now, we opted out of paying an arm and a leg for a few pictures. No worries, the picture of Walt using his paddle to threaten other river guides will be forever ingrained in my memory.

Overall, the trip was relaxing and beautiful. There are several points on the river where you can jump out of the boat and float along, carefree. Scott and I did collide with a hidden rock (he has a giant bruise to prove it), but mostly, the trip was safe and fun. We would recommend it to everyone.

Have a great weekend!

Weekend in Florida

(Betsy): Scott and I are back from a great weekend in Florida. We spent some time in both Hollywood (at Polly and Bob's condo) and in Key Largo at the Key Largo Grande Resort and Beach Club. We had a relaxing weekend and were able to help celebrate the marriage of one of my sorority sisters (Michelle) and her new husband, Eric.

The wedding was beautiful--simple yet elegant. Two of my favorite things about the wedding were the reception room light fixtures and the beach-themed wedding cake. I snapped a few pics, of course:

I was also able to catch up with some great friends--Lindsey, Tricia, and Erica (all Chi Omega girls).

When we weren't celebrating with Michelle and Eric, Scott and I enjoyed lounging at the resort's beach and pool. I finished The Shack (Wm. Paul Young) and Scott got caught up on some work obligations. Don't worry. He didn't work too hard!

Here are some pictures of Scott and I at the reception, the resort pool, and the resort beach:

Nothing was accomplished on our 30 list, but I will say that this is our last vacation for quite a while. We are both inspired and motivated to save, save, save!

We both feel extremely lucky to have access to a great beach condo (thank you, Teta!), but feel that putting off vacations for a while (probably about a year) will be so rewarding in the end.

Stay tuned for white water rafting trip details!

Gary Chapman's Love Languages..

(Scott): Of the two books we’ve read, Love Languages has been my favorite, as it helps open one’s mind to different perspectives and encourages great conversation when read together. If read with the right attitude and together, with mutual intentions, I believe this book will definitely impact a relationship and increase communication.


This was the first book that Betsy and I read together, and it gave us a great foundation to start our relationship and made us realize that we each have different ways to communicate love to others and different ways of feeling loved. Through this book, you realize that how you feel loved is not necessarily going to be in the same way that someone else would feel loved; however, it is typical for one to speak their own love language to others, and that can sometimes be the cause of relationship problems. The key is to discover the primary love language(s) of those who are important to you, especially your significant other.

In this book, Chapman discusses, in detail, the five love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service and gifts. He further discusses that someone could be very dominate in one or could have two or three that share as primary love languages. Furthermore, he makes a good point: if your significant other has a love language that is not natural for you to speak, you do have the ability to learn to speak that language. The fact that you’re trying to learn that primary love language means that you love the other person, even though it may feel awkward.

Another great point from Chapman comes when he discusses the complaints of others. He states that we need to view the complaints of others as ‘hints’ as to what our significant other wants and maybe we can make the complaints go away by speaking their love language.

Chapman also brings up a concept that he calls the ‘love tank’. At first, Betsy and I laughed during the chapter in which he discusses the ‘love tank’. We thought this was a ridiculous concept; however, as we continued reading, we realized that this is very important and can definitely help with making each other feel loved. Chapman recommends asking each other periodically ‘where their love tank’ is: full, empty, 0-10, etc. This helps take out the guess work of a relationship. If the tank is running low, it can be discussed as to how it can be filled up.

That is obviously a very brief summary of the book. I think Betsy would agree that we learned a lot while reading this book. The conversations and stories that came from reading together were priceless, and we actually had a lot of fun with it. This is a great book and we still talk about it every day and encourage others to read it. It’s a great way to open up or keep open the lines of communication.


(Betsy): I was going to leave blogging about Love Languages to Scott but found a few spare minutes on our flight to Ft. Lauderdale (smooth flight for the most part) to share my thoughts. We both keep looking out the window, guessing how high we will be up when we skydive. To be completely honest, I’m nauseated by the thought of plunging to the earth with some stranger strapped to my back. I have a deep fear of heights (so does Scott) that seems to worsen with age. What were we thinking when we decided to add skydiving to the 30 list? We are certainly going to have to build up some courage before we attempt crossing that off. But I digress…

Love Languages by Gary Chapman is incredible. The book is great for self evaluation as well as evaluating your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. Reading it really revealed how I feel loved and how I show people that I love them. Chapman argues that by learning, understanding, and acting upon your partner’s love language (even if it is not your primary love language), you can make tremendous improvements to the current state of your relationship.

The book was written and designed for all stages of relationships—whether you are a new couple or have been married for years, you can learn a lot of great information from Chapman’s teachings. One of my favorite passages explained that the “honeymoon” phase usually lasts about two years (sometimes less). Then, reality sets in, and many couples are oftentimes left in a miserable routine, lacking the excitement that they experienced when they dated early on; however, Chapman argues that by learning your partner’s love language and then speaking it, the transition from the “honeymoon” phase to reality is less noticeable, less disappointing.

Another great thing about the “love languages” is that they are applicable to all relationships. While I was certainly thinking about Scott as we read the book, I also had family and friends in mind. By learning the love language of those close to you, you can truly improve the relationship and increase communication. Chapman has written books of all variations—love languages of men, children, singles, etc.

Gary Chapman holds several conferences throughout the year. Scott and I are planning on attending one of his conferences in Illinois in February 2011 (anyone want to join us?). What a coincidence—attend a marriage or dating conference together is on the 30 list.

We will be landing in the sunshine state in a matter of moments. We will post pictures of the trip but have no plans of knocking out any of the 30 list. Scott is in his busy season so will be working a little while we are down here, and I am in the middle of The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. Mostly, we will be relaxing, hanging out on the beach, and enjoying each other’s company.

Everyone have a great rest of the week and a fabulous weekend!

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover

(Betsy): As you know from our first post, reading ten books together made it on our 30 list. I am a self proclaimed book nerd, and, as it turns out, Scott really enjoys reading too. In fact, we read at least 15-20 minutes together every night, so I predict we will be able to cross this off our list in no time. We are currently reading our book #3 together.

Before I get into the details of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover (book #2), let me just say how amazing it is to read with another person. Scott and I take turns reading out loud; usually, we swap each chapter. While I admit this is entirely nerdy, I also assure you that it is completely worth the torment and teasing you may receive from onlookers :) Scott and I have had so many quality conversations that have stemmed from reading together. We have found that it is a great way to connect intellectually, and we would recommend it to all couples.

On with one of the most important books that I have ever read....Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. What a great read for people of all ages! Dave Ramsey is a Christian financial advisor (you may have heard him before on his radio show, The Dave Ramsey Show) who bases his teachings on simple and practical methods. He presents his readers with a straightforward technique to get out of debt and build wealth using what he calls the "baby steps". He is unlike other financial advisors because he does not promise quick money; rather, he stresses that wealth is built over a lifetime.

Perhaps the most important idea Dave teaches is the principle of living debt free. Somehow, between our grandparent's generation and our generation, the idea of saving and paying cash for items has been lost. The majority of us have car payments, credit cards, and student loans, and in Dave Ramsey's eyes, this is unacceptable, even foolish.

Many of us have our objections (Scott and I included)--"credit cards are safer than carrying cash", "car payments are a way of life", "you need a credit card to rent a car." And, many of us have the mentality "I want it, and I want it now." I am absolutely guilty of that. However, I challenge each and every one of you to pick up a copy of The Total Money Makeover and see what Dave Ramsey has to say. I believe it to be a truly life-changing read, and I am positive Scott would agree.

After reading the book, we are so motivated to become and remain debt free other than a mortgage (also on our 30 list), and we are agressively attacking the debt we have now (a car payment). We have adopted a completely different attitude on how we look at money, and moreover, at life. We are now both willing to live below our means even if that means driving old, used cars and not having the newest and coolest gadgets. Additionally, we have created a budget together, and believe it or not, it has been a great time! Instead of spending carelessly and wondering where our money is going, we now have a plan to pay off debt, save, and eventually build wealth. We have set up monthly "meetings" at Starbucks where we evaluate our progress, and that time together is so meaningful and even fun.

Recently, we attended a preview class for Dave Ramsey's 13 week Financial Peace University, a class dedicated to thoroughly teaching Dave's proven plan to financial success. As we were getting onto the elevator, an older couple (I would assume in their mid 60's) hopped on with us. The woman looked at Scott and me and said "boy do I wish I'd known about this class and these theories when I was your age." Her husband nodded his head in agreement. That brief conversation reinforced the importance of learning about finances early on.

We start Financial Peace University Ausust 15, so I will keep you posted on what we are learning. Meanwhile, I encourage each and every one of you to go read The Total Money Makeover. I promise it will be worth your time!

We will be posting soon about Gary Chapman's "Love Languages" (also an amazing book!) and our white water rafting trip...stay tuned!

Serious Camping...Seriously? (Fourth of July weekend 2010)

(Scott): Well, this is the first time I've ever blogged or even thought about blogging...thanks Betsy.  First, I would like to point out that Betsy has introduced me to several great things and activities and has made all of them, and the thought of them, pleasurable; even things/activities that I once maybe thought were not so delightful.  So I do sincerely thank her.  On with the camping...

I can't exactly remember the last time I went camping.  People who know me know that it is not something I ever thought I would enjoy and know that being 'outdoorsy' is not my forte.  However, I wanted to give it a try with someone I care about and someone who has not camped much herself so off we went.  We knew we would have to partake in this activity with experienced campers as we had no clue what to bring or where to go...thanks Lauren, Will and Lauren's family.  Betsy and I had no idea what to expect, and when we arrived at our meeting point, I knew this was something I couldn't have faced alone.  The truck we were traveling in, big truck by the way, was as full as it could be.  I thought one could camp with a few clothes, a tent, chips and some marshmellows.  Apparently, in addition to those items, you need several coolers, a refridgerator, pillows, blankets, chairs, air mattresses, radio, mini grill and a few things from each aisle at Wal-Mart.  Betsy and I were in awe of everything at this point, and we were still hours away from actually camping at Lake Nolan in Kentucky. 

Once we arrived, I felt completely worthless...didn't know what to do, where to stand or what to say.  Lauren and Will took charge, and we helped as much as we could.  Once the feeling of being overwhelmed subsided, I realized the great view of nature that we had.  I started to appreciate the wonderful view of the lake and trees and the smell of the great outdoors...well, some of the smells.  Once we got set up, it was time to eat, which I love to do. I think I might of had 3 burgers, but that is not uncommon. It was soon time for bed...this was one part I did not look forward to...sleeping outside, on the ground and with only a thin layer of whatever tents are made of to protect us.  Reality...sleeping wasn't that bad...thanks to the air mattress; however, it did take some time to fall asleep, as I was definitely out of my comfort zone.

I have been very wordy to this point so now I will conclude as after I survived the first day/night I knew everything would be alright.  We had a great couple of days camping, boating and just hanging out.  Anything I do with Betsy is a blast and we are on the same page pretty much all of the time.  After this trip, I am definitely up for going again but next time my expectations will be in line with reality.  To all that know me...yes, I went camping. 

(Betsy): Scott did a great job summarizing our trip. We both learned a ton and have Lauren and Will to thank for teaching us so many great things about camping. If we had gone by ourselves, we would have brought minimal items like Scott mentioned-tent, clothes, marshmellows. Going with experienced campers made our trip relaxing and enjoyable. Here are a few pictures from the trip:

(Left): Scott hanging out in our tent that we helped put up and were oh so proud...

(Right): Scott and I hanging out at the campground.

(Right): The expert campers, Will and Lauren

Hello Family, Friends... (Betsy)

When Scott and I began dating, we, like many other young-and-in-love couples, shared interests/goals/dreams and found that we had a lot in common. We both love to travel. We both like to try new things. We both want to give back to our community (both monetarily and with our time). And, we are both guilty of constantly coming up with excuses, excuses that ultimately keep us from doing the things we say we are going to do or traveling to the places we say we want to see.

I will be the first to admit that we have been blessed with many opportunities to travel together this summer; however, for every place we go, for every city we see, there are three times as many places we want to visit. Unfortunately, without motivation or proper planning, these dreams and ideas will remain just that: dreams and ideas.

I recently attended a seminar in Chicago for work. They keynote speaker spit out some alarming statistic about goal setting and explained a study conducted on Harvard graduates. After a few minutes of surfing the Web, I was able to locate a summary of that study:

"Perhaps the most revealing exposition on the importance of goals comes form a Harvard study. A synopsis of the study that was conducted at Harvard Business School between 1979 and 1989 is presented below. In 1979 the graduates of the MBA program at Harvard were asked a simple question: “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” The results were very interesting. 84% had no specific goals at all, 13% had goals but they were not committed to paper, and only 3% had clear goals and plans that were written down. In 1989, a good ten years after the first phase of the study, the interviewers again interviewed the graduates of that class. Their results were even more startling. The 13% that had goals but not written down were earning twice as much as the 84% that did not have any goals. An even more interesting statistic is that the 3% who had written down plans and goals were earning on average ten times more than the other 97%. Further more the mere act of writing a goal down on paper increased its chances of being accomplished by a staggering 90%."

http://www.mattbrooks.com/2008/12/18/positive-goal-setting-for-2009/

Moral of the story: if you write down your goals and dreams, you are more likely to get 'er done.

This, in combination with an idea I borrowed from a great friend (Thanks, Casey!), Scott and I have compiled a list of thirty things we want to do before I am thirty and Scott is thirty-four. We even wrote them down (see left).

I am certain my five-year-old cousin Christopher has nicer handwriting than Scott, so in case you are having trouble reading our list, I'll post them for you :) They are in no specific order:

1. Go skydiving.

2. Volunteer: frequently, consistently, long term.

3. Go to Hawaii.

4. New York City: Tavern on the Green, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty.

5. Go camping: hardcore camping. Legit, no b.s. camping. The real deal-tents, fire, etc.

6. Learn to snow ski.

7. Visit wineries in Napa Valley.

8. Zip Line: We prefer Costa Rica, but we will settle for anywhere!

9. Make a lobster dinner.

10. Read 10 or more books together.

11. Play a round of golf together.

12. Road trip out West together. (Don't worry, Teta! I'm still going to road trip out West with you too!)

13. Scuba Dive.

14. Take at least one guitar lesson together.

15. Play put-put.

16. Visit Wine Tastings Downtown.

17. Join a church.

18. Annonymously buy an old, cute couple dinner (must be someone we do not know).

19. Throw someone a surprise party.

20. Get Married (to each other of course :) )

21. Go to a Cubs game.

22. Take an all day bike ride.

23. Take a cooking class.

24. Run a mini marathon (RUN the whole 13.1 miles).

25. Attend a dating and/or marriage conference.

26. Take a train to Chicago.

27. Grow a garden.

28. Have NO debt except for a house.

29. Go white water rafting.

30. Visit Colorado.

Scott and I are both new to the blogging world, but I thought this would be a neat way to keep our families and friends posted with what is going on in our lives. So, while the main purpose of this blog is to recount our experiences when we accomplish something on our thirty before thirty list, we will also post about random, but significant events! Scott has graciously agreed to blog along with me, so you will be reading both of our thoughts as we make our goals and dreams realities!

Please feel free to leave comments!

Betsy