Akeelah and the Bee. Check!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Last week I came across a list of 36 things every woman should do before getting married. Some of the items mentioned are no-brainers such as buying flowers for ourselves, lifting weights and helping a friend through a bad break-up.

Other activities, like going to a movie solo, may not occur as often as, say, hosting a girls-only night. I’ve attended a few movies by myself at Potomac Yards Theater, and it wasn’t a bad experience. Of course, having the lights off added to my anonymity and the audience mainly consisted of children since I was watching Akeelah and the Bee.

Another to-do on the checklist: living alone. This can be tough with rent so high in the area. A few years ago, I moved to Rehoboth Beach, which took three laborious trips. Living alone increased my self-reliance and independence, and I felt gratified having accomplished the move by myself.

Ladies are also advised to sit at a bar by their lonesome while enjoying a martini. Here’s a challenge if you’ve already done this—keep your phone in your purse or pocket. Oftentimes the phone serves as a crutch. Without it, you may find yourself conversing with somebody new.

I keep a “things to do” list every day. However, when it comes to keeping a log of accomplishments before getting hitched, forget about it. Whether you’re single, married or somewhere in between, take on standard and new activities on a regular basis. Getting married shouldn’t be an impetus to creating a checklist, nor should it be a hindrance to completing one. (Check out this list if you don’t already have one of your own started.)

Do you keep a checklist? If so, e-mail me with your accomplishments. If not, what is your opinion? Share your comments and stories at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.

–Katie