The List:
(1) Eat a McDonalds Hamburger --Completed March 25, 2006
Yes, it is true; I have never had a McDonalds hamburger of any kind. Growing up in Graham, TX we did not have a McDonalds until I was a freshman in High School and during that time I was in a phase of not eating red meat. When I finally got out of that phase of my life I never really wanted to try a McDonalds hamburger but, since I have not ever met one other person who can say they never tried one, it was time for me to see what all the fuss was about. My 29th Birthday party will be at McDonalds! Email Todd if you want more information or would like to come help me celebrate. Yes, I will be wearing the official McDonalds birthday crown.

(2) Mow our Lawn --Completed May 6, 2006
Of everything on my list this is the one my husband, Todd, is the most excited about. I wanted to mow my friend, Heather’s lawn, because she has a beautiful pool that takes up the back yard but Todd wants to have a “Lawn Party” with our friends to watch me actually mow the lawn. Invites should be going out very soon.

(3) Watch all the Star Wars-- Completed- Jan. 14, 2007
The first Star Wars movie came out the year I was born. I have never had any desire to really sit down and watch any of them but I do feel like I have missed out a part of pop culture. So, in an effort to do things a little different, I am going to watch the movies in the order of the story.

(4) Fly Fish --Completed- August 11, 12 and 13, 2006
My father-in-law Barry, spends the summers in Colorado fly fishing (and hanging out with his grandkids). I think it would be such a great memory to have him teach me something that he enjoys. Barry has passed this hobby down to his grandkids and they love it. So, I guess it is time for Aunt Charisse to learn. By the way, Todd has never wanted to learn to fly fish.

(5) Learn to Snowboard --Completed- Jan. 24, 2006
I just took up skiing a few years ago. I really enjoy it and I am almost ready for the Olympics. Each time I go skiing, I see more and more kids snowboarding. How hard can it be? The Flying Tomato needs to watch out!!!

(6) Go to London --Scheduled March 19-27, 2007
When I finished my list of 30 things, I need to have a big party! London is the only major city that I haven’t been to that I really want to see. What better place to have this important birthday.

(7) Visit the Oklahoma City Memorial --Completed- April 22, 2006
The Oklahoma City bombing happened my senior year of high school. I remember being in the drama room and the TV had the Today Show on and several other people were watching the coverage. There have been several major events that I can remember where I was when I found out; like OKC, The Challenger explosion, and 9-11.

(8) Volunteer a Week of Vacation Time -- Completed Jan. 30, 2007
So many of my things on my list are fun for me or great places to travel. I think of all the things on my life this is the one that can teach me the most. Working for a non-profit I know the importance of volunteers’ help. After all the hurricanes this fall, I really want to go somewhere that I can help others who are in need.

(9) Announce Band on Stage --completed Feb. 17, 2007
I love music and in my mind I have always thought of myself as a “Rock Star.” I truly believe that the only reason I am not a “Rock Star” is because I have absolutely no talent! So, the next best thing is to announce a band. I don’t want to actually help them set up or move equipment, just make the announcement. I have a few leads on this but if anyone has any good ideas or any friends in the business, let me know.

(10) Attend Synagogue Completed June 23, 2006
Todd is Jewish and I have never stepped foot into a Synagogue so, I think it is about time. I just want to go and see what it is like. It is a part of his past that I really have no frame of reference.

(11) Play Round of Golf Completed October 13, 2006
I have never played golf because I am afraid I will suck at it. Well, I have so many friends who love the game so I figure it would be a good idea to try it at least once. I have to play with my friend John Round. I actually decided that golf had to be on my list after his lovely wife, Deb, told me John has already planned his “celebration of life” (known to most of us as a funeral). John loves to play golf!!! So, for his “celebration of life,” he wants all of his friends to play in a golf tournament. He has the whole thing planned out and at the end of the day he wants everyone to have a golf club throwing contest with his clubs (the man has several sets of clubs). Well, I thought this was the greatest thing I had ever heard and if you know John this would be the perfect way for him to leave this earth. I decided that if I am going to play in his going away party one day that he might as well be the one who teaches me how to play golf. I would hate to be a disappointment on such a special day.

(12) Prepare a Gourmet Meal --Partly Completed --August 12, 2006
This might be the hardest task for me. I have no idea how to cook. Macaroni & Cheese is about as fancy as I get. There will be a select few that will be able to come and enjoy my fantastic meal. I am thinking there will be a few choice words spoken during this task.

(13) Learn to Play Chess
I have always wanted to play chess. But never had a teacher. Anyone volunteering to teach me?

(14) Stomp the Grapes --Completed September 9, 2006
We have all seen the “I Love Lucy” episode that Lucy and Ethel go grape stomping but how many people have actually done it. I have decided that I want three of my friends that I grew up with from Graham, Cassie, Amy, and Kara to go on this little adventure. I am not sure if I have told them about the plan. Oh well…

(15) Learn a craft- Stained Glass -Completed Feb. 10, 2007
I am horrible at arts and crafts! So, this is going to be a real stretch for me. Maybe I will give the final product to my mom, she has to like, right?

(16) Participate in Greenville St. Paddy Day Parade -scheduled March 17, 2007
St. Patrick’s Day is Todd’s favorite day in Dallas. He loves the St. Paddy’s Day Parade on Lower Greenville. I have been in the crowd for the parade for years and I think it is time to actually participate in it. I do have a fear of Todd’s best friend, Mike, because he is the guy that throws stuff at the people in the parade. I will take my chances.

(17) Write Five People who have been an Influence in my Life --1st Letter Completed Feb. 27, 2006, 2nd Letter given September 22, 2006, 3rd given November 25, 2006
I always say that I am the luckiest kid. Each day I get to meet more amazing people whom I admire. There have been so many people in my life that have made a difference and I haven’t thanked them enough. The hard part of this task is to narrow it down to five people. There are so many people who have made a difference in my life and I have never said thank you. I have already delivered one of the letters and four more to go.

(18) Plan a Surprise party Completed June 24, 2006
I am the absolutely worst person to keep a secret. I try and try but for some reason, I can’t do it. So, for me to plan a surprise party for someone is the easy part, not telling the person is going to be hard.

(19) Learn how to Crochet --Completed- July 16, 2006
Todd’s Grandma Dorothy has made everyone in his family a personalized crochet blanket. I love the one she made for me and I think it would be great for her to be able to teach me how to crochet. My first blanket will be for my new niece or nephew that will be here in September.

(20) Make an Announcement on the Texas Senate Floor -scheduled March 2007
I love politics and when I was a child I would tell others that I wanted to be a Senator when I grew up. Well, as I have gotten older I have realized that being a politician is more than just wearing nice clothes and making speeches. So, the next best thing is just to play a politician for a day.

(21) Give Blood --Completed Feb. 5, 2006
I try to think of myself as a pretty giving person but the thought of needles and giving blood is a little too much for me. But, my friend, Casey, swears it isn’t that bad and I am going to try to trust her. I ran out of a doctor’s office once because he wanted to give me a shot, hopefully this time I can be a little more mature.

(22) Take Football 101 Class --Completed Oct. 3, 2006
Todd Stein LOVES football. Charisse Brown-Stein HATES football. Basically, from the end of August through January, Todd and I do not spend much time together because football bores the tears out of me. I am going to take a Football 101 class taught by my friend, Babe Laufenberg. I have asked Heather Kraus, to take the class with me. I am going to have someone there with me to help pass the time. Todd says I have to take a quiz from him after the class.

(23) Take an Art History Class -Started August 21, 2006 -Completed December 4, 2006
I love to travel and my motto is ‘my bags are always packed’. I took an art history class my freshman year of college and the professor did not take roll, need I say more. Since we do travel so much and I enjoy art I might as well actually learn about it.

(24) Go to Spain Completed May 28, 2006
May 18-28, 2006 Todd and I will be in Spain. I have always wanted to go to Spain. We start our trip in Madrid, then Seville, and finally onto Granada. We are extremely excited. In the March issue of DMagazine, Seville, Spain is number eight on the list of 20 Great Escapes. Another place dear to my heart, Graham, TX was voted number five. I will let you know if Seville can live up to Graham (it isn’t that hard).

(25) Be an Extra in a Movie --Completed Feb. 11, 2007
I not only think of myself as a “Rock Star” and a “Politician” but I believe my true calling was to be an actress. But once again, the talent thing got in the way. I love movies, I know a lot about movies, and so, it is time for me to be in an actual movie. My friend, Ian Leson, is a working actor here in Dallas and he swears he will be able to help me make this happen. It is all on you Ian, if this is the only thing I do not complete; it is on your shoulders.

(26) Learn to Ride a Motorcycle --Completed March 12, 2006
During the holidays I was telling my brother, Guy, about my list of 30 by 30 and he said he would teach me how to ride a motorcycle. I have only been on a motorcycle once in my life. To be honest, motorcycles are a little scary to me. But, I am more afraid of what my brother would do to me if I wrecked his bike than getting hurt.

(27) Be Healthy -Ongoing--serious working out happening!!!
This is just a little personal goal for me. Everyone says that it is harder to get in shape or lose weight for women after the age of thirty. So, my goal is to be in the best shape of my life when I turn thirty. Lose 12 pounds.

(28) Try Out for a Game Show --Completed March 18, 2006
I always look at people on game shows and I think, “I am smarter than that person!” I have such fond memories of game shows, when I was sick and missed school that is all I would do the entire morning. I think it would be really cool to try out for a game show.

(29) Teach a High School Class --Completed Sept. 22, 2006
I was lucky enough to get my dream job at 22. I have been working for the Foundation for 6 years and it has given me so many opportunities. But, I have always said that if I didn't work in PR then I would be a High School teacher. Well, for a day I will go and do it! I am not sure if I have what it takes but I will give it a try.

(30) To be on a talk show--The only one up in the air
I have kept this a secret for a while. I always tell people if you want something you have write it down. Well, it is time for me to take my own advice. I love morning and daytime talk shows. My ultimate 30by30 goal is to meet the people behind the shows (I would love to see what goes into producing the show) and talk about everything I have learned from this experience. If anyone knows a producer with one of these shows, please let me know. The only way I am going to make it through my 30 activities is with your help!