Turning 30

I’m turning 30 in less than 5 days and, honestly, I’m less than thrilled about this momentous occasion in my life.  I’m not disappointed in my life, and, as my dad loves to remind me (and my mom), it’s better than the alternative.  However, there’s just something about leaving my 20’s behind.  They’ve been good to me.  I traveled to Europe, graduated from college (twice), got married, had a baby, etc.  I know that those of you who have already reached this milestone will tell me that I’ve worked myself up over nothing, but in my last 5 days of my 20’s…I think I’ll wallow a little bit longer. 

About a week ago I turned on my computer and on MSN’s homepage there was an article about how a woman’s metabolism virtually disappears when she turns 30.  Two days later, Daniel and I went out for ice cream.  He ordered a child-sized sundae.  Me?  I ordered the biggest one they had.  Apparently I don’t have much longer before my metabolism is shot.  I have to eat all I can before that happens, right?  So it seems to continue with the 30^th celebrations…I’ve already been out to lunch and I have several more meals to go before I’m done celebrating the big 3-0.  Better get it in now.  After Monday, I won’t be able to eat any more!!

So, as I’ve been trying to cope with the approaching day, I’ve come up with a list of 30 things; 15 things I’ve done before my 30’s and 15  things that I’d like to do before I’m 40.  Enjoy (and, please, hold me to these things!!)!!

Before 30…

1.    
  Graduated college

2.       Received my masters

3.       Married my best friend

4.       Had the best, cutest baby boy in the entire world (no bias)

5.       Traveled to Europe (Italy, Austria, Germany, Holland)

6.       Traveled to Asia (Taiwan, Thailand, Nepal, and India (for about 30 seconds)).

7.       Traveled to Central America (Nicaragua)

8.       Traveled to the Bahamas (via cruise)

9.       Obtained my teaching certificate

10.   Traveled to 30 of the 50 states

11.   Never broken a bone (except a toe & a fractured ankle)

12.   Taught High School English/Spanish for 5 years

13.   Marched in the Rose Bowl Parade (and the Citrus Bowl parade, but that’s not quite as cool!)

14.   Watched Mennonites water ski

15.   Modeled a dress on the runway (when I was 5 and again when I was 28!)

Before 40…

1.       Have a piece of my writing published

2.       Travel to at least 10 more of the 50 states

3.       Become debt free (so close…)

4.       Travel back to Europe – this time with my husband!

5.       Drive a Zamboni…I have always wanted to do this.  Anybody able to hook me up??

6.       Take a cooking class

7.       Read all of the classics on the Barnes & Noble classics list. 

8.       Custom build/design a house with my hubby. (preferably with some land)

9.       Have the equipment to and know how to brew/make my own espresso & coffee drinks at home!

10.   Eat/cook healthier (because my metabolism will be non-existent – right??)

11.   Learn to knit/crochet

12.   Have baby #2…if it doesn’t happen before I’m 40, it’s not happening!!

13.   Try all the recipes in my Pioneer Woman cookbook – even if they have bones.

14.   Teach a college class

15.   Read through the Bible