General musings on the ups and downs and ins and outs in the life of a 30 something, unmarried, life loving, some times interesting and sometimes not, mostly happy girl just trying to figure it all out!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

30 Things Before 30

Have you seen this list before? I have. It travels the internet in spurts, circulating itself through women's in boxes. But now that I am actually a month from being 30... I paid a little more attention. Being 30 doesn't bother me too much. My 20s have been an up and down roller coaster ride. I have learned a lot, grown a lot, changed a lot (was I really that 20 year old college student once???). I have made my share of mistakes and I hope I am better for them. 


Of course, there are a lot of things I wish were different- and that I thought would surely be different by the time I was 30. I am certainly not where I expected to be. But something I have learned is that you have to go with what you've got and enjoy where you are. So here I am, looking down the barrel of 30, a little scared and mostly ready, and I thought I'd review this list and see where I stand. (My comments in green) 



By 30, you should have ...
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. Oh boy, let me tell you- I haven't had many boyfriends and there isn't one I would go back to! Are you joking? They certainly (all two of them...) taught me a lot about myself. But they all fall in the category of how far I have come. And really- why would you want to go back? 
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. I have a few of these- and I love them!
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. Let's be honest, girls. We all have some great outfits set aside, but we would change clothes 10 times regardless! True, though, you need some good, solid pieces to rely on. 
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. Yes- this is true. You are an adult now. 
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond. Well, I am squarely in THIS category! 
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. I think I have this in a fun, safe way. I have a few stories to tell. 
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it. Not just the money, girls, but a plan for your health and taking care of yourself. It's time to step up and realize that your body needs care and you can't just abuse it. Financially, I agree as well. A woman needs to know she can take care of herself. 
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you. Yes- privacy, please! 
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. Oh come on- who doesn't pad their resume? Mine is strong and I still pad! 
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. My friends are my stronghold! 
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra. Do I have to know how to use them too? 
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. Oh, let's think... a house, a car, laptop, iPod, move to Texas... 
13. The belief that you deserve it. I waver on this one. I'm not good enough to deserve much, but I do work for my money. So yeah...
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. YES! Get on it, ladies. 
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better. Oh boy, do I struggle here. I do have a great start. Just don't know where I want it to go. 

By 30, you should know ...
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself. Well, I'd like to find out! :) I think I do. 
2. How you feel about having kids. Definitely want them. 
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. Tact, my friends.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away. A tough lesson, but worth learning. 
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. Hmm... 
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town. Hilary Clinton, "Goo," and I guess I better work on the third since I just asked my best friend to fix a dress for me! 
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. Amen! It isn't always fun, but learning to be content with yourself and take care of yourself is something every woman should grasp. 
8. Where to go -- be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat -- when your soul needs soothing. Best friend, hands down. 
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents. Yes. Awfully hard, but yes. 
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over. Let it go!
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. Have boundaries and know who you are. 
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long. This is kind of a crock. Some people do. 
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. Yes, learn to be careful. 
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. And how to apologize when something is. 
15. Why they say life begins at 30. I'm hoping it's a combo of the list above: confidence in yourself, a more firm ground to stand on, amazing friends, and faith
So here I come 30... ready or not I am arriving. I guess we'll see how it goes! 

2 comments:

  1. Love this list! And Ash, you do deserve your happiness!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have a great feeling you and I are a lot alike. I'm enjoying reading your blog Ashley! :)

    ReplyDelete

All About Ashley

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Spring, TX, Southern, United States
Playing with and keeping up with my nephew and niece take up a lot of my time. Van Geaux takes up the rest of it. Work is an afterthought most days! I like to be outside- but not when it's too hot. I get bored at my desk all day. Niki keeps my world spinning and without her and AC I'd lose it. My work ethic crashes at 4 p.m. daily and I live my sweet puppy and my hedgehog whenever I am not at Niki's. I truly believe naps are quality pass-time events, and sometimes I say bad words at work. I'm pretty sure I'm insane on multiple levels and I believe rules don't apply to me.
It seems that my life is quite entertaining. I didn't realize this myself, but was informed of it by my friends- who are rather entertained by tales of my life occurrences.

I'm far from a professional writer. These are just stories, comments, and other items for simple amusement. Hopefully it's a fun read, as Shannon plans to edit it into a book one day! Maybe we'll become famous, and maybe we'll just have some good laughs at my expense (and some other characters in my life). Either way, happy reading!