Last night I went to my first ever MeetUp group. It was great and I loved it! The group is for 20-something women in my area that just want to make new friends, socialize and relax. The other girls there were in their early 20s- like 23! Umm, I don't even remember 23! OK, yes I do, I was graduating from college. I realized last night that one year from now I will no longer be a 20-something. I'm not really scared, I'm OK with the number. There are definitely things in my life I would have hoped happen by then, but we'll see.
I remembered this poem while I was mushing over these thoughts. I have loved this since I read it. It's by Pamela Redmond Satran and she wrote it for Glamour Magazine.
By 30 Every Woman Should Have...
One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come (OK, I honestly don't have one I would go back to)
A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family (Check! Bed, sofa, dining room table, armorer)
Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour (Banana Republic dress or black pants and button up top)
A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying (check)
A youth you’re content to move beyond (AMEN! And check...)
A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age (Good stories, at least)
The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it (Yes, I get that! 401k in place)
An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you (check)
A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded (Check! Thank you DIB)
One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry (Yes!!!)
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra (Love this one. Have the drill, suck at using it)
Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it (Must go shopping)
The belief that you deserve it (Think I've got that...)
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 (Check... I think... WHAT other facets???)
A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better (career- check, can the relationship be friendship? What else gets better???)
By 30 Every Woman Should Know...
How to fall in love without losing yourself (Oh please, God, yes)
How you feel about having kids (Love them, want them!)
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship (Check!)
When to try harder and when to walk away (I'm getting this)
How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next (I'd be satisfied with any kiss at all right now, OK?)
The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town (Hilary Clinton, Everyone called her "Goo", I just moved but I'm working on it)
How to live alone, even if you don’t like to (Done, I'm a pro)
How to take control of your own birthday (Umm...ok)
That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents (Getting good at this)
That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over (Check)
What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love (check)
That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long (HA! OK, check)
Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally (Amen. Again, thank you DIB)
Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault (check)
Why they say life begins at 30 (This I want to know)
So I'd say I'm pretty prepared. How are you doing?
HA! I love that second list...I think I have most, minus the tailor and that last one...then again, for others it depends on the day. oi.
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