30 things is quite a "thing"

I recently stumbled across this post from Glamour, now over 5 years old, when another site linked back to it because they felt it was such great advice. After reading it through at least twice and thinking it through the past few days with my "slowly accepting 30 and beyond" mindset, I would have to agree.

And I'm not really surprised that lists of 30 things people (mostly women) should know/do/experience/purchase etc. by the the time they are 30 have been so popular. It really does seem to be quite the milestone from an emotional perspective, and honestly, I am starting to think that it's all for the best (despite the slowly vanishing youth - from my face to my waist and so on).

Some of these items occurred to me right as I turned 30 (the suitcase, in fact, was purchased for my 30th b. day trip) and some of them are likely in the cards for the next year (due to funding constraints that are just now beginning to lessen - as they should be, or lessons that are still settling into my subconscious). But I think I'll try to revisit the list as I chip away at my original 30 and think I'll only be better for it. And that, I think, is exactly the point.

Almost there

I love a good countdown. Actually, I don't know if I love them, but I do know that I am constantly using them. For example, as I ran the half marathon last week...or "running" may be a generous term. Trudged along the course is more accurate. I counted down each and every mile of course and tried to determine halfway points along the miles as well. I made it, but probably could have worked on my mental stamina - countdowns probably weren't helping.

And for school - almost there. 2 more weeks of classes and 20 days until my final assignment is due. I've been counting down like crazy - and I'm going to be so very happy to walk across that stage (23 days).

BUT, I can't help but think that maybe (and perhaps this is the 30 year old speaking) I should stop counting down. What's the point of only focusing on getting things over with? What good is it to always be focused on making it through another point. What about that quote where it's all about the journey. Are my countdowns keeping me from really just being? Enjoying the present? Part of me thinks probably.

That's all I've got on this for now. Maybe when school is done I can dedicate more brain cells to this though...ha! There I go again.

Catching up with 3-0

Now officially 30 for nearly a week, I thought I should revisit my list of the 30 things I wanted to accomplish by now. Of course, my last post was just at #10 and I've not been as busy as I'd have to be to wrap up those other 20 things since then.

But - progress has been made nonetheless. And I'm not giving up on the list - I think it's a good idea to try to knock out the rest of these during my 30th year. Except the crafty one about making Christmas presents. Unless I somehow gain an impressive knack for making things in my spare time post-graduation, I highly doubt that one will happen. Never say never though.

#11 - Fly somewhere I've never been: went to Seattle late last month for a work conference. Loved the city, very cool place though I could never live somewhere with the rainy gray sky nonsense for too long.

#12 - Eat something I've never eaten before: braised beef cheeks at Home Wine Kitchen (no menu Monday, lots of fun), which were tasty and well, beefy. Also stinging nettles at The Coterie Room in Seattle. Basically I'm now pretty excited for the Farmer's Market season and have given myself the challenge of buying something new each month to cook and eat. Life's too short to stick with what you know!

#13 - Hang out at the 360 Bar - made this happen w/ a bunch of high school friends this past Thursday. What gorgeous views! I can't wait to go back sometime sit facing the river and Arch. Definitely a great addition to downtown.

Several other items are underway, like reading both books and paying off my credit cards. I'm getting close and I know 30 will be a great year for accomplishing these goals. I've got my sourdough starter thriving and a Kitchen Aid stand mixer ready and waiting for my next batch - which will hopefully help in the quality control department. The bike I'm borrowing from my little sister is in my basement, waiting only for a proper fitting helmet and a small (I hope!) repair. I'm saving money for a random trip, and don't want to just buy my way through the rest of my list on credit cards - since paying them off is one of the biggest goals. That means some of these things will just take a bit more time. Smarty Pig accounts for all! Ha! Not far from the truth, actually.

Getting there. Trying not to be so hard on myself, and I'm happy to keep trekking forward...and also looking forward to making the next list! This time, with someone else :)