Thirty before Thirty.

Every since I was a little girl, I couldn't wait for what was "next". 

When I was in kindergarden, I wanted to be in the "big kids" school.  By seventh grade, I couldn't wait to be in high school.  By my sophomore year I had "senioritis"...and you get the picture - by college I was ready to graduate and get on with LIFE!  Living on my own!  Grown up STUFF!

I am now approximately 60 days away from turning the BIG 3-0.  I've thought about writing a 30 things to do before you are 30 list for some time, but never really got around to it...too busy enjoying life!

That said, being that I am in an exciting new personal decade ahead, I thought I would chronicle some things I am proud of accomplishing in my 20's...some goals I'd like to achieve in the next 60 days before the big birthday....and then additional things I would like to do before 31....

Here we go!


BEFORE 30 I have:

1) Graduated from a great university with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising/Business Administration with honors (cum laude!)

2) Moved to Washington, D.C. into a 500 square foot studio apartment (with a degree in hand, but no job!)

3) Pounded the pavement and took a job at a lovely boutique in D.C.  Worked my way up to Assistant Buyer, then Advertising Manager.  Celebrated the company's 100 year anniversary.

4) Left for a long weekend for my cousin's wedding in New Orleans.  Fell head over heels in love with an adorable Southern boy who "crashed" the wedding that weekend.  My poor husband will never live that one down.  My brother has since then referred to New Orleans as a "hot, steamy love sauna". Heh.

5) Got engaged, bought our first house in New Orleans, and planned a fairy tale wedding all in 9 months.  Hectic, but YAY!

6) Married the man of my dreams in September 2005.

7) Came home from our honeymoon in Jamaica to a post-Katrina New Orleans...a blue tarp on our roof and FEMA water and MRE's on the doorstep.  Rebuilt and repaired the relatively small damages from the hurricane and managed against the challenges both our careers faced.  Moved to the East Coast for better job opportunities. 

8) Maintained happy and in love throughout all of the great times, as well as the change, losses, and heartaches, and continued to look on the bright side of the new opportunities ahead.  Learned to accept that the hard times do really make you stronger.

9) Pursued hobbies:  Discovered my signature drink (Bulleit bourbon), Taught myself to cook like a pro (Much inspiration from Smitten Kitchen), Attempted to master photography (Awesome tips from the very talented Pioneer Woman and many others), and fully appreciate all things beautiful and lovely..art, style, painting and decorating (A big thanks to all of YOU!)

10) Became truly comfortable with myself. Confident in my decisions, Passionate about my job, Adoring my family and true friends, and especially embracing my Style - all things feminine, ruffled, sparkly, preppy and pink!

NEXT 60 DAYS...Things to do Before 30:

11) Volunteer 20 hours - because it just feels so good to give back.

12) 100 crunches a day, and Jillian Michael's 30 day shred at least 4-5 times a week (must be realistic!)

13) Purchase fancy Double Old Fashioned glasses for my signature cocktails.

14) Do something insanely romantic for my husband.  Not only because he deserves it, but life gets hectic and I want him to always know how special he is to me.

15) Finish two new books.  Any suggestions?

16) Get a hot stone massage.

17) Apply for a dream job (more to come soon!)

18) Do a major Spring Cleaning on my closets and office.  If I haven't worn it since my early 20's it's probably time to let it go.  Drop off a car load to Goodwill.

19) Plan a vacation for this year...preferably including lots of sailing and somewhere major tropical - thinking St. Lucia or BVI. Suggestions? 

20) Stop saying "I want to be..." and start saying "I am..." :) 

IN THE NEXT YEAR...Before turning 31:

21) Meet some blog friends!

22) Get back into sewing (1st project - make new curtains).

23) Register for the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - complete a Half-Marathon.  Anyone want to register with me?

24) Make and sell something creative on Etsy (art, photography, sewing....we will see!)

25) Develop a relationship with someone 2X older than me through volunteer or non-profit.  Always so much to learn from those who are older and wiser.  Also spend more time with my grandmother.

26) Contribute more money to my 401K...Spend less and save/invest more (within reason). :)

27) Brush up on my French...plan a trip back to Paris in the next five years. Stay at the Four Seasons.

28) Practice more random acts of kindness.  “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Stephen Grellet

29) Plan a girls only trip to the beach.  There is nothing like having quality time alone with sisters and girlfriends!

30) And one thing I'd really like to do before turning 31......for M and I to have a baby <3.


What do you think?  I am confident I can do it all!  Thank you for reading and for your continued support.


HAVE A SPECTACULAR WEEKEND ALL!  GO SAINTS!!

XOXO,
Trish