I’ll celebrate my 27th birthday next month. Not a big birthday. My next big birthday is my 30th, but I’m more excited for my 29th. You see, I’ll turn 29 on 11/11/11. I’ve kind of been looking forward to it for not particular reason other than the coolness of the date for a long time now.
I’m not really concerned about turning 30. But I don’t want 30 to come and go and for me to feel like I haven’t done anything since I turned 25. Which totally isn’t true because I got married and had a baby all after I turned 25.
I have this book: 30 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do Before Turning 30.
So to hold myself to some standards, I’m making a list similar to this one, but not quite the same. If I’m still blogging in three years, I can let you know which of these things I have accomplished. NOTE: this is my list, so it will not include things that I want to teach Hudson or do with Hudson and Todd.
1. Visit all 50 states– or the ones I haven’t yet visited which include Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota (do I have to?), Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. So I only have 16 left. I don’t have to plan a vacation around all the states– maybe just a drive through. Which brings me to my next item.
2. Go on an RV trip out West with my Dad. My mom, Todd, Hudson, and my brother can come, too. But this is something my Dad has always wanted us all to do together.
3. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve walked the Golden Gate before, but I think the Brooklyn needs a trip.
4. Plan someone else’s wedding and get paid for it. Not just day-of-coordinator, but start to finish. Plan that wedding.
5. Finish every unread or half-read book in this house.
6. Learn how to fold a fitted sheet well enough that I could teach someone else. Good grief.
7. Travel to Greece.
8. Go back to Spain with Todd.
9. Go back to Venice with Todd.
10. Start playing piano again and practice daily. I played piano for 11 years and was actually good at it. I quit in high school when I started focusing on musical theater. But I recently started listening to some of my old piano music and found the desire to pick it back up. Good thing the ability to read music never goes away.
11. Join a local choir and keep on singing. I sing, too, but haven’t kept that instrument working either. I could join the church choir and join a local classical choir.
12. Start running and complete a 1/2 marathon. This is one of those things on the list that I was afraid to put on here because I’m afraid to even get started. The most I’ve run is a 5k and I can’t say I loved it. But I need a healthy hobby (other than blogging, of course).
13. Learn to make a roux from scratch. And I mean a good roux. Good enough to invite a crap load of people over for gumbo on Super Bowl Sunday.
14. See U2 in concert. U2 obviously didn’t get the memo that I had a baby this summer and it wasn’t a great time for a tour!
15. Learn to use my Canon Rebel.
16. Going with number 15, get better at Photoshop.
17. Put together a weekly flower arrangement for my house. Not a big deal, but just something that I always find impressive.
18. Take a family camping trip. And rough it for two days.
19. Learn to sew. I want to make costumes for Halloween and school plays. I want to be able to mend the holes in my kids’ clothes. I am a disaster with a sewing machine. So I have a lot to correct.
20. Fix an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself. Including the turkey.
21. Watch every movie on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies list.
22. Decide on a signature drink and learn how to perfectly mix it. I can never decide what is my signature drink. Sometimes it’s Firefly and lemonade. Sometimes it’s a gin and tonic. I want to know the answer to this question and then I want to be able to mix that drink up.
23. Re-renovate our house. If we stay in this house I’d like to add a room onto the back and expand our kitchen. Hopefully that will happen before I turn 30.
24. Host a fun party at our house just for kicks. And not just a little get-together, but something big and fun that allows me to flex my creative muscle. And not Hudson’s 1st birthday party.
25. Clean out my email inbox. And then don’t let it get full again. I use folders, but I just can’t believe how I just forget to delete stuff. It’s such a disaster!
26. Organize amazing family photo albums. Starting with when Todd and I were dating. And I’ve decided that I definitely want to use prints of the photos rather than do a printed book. I can do that, too, but my kids will really appreciate having prints of all of their photos someday.
27. Establish a family tradition for just our little family– not extended family– that we do every year. Just us. It can be a trip. It can be an activity. It could be a weekly activity. But something that my kids will look back and remember that without fail, we did it.
28. Maintain Blue-Eyed Bride at least until I’m 30. Will there be another e-trend then? Do you think we’ll still be blogging in 2012?
29. Write a business plan and get to work. Dreams should only be a dream for so long.
30. Go visit my best friends from college that I rarely see– and that live in some of the most amazing cities in the United States. Why haven’t I done that yet?
There’s my list. What kinds of things would be on your list?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to see the Gamecocks win a (big) bowl game before I turn 30… on December 28. Of this year.
That is a really amazing list! You’re motivating me to think of what is on my list. It’s hard for me because some are so contradictory to one another. One dream I’ve had for a long time is to be conversationally proficient in Italian before Dave and I take a trip there… And have a wine cellar built in our next house to hold my growing collection.
This is a great idea. Thanks for inspiring your readers to compile our own lists. Also, thanks for the post about baby gear recently. It’s always helpful and appreciated to hear from moms who have been there what gear they liked or didn’t like.
Thanks for posting this! Now I’m really motivated to come up with a list as well!
1. What a GREAT list!
2. If I get married before you turn 30, you’ve got yourself a client!! I’m 100% Serious.
3. I need to do #5 too.
4. Can we PLEASE do #15 together? Geez, I suck at the Rebel.
5. I want to come to your BIG & FUN house party!
xoxoxo
I love the list!! I was born in ‘82 also but I’m Feb so my 28th is slowly creeping up on me! I think I’m going to make one of these lists for myself! Oh and I ran a 1/2 marathon 3 yrs ago and prior to it I have never run further than 4 miles- so you can totally do- trust me!! I used Hal Higdon’s 1/2 marathon for beginners and I did it in only 10 weeks.
saturday morning breakfast is our little weekly tradition. we go somewhere for brunch every saturday, just us, and we all look forward to it all week long. I think one of the best things about little things like this is when you think of how you thought it would be when one day you and your husband and son would just be hanging out together and it greatly surpasses those expectations! I know you are so excited for the first holiday season with your little one, I know it will be better than you ever thought it could be
Great list! There are so many things on my list, if I wrote them down I might faint from being overwhelmed!
wowza…that is one heck of a list girl! I hope you get the chance to do everything on it! I totally meant to do one of these…but I think that ship has sailed….maybe I’ll shoot for the 40 before 40 list! haha. Hope your having a great day! = )
Now, now…you’re makin’ all of us over 30 girls sad!! I haven’t done half of that list!
Just teasing!
When I turn 31 on Nov 21st, I’ll be so happy that I 1)have a beautiful baby boy 2) made a Turkey all by myself and it actually tasted good!!
Great list!
Hey girl… I LOVE THIS!! I made a list like this 25 things to do before i’m 25… I think you inspired me to make a list of things to do before i’m 30. Also, totally understand the birthday thing (11/11/11). I turned 25 on 08/08/08 and that it was just the coolest thing ever! lol
I love your list. Top of my list is your #15 and 16 as soon as I purchase the camera! Also build the hubs and my dream house, take our europe vacation and finish seeing the good ole US of A. I have three states left, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. We have a friend who accepted a job at a wildlife and game preserve in Alaska a few months ago so we will definitely be heading out there soon. In fact, we’re thinking about doing all three in the same trip just to be crazy! Also on my list is to do at least one more road-tripping camping tour of the US before kids. I’ve down four but the hubs has never done one and I want him to get a taste of the fun and crazyness before we try and do it with babies!
Awesome list I love it! I am already 30 so I would have to do a 40 before 40 list – but at least I have a long time to complete the 40 things. Anyway I live in Iowa so if you ever want to cross that state off you are welcome to visit!
Is Oklahoma one of the 50 states that you need to visit? I think so. I always wonder how long the blogging trend will stick around and I get a little sad thinking about it ending. I’m glad your goal is to at least stay blogging for 3 more years, I will blog right there with ya! Fun list! I made a big goal list but not one that is before 30. I need to do that!
I love your list!
When you learn to fold that fitted sheet, you can teach me because I just kind of rubmle it up and call it good at this point.
And I know that you could finish a half marathon by your 30th birthday!
What would be on my list? Hmm… Go to Italy; show my husband around London; spend a weekend at my parents ranch house without them and just relax (it’s hard to relax with them, believe me, they are the GO GO GO! type); possibly learn how to fly fish (?)–or, at least get somewhat into it that I’m not bored to tears when my husband rambles about knots and flies for an hour; see the Iditarod; get another sheltie or husky (yes, huskies can survive in the Texas heat!); go back to Tortola and re-visit all the locations my mom and I used to love; spend a weekend skiing in Utah with my cousins; travel back to our roots in Utah with my cousins; climb a mountain (!–new thing I’m obsessed with)–a small one is just fine….
OK, I’m getting too ambitious for my own good!
CT should be one of the states you just kind of drive through. I’ve lived here my whole life and there’s really not much to see here…
I would be happy to send you a beginner training program for a half marathon if you’d like! Two years ago I had never run more than a 5k and decided one day I’d try doing a half marathon. I’ve done three more since then and I’m totally addicted. You can do it!
I’m almost 31, but I had a similar list in my twenties. My big ones (which I’m happy to say I accomplished!) were to be happily married and run a full marathon. I guess I can start on my 40 before 40 now! P.S.- I’d never run at all before I started training for my 1st half marathon; I second the Hal Higdon training plan.
I love your list!!
I have a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Mine ends sometime in 2012 (I think) and I’ll be 28…
and my list can be found here:
http://www.itsahero.com/search/label/101%20in%201001
Hope you’ll check it out!
What a good idea! Before I am 30 I would like to speak Spanish fluently, vacation out of the country, own a house, have started a family, and be working on my doctorate. I still have 9 years
How fun! This is a great idea! I’ve never really thought about this. I want to get get working on my list
I am loving this list!!! My mom only has 5 states left — she is a flight attendant, so that helps a little!!!
We order pizza every Friday night. We all look forward to it – even our two-year-old. As she gets older I can see us adding a movie or games to the evening. The other added benefit is that it keeps us (me) from deciding to go out for dinner during the week. Good for the budget and the waistline.
Come to NYC and I’ll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge with you!
Such a neat list!
I can proudly say that I know how to fold a fitted sheet!!!
If I get married by the time your 30, you can totally plan my wedding. You did such a great job with your own, that I’d gladly fork over the $$ to let you work your magic!
That is so cool! I totally want to make a list for before I turn 30…I just turned 24 though so it seems a ways off but I know it will be here before I know it. I’ll make my before 25 goal to make a before 30 list
What a great list! I hope you blog about the ones you check off!
Love this list… I also love that your bday is 11/11.. Mine is 10/10.. I always asked my mom when I was little if I would be alive to celebrate 10/10/10!!! I have always looked forward to that too.. Oh and ND is so blah, we went there just 2 months ago… It made me love HOME so much more, but glad we got to see it, we have our list of states we’re checking off too!
This is a great idea and happy early birthday
great idea! i need to put some thought to this…
This is a GREAT list. I think you’ve inspired tons of other people to make a list of their own!!
What a great list…you’ve inspired me to do the same! I think that I’ll pick up the book first then, I’ll make a list, as well. What a great idea! I also love the idea of creating a family tradition for just your little family. I think we need that too!
This is such a good idea!! I really want to publish something by my 30th. But the piano and choir items should be on my list too – I can’t believe something I did every day has fallen completely by the wayside.
Oooh- I have a lot of the same things. One thing I can definitely do is a good roux- the key is some arm muscles and a wooden spoon, and lots and lots of patience. But then you end up with the yummiest shrimp etoufee ever, and it’s worth it.
If you visit Minnesota, I suggest going during the Spring, Summer or Fall. I don’t think too many people can handle visiting during our chilly winter.
Have a good weekend!
That’s a great list! I can help ya with the roux, because a louisiana roux is different from everyone else’s as you know. Even though I came from Texas I had help from some cajun guys I worked with.
I love your list! What a fantastic idea. You just inspired me to create one as well. I wish you the best of luck completing it! Massachusetts would love to have you visit. You would love it here in Boston! Maybe you should consider coming to New England and doing your camping trip. There’s lots of mountains and great vacation spots for camping! I think you guys would enjoy yourself.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your list!!!!! I am going to have to go get that book!!! I share some similar desires on there…..hope you had a great trip!!!
GREAT idea. I turn 29 on Nov. 1 THIS YEAR, so I’m thinking I’ll have to make my list a little less ambitious than yours, but I’m going to make one nonetheless. Awesome birthday 11-11-11 by the way… I thought that would be a perfect date to have my next baby… if only I could plan those things! haha!
Us November birthdays must think alike!! I turn 25 on November 2nd and I was going to also do a blog posting of 30 things to do before I’m 30! I just started a 1/2 marathon training program on my Nike Plus Account. I used to love running in HS. So I’m picking the sport back up and starting the training program on Sunday. I want to do it to get back in shape and I’m getting married in 2011 & want to look stunning in my wedding dress!
You can totally run a half marathon! I couldn’t even run 3 miles without walking before I trained last year. I finished mine without walking a SINGLE step! It’s on my blog, from last January.
You can do it and I totally look forward to your progress!
Oh, I started training for mine around October 5 and ran it January 17.
what a wonderful list. i love that your list is “yours” . It is hard to remember to do things for yourself when you are a new wife and mom. if you ever want a running partner……
I did #14 in Houston on Wednesday! So fun!
I am totally with you on #19. My mom always made my Halloween and dance costumes, so they were original, and made with love and such talent. We can do it! Great list, Erin!
Great great great goals! Xoxo-BLC
I already know how to sew, make a roux and I’ve made a Thanksgiving dinner…the rest I’d have on my list too
. I’d like to have a baby by my 30th, I used to want a Lexus but now I’m not so sure that’s a priority anymore, and I want to go to Ireland and NYC (I’m a west coaster, I know everyone and their mom has been to NYC but I haven’t made it there yet.) Of course there are more but those are the three.
I vow to make my kids costumes too, it’s a great memory my mom made for me every Halloween.
Just linked here from Mojito Maven and we have the same birthday! I love being born on 11/11. Although when it’s 11/11/11 I will be 28.
Oh, I can tell you where to visit in Montana and the Dakota’s!
Ooooh I love this idea and your list! I have a general “to do while I’m alive” list but I love the idea of setting a goal like 30 (I’m 27 now). Thanks for the idea
What a great list hon. I just turned 27 as well and need to think about what I want to accomplish in these next couple of years. I definitely like the 50 states idea and the getting photo albums done. I have pictures in boxes everywhere, but none actually in books. You may have just motivated me to make my list!
Okay, so my list would be “Things I’d like to do before I’m 40″! And I’ve got 6 years (plus about 4 months).
I’d like to:
Have a child (or children)
Remodel and renovate our kitchen and master bathroom.
Start my own business, even if it’s only part-time (you’re right abou the dreams thing)
Travel back to Europe (I’m not picky!)
… and so many more little things.
Before I was 30, I:
Graduated college and started my career
Lived on my own in a new city (well, I didn’t know my way around Dallas that well)
Figured out who I was
Travelled to Europe, Mexico, and many states
Did the whole “bar” scene (and grew out of it)
Made lots of friends, and lost some, and was okay with it
And when I was 30 I met my husband!
I hope I never run out of things I want to do!
I love the list!
And of course, I KNOW you can run a half marathon! That’s where I started, just wanting to run one half marathon to check it off my list too.
I’m so jealous of all your Europe adventures. I need to make a trip over there too…