30x30: Part 9

Less than a week to flirty 30!  FIVE MORE DAYS!!!!

That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

I had a fantastic childhood.  I thank my parents for letting me flourish and grow.  I also thank my parents for being parents.  They knew when to say no and when to send me to my room.  I believe I am better able to be an adult because I was first allowed to be a child. 

What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.

I believe it's hard to know exactly what, but I do know to what lengths. 

That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.

Well I might not have learned to floss every day, but I do more and more as I get older.  As for the rest...I've lost more than one wonderful person in my life to cancers and other side effects related to smoking I would prefer not to lose anyone else this way.  It is a long and painful process.  

Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

I'm a very trusting person, but over time I've learned to be cautious with my trust.  I'll still always give someone the benefit of the doubt, but I'll ask more questions than I used to.  I only take it personally when someone I should be able to trust proves themselves to be untrustworthy.  

Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.

I only apologize when it's warranted.  Generally when somethings not my fault it doesn't warrant me apologizing for it.  ☺

And just in case you missed it... 

30 x 30

Part 1 

Part 2

Part 3 

Part 4 

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

30x30: Part 8

TWO WEEKS!  FOURTEEN DAYS!  SO CLOSE!!!!!

By 30, you should KNOW:

How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

I moved out of my parent’s house when I was 24 (actually the week before my 25^th birthday).  I wanted my own place.  I wanted to live without anyone else, no roommates, no sharing, just me in my own space.  I’ve come to appreciate living alone and I appreciate that I may not be the easiest person to live with.  And I know that unless my circumstances drastically change…the next time I live with someone they’ll be stuck with me forever.  ;o)

How to take control of your own birthday.

I’ll admit I usually don’t make a big deal about my birthday.  I want a little cake and maybe a song, but I haven’t asked for a party in a very long time.  This year I wanted a party, a big celebration with family and friends.  It's just not meant to be this year.  I'm upset, but I'll live, I'll have other birthdays and if this countdown has proved anything…I’m excited for my 30^th birthday and what lies ahead. I took the day off work and I'm spoiling myself with a fancy pedicure and manicure at a local spa. 

That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.

Psht I wouldn't want to change ... good things come in small packages!  While growing up with hips wasn't the most fun, I've come to embrace and love my curves.  And my parents, they are my parents, I love them.  You know what they say...insanity is hereditary...

And just in case you missed it...the full list of 30 x 30.  Here is Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7.

30x30: Part 7

 Hey guess what...TWENTY-SEVEN DAYS!!!!  Getting excited???

When to try harder and when to walk away.

Check.  This was a hard one to learn.  I still struggle with it, but I am more able to know when to keep fighting and when I need to let go. 

How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.

Well... I’d like to think so. 

The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.

Not gonna lie I had to look up the secretary of state.  Fail.  Course once I opened the page I was like ooooooooooooooooooh ya. *facepalm*  I know my great-grandmother’s names, but I’ve never met them.  I met one of my great-grandfathers once.  He was a cool dude.  I’m working on finding a tailor now actually.  I’ll let you know how it goes!

first fire of the season!

And just in case you missed it...the full list of 30 x 30.  Here is Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6.  

30x30: Part 4

54 days to birthday cake!  

By 30 you should HAVE:

One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

CHECK!  I have two best friends.  They both make me laugh and let me cry.  I couldn’t ask for two better friends.  More on them here. 

A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.

CHECK!  When I first graduated from college my Grandfather decided that I was going to get tools for Christmas.  I got a toolbox, screwdrivers, a hammer, drill, measuring tape and all sorts of fun tool type things (they've come in extremely handy now that I've a house).  The next year Grandma laid down the law and I got pearls.  Oh, and I also have a black lace bra.  Just in case you really were wondering.  

And just in case you missed it...the full list of 30 x 30.  Here is Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.  

Kevin says Happy St Patrick's Day from Ireland!

30x30: Part 3

SIXTY-ONE DAYS!!  Just a little less than eight weeks until thirty. 

The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.

I fully plan on living to a ripe old age…and I fully plan on having all the fun possible doing so.  My maternal grandfather just turned 90 and is still going strong.  I have a 401k…in just about 70 days I’ll be 100% vested in it too!  I also have a pension!  Social security is totally going to be a myth I’m going to have to start saving more, but I’m on the way!!

An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.

CHECK!  I have a few…of each… and no you can’t have my number.  :op

A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.

CHECK!  I rawk.  Nuff said. 

And as always since Jessica hates posts without pictures (and lets face it I agree with her)

my brand new love...little Kevin my Irish nephew

30x30: Part 2

It's now 69 days till FLIRTY THIRTY!  Time for the next installment in 30 x 30.  

A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

I love accessorizing.  Love it.  I have many many purses…something for every occasion if you will.  Like this one I got in a super awesome blog giveaway!

I have a few suitcases…one big one for big trips, and a small one for small trips.  My big one is blue and plaid.  I love it, it’s big enough that I can pack for two weeks in a foreign country and unique enough that I can see it coming on the luggage conveyor belt!  The small one is florescent yellow.  I love it.  I’ve actually looked out the wing of a plane and seen it being loaded into the belly.  It rocks. 

I buy umbrellas…mainly because I visit rainy countries like England and Ireland.  I have a couple little ones and a couple bigger ones for use in the US of A. 

A youth you’re content to move beyond.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my youth so far…I don’t think 30 is old!  

A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

Ooooooooooooooo STORYTIME.  This on time in Methuen Townhouse… ;o)  Sorry folks, some stories I'll save for my "old age."

 

And just in case you missed it...the full list of 30 x 30 and Part 1.   

And here's a picture for Jessica!

note the blog giveaway clutch in action!  ^^^

30x30: Part 1

So it's officially 76 days until my 30th birthday!  That means it's time for the first installment of the 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the time She’s 30 series.  (Henceforth to be known as 30x30 cause that's way to much to write out every. time.)

I posted the list here in case you want to see it again.  Alright...here goes!

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.

CHECK!  Well I have old boyfriends…and there is a reason most of them are old boyfriends.  And some it was simply not the right time.  But let’s just say I’m extremely happy where I am now and leave this one at that. 

2.  A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

CHECK!  I bought a couch about four years ago when I moved into my second apt.  I love my big blue couch!  

I also bought a brand new headboard and foot-board this summer, and I've bought a plethora of littler odds and ends for the house.  So I've got this one covered!

3.  Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

CHECK!  I have a fabulous blue tweed suit that I absolutely love.  It’s professional and yet young enough that I can wear it and look fresh instead of frumpy.  I also have great jeans, cute tops and a little black dress.  

Three down, twenty-seven to go! ☺

30 by 30

This article came to my attention last year and really struck a chord (especially since I'll be 30 in just about 83 days).  So for the next few months I'm going to be going through this list of 30 things every woman should have or know by the time she's 30.  

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the time She’s 30
By Pamela Redmond Satran

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.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
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.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

and because Jessica hates posts without pictures... 

presents from my Valentine ♥