I have always been a bit of a ditz where age is concerned - I can never pick how old other people are (I generally tend to shave several years off peoples' ages when I take a guess), and I often have to count up from my siblings to remember exactly how old I am. I guess that age, to me, truly is "just a number", and I don't classify people as being young or old based on how many years they have been around, but more based on their attitude and outlook on life.
That said, I am turning 30 next year (obviously!), and it is becoming increasingly apparent to me that this is a Fairly Big Deal. To tell the truth, I'm kind of excited about it! 30 is such a nice, round, even number to be! And given that it is apparently some sort of milestone, I thought it would be fun to evaluate my life and think about what I might want to achieve in the next 12 months, before I turn 30. (Yes, I am all on my own this weekend and utterly BORED right now LOL)
Just because I lurve lists so much, I made a list! Of 30 things I would love to do before I turn 30:
As much as I love eating them, I have never successfully baked a batch of scones. My one attempt, 5 years ago, resulted in crumbly, disastrous dough which disintegrated as I tried to mould it. I think I'm ready for another shot
2. Finish knitting my scarf
I have had a gorgeous grey Merino wool scarf on my knitting needles for over 12 months now. Must Finish Scarf!
3. Learn to crochet
Are you sending a distinctly craft-y theme? Its something I've always wanted to do, and its apparently easy enough to learn. Perfect for fumble-fingered me
4. Join a book club
V finds this one hilarious for some reason, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be in a book club! Hey, English was my fave subject in high school, and then I spent 4 years studying English literature. Nothing floats my boat more than sitting in a room with other book-nerds, dissecting and arguing over some fantastic literary tome
5. Learn to braid my own hair
Again, I am a fumble-fingers and all past attempts have resulted in a big fat mess. I am sure, with the aid of youtube tutorials, this can be achieved!
6. Start a herb garden
I had one years ago and nothing beats being able to duck out into the garden for fresh mint, basil or thyme
7. Learn to do the cryptic crossword
My boss will appreciate this one, he's been trying to teach me!
8. Incorporate yoga practice into my daily life
I normally get 3 to 4 classes in each week, but I would love to take it to the next level of daily practice, in my own time
9. Go whale-watching
I live on the picturesque South Coast of Australia and have never been whale watching! Travesty!
10. Overcome my needlephobia
This is a topic for a whole other post, but I am currently having counseling sessions involving cognitive behavioural therapy, and its going very well so far!
11. Run in the Australia Day Aquathon
Ok now I'm scared Rob (the event organiser) is going to read this and hold me to it! I've been involved in volunteering at the event for years now, and have always wanted to run (ahem walk/jog) in the mini event, but have never had the guts. So 2012 is my year, baby!
The single thing I regret in my life is having to quit ballet, when I got sick as a child. Its something I've always loved. I've found a local studio which teaches adult ballet classes, and I'm excited to give it a try!
13. Sew a quilt
Kind of self-explanatory. I just think they're so gorgeous!
14. Start taking film photos again
I miss real photography! And my poor Pentax has been sitting gathering dust for far too long
15. Get our framed wedding photo enlargements
Its been nearly 2 years since our wedding day, we have PAID for the darn things, seriously! I know, I'm embarrassed by it, trust me
I love going sans makeup already, but I'm going to try and participate in this new movement and ban the blush and concealer each Monday
17. Cook a souffle
Something I've always wanted to make, but have always been a bit scared to try
18. Become a morning person
I have no idea how this can be achieved, but I've always wanted to be one of those (crazy, annoying) people who jump out of bed when their alarm goes off, refreshed and ready to face the day. I suspect going to bed earlier might be key
19. Stop driving my car so often - walk and bike more
Its everyone's planet, and I'm making a conscious effort to try and be more eco-friendly. This seems like a good step
20. Make my own pasta
My parents make fresh pasta and its seriously the best thing I've ever eaten. I need to steal their pasta-making paraphenalia for a weekend and give it a whirl myself!
21. Watch every Audrey Hepburn movie ever made
She is a goddess, what more can I say?
22. Hit up the local Op Shops
I love finding bargains and hidden gems, and its been far too long since I've been!
23. Go caffeine-free for an entire month
Be afraid people, be very afraid!
24. Read the entire Harry Potter series from start to finish
I am such a nerd, I love it
25. Bite the bullet and have my gremlin-infested iPhone sent off for repair ✓
The warranty on the handset is up on 3 July, and I simply cannot put it off any longer. It shits me to tears, and there is nothing more embarrassing than having a barrister call you on your mobile, only to be greeted by the sounds of screeching, chattering gremlin noises
26. Have a night at the Royal Australian ballet
See number 12, above. My ideal way to spend a night out
27. Watch the sun rise
Sad as it may sound, I have never done this!
28. Research my family tree
Like, properly research my anscestry, not just a few generations back
29. Do my Senior First Aid
As I get older it kind of freaks me out that the last time I learned CPR was in high school! I feel its irresponsible of me not to brush up properly on the skills required to save someone's life
30. Get my fortune told
This one will make me friends laugh because I am the world's biggest sceptic (seriously, I'm a member of the Sceptic's Society!) But I think it would be such a laugh to have this done
Ok, so there you have it, my 30 before 30 list! My apologies if I've bored you all to tears in the process! It will be interesting to look back on this in a year's time and see how I went
Have any of you ever done something similar?
xoxo
I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea, I did the exact same thing in 2010 when I was having a mini-crisis about the direction of my life! It's SOoo important to focus on the little goals you can set to make life more fulfilling. You have inspired me to do a new list for 2011! (After re-visiting the old one and seeing how much I can tick off ;) I can tick off starting a blog for starters, yay!) xxx
ReplyDeleteLove your list! I also turn 30 this year and I'm excited about it. I can highly recommend watching the sunrise - it's magical, I do it as often as I can :). I'm also looking to join (or start!) a book club (I studied English Lit as well) but sadly I am in Sydney, not the South Coast. I did recently join in with the 1book140 book club over Twitter, and had the chance to chat live with Margaret Atwood last week (amazing woman!) but I would like to sit around with tea and some good friends to discuss literature.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with achieving your list!
Elly
PS - Happy 29th :)
PPS - I tried adult ballet classes a couple of years ago - it was fun but I was terrible! I'm not very coordinated! I'll stick to running :)
That is such a great list. I turned 30 last year and it's an awesome excuse to force yourself to do things you want to do. I'm sure you'll blitz them.
ReplyDeleteWeirdly, one of mine was to start wearing more makeup! I have been watching heaps of youtube tutorials and loving it.
Must dig out my list!
I love this idea! I wish I'd thought of '21 things to do before I turn 21'. There are so many things on your list I've never tried before! I cant wait to see how you go with all of them :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic list! I love the idea of ticking things off before you turn 30. I have a list in my head about things I want to do before I turn 30 (still 6 years away, but hey), like travel more, live overseas, and also take ballet lessons. Good luck with it all, I look forward to reading about your progress! xx
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I'm going to be the big 3-0 next year too, so I might well make an inspired list myself :D These days you'll find me sans makeup most of the time, pregnancy seems to be doing good for my skin this time 'round :)
ReplyDeleteThis list is SUCH a good idea....
ReplyDeleteShame I'm 364 days too late to make one :/ :/ :/
I love this idea too! Your list is excellent, it's all things that are actually achievable which is really great. I too look forward to reading your progress!
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you want to give the fresh-pasta-making a whirl, I got a great pasta machine from Big W for $25 and just use the Jamie Oliver pasta recipe. Dead easy! xxx
I don't have a 30 before 30 list, but I have a list of things I want to do before I leave Melbourne. I'm moving in November and I still have a lot of things to do!
ReplyDeleteOk I am going to give you the worlds easiest scone recipe. Even my mum who had a reputation for her scones being more like rock cakes (my brother and I used to throw them at each other and they would leave a bruise) could make this and they will come out perfect every time.
ReplyDelete3 cups SR Flour
1 cup cream
1 cup lemonade (trust me on this)
Mix to combine with a knife then make into approx 12 scones. Brush tops lightly with milk or egg wash (I rarely do this step and they always come out fine)
bake in 220 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until golden.
as for the ballet - just took my eldest daughter (11) to the ballet and we both had the most wonderful time. I am sure you will love it.
Good luck with it all!!!
Well I'm 25 in three weeks so I don't have to worry about my list yet, but perhaps I can do a mini one for that mile stone :)
ReplyDeleteYour iphone problem reminded me of last week I was getting mine fixed in store and this man walked up to the genius bar and told them that his phone made underwater alien noises when he used it. My genius and I tried so hard not to laugh, it was the cutest thing ever. Lucky for him they replaced it on the spot!
Love! Audrey Hepburn, I've watched a fair few of her movies and read so many books about her- this is something I'd definitely like to do as well.
Also I'll be introducing a forum soon on wiki and thought it would be nice to have a mini online book club? Would love you to join :) Hope you're having a good weekend.
Great idea! I'm 27 soon so might have to make a 30 before 30 list, I'll have a bit more time then! Let us know how you get on with it! XX
ReplyDeleteGood on you! I hope you achieve all of it.
ReplyDeleteI have four months less five days til I turn 30.
I'd love to have a list of things to achieve, but I think I'll just disappoint myself when it doesn't happen.
And to me, 30 is just another number. I certainly don't feel like I'm 29 or 30 (probably still 19!), but it's nice to celebrate nice round numbers.
Fantastic list! I also want to learn how to crochet. Going to convince my grandma to teach me :)
ReplyDeletelove your list! I just recently did a 24 before 24 list before my birthday in November. I might have to steal some of your items for my 25 before 25 though - especially the fortune telling one, that sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteMrsMacAwesome beat me to it with the lemonade scone recipe! It's not the most traditional one out there but it does make really good fluffy scones. It's my go to scone recipe. Pasta and souffles are also dead easy. You just have to not be afraid of failing the first go. Pasta is about feel. Get someone to show you first. Good luck with your list!
ReplyDeleteK xx
Great list!
ReplyDeleteI did the rounds of all the op shops near me last Saturday after not going for a few years.
I found some gems! And some shops I am going to frequent more often :-)
B can show you pasta, if ever you'd like to see it in action, babe.
ReplyDeleteWhale watching - used to do it every weekend during migration season in Jervis Bay as a child - we'd head to Point Perpendicular. Here's some info: http://www.abc.net.au/oceans/whale/spot.htm
Op-shopping - please, oh please, can we do this together one day?? I LOVE trawling op shops and B never lets me as he finds it boring, though he DID find a mint-condition star wars model, in box, from 1981 the other day! Score. <3
what a great ideia :)
ReplyDeletethere's a GIVEAWAY on my blog! http://behindcatiseyes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2-in-1-giveaway-2-em-1.html
If you're not interested can you please help me making a dream come true? just click here http://seasideny.com/home.fsp and vote for the "eyes.catis" picture please*
What a fantastic list. I would love to make a quilt!
ReplyDeleteI've just gone back to dancing after a few years hiatus and its so much fun, I'm sure you'll love going back to ballet!
:-)
http://girlonthepinkbike.blogspot.com/
Ooh love this idea!
ReplyDeleteI read the intro to your list and I was thinking 'I want to make one! I want to make one', then I read on and we actually share quite a few!
I love and adore scones (to a fault probably) and I have always wanted to make them. I want to make a quilt and verbalised this with my mum about a month ago! I found my 'lost' knitting needles from who-knows-how-long-ago and want to start up again. I want to find my love of craft again (needlepoint, sewing and card-making). I printed out timetables for a local dance studio last week, to learn... BALLET! Though I have never ever had a lesson... In fact the only time I tried ballet was after watching Centre Stage and I managed to twist the bejebus out of my calf muscle and I had spasms for days! LOL. While watching Masterchef last night I was telling myself 'I need to learn to make my own pasta!'
I turn 29 in less than a month, but I am sure I could muster up a doable list!
This is a great list!! Sounds like a plan ;) Read them all and I think they're all great and achievable.
ReplyDeleteHeidi xo
p.s. I went to the ballet on Saturday, lovely :) saw The Merry Widow. Going again in September to see Romeo & Juliet!
This is such a great list; everything is realistic and achievable. There's a couple points on here I'd love to do in the nxt 12mths as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reports back on attempts and progress on all.
:)
renewvintage.blogspot
An excellent list. Scones are easy! I will find my recipe for you when I have a moment, but the lemonade one is good.
ReplyDeleteOnce you are getting over your needle phobia, start donating blood - seriously, it might seem like a big step but it helped me no end. I think it helps that you know your action is saving lives. Tell them you are scared and they will give you a great nurse. Plus everyone says thank you and all you have done is lie back and drink a chocolate milkshake!
With braiding, can you do someone else's hair? If so, you know the technique. Start by plating your ponytail to get used to working behind your head. Then start with a chunky plait and work smaller as you get better. I actually find the inside out braide (where the braid sticks out higher) slightly easier to do on myself because I think it holds the hair tighter.
And definitely watch the sun rise. I've done it at loads of spectacular places, Machu Picchu, the Bolivian Salt Flats, Ankor Watt etc and it is always a really special time. Surprisingly different from sunset.
Oh and have an awesome party - mine has gone down as the stuff of legend!
This is a fantastic idea! My next b'day is the big 3-0 too! I'm really looking forward to the next phase, my 20's have been a filled with travel and love! I'm excited too see what's next.
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you on the needlephobia, im quite pathetic really. And I can't braid my hair either, never had to learn as my sister always did it for me.
I love that all your goals are totally do-able!
I've just turned 29 yesterday! so I totally understand and what a good idea to make this kind of list, I'll do the same, thx! :)
ReplyDeleteI just read about what happened to your poor hubby on the Vogue forums and wanted to say I hope he's ok! Sounds horrendous :(
ReplyDeleteGreat list, you've inspired me to write my own! I went through a big scone baking stage last year, try my scone receipe- http://www.themodernfabulous.com/2010/04/autumn-treat-easy-scones.html
ReplyDeleteOh I've been doing this too! I love having projects!
ReplyDeleteI obviously missed this when it first popped up, but this is a great idea! I think I'll replicate it at my next birthday!
ReplyDelete