it's closer than you think

{cred}

my cousin jb sent me this the other day. she understands that as a planner, i needed to get a head start on the list :)

i recently read this in glamour mag, but i'm so glad jb sent it to me to reiterate it! generally when i'm reading glamour it's at the pool with the sun in my eyes and a dozy nap sprinkled in, so it's easy to forget what i've read.

here's the list of things to do before you turn 30. jhc, that's only two and a half (i think typing the words instead of '2.5 years' looks longer) years away.

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.
how about a dozen that remind me how far i've come? i bet i could find one i'd go back to. i'll always have my 'loml.'

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
excellent, but i do have to admit my mom pushed me in this direction. i was two seconds away from an ikea purchase.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
ultimately, my black silk banana republic dress would do the trick for both-with a few tweaks.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
purse, check. suitcase-ehhh. do you really need to own an umbrella in colorado?

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
yes. other than the fact that i haven't done much traveling or much of anything spontaneous...but hey, i've got two and a half years for that.

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

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it.
my anxiety attack most days starts or ends with this idea. i'm workin on it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you.
people don't have these things?

9. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
maybe it's my fault for never padding, but yes, i'm good here.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
i've got a couple in each of these categories, and a couple that serve as both. this makes my heart swell with happiness, as i was just saying the other day, these kind of friends are harder to come by than you'd think.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
i don't have a cordless drill, but i've got some fella neighbors with one. that oughta get me through for a bit!

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
ridiculously expensive may be a stretch. i bought a $300 jacket-but it was on mega sale. i've been way too focused on paying off my debt to go purchasing something wild. maybe for my 30th birthday :)

13. The belief that you deserve it.
i'm workin on 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.
oh man, i feel on top of the game. i just came up with a skin care routine and bit the bullet and spent a good chunk of money on it. ya know, eye creams, serums, frothy washes, toners, etc. i had to get a tutorial in the store. as it turns out, your skin can't always live on clean and clear.
i'm still searching for that just right exercise routine that i don't hate. i'm on the market for that perfect thing for me.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.
i feel confident that by thirty i'll be here, which, i suppose, is half the battle.

the article also says...

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-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. Where to go -- be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat -- when your soul needs soothing.
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, 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

happy reflection.
xoxo ashleycolean