When I originally planned this list of “30 things to do before I turn 30,” I was about nine years old. I would talk to my friends and family about all the things I wanted to achieve before I turned 30. I’ve always had a close relationship with adults and enjoyed sharing my dreams with them. When I was a pre-teen, I wanted to be a lawyer. I worked tirelessly through high school, graduated with honors, and got accepted into Carleton University. However, my first year in Law wasn’t what I expected, and I soon realized it wasn’t for me. A guidance counselor suggested I switch to Sociology, so I did.
Flash forward a few years later, I still had my “30 things list” in the back of my mind. After a year-long adventure in England, where I worked for Barclays Bank and traveled around Europe, I was ready to settle down and start checking off items on my list. While in England, I made some amazing friends, and now we all have kids, but we still know how to party. I can’t wait to see them again and plan for them to visit me in Canada.
Living the dream at 29 years old
I’m doing what many people my age would call the dream. However, this dream comes with lots of blood, sweat, and tears—mostly tears, because I faint at the sight of blood. After my European trip, I settled down, worked full-time, and pursued my studies part-time at Carleton University until I graduated in 2013. I always knew I wanted to get married by 26 and have a child by 28. However, buying my first house at 22 felt like a major accomplishment. It became the party house for my friends and me, but I kept it clean thanks to my OCD tendencies and the same house cleaner I’ve had since then.
I met my now-husband Luc online through POF (Plenty of Fish). He was my backup plan for the night, as my first date canceled last minute. We met for drinks, played pool, and then I invited him to a party at my house. The rest is history. I was 23, talking to this cute and fun guy about all the things I wanted to accomplish. Looking back, he probably thought I was joking, but I wasn’t.
My List of 30 Things
Here’s a list of things I want to do before I turn 30 in the next few months. I hope you’ll help me out or point me in the right direction as I journey on my path and kick all my goals’ asses.
Learn more about me on our “About Us” page.
Achievements
- Get married – Done!
Growing up, my grandmother always told me to get married before having children. Oops! However, she was super cool, always taking me shopping and buying me things my mom was against for some reason. - Buy my dream house – Done!
However, this is our third property. We still have my first house, which I bought at 22 and rent out in Stittsville. I moved to Stittsville after keeping my horse on Hazeldean Road at my best friend’s place. - Start my family – Done!
When I was 23, a year after meeting Luc, I had extreme baby fever. Now we have Philippe. - Get a degree & start my own business – Done!
I now get to do my dream job full-time. It’s the best and worst feeling sometimes, as it scares me but also motivates me. - Travel more – On it!
I want to do at least 2-3 trips a year. I’ve traveled to many places, including Spain, France, Amsterdam, Scotland, Portugal, Italy, Egypt, Florida, Cuba, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. My next trip includes Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Thailand.
To-Do List
- Shoot a gun
Luc has been bugging me to do this for years. - Go paintballing
I plan to do this as soon as the weather warms up. - Learn to make fancy cakes
I can bake, but they aren’t pretty. Any class suggestions? - Learn calligraphy
I’d love to host a wine and calligraphy night. - Sew an outfit
I want to be proud of what I’m wearing. Who wants to sew with me? - Swim with sea turtles
I love these guys but have never swum with them. - Get accredited by the Professional Photographer’s of Canada
It’s on my list! - Make bath products
I’ve never made a cream or scrub/soap. I’d love to learn. - Make pottery or cement DIY
Either or? - Get hypnotized
Anyone brave enough to join me? - Karaoke
I’ve never done this that I can remember, so it doesn’t count. - Play Bingo at a bingo hall
I want to make some money! - Learn to play poker and join a tournament
A home-style one, of course, because I don’t want to lose all my money. - See a ballet
I’d love to go with someone. - Try pole dancing
I know this takes extreme strength, but it could be fun. - Fit into my skinny jeans
I’m working on losing 20 more pounds. - Shuck oysters
I’ve never learned how to do this or eaten them. - Leave my mark in graffiti
Is this illegal? Anyone want to join? - Feed or clothe the homeless
I’ve donated but never seen the direct impact. - Learn to meditate
I can’t go more than 3 minutes without my mind racing. I’d love to get to 10 minutes a day. - Learn to skate backwards
I still don’t know how to do this. Does that even make me a Canadian? - Learn how to dive without holding my nose
I’ve never been able to do this. My son is better at it already, and he’s three. - Learn to drive a motorcycle
I’d love to drive one and maybe get a second tattoo. - Find a recipe that mushrooms taste good in
Yet to find this! - Find my purpose
I want to build amazing and long-lasting relationships with like-minded people. I’m thankful for the real relationships I’ve made in the past few years.
Conclusion
I know I am far from being the woman who has all her stuff together, even though I like to pretend that I do sometimes. Every day, I try to be a good wife, mom, friend, role model, sister, cousin, and businesswoman. These hats aren’t easy to juggle, and I know I am not alone when I say it’s hard! I have good days and bad days, but that’s just part of life, and that’s okay!
If you would like to help me complete my list, please reach out to me! My birthday is March 19th, and I am planning a weekend in Montreal with some couple friends, and of course, baby-free! If you want to join, let me know!
