Why I’m Pumped About Turning 30
June 4, 2014I can 100% say I am ready for this next stage in my life. I feel like I lived my twenties to the fullest. I fit a lot in during that decade. I graduated college, completed my Masters degree at an Ivy League school and found my dream job that I’m still with and thriving at. I’ve found many ways to fill each hour in the day with my adjunct teaching, Pure Barre instructing and recently taken to this creative space where I have gotten to know so many amazing people! Oh yeah I’m also marrying the love of my life and planning a wedding. My family has grown over the years to include my amazing nieces and nephews as well as continue to grow stronger as the years progress. I don’t want that to sound like I’m bragging or to throw a #blessed behind it for the “humble brag” but I wanted to step back and really awe about not only all the things one can accomplish in a decade but also how quickly it flies by!
I don’t really have a bucket list if you will of things I need to do before I turn 30 but I would really like to take a quick trip down memory lane of the things I will not miss about being in my 20’s.
Why I’m Pumped About Turning 30
I have enough money now to buy a bottle of wine and sushi for dinner instead of eating off the kids menu at Moe’s. Why you ask because
With that said I have that tiny bit of extra funds to drop on that expensive eye cream, healthcare memberships and things that are going towards my overall health and well being. It’s all about taking care of yourself now.
I no longer think that wearing tube tops/showing my stomach/or thinking ribbons as chokers and crosses are an appropriate form of jewelry or ways to dress.
I have a real grown up car now, with windows that roll down without my cranking them and a sunroof.
Instead of feeling bad and obligated to go to a random acquaintances birthday/breakup/passing the bar/whatever the case party. I can just say, sorry I’m not feeling it and I’ve had a long week. The couch is calling my name and I don’t feel bad for one second about it.
With that said I’ve whittled down all the peripheral friends down to just my close group of friends that are truly amazing people that inspire me every day.
I no longer feel threatened or inferior when someone else succeeds now I applaud and praise those around me who are successful and driven.
Svedka is no longer an acceptable choice for vodka (too many nights in Gainesville). Or those mystery well drinks from bottles that are kept underneath the bar that you never actual saw the labels when being poured from. Now I can spend double digit numbers on a bottle of wine and still not have to eat Moe’s for dinner as a consequence.
Working out once a week on the school campus treadmill for a half hour while 20 minutes of that was either catching up with a girlfriend or chatting with the guy next to you was pretty much my early twenties “exercise regimen”. I’m dropping some air quotes around that because it wasn’t really clearly. Now that I have some extra cash flow to really take care of myself, health and fitness are my top priorities. Being able to afford those spin classes, Pilates Reformer private sessions and Barre classes never happened when I was a poor college student.
I no longer have to wear teeny tiny Halloween costumes that are some kind of reputable profession with the name “sexy” thrown in front of it……sexy cop/firefighter/pilot etc.
Oh and I’ll never mistake a jean skirt for fashion ever again
I’m no longer the student in school…..now I’m the teacher……BOOM
Dancing in 4 inch heels….nope give me my chair, a glass of wine and plenty of room for people judging watching.
Last one…….
Three words…..belly button ring. Thank goodness all that remains of that evidence is a tiny scar that only I can see.
Who else is with me on saying goodbye to their 20’s? What are you thankful to say goodbye to? What will you miss? Any advice about turning 30? I am so excited! I really cannot wait to take on this new chapter in my life and continue to share and grow with you (was that good enough for a Miss America speech? ;-) xoxoxo
I love this post (why you’re one of my favorites!!) You embrace what life always has to offer.
So excited to see you rock this next decade!
Ok I totally had those jeans back in the day too! I loved them with the leather laceup sides!! I’m 30 and am more confident now than when I was a cheerleader in college. I am also more comfortable with my body and no longer desire to wear crop tops or tight ass clothes.
atparsons.blogspot.com
I remember those jeans with the laceup sides! So awesome. I recently found an old jean skirt in my closet and wondered if it was a good idea at the time. I hope to be able to do all those cool classes one day! Maybe if I get a little richer in the near future and can convince myself not to buy a thousand shoes instead.
Every 5 years after 30 is when women evolve. You have so much to look forward to!
Lmao! I loved this! I just turned 28 so I’m 2 years away from 30 but you can bet your ass I’m doing one of these too!
And those super low rise jeans with the lace up sides and the halter top belly shirts were so my thing too once. I still do rock a jean skirt once in a while when I’m going to a beach bbq or something. That’s still acceptable, right? Like surfer style, I guess.
And I feel you on the whole not being jealous of others’ success thing too. Lately I’ve been feeling more inspired and uplifted by watching everyone else succeed and be happy.
Cheers to 30!
Being an adult can be totally awesome! Sounds like you have many things to be happy and thankful for! And jeans skirts, thank goodness I got over that trend!
Haha these are so good! I’m definitely appreciating the extra cash flow as I get older!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
The 30’s are so much easier because you can buy wine and not be poor after! Haha! Just doing your own thing and not caring what people thing is a big one I learned as I got older.
You absolutely crushed your 20’s and I’m sure your 30’s will be no different!! You have figured out how to jam pack life into 24 hours every single day!!! The extra cash flow is one of the best parts to being an adult!! Jean skirts for Gator Games…that I will miss about college each and every football season!!! XO
LOL Love this! Oh and I have exactly 25 days so I got you beat by a few days! We’re going to rock 30 though, I can already tell! :) Not going to lie though, I still order off the kids menu when I go to Moe’s. The regular menu is just too much food! Hahaha at least you weren’t rocking the jean skirt and Uggs… ;)
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
Being able to spend money on wine is pretty much a life necessity. :) I think I’m going to be more of the type to be 29 for a few years. Haha.
Haha ribbons as chokers! I went through that phase too… XO Luckily I was never allowed to pierce my belly button.
You and I are a lot alike :) I am 34 and I totally feel you on all of these!
BTW… those hot pants up there with the suede ties on the side??? I totally rocked a pair of pants AND shorts like those. HAHA! Gotta love Rave!!
don’t be dissing jean skirts since i wore one yesterday! but mine didn’t show my labia and it was a dark wash so that’s totally acceptable for old hag fashion.
my 20s were awesome but my 30s were better because you legit give zero shits except for the important stuff. everything else is just noise and there’s a great feeling of liberation when you don’t care about the dumb shit that used to stress you out when you were younger.
thanks for linking up!
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
LOL LOL ^ Kathy said Labia. I dig it. While I still wish I had the body of my 20’s, I agree with every single thing you have mentioned. Although I would still probably eat off the kid menu at Moe’s, not cause I can’t afford anything else, but because it’s so dang delicious!
Sitting at a bar drinking wine/people watching over 4 inch heels any day!
What eye cream do you use?
Love this! Ill be 29 in August *gasp* and yay to all those things cept I am still the student (doing my masters) but upside. .. Im also the teacher haha.
You’ll rock at 30!
Love this!! Love your attitude about 30! I’m turning 28 on Sunday and this is the first year I haven’t been sad about getting older! Love the advice from Betty White too! :-) have a great day!
This is awesome. I’m all about spending more on your health and fitness. Those are what leave me feeling great!
ahhhh! this was amazing. i had no idea you were almost 30, you look so young! love the throwback photos, especially the first one – i had those jeans with the ties on the side. oy vey. and the jean skirt! oh my lordy. you look cute but it is not a cute look anymore and when i see people wearing them i’m like what are you doing?! and yes i feel you on the belly button ring… hell, i had my tongue pierced as well :-| here’s to the next decade gorgeous!
i cried the nigh before i turned 30, but now i can look back and laugh. love my 30s!
I’m excited to turn 30 this year too! It’s bittersweet but I think this next decade will be much better than our messy 20’s…. Well mine were messy…
I’m so glad you’re happy about turning 30. Too many girls freak out because they haven’t met their ‘deadlines’ and it’s so ridiculous. Your 30s will be so much better than your 20s, I promise! :)
I’m kind of freaking out about turning 30 this year. I referred to myself as a 20-something last night and realized that it isn’t true much longer! You have a great outlook on it, though – care to pass some of that optimism my way?
Well… Grandma chiming in here… back when I turned 30 I had a big party to celebrate what I now know as the hardest decade of my life but probably the most packed with memories of so many really big firsts. Which naturally comes from having a bunch of babies. It’s a lot different than your carefree 20’s but so much fun. 40’s are even better though!!
Hahaha love this post! I had a pt the other day who had a belly button ring, she was 50!! And she was asking me on how to become a nurse because she’s been on disability for the past few years and is ready to go back to work. First of all, 2002 called and wants it’s belly button ring back! I’ve always heard you are more financially stable and the most comfortable with who you are in your 30’s. I’m looking forward to it. You are a rock star with all you do. I still don’t know how you make time to blog and do it all. Also wanted to know your opinion on FNP vs Adult NP. I’m still going back forth about NP school, ugh!
I loved this! I always feel like I’m in the minority because I think aging/growing up is such a blessing, and even though I do sometimes miss being younger and more care free– every single thing you said is so true! I will admit, I have a jean skirt that I love so much I won’t get rid of it because I’m just waiting for it to come back in style again. LOL!
Sooo much to look forward when turning 30 and so much to reflect on..especially the embarrassing fads that came and went throughout the decade! So glad I got rid of my jean skirt and belly button ring too.. never.again.
I appreciate this post a lot. Don’t ask me how (because I have no idea), but I got confused and thought I was turning 29 this week for the last 6 months. I’m not kidding. I seriously thought I was 28 turning 29. And then my husband called me out like an idiot. I feel like I got a year of my life back (yes, I’m that stupid. Like I said–I have no idea how it happened). While I was thinking of turning 29, I got a little panicky until I realized that, like you, I’m happy with my twenties. A lot happened in this decade. I still have two years left (because yes, in fact, I’m only turning 28 on Sunday), but I’m still proud of everything that’s happened in the last 10 years. I love that you’re embracing it!!! It’ll encourage so many others of us to do the same! I always think of that quote: Don’t regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
Oh the jean skirt days… I think I had like 20 no joke haha! It’s crazy how we change! I just gave away all my 5 inch heels, I can’t do that anymore hahaha! You’re going to make 30 look so good!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
I’ll be 28 this year and I’m on board with all of these… except the belly button ring. Still rocking that and loving it…
I do remember though high school and college it was really popular to put headbands around your neck and tie them up in the back so they’d look like chokers — I have pictures. It’s terrible!
-Kate
http://www.theflorkens.com
So delighting to see that the last 10 years have been so good to you. Cheers! And I love the rest of this post! At 25, I feel like a pretty good portion of these are setting in for me. Although I’m still a big fan of stepping into my favorite heels for a night of dancing ;)
Even though I’m still five years away from the big 3-0, I can honestly say I probably will agree with you on most of these things when that time comes! You’ve captured the essence of 20-year-olds perfectly.
Hey Amanda!! Oh my gosh Happy Birthday!! This post rings so true!! I am not quite there yet but I completely agree with everything!! Things we mistake as fashionable or good judgment maybe not so much now, lol! You look beautiful by the way! Keep up the amazing work girl!! And talk soon! <333 XOXO
Lisa,xo
http://chiclittlethrills.blogspot.com/
Love it! I love your positive attitude toward turning 30, I’m the same way! Beats the alternative :) Yup, I have had a great time in my 20’s and am very thankful for a lot of the same things. Especially being able to buy nice dinners and beauty stuff!
Is it weird for me to comment that this was beautiful? It was. Shows so much maturity. It beautiful to grow. And aside from all that– IT WAS A GOOD LAUGH/SMILE COMBO. No longer the student, discovering low lights, whittling down your friends- AMEN !!
Fantastic post!! It is all so true. Having extra cash when you are older is fantastic. You have a great outlook on life and its really inspiring.
Best, Mree
Getting older isn’t so bad, is it?
Wait till you’re like me – in your 40’s… you REALLY learn to not care about what people think & have a sense of “whatever I want to do” attitude. Good stuff :)
hahahaha omg the jean skirts!!! they were SO COOL. and if you didnt get it at abercrombie or hollister you had a reason to be embarassed :)
i’m sort of embracing the almost 30 too. (will be 29 in august). i dont think i miss being a bratty 20-something from college at all!
This post is AWESOME! I just recently found your blog and this post just solidified a new reader for sure! :) I just turned 27 so I have a few more years in my 20s but I’m nodding along with you on lots of these, I feel like I’ve really accomplished a lot in this decade and age doesn’t bug me most of the time anymore :)
So weird, this is the second post in a row I read on embracing aging, and I myself was thinking on the way to the train station this morning how you could not pay me to go back to my 20s. For all of your reasons and more. Enjoy your last month there, the 30s have been totally freaking awesome for me.
I confess… i miss wearing jean skirts. honestly i loved wearing them. i know. haha but yeah this is an awesome list!
These are so right on! Why did I ever think belly baring tube tops were great fashion? I turned 31 this year, and it’s weird to type my age now, but it’s all good on the other side. I like feeling that I know more of what I want and have the drive to get it. I could do without the new wrinkles, though:) Happy almost birthday!
Girl, turning thirty was the BEST. Honestly, it’s like I woke up that morning (feeling a little older for the first time in years) and just stopped caring so much about insignificant things. Idk why. But it happened. 20s Sara = crippling fear of being judged. 30s Sara = I do what I want. ;)
hooooray for birthdays! i turn 29 on june 23rd and im excited for my last year in my 20s. my 20s were awesome, i did a lot of the things i wanted to do (get married, buy a condo, travel, get a great job). I totally hear ya on priorities changing! Now I treat myself to better food, workout classes and doctors visits (hello dermatologist!) I totally wish i didnt have a hole from my belly button ring tho. the thing WONT close! so gross. ah well looks like you are in a great place and you have a lot to celebrate :) :) xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Oh, the belly button ring haha…. I wanted one so bad that me and my insane fear of needles attempted one anyways. So I have a scar, and the hoop literally hung by a thread of skin before it fell out. Cheers to 30! Move over denim skirts and slutty Halloween costumes is right hah.
Happy almost birthday!! I still have 4 more years to go before the big 3-0 but I definitely feel 10x more mature and responsible now than I did at 22 or 23. It’s amazing what 3 short years can do!
Oh god the belly button ring….I took mine out when I was 22. I LOVED that thing…even though as a soccer player it was pretty inconvenient at times haha.
PS you have an amazing Birthday! Day after July 4th! How fun!
xo, jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Bahahahaha! I seriously LOVE and 110% agree with ALL of these! Cheers to your first 30 years, girl! :) You definitely have so much to look forward to and be thankful for! I’m so happy for you!
I am now rather excited about turning 30!! Thank you for that :D
can jean skirts go away forever please?! also, i think the biggest point you made as we become real adults is you finally catch on to not giving an eff when it comes to pleasing people. If you don’t want to go to something, we no longer feel obligated to go!
This is hilarious and so true!! I was sad about turning 30 last year, but now I am so comfortable with staying in, watching dateline with my hubby and enjoying a glass of wine instead of partying or “clubbing” as the kids call it these days…. Enjoy your last month in your 20s!!!
Being 30 isnt so bad. It is the accompanying wrinkles and cellulite that blows.
Hahaha I love it! Jean skirts used to be my favorite thing lol and that damn belly button scar… mine seems like it will never go away!!
30’s are wonderful! It’s like you finally grow into you and you feel comfortable with it.
I’m so glad I’m past wearing belly shirts and jean skirts, that pictures exist are enough for me.
9 or 10 yrs later I still have my belly button ring and I’m not getting rid of it b/c it may or may not be in style anymore. It’s not about being caught up with everyone else and what’s going on. It’s about what you like. I enjoy it and love it. Plus, I went 7 years and no one ever knew about it. Doubt some folks know now.
30 is what I turned last year and this year I will be 31. It’s just an age. Nothing special about it. Nothing major about it. I may be 30 but i damn sure don’t look 30 and have 10 or more years off of me. Which rocks and will rock in years to come.
http://nightowlventing02.blogspot.com/2014/06/these-are-my-confessions.html
girl yes I am right there with you on 100% of these. Hasta la vista tight clothes, kids menu, and not being able to figure out why I’m not losing weight even though I walked on the treadmill for like 30 minutes today!
Ahh jean skirts on gamedays. What were we thinking?!
Loved this! I’m knocking on 30’s door and I honestly think it’ll be some of the best years. I’ve never been more comfortable in my own skin and happy with the person I’ve become! Although I just can’t bring myself to get rid of that jean skirt that’s stashed in my closet…
True story: the other day I re-purposed by belly button ring into a midi ring for my pinky. BOOYA! *drops mic*
lol, great gifs today :). I feel you on most of these, specially about spending money on well being and such. If it´s in for good use, its worth spending.
For me, I still feel like I need to accomplish more before I turn 30 (I am a 15 year old at heart)….lol, on the plus side, I still have 3 more years to go, so I guess theres time, right?
I am so excited that you are pumped about turning 30. I hated turning 30.
Turning 30 didn’t bother me too much. 40 will be another story.
There are so many perks to being in your 30s, it’s ridiculous. I turn 37 tomorrow and I’ve been doing some major reflecting now that I can see 40 soon.
Also, I totally used that GIF today, too :)
Happy almost birthday!! I love this post! Women are usually ashamed to celebrate their achievements but I am so happy that you are loud and proud!! Go girl – you deserve it! :)
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Haha there’s so much on here where I’m like damn it that’s me! Good thing I’m only at the mid point of my 20s lol.
bahahha denim skirts and ribbon chokers! Thank sweet baby jesus that Facebook wasn’t really around then!
Oh, I love this! Isn’t it funny how things change? Especially love the denim skirt and the ribbon choker!
There are so many great things about being on the other side of 30, and wine for dinner is definitely one of them! :) I was happy to leave the ribbon chokers behind too, haha!
I love this! We are so on the same wavelength! I am very much looking forward to what 30 will bring!
YES!! This list is perfection. I love hearing people say how much better their 30’s are than their 20’s. It helps me be way less freaked out about my big birthday next year. Happy bday month!!!
i love this! i am going to bookmark to read next year when I turn the big 3-0 :)
30 has been a blast so far! Yes all of those fashion choices that were ok when I was a 20-something are absolutely not ok now! Also, I am secretly glad my mom never let me pierce my belly button because I’m sure I would have been the 30 year old walking around with it at the beach.
I turn 30 in January 2015 and I still have a hard time believing it! The past five years of my life seem to have flown by. I am looking forward to celebrating, though!
yyyyyep! I’m good at missing out on random parties and having no other excuse than “Ugh, long week!”