30 Before 30 (A Realistic List)

I’m 30 this year. Granted, it’s almost as close to the end of the year as it can be (see below), but it’s still this year. Like most people with an impending ‘milestone’ birthday, I want to mark it in some way. And not just with a massive party, although I’d like one of those too (family, take note).

No, I’d quite like to work my way through a ’30 before 30′ list. And before you say it, I know. They’re cheesy. Like, horribly cringeworthy. “Swim with dolphins”, “do a skydive”, “learn a new language” – earnest pursuits to get out of the way before the big 3-0 hits and you give up life to raise children. That’s how these things usually work.

But I’m not interested in enriching my life or improving my intellect. I want to have fun. So this is my 30 before 30 list. Warning – contains gin, piercings and tattoos (family, take note).

1. Get a nose piercing
I’ve wanted one for years and never had the nerve, but now I’m totally ready for a teeny gold stud.

2. Cut my hair off
This is an easy one for me – I’ve had all sorts of hair lengths and colours over the years. It’s time for the extensions to come out!

3. Go to a roller derby
I absolutely love rollerskating. I’d love to go watch the Leeds Roller Dolls in action and maybe have a go myself… failing that, a roller disco would be similarly awesome.

4. Have a least 10 massages
Because they’re amazing, restorative and so worth the money.

5. Learn to cook
Ok, so this is a little earnest. And I can cook, but I want to learn more and be better.

6. Visit San Francisco
My beautiful friends Adam and Heidi moved to San Fran last year and I’m determined to get out there to see them.

8. Do a 10 mile walk
I did a 10 mile walk in 2013 for St Gemma’s Hospice and loved it. Not sure I’m ready for the Three Peaks, so something a little less intense would be great.

9. Go to a gin tasting
I love gin but I’m so set in my ways – Hendrick’s with cucumber or Gordon’s with lemon. I’d love to go to a proper tasting session at Lazy Lounge in Leeds and mix it up a bit!

10. Bake a cake
I literally cannot do this. Every cake I’ve attempted has been a disaster – maybe this will be the year I pull it off?

11. Write a short story
Another earnest one. I wrote hundreds of short stories when I was younger and it’s something I’d like to get back into.

12. Go on a girls’ holiday
Girls’ holidays are just the best. I’m thinking Ibiza or Dublin.

13. Do a yoga workshop
I did an ashtanga class for the first time today and it was tough – I think a workshop would help me understand the movements more.

14. Buy cashmere
Oh god, I love cashmere. More of it, please.

15. Try contact lenses
I’ve never worn contact lenses. They freak me out a little. But I’m interested in life without glasses, so…

16. Have a night out in Liverpool
I’ve heard it’s great. Any recommendations?

17. Nurture my nails
I’m really into nails at the moment – I’ve been wearing mine long and more pointed, applying almond oil every night to keep them strong. I want to get them perfect!

18. Decide on my top 3 burgers
It’s currently 1) Patty Smith’s Dirty Burger 2) Five Guys Cheeseburger 3) McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger, but I’m not sure that’s the definitive list…

19. Go to the cinema more
Going to the cinema is one of my favourite things to do. Again, more of this.

20. Explore Scotland
I’d love to go up to Aberdeen and spend more time in beautiful Scotland

21. Get another tattoo
This one’s already in the works – I’m going to Paris in May to get my second piece!

22. Master lipliner
I wear a lot of red lipstick but I’ve never got the hang of lipliner. This is the year.

23. Read at least 10 books
Can I sneak a final earnest one in? Don’t tell anyone.

24. Attempt flower arranging
I have a vague idea that modern floristry might be what I do when I’m through with this social media game. So maybe a course, or just some practise at home?

25. Get some office space
This one’s happening quite soon – in March I’m moving my business from its current open desk space into a studio of its very own!

26. Go to the ballet (and not to see The Nutcracker)
Ballet is one of the most beautiful things to watch, and I’m lucky to live in the same city as Northern Ballet.

27. Learn how to blend eyeshadow
I’d love to create a perfectly-blended smoky eye – surely YouTube can help me with this?

28. Sing karaoke
A few years ago my friends and I were obsessed with Singstar, and I’ve been to my fair share of karaoke bars – there’s nothing like belting out Beyoncé! I’d love to get back into it.

29. See the sunrise over New York City
I want to recreate Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, basically.

30. Have afternoon tea at Claridge’s
Wouldn’t that be a great way to spend my 30th birthday?

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