Thirty before Thirty

Twenty-nine. That feels so weird to say. As I reflect on my twenty-nine years, I am very grateful for everything I have been able to experience and everyone I have been able to experience life with thus far. I am approaching my thirtieth birthday (WOW I cannot believe thirty is next weekend), I want to reflect on some of my thirty personal accomplishments and experiences I’ve had in my first twenty-nine years of life (Thirty before Thirty):

1. I have been to every Chicago professional sporting event (Bears, Bulls, Hawks, Cubs and Sox).
2. I have been skydiving. Funny story, my best friend and I tagged along to take pictures on the ground of my sister and her friends skydiving. My sister and her friends ended up talking me and my best friend into going skydiving too).
3. I have been on an African safari in Uganda, Africa. Best experience of my life. Thank you Parents.
4. I have been white water rafting on the Nile River (scariest experience of my life) but so worth it. Again, thanks Parents.
5. So far, I’ve been to Italy, London, Germany, Thailand and Uganda overseas. I hope (and plan) to travel more in my future years of life.
6. I have completed a Masters education.
7. I have been and currently am in love. Sappy, I know.
8. I have also had my heart broken.
9. I have completed four out of the seven sacraments of the Catholic church.
10. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
11. I am a certified Sailor by the ASA (American Sailing Association).
12. I have been to 14 out of the 50 USA States. I have lived in 2 (IL&IN).
13. I have swam with dolphins, sting rays and an otter (all supervised of course). Oh, and kissed on the cheek by a very large sea lion (ha!)
14. I saw Beyonce and Ellie Golding in concert (two of my favorite artists).
15. I visited an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand–another one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks M.
16. I have been a bridesmaid in two of my best friends weddings.
17. I have started a blog. 🙂
18. I will be celebrating my 30th birthday in Iceland (this weekend-ahh!)
19. I have seen a Broadway play (Chicago!)—thanks Parents. I have also seen Cats and Hamilton in the Chicago Theatre.
20. I started investing.
21. I have been on two cruise ships.
22. I have experienced two weekend festivals (Lollapalooza and Country Thunder-twice).
23. I have shot a gun (at clay pigeons).
24. I have ziplined (in Jamaica).
25. I have experienced loss/death of a close loved one.
26. I have been to three casinos (and won money).
27. I have ran multiple 5ks and one 8k (shamrock shuffle).
28. I have been a cat mama and currently a dog mama to two.
29. I have been horseback riding (California and Illinois).
30. I have been snorkeling in the Phi Phi islands. Read more about my amazing Thailand experience here.

Writing down 30 things I have accomplished and experienced in my life before I turn thirty was very rewarding. I have had a very successful life so far, and I look forward to the next thirty years. This coming Saturday I will be turning THIRTY and I will be doing a round up of 30 things I want to accomplish in my thirties in an upcoming blog post, so make sure you’re signed up for my email list so you can stay tuned!

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XO