30 Before 30, The Epilogue

Almost a year ago, I set out to complete thirty tasks before my thirtieth birthday. Some of the tasks were simple (bake something for a potluck), while others were decidedly more difficult (visit a foreign country). What a crazy, lovely, wine-filled, lively, sweet adventure it has been!

Some of you have written to say that you are creating 30 Before 30 lists of their own, which I think is a phenomenal idea. I am completely serious when I say that this list changed my year. I've always been the type of person who finds herself mixed up in some extraordinary adventures, but this list upped the ante on fun. Without this list, I probably wouldn't have dragged my sister to a trampoline house or ate only locally grown foods for thirty days or swam in Cancún's turquoise blue water (which reminds me, I have so many photos to show you, still, from our trip to the Yucatán).

I probably wouldn't have joined a conga line for free shots at a Señor Frogs. Then again, maybe that's something I would have done anyway.

But, I definitely would not have run a 5K. I can't tell you how many times I said to Will, panting during a slow training jog, "I'M ONLY DOING THIS FOR THE LIST!"

Best of all was the support from some amazing friends: Sarah who invited us to the A's home opener and an ice cream festival, Jenny who planned my So Pink 30th Birthday Extravaganza, my lovely sister who made peppermint hot cocoa marshmallows with me on Christmas day, April and Savannah who jumped around with me at Sky High, Professor Feeney who assigned a cop ride along as extra-credit in Criminal Procedure (nothing to get something crossed off your list like a little extra credit), Remy who sent me the Apple-Pear Crisp recipe (and Ms. Appetite for Conversation who organized the potluck), Michelle who visited the de Young with me (and provided lots of gentle reminders about keeping up with the list), and, of course, Will who went along for the entire ride, bless his heart.

And, of course, all of you lovely readers who made comments and suggestions and provided lots of enthusiasm! Thank you!

(I'll tell you, if you are going to make a list, by all means, publish it!)

My 31 Before 31 is almost complete--a whole new list of fun adventures (and some not-so-fun tasks, too (California Bar Exam, I'm talking about you)).

My cousin Mike suggested that we attempt the Isla Vista Loop (which is visiting all the places in Isla Vista that serve beer, and having a beer. By going to all beer-serving establishments, a loop is made). I put it on my list. Are you in? I'd love to have you join in on the merrymaking! And what's more merry than spending a day in a college town drinking beers? Alright then, it's settled. We're gonna party like we're 21 (not, um, almost 31).

I guess I should address the tasks that didn't get done. I completed 27 of the 30 items, leaving three things still on my master life to-do list:

{1} Enjoy a kir royale at Crown and Crumpet (the thing about this one is: I actually went to Crown and Crumpet and, not only that, I met the delightful owner of Crown and Crumpet at a party a few months later. I just haven't enjoyed the dang Kir Royale.)

{2} Create a Hockney-style collage

{3} Fix up Slice of Pink (sorry)

Which, if my math is correct, means I earned a 90 percent on the whole endeavor. And, if I give myself half credit for the Crown and Crumpet ordeal, a little better than 90 percent. Let's just say I got an A.

Comments

[Andrea]

My brother, Dustin, goes to UCSB. I'll come on the loop with you :)

[Maria]

I love reading all about your 30 before 30 adventures...I'v been thinking about doing my own list as well for awhile and reading about yours has been truly inspirational! I still have about 9 months to go before my birthday (Dec. 1) so I hope I still have time.

Maria (formerly from the The Pied a Terre)

[Laura]

I will SO do the loop with you! I haven't done it yet, and with graduating next year it is a must! Seriously, it would be fantastic!

[Alyssa]

You should do the IV Loop after november so I can do it with you!

[Erin]

Awww, you totally just inspired me - I'm starting a list right now! Slight problem though - I turn 31 in April... sure enough I can't do 31 things befeore then... or CAN I?! I don't want to just wait until then to start a new 32... hmm...

[PomJob]

Kudos to you... sounds like you've had an awesome year.

[Laura]

It's been fun to watch you check things off your list! I'm halfway through my 28th year, but I've had so many adventures in the past four that I'm trying to simplify my life rather than add to it. Still, making a list does sound like a fun idea. And with 30 not too far away, now would be a good time to make get started.

[Heidi]

i'm thinking about starting a 30 before 30 list - i'm turning 27 in april so i know i still have a few years but well, time flies when you're having fun.

Love the pictures and love loved reading about all of your adventures :) Can't wait to read about your 31 before 31!

[Leah]

aww, thanks for the great update. I love the concept, and it's much more manageable than the 101 things in 1001 days, I think. I'm almost done with my 101 things and will make some sort of new list, but I'm not sure what form the new list will take.

[Hope]

I give you an A+ for style!

[101 Things To Do Before You Die]

I've been working on a checking things off a huge list, but I love the idea of compiling 31 things before 31 next year. I'm just assuming my birthday this year is 29ish.

[Kayla Smith]

Congrats on it all Janet! And I will definitely join you on the loop- remember to count me in!

[MelissaOK]

I'm very impressed with your list and how you completed most everything! Good for you... I tried my own before 30 list, but FAILED! I thought about doing a list of things before I turn 31, but that's in October. I'm a little behind!

I can't wait to see your new list!

[Janet]

I am turning 30 in just over 5 months. AHH! I think I might need such a list just to get me through it. :)

Also, I just mapped it and Crown and Crumpet is a 12 minute walk, or a 5-minute cable car + 3 minute walk, from my house. I think that means "Have a Kir Royale with Janet from Slice of Pink" should be on MY 30 before 30 list, don't you?

[Zandria]

Very awesome that you got so many things done! And you had such an interesting list, too. :)

(P.S. Why did you switch to a partial RSS feed? Haaaaaaate...)

[Trampolines for sale]

I really like the work that has gone into making the post. I will be sure to tell my blog buddies about your content keep up the good work. Thanks

[fhealthyrtyt]

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