Tomorrow is my 31st birthday.
Goodbye thirty. Hello “I’m in my thirties.”
It seems like just yesterday, I sat down to put together one of my favorite traditions on the blog – the annual birthday look back post. It originated as 28 Reasons 28 Rocked, followed by 29 Reasons 29 Ended the Decade with a Bang!
This year it’s simply 30 – You Were Epic.
Turning 30 was probably one of the most emotional but empowering milestones of my life. Thirteen, sixteen, nineteen – these were fun and cool birthday milestones, but there’s just something about being a woman and turning 30. Many dread it, many are terrified of it – I was guilty of this. But then I started to embrace it.
You know what I learned? Thirty is what you make it.
And I made sure it was magical.
Without a doubt in my mind, thirty was the best year of my life.
And in no particular order (except for maybe #1) here’s why.
30. I travelled to Europe for the first time. Alone.
It was the greatest adventure of my life.
29. I finally learned how to run. Thirty years later.
28. I had my passport stamped in Iceland.
27. I spent a weekend on a lake at a lakehouse. Several times.
#docklife (thanks to H&P for this opportunity! xo)
26. I lived the West Coast life for a week.
25. I made three provinces in three days happen with my favorite ladies.
There were a lot of starbucks selfies.
24. I survived the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
23. I visited Old Quebec City and Montreal for the first time.
The streets were like fairy tales.
22. I experienced my own midnight in Paris magic.
One should never go to sleep before midnight in Paris.
21. I bathed in the Blue Lagoons in Iceland.
Do your skin a favor: visit the Blue Lagoon in your lifetime.
20. I got colourful when I ran my first race in Run or Dye.
I ran another 5K race four months later.
19. I drank champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
18. I went to Prince Edward Island – five times in one summer.
It’s a great place to get my nautical on.
17. I ate macarons and walked the gardens of Palais Versailles.
16. I recreated the perfect #EastCoast Kiel James Patrick seafood feast with the girls.
Yeah – you want to be friends with us.
15. I climbed 387 steps to the top of the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s South Tower.
14. I talked books with Anne of Green Gables.
13. I chilled outside Christian Grey’s office.
12. I read underneath the Eiffel Tower.
11. I lost 25+ pounds (thank you running).
10. I read some amazing books in some amazing locations.
Plane rides, cafes, beaches, park benches.
9. I went on my first business trip: Toronto!
8. I shopped on the Champs-Élysées.
Paris Tiffany’s is the most wonderful place.
7. I became Marie Antoinette for one night.
Not gonna lie. I miss the pink hair.
6. I ate macarons at the original Laduree.
Much like Tiffany’s, it’s magical too.
5. I was front row at The Killers concert.
4. I found Walter White.
3. I danced the night away in Gastown.
We will never forget JD and one night in Gastown
2. I received the ultimate gift for any Fifty Shades of Grey fan.
laters baby (and thank you thank you thank you Kate xo)
1. I fell absolutely in love with a city and a way of life.
Thirty – you were amazing, you were life changing, you were the best year of my life.
Thirty-one? Let’s 1up thirty, shall we?
xx
8 Comments
Colleen
January 21, 2015 at 9:49 pmYou conquered 30 like no other! (As I sit and mentally reflect on my year as well) it makes me insanely happy to have been even a small part of it. I can’t wait to see what 31 brings! Happy (a few hours early) Birthday my dear!
crystalrichard
January 21, 2015 at 11:14 pmYou may have only been here for a few days but you were there all 365 days of 30. And for that – I love you and our crazy nautical, KJP obsessed friendship. xo
Jess
January 21, 2015 at 10:56 pmSeeing you celebrate your 30th convinced me that I’ll be ok this year ;)
What an awesome year you’ve got! Bring it on, 31: I’m sure it’s going to be an epic year for you :)
crystalrichard
January 21, 2015 at 11:15 pm30 will be amazing – I promise ;) Someone as wonderful as you deserves nothing less.
Kasey
January 22, 2015 at 1:40 amI feel like I’m doing a pretty good job at life until I read your epic posts and they do 2 things: inspire me to try even more new things & blog! One may take longer to get to than the other. Happy Birthday dude; so glad we “met” and I wish you all the happiness in the world!
crystalrichard
January 22, 2015 at 9:01 amI love this new inspiration! I can’t wait to follow your adventures! xo
Alison Doherty
January 22, 2015 at 11:06 amWhat an epic year. So fun and inspirational to read about it!
crystalrichard
January 22, 2015 at 11:24 amThank you!!!! It was truly something else.