30, You Were Epic

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.

And I’ve never felt stronger.

28. I had my passport stamped in Iceland.

It’s magical.

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.

 West Coast, Best Coast.

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.

 It was terrifying.

 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.

Pop, Clink, Fizz.

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.

 Marie Antoinette approved.

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.

 It was worth all 387 steps.

14. I talked books with Anne of Green Gables.

 This is a book nerd’s dream.

13. I chilled outside Christian Grey’s office.

 He was not there. Sad face.

12. I read underneath the Eiffel Tower.

 It was a dream come true.

11. I lost 25+ pounds (thank you running).

 And I feel amazing.

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!

 We kicked ass, we took names.

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.

 Brandon Flowers – I see you.

4. I found Walter White.

 haters gonna hate

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.

  Paris je t’aime

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