Tomorrow is the big 3-0. What are my big plans for the day, you ask. My boss told me to work from home since no one in our department will be in the office. That kind of excited me because now I can get a jump start on the laundry. I may treat myself to a pedicure. I was going to make chicken and dumplings, but my KISA tonight generously offered to take me out for dinner (what a gentleman). I guess this is what life becomes when you get old.

Bill Gates has a famous quote, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” I’m the type of girl that sets goals and has New Year’s resolutions, so I used this as inspiration in deciding what I want to do with my life in the next 10 years.

1. Learn how to worry less about things that don’t matter.
2. Have a better relationship with my father.
3. Settle down (not settle).
4. Run a full marathon.
5. Travel to Antarctica.
6. Be in the best shape of my life.
7. Meet my children.
8. Stop trying to make others happy.
9. Learn self-control with food, especially sweets.
10. Finally do a damn pull-up.

1. When you’ve had more than two failed serious relationships, don’t blame the people you’ve dated – take a hard look at yourself.
2. Family really is everything. They’re the ones that understand you the most and will always put you before them. It’s unconditional love.
3. Find a man that loves you even when you’re unlovable. And delights in you.
   

   My shattered wrist from snowboarding.

4. If you ever get a chance to move overseas, take it. You’ll do the most growing and learn the most about yourself when you’re outside your comfort zone.
5. Don’t be catty with other women, talk down to them, or talk about them. It’s tough being a woman and we’re all facing struggles. And, it’s not going to make you feel better about yourself by putting someone else down.
6. Have confidence, even if you have to fake it. Confidence will make you a better presenter and a better sales person (and you’re always selling, even if it’s just an idea). And, make eye contact with people.
7. Max out your company’s 401k match – it’s free money. And, the earlier you do it the earlier you can retire. Plus, if you had that money you’d probably spend it on something not as important.
8. Junk in, junk out. If you want to feel better, you have to eat better. Your body’s a machine and it needs to be fueled if you want maximum performance.
9. Always be trying to learn more. Sign up for classes that interest you. Read up on new things in your industry or competitors.
10. Use your network. Ask for favors. Ask for information. People can be afraid of this, but really you’re flattering the other person by seeing them as enough of an expert to want their help or opinion.
11. Love the crap out of your nieces and nephews. Cherish every moment you have with them because they grow up so quickly. And, every child needs a role model outside of their parents, so aspire to be that person.
12. If you don’t like your life, change it. Do something interesting. Push yourself.
13. Surround yourself with people courageous enough to tell you the truth, even if it sometimes stings. They can see things about you that you cannot.
14. If you fall off the snowboard and break your wrist, don’t be afraid to get back on it again. Literally and figuratively.
15. Push your body and challenge your endurance. You’d be surprised at what you can do.
16. Traveling for work is different than traveling for fun. And way less fun.
17. Don’t ever let your drink be unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
18. A guy does not want to date the hottest girl in the bar – he wants to date the most interesting. So, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and put yourself out there.
19. Take chances and don’t be afraid to fail, especially if you learn from your own mistakes. It beats never trying.
20. If you’re going to give someone feedback, make sure it’s constructive and not just critical. Give them specific examples and give suggestions on how they can fix it or become better.
21. Don’t complain about your sig other to people that are judgmental or only ever hear the bad things. The people close to you want what’s best for you, so if you vent about your sig other a lot, they’re going to question why you’re with them.
22. Make small talk with the bus or taxi driver and make sure to get their name; you never know when those little things you know will help you track down your forgotten sunglasses or wallet.
23. If you need accountability, tell everyone you know what you’re going to do. Then do it. You don’t want to be a liar, right?
24. Carry snacks with you at all times. You never know when a food-mood is going to hit, for you or someone you’re with.
25. Give up something every year for Lent, even if you’re not religious. It makes you appreciate what you have, how to resist temptation, and overcome a bad habit.
26. Take “me” time away from everyone else, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day. We sometimes forget how to be with ourselves and rest our minds.
27. Fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing after something – it comes in the passing moments when you truly realize what you have. But, embrace it because it quickly becomes lost again.
28. Be proud of where you came from, how far you’ve come, and what you’ve learned. It really is quite an accomplishment.
29. Smile and be friendly, especially to strangers. It spreads a pretty good feeling and hopefully they pay it forward.
30. Be humble enough to apologize when you were in the wrong. And sometimes even when you weren’t.