Happy International Women’s Day everyone!

Today is my birthday — specifically, it’s my thirtieth birthday, which is a milestone in every woman’s life. As the Pie likes to point out continuously, I’m no longer a twentysomething. I’m now a thirtysomething. When he turns 30 in four months I will be sure to rub it in, don’t worry.
My mother tells me that women only really come into their own when they turn 30. Thirty is when women begin to become powerful and strong. I think it’s a good way to approach this milestone.
On the morning of my twentieth birthday, I sat on the floor of Doodle’s dorm room and I wrote myself a letter, taking my future self to task for all the things I hoped to accomplish in the next ten years. I still have the letter, and today, once I get up the courage to do so, I’m going to read it. I am pretty confident that I’ve succeeded in most of my tasks. I know my past self wanted a PhD by 30, but will just have to be satisfied with a doctorate by 31 instead.
Anyway, in honour of my very important birthday, I thought I would be self-indulgent today and let you in on thirty very important things (in no particular order) that I have learned over the past thirty years.
1. It doesn’t cost anything to be polite.
2. Flossing is not just for wienies. It saves you money on dentist bills.
3. Confidence is extremely attractive.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff (coming from someone with OCD, this is a pretty tall order).
5. Do your best, or else don’t bother.
6. A work-life balance is important. They won’t fire you for not working overtime.
7. Always pee before you leave. You never know when you’ll get another opportunity.
8. Fibre is more important than you think.
9. Not everything has to be done right now.
10. Simple food made from scratch is the best.

11. Your age and your weight are just numbers. Be happy with being healthy.
12. We inevitably turn into our parents. Just make sure to turn into the best parts.
13. Corgis are awesome dogs. And it’s not just me and the Pie saying that.
14. You can have four best friends. It’s okay.
15. Your partner/spouse should be one of those best friends.

16. People in the service industry have feelings, too. Treat them with respect.
17. Stupid hobbies are only stupid to other people. If you like doing it, keep doing it.
18. If you haven’t worn it or displayed it or used it in over a year, you’re probably not going to. Get rid of it.
19. Never be afraid to either ask for help or to relinquish control. It may be hard, but it won’t make you look bad.
20. When you bend over in pants, people should not be able to see either your butt or the colour of your underwear.
21. In food photography, obey the rule of thirds and use natural lighting.
22. Always wear shoes you can run in if necessary.
23. Don’t buy stuff you can’t pay for right away.
24. Try to learn something new every day so that you can teach someone else.
25. In the winter you are allowed to sacrifice fashion for warmth.
26. The Green Revolution is not a trend. Please recycle.
27. “Water-resistant” does not mean “water-proof.” Especially in Newfoundland.

28. The internet knows a lot of things, but not everything.
29. Procrastination is fine as long as it’s productive.
30. It is the smallest details that you appreciate the most: sunlight on a wooden floor, the curve of a smile, a perfect cupcake. A day on the beach. Take it all in.

And if today is also your birthday, happy birthday to you too!
I like your list of 30 things you’ve learned, especially 11, 12 and 18. Have a wonderful, memory-filled birthday. 🙂
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Thanks!
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I need to print number 7 and stick it on my house door.. Every time I skip it, the whole universe turns upside down and makes sure I’ll not be able to do it until I feel like crying.. Happy Birthday!
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Haha, that’s definitely an important one!
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Wonderful, wonderful post!
It won’t ever need much tweaking even at 60! (I just turned 60). Keep up the great blog.
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Thanks Ingrid, and happy belated birthday to you!
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Happy Birthday!!
I hear ya on the water resistant thing- i made that mistake w a raincoat here in Halifax…. lol.
Welcome to being 30!! So far my thirtieth year has been WAY better than 29- so a great start 🙂
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Thanks! Yeah, you learn very quickly how permeable your clothes are when you’re on the east coast.
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What a wonderful, well compiled list!!! Happy birthday, hope it is a fabulous day for you! And many more 🙂
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Thanks very much!
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I loved, hearted and bookmarked this list. Beautiful. Hope you have a great day today and every day.
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Thanks dudette!
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Have a wonderful day today! Happy birthday!
I loved your list – it holds true for the old ducks of this world too, those more than twice as old as you!!
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Thanks Julie!
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Nice list and happy birthday! I particularly agree with number 7… very important.
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It’s definitely a key one for me!
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Happy Birthday Dear ! And just to say that i love cruising through your lovely blog,here’s awarding you with the Leibster Blog Award here :
http://mydearu.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/sizzling-brownie-22-the-liebster-blog-award-32/
Thanks !!! Happy BIrthday !!!
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Oh wow, thanks so much!
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Only just read this now. Very cute!
That picture, btw, of you in the UK is ADORABLE. I just want to pinch your cheeks!
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Some day I’ll let you look through my photo albums …
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Oh my god this is brilliant. As i’m freaking out a little about my up-and-coming this has just made me feel a lot better.
Plus, number 20 just made me choke on my drink as I laughed uncontrollably. Thank you for that.
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Glad to be of service!
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Reblogged this on TropicalTruth and commented:
Since I’ve read this, and yesterday was my bday, been trying to put this list into action. wise words!!
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