Here are the 30 things I wanted to do before I turned 30. Completed! Click on each to read about it.
- Move out of my little apartment.
Do something awesome for my 30th birthday.Go on a cruise or travel out of the country.Save more money.Meet a fellow blogger.- Take a sign language class.
Pay for someone else at a drive-thru.Buy a crockpot.Try a new vegetable.- Try a new fruit.
Do something outdoorsy.- Host a themed party.
Go to the Holocaust Museum.- Sing karaoke.
Actually run (at least make an attempt) a 5K.Go skating.- Go camping.
Ride a mechnical bull.Floss more.- Post a nice note like in Operation Beautiful.
- Get my Master’s degree.
- Do something “green.”
Do something “artsy.”Get engaged.- Try a new recipe (that’s not a dessert).
- Go to the library for books instead of Borders.
Visit a fortune teller/palm reader/psychic.- Go to a concert.
- Buy a mixer.
Pet a wolf.
More Posts (because some things were so awesome they needed multiple posts):
Thoughts Appear 
June 29th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Go to the Holocaust Museum. Absolutely. MAKE TIME. I can guarantee that it’s going to be one of the most profound experiences you ever have.
June 29th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I went once years ago, but I’d really like to go again.
June 29th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
drive coast to coast!
June 29th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
That would be awesome except that I hate being in the car. Maybe if I rented a limo or RV and had someone else drive me. Excellent idea!
June 29th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
[…] beautiful, post it | Leave a Comment So, I was reading Thought’s Appear‘s 30 Before 30 list, and I HAD to click the Operation Beautiful link. And now I’m […]
June 30th, 2010 at 1:20 am
19. Floss more.
I tell myself I’ll do that every six months when I’m at the dentist and I’ve just been lectured on my need to floss more. Funny how those things coincide. But then I always give myself a few nights off from the flossing, because, hi, I *just* went to the dentist. And next thing you know, six months have gone by and I’m getting the same lecture.
I’m turning 30 in four months. (Groan. )The flossing goal seems unlikely for me. I wish you luck in your endeavors.
June 30th, 2010 at 7:28 am
I just ran out of floss this week…I think it may been a sign that I won’t be achieving this goal any time soon.
June 30th, 2010 at 5:29 am
You must go to Las Vegas. It’s the one place I’ve found where trash really does meet treasure. Plus it’s warm in Vegas. Like.. really warm… And right now I’d trade my frosty window for the swealtering heat of Vegas.
June 30th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I really want to go to Vegas. I doubt I would gamble, but I’d love the shows and all the spectacle.
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
Vegas is disgusting. Never go. Alright so I’ve been multiple times, and I admit I love the clubs there, ok? You got me. But other than that? It is a gross environmental monstrosity (although they do recycle their water…) that should not exist and should never be financially supported. By anyone. Done and done.
June 30th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Your list is so great. Italian is so beautiful to hear and pretty easy to learn. Go to Vegas. You can have my crockpot. 🙂 oh yeah, flossing is good, mechanical bull ride not so much – if you must do it, wear padded biking shorts or several pairs of Depends to protect your privacy.
June 30th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
You’re giving away your crockpot? I’m really looking forward to getting one, so I can fill it up before I go to work and then not have to cook when I get home.
Uh-oh…Now I totally regret the mechanical bull one.
June 30th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
looks more like 28 before 30…and
HELLO! you haven’t gone camping or ice skating????
“there is a world outside of Yonkers”…. Find it!
June 30th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I’m leaving the last 2 open for suggestions.
I’ve been iceskating, but I don’t go enough, so this will ensure I go again.
I haven’t been camping in…15+ years. I think I’m due to go again.
June 30th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
cross em out and move on to Skydiving.
nothing like jumping out of a perfectly good plane… and make some stew in a crock pot for cryin out loud
June 30th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
The toughest one is done (master’s degree), the rest sounds relatively easy compared to school ;). Enjoy!
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I suspect the master’s degree will seem like a breeze compared to no chocolate. I definitely couldn’t have handled both at the same time.
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Oh My GOD!! I’m turning thirty and I too have had the floss lecture … just three days ago. There must be something flossy in the air. It’s a strange, slightly urgent time being 29 and a half. It reminds me of the last month of being pregnant … you’re trying to enjoy the moment, but it reality you just want to get the whole turning 30 thing over and done with!!
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
You hit the nail on the head!
July 9th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
I’ve been thinking about making a list like this… I turn 29 in a few months, so I may have to be a terrible blog thief and come up with a 30 by 30 as well.
I adore my crockpot! I don’t use it often enough, but I’ve got big plans for it this weekend. Also, chocolate is a necessity. And ditto on the whole flossing thing. Are there normal non-dentist people who floss daily?
July 12th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Definitely do your own 30 before 30, and let me know what you come up with because I need a couple more ideas.
Flossing daily seems excessive but every other day or once a week might be nice. Something besides two days before I go to the dentist.
July 13th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Loved your list, wow! I’m only 24, but this is inspiring me to make my own 30 before 30 being as I still have plenty of time to acheive the goals.
I can’t believe you don’t have a mixer or a crockpot? That’s okay though, I’ve lived on my own for about a year now and just bought a coffee maker 2 days go. I don’t know how I lived without it, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way after acheiving a few of these goals.
Good luck!!!
July 13th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Definitely make your own list! I’d love to read it. I think I don’t have a mixer or crockpot because I eat a lot of salad…and ice cream.
Congrats on your new coffee maker! I don’t have one of those either…but I also don’t drink coffee.
July 13th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
[…] wanted to do before they were 30. It inspired me to create my own. Unlike the original blogger, ThoughtsAppear, i still have 6 years to go. Without further ado, here’s my list. This one's cheating a […]
July 16th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Hi Ms K.S.-2b (if that’s your name in project)!
#1. 40 is the new 30
#31. for slimming down without changing your diet or habits, perhaps look into acai berry + colon cleanser? From a health food store, or even better, homeopathic doctor – rave reviews online, good feedback from health-savvy friends.
Your spirit is your age–
Smiles–
Lynne
July 16th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I just did a cleanse for a colonoscopy, so I think I’m pretty cleansed…but I did just buy some blueberry acai popsicles and yogurt. Maybe that will do the trick!
Ms. KB-2B…I like that!
July 16th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Wow! Great to do live chat 🙂
Actually, came back w/ a PS – email entered is invalid, BUT WP com ID is correct.
Best-est wishes!!! 2U & The Chosen 1, actually 1+1+1 🙂
L.
July 18th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Ride a mechanical bull = Awesome! Just make sure the people operating the bull don’t get crazy so you don’t fly across the place.
July 19th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Are you speaking from experience? I don’t even know where I can find one yet. Suggestions?
July 19th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Yes! I rode one some years ago because my school had some sort of valentine’s day carnival and actually rented a mechanical bull. I’m guessing you could find one wherever they host carnivals or fairs with rides… maybe?
July 18th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
[…] Appear’s post inspired me to write my list. This is the perfect time as I have about 4.5 years to accomplish […]
July 18th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Ahh, the lists…. I like your list, have done most of those things. Of course, I’ve got 20 years on you (Holy Crap!! When did that happen??) Hmm, should I make a list, 50 before 50? “Item #1: Finish writing this list.” Okay, maybe not. Good luck ~ and seriously? 30 is so…. young.
You’ll just have to trust me on that.
July 19th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Thanks! Let me know if you do a list. I’d love to read it.
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:53 am
I got # 18 (mechincal bull) covered next time you come to visit….I know exactly where to take you!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:08 am
Really? I was starting to worry about that one. Awesome!
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:53 am
For the new fruit I recommend the Durian if you’re feeling brave or the Rambutan if you plan to visit Asia. That would cover #3 as well 🙂 Great list!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Wow…I’ve never even heard of those fruits. I just bought a peach and kiwi from the grocery store, so I think I’ll stick to those.
If I go to Asia, I’ll definitely try them. I am all about doing 2 things off the list as the same time.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I say give up on this list and start a 30 AFTER 30 list. Then if you have any really cool ones I’ll steal them from you. 🙂
July 27th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I prefer the pressure to get it all done ASAP. =)
August 4th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Awesome list and awesome idea. Most of them I want to do, too, and the ones I didn’t know I wanted to do, I now want to do, so there you go. I may shamelessly steal this idea – giving you total credit for it, of course. 🙂
The top one on my list would be Pet a lion or Swim with sharks, just to give you something to possibly add to the list. You could also combine these with your wish to travel abroad. You can pet a lion AND swim with sharks in Africa. Just a thought.
All my best!
BTW – I’m turning twenty-eight. Feeling the pressure, though.
August 4th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Petting a lion would be cool. My boyfriend got to pet a cheetah on one of his Africa trips, and I’m totally jealous of him.
I think here in the states I can pet a dolphin and a wolf…I might need to add those.
Ah, to be 28…I remember that…it was less than 2 months ago!
August 4th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Belated happy birthday! And I’d go for “wolf” – dolphins in captivity depress me after having seen three seconds of “The Cove” (will not watch the whole thing, I’ll have nightmares for ever). Sorry to be such a downer. Back to the wolf! Great idea! 🙂
August 5th, 2010 at 9:45 am
This is a great list! I’m sure some of these you can do together. Like… try a new vegetable in your new crockpot! 🙂
August 5th, 2010 at 9:55 am
I’m so glad you commented on this because i forgot about one of the items on my list. I borrowed my mom’s crock pot last week and tried out a new recipe.
I should print this out and carry it in my pocket at all times.
August 5th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Oh my goodness..I love this list! I just turned 30 this year and didn’t make such a list outright, but several of them were in my head.
I got engaged at 28, married at 29 which was a desire before 30.
And for my 30th Bday, I went to Italy for two weeks with my best girlfriend. Amazing!
August 5th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I would love to go to Italy! I hope I can pull that off as my out of the country trip.
August 6th, 2010 at 7:26 am
If you wanna cross off 8 and 25 at the same time, I’ve got a recipe for slow cooker pizza casserole that’s absolutely AAAAAMAZING.
August 6th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Pizza? In a crock pot? Genius!
August 9th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 pound bulk pork sausage
4 jars (14 oz each) pizza sauce
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 cans (4 oz each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
6 oz sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chooped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound corkscrew pasta, cooked and drained
brown beef and sausage, drain fat. transfer to slow cooker. add pizza sauce, cheeses, mushrooms, peperoni, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. mix well.
cover and cook on LOW 3 1/2 hours or on HIGH 2 hours. Stir in pasta. Cover. cook 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can basically do whatever you want to it. I gave it to you exactly how it is in the book. I’ve never used the sausage or bell pepper, and I use about half the pizza sauce that it recommends. I’m also not a huge fan of onion, so I usually use onion powder to give it the flavor without the weird texture. I also add in extra cheeses 🙂 Have fun with it! It’s pretty much an idiot-proof recipe and that’s why I love it so much!
August 10th, 2010 at 6:30 am
This sounds good. Thanks! I’ll probably leave out the pepper and sausage, too. And the mushrooms.
August 9th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
[…] in Miscellaneous tagged 30 Before 30, fun, list at 7:56 pm by mescribe Taking my cue from Thoughts Appear – giving credit where credit is due – I’m submitting this list because A) It will help […]
August 25th, 2010 at 9:25 am
The Holocaust Museum was amazing. Get there!!
August 25th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I went there years ago, but I think I was too young to really appreciate it.
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:44 am
This is great!! I turn 28 before the end of this year, but I wouldn’t mind getting a head start on my own list.
Don’t know if this would be something that would interest you… but it’s something that I want to add to my list: meet/interview a person who inspires you. And I mean someone who will really make an impact on your life, so that by 30 you have a new perspective to consider, or even a new philosophy, or perhaps just a new friend.
I enjoyed looking through your blog!
September 9th, 2010 at 9:15 am
[…] 9, 2010 Trying to follow the lead of my fellow bloggers thoughtsappear and Melanie who are young and accomplished and funny – they both have a goals page. Thanks […]
September 25th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
A thought: Combine some of these? Sounds like you’re running short on time. Possibilities:
1. Floss while riding a mechanical bull, which may be considered artsy if you do it well enough. (Doubtful they have m.b. at the Holocaust museum, but I can almost guarantee there is one in Vegas.)
2. Insert new vegetable in crockpot, crock it up, then serve at themed party hosted at ice skating rink.
3. Running the 5K is kind of “green” (you’re not driving a 5K), and if you complete it, dance your ass off.
4. Get engaged to a rich Italian and travel to his homeland = immediate immersion in the language and you’re saving money (by the way, the advice offered in “The Magic Word Isn’t Please” could expedite this process).
5. Pet a wolf on your 30th birthday??? (Is that code for something? I’m 36, so I’m a little old for your 20’s blog. Soon, you will be, too.)
Just trying to help. Like your writing style. Awesome voice. Made me laugh.
Chase McFadden
http://SomeSpeciesEatTheirYoung.com
September 28th, 2010 at 7:10 am
Great suggestions! Do you know any rich Italians?
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
I’m almost 30 and I never thought of making a list – wish I had! This is fabulous… good luck! 😉
I’ll be in France (well… depending on how those pesky riots are going) for my 30th. I highly recommend the travel to Europe route. I also learned some Italian. Very specific Italian.
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
France? I’m so envious!
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
you have some of the best goals! loved this 🙂 good luck !!
November 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Thank you!
November 2nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Love your list! I have going on a cruise on my bucket list. I would love to be able to do that someday.
November 2nd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I feel like maybe you and I are the only two people who have never been. My little brother has now gone twice!
December 2nd, 2010 at 8:16 am
The Holocaust museum is one of the most interesting ones in D.C. It left me speechless for a good hour.
Flossing is one that I don’t think I will ever be able to do consistently….
I enjoyed your list.
December 2nd, 2010 at 9:38 am
Thanks for stopping by!
I went to the Holocaust Museum when I was much younger (like middle school), but I’d really like to go back for the adult experience.
December 9th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Mc6pack was on the track with the idea of putting these together. You can knock out 9 of your 14 left in one swipe. Try and follow my babble :
First(4) save enough money to come to (7) Vegas. While you’re here go to the PBR cafe and ride the (18) bull. Then go to Las Vegas Ice Center (16) for a little skating. Afterward you can go to the PH and take thier (24)pole dance class (hey it’s a dance class). At the end of the day you can go to Venetian and take a gondola ride. (you could count that as going to another country if you want to cheat) while on the ride the gondolier can teach you (5) Italian (at least a little they all know some) then you can hope that inspires your BF and you will be (24) engaged before the end of the ride. As far as (23) artsy goes Vegas has more then enough options just use you imagination. And last but not least do this for your (2) Awsome 30th. Show up two days before and leave the night after. (never take a morning flight out of Vegas). So good luck and happy travels. Oh and don’t forget you have a cabbie when doing all this 🙂
December 9th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
You, sir, will be getting advance notice of my Vegas trip, so you can bear witness to doing my all of those things.
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
love this list! Good luck in completing it! Happy new year!
January 8th, 2011 at 7:21 am
[…] still haven’t finished my 30 Before 30 list (https://thoughtsappear.wordpress.com/30-before-30/). And even more importantly, I’ll be old. Young people like Marlize won’t think […]
February 7th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Everything on that list seems to be within your grasp. With the possible exception of engaged (I don’t know what your situation is). On the balance, I say you’ve got it pretty much in the bag. Good luck!
February 21st, 2011 at 4:37 pm
[…] Thoughts Appear’s Blog […]
March 1st, 2011 at 5:59 pm
I was just directed to your blog, and I LOVE this idea. While I reached 30 a couple of years ago, I think I may have to come up with a 40 things before I turn 40 list. Why not?? I faced my own mortality a few times, and there is so much I haven’t done. If I have a list, I may be more focused…
I do love the blog! I may need to link you…
Love, Esme
March 2nd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I’m glad you like the idea! I’m enjoying it so much I’ve started a 35 Before 35 List.
Looking forward to seeing your 40 Before 40 List!
March 11th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Good list! Since you are in the DC area, let me know if you want to meet up for a drink or dinner sometime! (I promise I will order my own sangria, AND my own dessert.) I grew up in Southern MD but I went to school in Philadelphia and have only recently moved back here to save money
March 14th, 2011 at 8:55 am
Thanks! Maybe one of us can get white sangria and the other can get red. Then I’m ok with sharing!
March 26th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
You’ve inspire me to put a list together for myself! I’ll do one right now!
March 29th, 2011 at 6:28 am
I’m glad you like it. You should post yours so I can see it!
April 7th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
[…] that I would like to do before I turn 31. A few days ago I stumbled across the 30 before 30 list on Thoughts Appear blog and I was inspired to put a list together for myself. I’m no longer 30 anymore so my list […]
April 26th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
This is awesome! I love how diverse your goals are! I hope you accomplish them all 🙂 (In time, but hey! If you don’t you can always add one more to your list and entitle it 31 before 31)
May 24th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
I hope I get them all, too!
May 24th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
If you don’t mind a cheap ring I will totally help with this list.
May 24th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I have until June 20th, but you may be hearing from me in a couple weeks. I’m totally ok with a cheap ring…as long as its sparkly.
May 24th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Thats a fair effort, any help needed?
May 24th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Just maybe the engagement one. I’m about to roll out a 35 Before 35 list in another week or so. Maybe you can help with that.
May 25th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
[…] About a week ago, me and the notorious Heather Madame started working on our 20 Before 20 list. I proposed the idea to her after a thought struck me while reading the brilliant blog of Thoughts Appear and clicking over to her 30 Before 30 list. […]
May 26th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I’ve always wanted to go to a fortune teller, but I’m kind of scared they’ll tell me I’m gonna die or something horrible like that. My dad went to a fortune teller when he was 16 and the fortune teller told him that he will have 2 kids (which he did) he was going to get married at age 26 (which he did) and that he was gonna die in a car accident! He’s okay but that scares me since 2 out of 3 things happened!!!
May 31st, 2011 at 6:44 am
I’m headed to a fortune teller in a few weeks, so it’ll be interesting to see what she says!
May 27th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
Looks like you’ve only got the easy ones yet. Engagement schengagement! You’ve got some party planning to do! What’s your plan so far? I still have streamers left over from my sweet sixteen, haha!
May 31st, 2011 at 6:44 am
Party planning is in the works now!
June 8th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Hey, I was just wondering if I could also make a list of things ti want to do on my blog? I just want to ask cuz I don’t want u to copy u. Thanks, and I love ur blog!
June 14th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Congrats on this!
I’m turning 30 soon, but instead of doing a 30 before 30 I recently did a list of things I want to do in this lifetime. Putting an age to it can give these goals more of a deadline.
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:30 am
[…] yada. I want to look forward to being 30 and everything the 30s have to offer! I came across a blog awhile back where this girl made a 30 things to do before turning 30 list (30 before 30) and she […]
July 25th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Yes there was a nice collection of things to do before you hit thirty, well apart from the add a Goth into your friends listing, well maybe that will happen before you reach thirty five? lol
By the way, well done in fulfilling your ’30 Before 30′ list and now I will soar over to your ’35 Before 35′ list and see what else you are contemplating…
Androgoth
August 18th, 2011 at 9:46 am
[…] you want to know her better, check out her 30-before-30 list (she completed the whole thing!) and her squeaky clean 35-before-35 list. I envy her ambition. Most […]
November 4th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
At 26, F it, I’m 27 at the end of the month… At 27 I can check some of these off (apartment, crockpot, library)but others? So awesome! Kudos to you!!
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:14 pm
[…] got this idea from the fantastic Thoughts Appear, who is an overachiever with 30 before 30 and 35 before […]
February 9th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
COMPLETED?! You go girl! You’re an inspiration and I’ll definitely be looking over your list too.
May 1st, 2012 at 1:55 pm
this is fantastic! i’m turning thirty in a year and a half. i’m pretty inspired to make one of these lists now. . . .
May 20th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
You. Rock!! I love your list. ❤
Congrats on your Master's Degree!
August 11th, 2012 at 9:08 am
Love the idea of paying for someone else’s drive thru – great idea!
October 31st, 2012 at 7:17 am
[…] seen a lot of these lists lately… “19 Things To Stop Doing In Your 20s” “Thirty Things To Do Before 30” Basically, a list of things that should help improve a person before they turn a certain […]
May 20th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
I just started my list. Since you have experience let me know what you think!
http://iammegandsocanyou.blogspot.com/2013/05/30-before-30-rough-draft.html
May 24th, 2013 at 7:24 am
Good for you! I should have made a list myself (though i’m sure retirement would have been on that list). Hopefully you have an awesome post 30s.
July 2nd, 2013 at 8:44 am
Karaoke is so fun! What’s your favorite karaoke song?
July 2nd, 2013 at 8:59 am
I only did it that one time. I did Matchbox 20’s “3 AM” I think. My friend Blarney rocks karaoke, and I love it when she does Bon Jovi.
July 2nd, 2013 at 9:03 am
That sounds great! I’m not familiar with that song, but I’m definitely going to YouTube it. My favorite song is “Shout!”
July 24th, 2013 at 12:44 am
[…] it isn’t a 30 before 30 or 35 before 35 list like Thoughtsy’s. But this is my “25 things to do before I turn […]
July 29th, 2013 at 10:01 am
This has inspired me to write my own list. Thank you.
October 19th, 2015 at 3:13 pm
Well shit, I never made a list
October 19th, 2015 at 3:14 pm
And I subitted that too early!! haha I just turned 30 but now I may have to make one for before I turn 35 🙂
January 2nd, 2017 at 11:16 am
[…] ago I wrote a blog post titled “25 before 25”, after reading Thoughtsy’s 30 before 30 and 35 before 35 list. I eventually deleted it and haven’t really worked on actively […]