30 things I've learned on my way to 30

Because now I can act like I know a boatload. (Actually, it was really hard to come up with 30 things that weren't  love notes to my family and friends who have made my life what it is - rich and worthwhile and wonderful. I had to remember this was a blog, after all.) 

References to "you" are actually to "me." Just to clarify. Though you may have had similar revelations.

1. 30 isn't actually old. 
2. Fashion magazines are simply ads.
3. Making new friends after college is seriously hard. That Girl Scouts song about gold and silver friends is true.
4. If you don’t pack enough clothes, you will be okay.
5. Take notes when your relatives tell you stories about the old days.
6. Empathy is pretty much the most important emotion, ever.
7. And “Just Do It” is pretty much the best mantra you could ever have.
8. Wash your face before going to bed. No matter what.
9. Travel debt is the best debt.
10. Buying in bulk might only make you use more stuff more quickly.
11. Yes, you actually can run over seven miles nonstop, just not during the first 10 tries.
12. Take lots of pictures because it may be the only way you can remember anything anymore.
13. Your “Just Do It” mantra also applies to cleaning the toilet, going to the gym, getting up with your alarm, stuff like that. You can’t just save it for the fun times.
14. Slow down. Don't rush other people. 
15. Get over Diet Coke. Later, you’ll realize it tastes like chemicals, which is what it is.
16. When you wake up in the morning, try to think of something wonderful as soon as you can.
17. A good shopping tip: before buying clothes, envision what each thing will look like after having gone through the wash four times. 
18. You will never fully understand the game of football.
19. It’s not necessary to listen to music constantly. Even (especially) in the car.
20. If you’re having a bad hair day, just put on some lipstick (not on your hair, though).
21. Be interesting, but don't give everything away.
22. It’s okay to change your mind. It shows that you’re thinking.
23. Don't give up on penmanship.
24. Go for a walk. Good things aren’t that far away.
25. Find meaning in whatever ways make sense to you, and don't feel the need to convince other people.
26. You’re not above lowbrow, and you’re better for it. Embrace it.
27. Your profoundest thoughts have probably been sung about by Paul Simon.
28. When in doubt, just smile a nice smile for the photo.
29. Eat a little bit of everything (a la Julia Child) as long as it's real food (a la Michael Pollan). It's the only "diet" worth doing.
30. Don’t go off of others’ lists; always make your own.