Women Turning 30

Googi just forwarded me an email about CBS 60 Minutes Andy Rooney's discussion about women over 30. It reminded me of an old article I kept back from 1997, titled "30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30." I ran across this article in the May 1997 issue of GlamourMagazine, thought it was interesting, so I decided to keep it. I figured, when the day comes that I turn 30, I will reflect on the list and see how it all relates to me. I was 22 at that time, so 30 seemed very far in the future. Well, what do you know? I'll be turning 30 this year!! Anyways, Googi's email made me dig this article back up from my storage bin and here I would like to share with you the List:

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30

Should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come
2. Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or lover of your dreams wants to see you in an hour
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying
5. A youth you're content to move beyond
6. A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age - and enough money to fund it
8. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra
9. One friend who always make you laugh and one who lets you cry
10. A good piece of furniture not previously own by anyone else in your family
11. Eight matching plates, wineglasses and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored
12. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded
13. A feeling of control over your destiny
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better

Should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself
2. How you feel about having kids
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship
4. When to try harder and when to walk away
5. How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to have happen next
6. How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend
7. How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it
8. That you can't change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents
9. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over
10. What you would and wouldn't do for money or love
11. How to live alone, even if you don't like to
12. Who you can trust, who you can't and why you shouldn't take it personally
13. Where to go when your soul needs soothing
14. What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, a year
15. Why they say life begins at 30