Things to do before you turn 30
October 2, 2005
There are some forwards which really make you sit back and ponder. This is one of them and I really liked it as soon as I read it and hence it has made it to my blog as well. I still have time to do most of the things that have been mentioned here though am not sure as to how many i’ll actually be able to give it a shot 
Sitting here in the middle of my 20s, I’ve been looking back fondly on my wild and woolly youth — though some might describe it as mild and cottony. Anyway, I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions on important things to accomplish in those twenty something years (I haven’t yet lost it all).
1. Drive a wickedly cool car, even if you have to rent it - “Wickedly cool” is defined as any car that turns heads on the streets. They say life is a journey and you should enjoy the ride. Well, if that’s the case, you might as well ride in style at least once. I haven’t yet got a chance – but remember I haven’t yet reached my 30.
2. Date against type - Better yet, date somebody “dangerous.” Waking up tied to a bed with a person who has more tattoos than brains will give you stories to regale other members of the old-age home in your dotage. Also, dating “dangerous” types will make you realize what jerks they are — and make you less likely to pass up a lifelong love affair with someone you’re really compatible with.
Or if you already tend to date dangerous, then date someone your mother would like. What the heck, she might be right.
3. See the world - It’s much easier to do when you’re 22 and footloose than 35 with two bawling babies in your backpack. Even if you never leave India, you’ll see a good portion of the planet. Go cheap and travel light. This leaves you open to more adventures. Youth hostels are inexpensive and, even better, you’ll meet tons of other adventurers there.
Seeing the world will broaden your horizons and make you a more interesting person. Plus interesting and funny things happen when you travel — and remember, your 20s are your time to live the stories that you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.
I still talk about the two months I spent after college driving through Europe and some part of Middle East - I slept in my car at a highway rest area in Paris, France. I have more memories from that short time than from the last five years of work.
4. Live in a cool place - Maybe a loft in a trendy neighborhood “in transition,” maybe just camped out on the beach in your van. I still remember those 6 months in a one BHK flat. Just think: a small kitchen, a lousy bathroom, couldn’t even open the balcony and pigeon shit on window panes. Yet everyone thought I was living some glamorous life. Later I lived in a two-bedroom apartment, and really appreciated the space. Comfort isn’t quite as important in your 20s s later –- take advantage of that fact.
5. If you’re going to drink a lot, do it when you’re young - Getting sick on cheap white wine after 30 is pretty pathetic. Young drunks sometimes get away with being “cute,” though you may still have a lot of apologizing to do. Get this experimentation out of your system and you’ll appreciate finer spirits when you get older.
6. Take risks with your job - I’ve noticed that most people end up changing direction in their careers after their 20s anyway, so, take the time to figure out what you want to do. There will be time enough to be a cubicle drone later.
Aim for the career you’ve dreamed of doing. If you have a chance to be a model or a dancer, go for it. Get the job in the big city. Volunteer to work on the big project that could make or break the company. Start up a smoothie business with your college buddy.
Or just have fun for now. You might want to be a bartender at the hottest club in town and pick up a lot of dates. Or take a low-paying job at the zoo just because you like animals. Later, when you’ve got the mortgage and 2, 3 kids and a time share in Cocoa Beach, fun will be the last thing on your mind at the office. I still muse about the summer jobs because it was a lot more fun than sitting at a desk every day.
7. Do something physically adventurous - And do it OUTSIDE! No one will ever be remembered for playing Nintendo or watching every single episode of “Friends.” Enjoy your body while you’re young, push it to its limits -– soon enough, you’ll watch your muscles turn to flab and your rear end inflate like a rubber raft.
8. Take your parents to dinner - You’ll probably have to struggle with your dad about paying the check, but this is one of those grown-up things to do. It gives you a chance to show your parents that you are an equal and that you are responsible. It’s also a chance to show your appreciation for all those dinners they bought over the years.
9. Do volunteer work - You may be broke, but you can give your sweat and earnestness to a cause in which you believe. In addition to improving your world, you can allow yourself to be exposed to others in the world. Work in a soup kitchen and you’ll appreciate your air-conditioned, one/two-bedroom apartment or even a studio apartment for that matter.
10. Use this decade to go to extremes - Climb the tallest mountain you can find. Picnic at midnight. Learn to sail. Talk to strangers. Road trip to New Orleans. Take a midnight drive to the beach -– then stick around for dawn.
Sounds like your 20s are pretty fun.
But don’t think this means the rest of your life will be a drag. My point is to take advantage of what you have: energy, idealism, enthusiasm, a willingness to experiment, a lack of encumbrances, a desire to learn and grow. Enjoy your 20s — and you’ll be better able to appreciate the next stage.
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This is the personal blog of Shriram who digs travel, music, movies, trains and tea.
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October 4th, 2005 at 8:40 am
Very cute
Now tell us how many of those things you’ve actually done
;)
I did about 6!
October 4th, 2005 at 9:48 am
I thought it was very much meaningful more than being just cute
Hmm… I don’t think I’ll be able to do ‘2′ things that have been listed here.So am left with 8 outta which I’ve done 4.
Am hoping to attempt a couple of them by this year end