I can’t believe I’m about to ring in my 30th year! A lot of people write lists when they enter a new decade about all the things you should do before reaching that age. I couldn’t see myself writing a “30 things to do before turning 30” list. If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past 30 years is that there is ZERO appropriate timeline for life experiences. Everyone’s life takes them on their own path, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
So instead I decided to put together a list of 30 things about me. I saw one of my favorite bloggers, Ashley Robertson, do this recently. It seemed like a good way to ring in the decade and let you all know me a little better. Maybe you know these things about me, and maybe some of them are new.
Here’s to a new decade!
Xx, Kelsey
30 Things About Me
- I was a figure skater for 20+ years. Many of you probably know this, but I trained as an ice dancer for most of my life. I retired in 2014 shortly after the US Championships when I struggled to find a new partner to compete with. Skating has always been my biggest passion, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved now that we are back in the US.
- I HATE chocolate. It’s a funny little thing, but I can’t stand the smell or taste of it. Even chocolate chips or chocolate icing are a no-go.
- I’ve suffered with chronic migraines since I was a child. About 5 years ago, I discovered Botox for migraines, and it has changed my life.
- Jon and I met in Colorado Springs. He was in the US Army as a bomb technician, and I was training for skating. We both swiped right on Tinder and the rest is history.
- I studied advertising and art in college. I had really wanted to go to school for studio art (acrylics are my medium of choice), but decided to make the practical decision to study advertising. I’m grateful for that decision, since I’ve had a great advertising career so far.
- My full time job is in pharmaceutical advertising. I have worked on the creative side and in marketing but returned to pharma when I lost my job in 2020. I specifically work on ads for healthcare providers in oncology. It’s actually pretty rewarding to help let oncologists know about new developments and treatments for cancer.
- I am a huge reader. Growing up, my family read far more than we watched TV. I’m usually pretty clueless about movies that were popular when I was a kid because of it.
- I have a younger sister and brother. Both are super smart and talented. My sister is a civil engineer in DC, and my brother is graduating from Princeton this spring.
- I’m militant about my nail care. Ever since kicking my nail biting habit a few years ago, I file and paint my nails at least once a week. After Jon and I got engaged, I went to the salon to get them done every ten days.
- Jon and I are getting married in October 2023 in Tuscany! We got engaged last summer, and I just knew we needed to consider Italy for the wedding. I’m so excited to host a big party full of pasta and wine and to celebrate our love with our favorite people.
- Coats are my favorite piece of clothing. I fully believe in the power of a good coat to make an outfit.
- Growing up, I lived in 5 states. My dad was an engineer, and we always moved where the projects were. When we moved to Texas, I told my parents I wanted to go to one high school. It was the longest we lived anywhere, and I got to have a pretty normal high school experience.
- As a child, I never played any sports with balls. My mom said she signed me up for soccer, and I cried the whole way there because I wanted to do ballet instead. I did ballet, gymnastics, swimming, and of course, skating, growing up.
- In 2018, I went pescatarian and haven’t looked back. I’ve always been picky about meat, especially if anyone mentions where it comes from. Now I eat eggs and fish, and I’ve found it to be a great fit for me. Jon still eats meat, so we often cook our own mains separately and share veggies for dinner.
- Chips and queso is my favorite food. Followed closely by veggie fried rice.
- In high school and college I studied French. I wish I had kept up with more of it, but I’m comfortable enough to get through basic conversations and order at restaurants.
- I’ll almost always choose salty over sweet. I get cravings for popcorn or chips far more than I do for ice cream or candy.
- Wine is my drink of choice. I listen to the really great podcast, Wine for Normal People, which has taught me so much. Jon and I also like to do winery visits whenever we travel and take classes so we can learn more.
- Paris is my all-time favorite city. The food, the architecture, the language. I can’t wait until the next time I can go back.
- I rushed Tri Delta when I was in college at SMU. I ended up moving to Colorado and wasn’t as involved in my sorority at CU. I’m still affiliated though, and my favorite thing about my sorority is how much they give back to St. Jude every year.
- I want to live abroad again. Right now I’m super happy being back stateside, but I really wouldn’t mind living abroad again. I don’t know that it would be Amsterdam or somewhere new. I’m very interested in Asia, but not until the world calms down a bit.
- My first designer purchase was a pair of Louboutin heels. I saved forever and bought them for my 21st birthday. I don’t regret it because I wore the heck out of them, but now they’re too tall and precarious for me.
- I have pretty terrible vision. I wear contacts every day and glasses at night. Without them I can’t see a thing!
- Ever since living in Europe, I’ve become a black coffee drinker. I don’t like regular milk and usually on travels it’s hard to find oat or soy. So I sucked it up and now drink americanos.
- I’ve been dating Jon for almost all of my 20s. We met just before my 21st birthday, and now here we are!
- My enneagram came back inconclusive. I’m not sure what that means, but I wish I knew so I could participate in all those fun posts and memes.
- I’m both a cat and dog person. I hope to someday adopt a cat once Jolene is a little older.
- I’m obsessed with champagne. Every since my trip last year with my best friend, Mercedes, I always choose to drink bubbles when I’m out.
- I’m a big extrovert. Social interactions usually give me energy, so I love meeting up with friends as often as I can.
- My favorite genres of music range from country to dance pop to hip hop. Really the only music I don’t like is hard rock or anything really aggressive.
