I'm a Big Kid Now!

Ask pretty much anyone who knows me relatively well, and they'll agree that I'm really just a six-year-old at heart. If my life consisted of swings, sugar, cartoons, coloring, and rolling down hills, I'd be perfectly content. As it is, though, at the ripe old age of 23, I've been forced out into that "real world" place that John Mayer so vehemently denies exists. In the midst of working full-time and paying bills, I've begun doing three things that I consider very mature and adult, especially for me. And even more surprisingly, I've discovered that these three things are AWESOME. If you would be so willing, I invite you to take a little peek into the world of adulthood with me.

1. Flossing - I could just never really get into flossing before recently. I'd try for a few days, but the irritation of cutting off the circulation to my fingers while trying to reach my

molars with a spit-covered piece of string always overshadowed the potential benefits of taking care of my gums, and I'd lose interest. Then I stumbled upon floss picks while at CVS with my mother. They're so easy to use! Suddenly plaque is my enemy, and it is my joy to rid my teeth of its menace. I can feel my gums getting stronger with each passing day. I would swear to you that my smile looks brighter. And the best part? Mom bought the pack for me, so I didn't even have to shell out the 4 bucks myself. Nice. Moving on.

2. Wearing Pantyhose - I understand that this doesn't so much apply to the literal Gentlemen in our readership, but it's still relevant. No teenaged girl I've ever met has willingly wanted to wear

 pantyhose. They're bunchy, itchy, saggy, and infuriating. Or so I thought. Until one night I decided to wear a skirt to work (doing laundry on a regular basis is one of those grown-up traits I haven't quite fallen into yet), but was concerned I'd get chilly sitting by the open door all evening. So I dragged out a pair of pantyhose. Not only was I kept nice and toasty warm during my entire shift, but every time I walked by the mirror on my way into the kitchen, I couldn't help but think, "Damn, are those MY legs?" I looked sleek and sophisticated, and I kind of liked it. 

But neither of these things can compare to my greatest achievement:

3. Eating Vegetables - I know, I know. Vegetables are good for me. I'm supposed to eat 5 a day. I get it intellectually. But vegetables taste gross! Right? Turns out, not so much. The chefs at Feast do a pretty awesome job of making tasty veggie dishes, and consider me their own personal pet project. First it was the sweet potato puree. Then the curried cauliflower soup. Oo, and the vegan potato salad. Next thing you know, I'm diving into a plate of asparagus. Asparagus. And then, funny thing - I started waking up earlier in the morning. I have more energy throughout the day. I have less room for dessert after meals. My pants are starting to loosen around the waist. I'm... I'm becoming healthier. 

And then, one day, sitting at Franklin's in College Park with fellow Gentleman David Pratt, it happened. I was perusing the menu and when I read the description of their spinach salad, I thought, "That sounds DELICIOUS!" Wait, what? I'm craving vegetables now? Well damn. Look who's acting her age. Weird.

(The downside to all this fantastic adult discovery? My mother is now frolicking in the land of I Told You So.)

I can't imagine that I'm alone in this feeling. So please, comment away gentle readers - what magical tidbits of adulthood have you discovered that are surprisingly amazing? Maybe together we can all learn to be a little bit more grown up.