Apr 18, 2008

Becoming a Grown Up

So, I'll be 32 in a few months. This seems sort of unreal to me. I don't feel a day over 25, though my gray hairs would suggest otherwise! My ten year high school reunion has come and gone (I didn't go...it's suggested that one waits until the 20th to see who has gone bald, gray, fat, etc) and I still remember high school like it was yesterday. I've finally decided it's time to be a grown up. Yes, I've been grown up for a while. I've been a mother since I was 19, the age when most kids are still saving up for a car and moving into an apartment with four friends and a futon. Now, four kids, three moves, and countless adventures later, I've decied it's time to settle down a bit. For me, this started with eating my first real, official salad last week. My friend Kelly turned me on to the Stonefire Grill southwestern tri tip salad, and I gobbled it up like it was chocolate. Can't believe what I've been missing out on all these years! Of course, my idea of a salad growing up was some Ceaser sloshed onto iceberg lettuce. Salads have come a long way, it seems, with even McDonalds joining the ranks. So it seems this step has thrust me into the grown up department. I've also been sampling wine, and discovered it's not as sour as I once believed it to be. I'm still no connosuier, but I could probably hold my own at a wine tasting and even pronounce a few different labels. Coffee. Can't forget coffee. I can thank my Arizona buddies for this new addiction. Three years ago, I couldn't stand the smell of brew. I drove by Starbucks and scratched my head, wondering what the fuss was all about. I started with Fraps, and graduated to lattes. Wow! I can see why people plunk down four bucks for a caffeine buzz! Now, of course, McDonalds has $1.99 iced coffees, which really are pretty good and seem to be the best deal in town. (If they're laden with 600 calories, I don't want to know!!!) Finally, I've gone through my wardrobe and decided it's time to ditch those Roxy shorts I've had since,well, since I can't remember. It's amazing that they've survived half a dozen moves and a 60 pound weight gain and loss (four times!) But, alas, I'm not 18 anymore, and despite countless trips to the gym and even a little nip and tuck, it's time for them to go. This doesn't mean I'm going to leap into the Mom jean catagory, by any means. I don't think I need to venture into elastic waists until at least my 60s. Anyhow, I've decided it's okay to still be a kid at heart, and be a grown up too. Life is too short to be serious all the time. Now, I'm off to make a salad and plop down with a glass of wine and watch some Sponge Bob.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Karen I love this! I love that I can keep up with you while you are so far away....okay, so not SO FAR away, but it seems like it! You are an amazing writer! This little blurb had me rolling! Keep it up! Love and miss you! -Brandi

Anonymous said...

Anonymous?!? Okay, so clearly I'm not sure how to do this. Just wanted to make it clear that I'm not a tiptoe-ing crazy "anonymous" person lurking around here! -Brandi

Anonymous said...

It is so great to hear from you . I miss you a lot and pray that the family is doing well! Take care! :) Love ya~Amy :)

Furrey Family said...

So fun! I love catching up on your fabulous blogs! They are hysterical! I can't wait to see you in May- we are going to have a blast! Miss you - Tracy

Jenny said...

I can't believe you've been there for two whole months. How time fly's. It is crazy we had snow today, last week we had 84 degree's. Well that's what you get in Oregon in the spring time!
miss you tell Kelly HI

Anonymous said...

3rd time visitor, 1st time comment-er...
Hey Karen! Boy, now I know where to go when I need a good dose of laughter! You are an amazing writer. I also appreciate your honesty and life lessons.
Well I too am a kid at heart...thats what makes being a mom so much fun =) I still love snow cones and cotton candy, running through sprinklers on a hot day and reading Dr. Seuss out loud. I still get excited when I see Cinderella walking down Main Street or when I buckle up for California Screaming. I like to ride the sea otter on the carousel. And oh yeah...I even had a blue, yes blue, Otter Pop yesterday after playing tug-of-war on Field Day! But I also enjoy the grown up side of life. Its not always fun or easy, but the rewards are great.
We miss you!
Denise

Corrie H said...

You are soooo funny! You crack me up. I thank God for the gift of writing that he's given you. I love reading what you write.

Congrats on being a grown up. I too have taken that venture this year. I have decided to take off my rose colored glass and trade them in for a real look at life.

This could be overwhelmingly scary, but I am thankful that the sovereign God who walks with me through it all is all knowing, all powerful, and always present.

Coffee...Wine...Salad...what next?
Before I know it, you'll be so grown up your bedtime will be 9pm!

Missy said...

hi karen :) how are you? hey, we're coming for sure in sept. for the homeschool day at disney!!!!! hopefully sooner!

miss u friend :(

missy