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.