How I'm an Adult Now

-I cook all the time.
It's become a pretty natural thing at this point. I'd say I cook 5/7 days of the week and I've become pretty good at it. As long as I have all my ingredients set before I start my time management is solid and my flavors come out good. It's strange because I never really cooked until the past year or so but I do it all the time now because 1) it's economical 2) I've gotten to the point where I know I can certain dishes better than a restaurant can. This also narrows my restaurant choices to a- fancy, or b- foreign food with spice combos and preps I cannot even fathom trying myself.
Mind you, I'm still a complete lazy ass if I have to make food for JUST myself. I'm much more motivated to cook for others and try new things.

-I clean on a more regular basis.
I'm not as hyper as I was about cleaning when I first moved out here, but some form of neatness and order is important to me in my own space. Most of my life I've been a slob but in college that began evolving.

-Decor matters to me more than it did before.
It really fucking annoys me that I still can't find the right shade of fucking orange for curtains in our living room. Color, fabric, and design are important. If it's where I'm hanging out and relaxing at the end of the day, it needs to feel like "us" and welcoming. I'm also really happy that the kitchen is complete and the only things that would be great to change in there are things the landlord has control over (like the fucking ugly counter top and the floor).

-I get excited at the idea of being able to pay extra on my bills.
I'll be doing a bit better economically speaking starting in May, so I can start to pay more on my loans and punch down more of my interest. It means those loans won't hang out as long and I will be happier camper without that hanging over my head.

-I saving with a purpose.
I've been thinking about long term savings stuff, such as saving up for a nice bike, a new mattress, and after that a trip overseas. I have rough ideas of when I can get to these points. I've always been a natural money saver, but now I'm asking "Brain, what would you actually like to do with it?" Emergency funds are a good idea too.

-I'm busy.
Oh wait, that doesn't count, because I'm pretty much always busy. I like to be that way though. I need breaks but I do enjoy a full schedule.

-I know myself a lot better.
I realize this isn't necessarily a sign of adulthood, as how much you know yourself can change with the changes in your life, but I do feel a lot more self-assured. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and how to work with them. I know when I need to give myself a break in body or mind, and I have a good idea of when I need to push myself too.

-I'm taking better care of me.
I push my limits a little but I am faster to recognize a mental freak out, a body break down. My health is something I keep an eye on and maintain as best as I can, by feeding it right, by exercising, by refreshing my mind.



Overall I'm quite happy with where I am in my life. I've done a lot of growing in the past year and all it has been for the better. Hopefully these positive changes continue and I just keep moving up.

~Lo
Your Favorite Annoying Twenty-Four Year Old