I'm almost 20 now and there are some things that I am realizing as that day gets closer. I will finally be out of my teens (OMG where did the time go!?!?!) and into the first years as a twenty-something. As daunting as growing up is, it is also exciting once I came to terms with it and the fact that I am truly finding out much more about myself than I ever knew. Take a look with me and see if any of these apply to you as well :)

1. I'm an emotional being... and that's okay.

OK... Hear me out on this one. Two years ago I started college in Eugene. I was ready to get out, like Spongebob ready! I wanted to go and see the world (or... Oregon) and experience new things with new faces and in an entirely new place. When my parents moved me in that long September day, I was ok with things, excited even. As the days flew by and turned into months, I was really longing to be home back to where I knew best. Fast forward another year and a half and my dad (BFF #1) just dropped off my new car, Comet, to me yesterday. We hung out today going to Salem and exploring Willamette and then Corvallis so I could see OSU (why? I don't know) and as it came time for us to switch cars and him to make the long drive home to Southern California, I found myself bawling like a child while driving up my parking garage's many floors. It took me by surprise because I know I'd see him and my mom (BFF #1 also) very soon but suddenly I was flooded with thoughts of if Oregon was right for me? As I calmed myself down (or not) I began to realize that I really was a very emotional person and that maybe I had been suppressing it all this time until the moment when my dad drove away and it hit me that I wouldn't see him or my mom until spring break... cue the tears.

2. THE POINTS DO MATTER DREW CAREY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright we all may be here right about now but I'm not the track runner, high jumper, ballet dancer that I was in high school and girl did that pizza REALLY HIT ME HARD. Here I am thinking that taking a CrossFit class last year at the Rec for a term would make me look like Misty Copeland and boy did I realize that I was wrong (as I ate Barnhart's illustrious brunch). So, Christmas day I joined Weight Watchers. Not because I have put on 300 pounds (ok maybe but I am damn good at sucking in!!!!!) but because I wanted to be more aware of what I put into my body. I like that you can track what you eat and have a set amount of points for the week. I feel like it will be a great help in the long run and I can see myself working hard and staying on track with the foods I eat to heighten my awareness. I am learning that it's ok to use a weight loss program and that many people are successful. There's nothing to be ashamed about with weight gain and as long as I (and everyone else) knows that we are still beautiful creatures and as long as we are all happy then I can do whatever I want. *Mental note that I am going to reach out to In N Out to put one in Eugene* (and praise the Whose Line gods)

3. I am the embodiment of Murphy's Law.

Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Yeah, I probably failed my Art History final last term and screwed up a lease at work or burnt the heck out of the chicken I was trying to make for dinner or broke something fragile at a store. You get the idea. Things WILL GO WRONG in life and adulthood is just me, walking around aimlessly with a weird look on my face trying to survive. We learn by making mistakes and crossing our comfort zones. Being the awkward sheep in crowd is what I do best and if you feel the same then welcome to adulthood. I swear you are not alone if you feel this way and don't let anyone make you feel bad for just trying to find some food but really just walking in circles (this has never happened to me).

4. Not wanting to go out.

So last year if someone asked me if I wanted to go out I would usually jump on it and carpe noctem. There were times when I couldn't imagine myself even staying in on a Friday night because what else would I even do? Everyone was going out and to this day people are still finding ways to go out on a Monday night and make it to their 8 am Tuesday morning, and that my people is a true skill. Now on the weekends I am perfectly capable of staying in, whipping up whatever I have in my kitchen, calling over the boyfriend (who lives next door and is already over) and watching cops. Nothing against the people who live to rage or have FOMO, but it was a fine realization when I knew that staying in was perfect and going out took too much effort. Besides, I like to stay in and be a homebody and hang out. It's fun and I'm ok with that. Tell me your wild stories of sweaty dancing and weird hookups and I'll reply with how great my dinner was and who won between me or Zach (bf) in Sorry! (Me... Always)

5. I will work for the rest of my life.

Well, maybe. Unless I strike gold or become famous, but even then I might still work. If I love what I do then it won't be that bad.

6. My parents are my best friends.

Throughout high school and earlier, if someone would have told me that my mom and dad were going to be my best friends later in life I would have never believed them for a second. And this is not because I didn’t want it to be true or because I disliked my parents (we had our arguments, yes) but just because they were parents. Not friends. Emotionally and mentally I couldn’t conceive of having a relationship with my parents other than the one that I had had for years. Parents and children. Now that I realize how important their bond is with me, I really can’t remember life before this. Being able to call my mom when things are just going wrong in life (see #3, told ya) or realize that the bond that I have with my dad is funnier than any girl or guy friend could have ever created with me, is the best and most important part of my life.

7. Money does not grow on trees.

Working and being able to pay for my own daily expenses (thank you mom and dad for still supporting me to this day) has opened my eyes to the world of finances. I can now better choose between when to spend versus save and being able to look into my bank account and see the all those zeroes ( ;) ) has been comforting in knowing that I have this huge responsibility that I am managing. Being able to make my own money and get paid and spend that wisely makes me truly feel responsible and grown up.

In short, this list could go on and on. I’ve summed up the most important things (or the ones that just came to my head at the moment because I’m currently hungry and clouded by the thought of french fries and a double-double). Keep in mind that my list may not be the same as yours. Everyone is different and that is the beauty of being a human with our own individual minds and thoughts. I’d love to hear what your realizations were or if you have anything you’d like to add!