Things Do Not Change, We Change

I used to love Forever 21. Now I rarely go into the store. I used to hate my hair. Now I embrace it. I guess Thoreau was right. We change, not things.

In middle school I thought high school kids were the epitome of smart, cool and mature, and I was extremely intimidated . Once I was in high school, I thought the same about college students. Maybe I developed into the stereotypical college student that thinks she knows everything but really has no idea, but I truly did not feel intimidated of really anyone upon graduation. I have already met numerous executives and influential people that are considerably older and wiser than I am, and I comfortable with who I am and my KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. My teacher would be so proud that I remembered that). With those two things combined, I thought I was set to interact with anyone I might encounter.

This all changed when I walked into the luncheon for the United Way Loaned Executives program, wearing a suit I might add, with one simple question, "Are you in the right place?" All that confidence and comfortability I just mentioned? Out the window. I suddenly felt like the little girl in her mom's suit playing dress-up, but somehow I just giggled, nodded, and then proceeded to ramble at a high-pitch. Maybe I haven't changed as much as I thought.

Someone Give Me a Happy Meal!

Since I graduated, I have been looking for a gym to join because I no longer have the luxury of using the T-Rec whenever I want. Everywhere either has a contract that is 2 years or greater, or they charge monthly fees of $60 or more. For one person!

Furthermore, of course fruits, vegetables, and organic food are the most expensive items in the grocery store. I'll never forget when I was picking up a carton of eggs a year or so ago and this woman took my hand and said I should really buy the cage-free, organic eggs. She then proceeded to ask me if I knew how the chickens that created non-organic eggs were treated. Yes, woman, I do. The thing is, at this point in my life, I can either eat non-organic eggs or no eggs at all.

My last rant is about the restaurant industry. Why can I not order off the kids menu as an adult? And if I can, why do you charge me two dollars extra? Why can I not order a lunch portion for dinner? You're selling food either way.

All I want is to stay fit and active without breaking the bank. This adult wants a Happy Meal, too!

End of an Era: Moving Day

I left my apartment at the Woodland's for the last time this morning. Just saying that doesn't seem real. I have moved more than a few times in my life, so the fact that I have lived in the same apartment since the end of my senior year of high school is a big deal. Over the years, this apartment has become much more than a temporary college residence. I painted and put pictures on the walls; I grew herbs (well, one herb) in the kitchen. I made it a home.

Through the past four and a half years, 202 has seen its share of laughter, tears, friends, family, startling and unwanted occupants, and everything else in between. It has absorbed the spewed milk from fits of laughter while enjoying cookies and girl talk, the tears in the kitchen when life gets a little too hard to handle, the rain we tracked in every single time we went grocery shopping because we have stellar luck, and the love that was shared between two best friends, their friends, family, and occasional flings.

I can't help but think of the Friend's episode where they finally all move out and on with their lives. I bawled during the episode and have a feeling I will just as much in real life. It's the end of an era. 202, it's been the time of my life. I hope the new tenants love you just as much as I did.