Thursday, August 6, 2009

Time Passes

It's a simple fact that you become a legal adult in the US when you turn 21. For me, that was March 18, 1989. I can't say that anything magical happened on that day to make me feel more mature or adult in any way. I remember when it really hit me that I was an adult, but it didn't have anything to do with turning 21, having a job and earning my own money, getting married, paying bills, ordering a drink in a restaurant or anything you might expect.

The moment it hit me that I was an adult was during dinner with some friends of ours. This was shortly after we were married and they had come to our apartment for the evening. We were enjoying some pleasant conversation when the topic turned to bathroom cleaners. We discussed which ones worked best and the attributes of spray versus foam and paper towel versus sponges. Like being hit with a ton of bricks, I realised that only adults would talk about cleaning toilets and tile with the same enthusiasm once reserved for such topics as movies and music. I may have been an adult before that day, but that was when I really took notice of it.

A lot of time has passed since then, twenty years to be exact, and I'm amazed at how quickly it's gone by. When I think of all the things that have changed and all of the big events and little events that we've lived through, it's incredible. It seems to be true that the older you get, the faster time goes by. There are still times when I have to remind myself that I'm an adult. When I'm talking about music with my son, for example, it makes me feel a little bit like a teenager again. Or when I play with my daughter I get to be nine for a little while. But then I think of how many bottles of bathroom cleaner I've been through in the last twenty years and I'm an adult again.

9 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

I've noticed in the past five years or so, that time is flying by, and as my Mother says "it waits for no one." How true! My hubby and I use to go out and stay out late. Now, we're crawling into bed at a ridiculously early hour. For me, that is the sign of getting older.

Gracey said...

Great post, as always. Your posts are so nostalgic, sweet and enjoyable at the same time!

Me, I have not yet realised I am an adult. Especially now, that I seem to be reliving my teenage years.

But when I will have to exam patients on my own, without help or consult from my supervisors, that's the time I think I'll grow up - for good!

Chicago Mom said...

What a great post! It reminded of me of a time when I was about 21 or 22 and a co-worker (who was slightly older) was excited about getting new lawn furniture. I teased her about it then, but now I would be excited about new lawn furniture too! LOL

My 'moment' was when I found out I was pregnant and realized that my husband and I would be parents.

Lissaloo said...

Lol, the things that become important and interesting are pretty different as we "grow up".

Heidi said...

When I turned 21 I had a 2 month old baby. I think the day I brought her home from the hospital I realized I was an adult!

Unknown said...

Great post...waxing nostalgic here. I don't think I considered myself "grown up" until I had my second child (premie/NICU stay) That'll make you grow up real fast!

Unknown said...

There is such truth in your words! I cannot believe how quickly time goes by now!

Love your story about when you realized you were an adult! lol bathromm cleaner. For me it was when I was talking with some friends and we were all complaining about stomach upset or aches and pains etc. I thought jeez, we're old! Nope, we're just adults!
I have heard before that children keep you young in mind and body. It's very cool that you discuss music with your son! It's wonderful to be able to have some influence, no matter how small, on a young mind, but to also learn something from a young person! Music is great because it speaks to all ages and transcends time.
Have fun playing with your daughter and enjoy your pool this weekend!

Amy
(thank you for visiting my blog!)

Raoulysgirl said...

When I turned 21, I was 7 months pregnant with my Squirrel. My coworkers told me "Oh, you can go out with us and have just 1 or 2 glasses of wine...it'll be fine." When I said "No thanks" and spent my birthday getting a foot rub from Raouly and sipping a cup of hot tea, I think I realized I'd never be anything but "someone's mom" again!!! Wonderful post!!!

Kathy said...

Such a nice post!