When I Grow Up.......

I don't know if I ever will, but, I have taken some major steps to go toward that.  Do I want to grow up all the way, heck no!!   What's the fun in being a full on grown up?

Here are some signs that I have made progress in some maturity levels.....

• I now pay my bills.  On time.  Raising my kids while poor was a very hard thing.  We didn't have a lot of money.  We spent money on stupid things foolishly.  We didn't always get our bills paid on time and some times had the repercussions of that.  I have tried to raise my kids to make smarter moves than me.  I think for the most part they have - but, I'm sure they've had their share of mistakes.  We have to - if we don't make mistakes, we can't learn from them.
• I have learned that food is the enemy I make it.  I am a stress eater.  I am always stressed.  That combination can be lethal - especially when sweets are around.  I envy those people who could care less about sweets.  I have learned to read labels.  I have learned how to understand portions.  One day I'll learn how to put one plus one together and not get three.
• I know now that eating vegetables is not a death sentence.  Up until I was about 40 years old, I ate with my eyes.  I was a picky eater.  Especially when vegetables were involved.  One day I thought to myself, "self, how do you know that broccoli is disgusting if you have not put it in your mouth to try it?"  So, whenever I was given something new to try, I would try it.  The only thing I still have trouble with is hot and spicy.  I am not that willing to try the hot and spicy.  Since I have taken on the mantra of try it, you might like it, I have learned to like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, lettuce that is not iceberg and dressings that do not have the word ranch in them.  Today, when faced with some plain Greek yogurt, even though originally I pulled a face like - ICK - right off the bat, I tried it.  Was it my favorite?  Not really.  Did I die?  Nope.  But, after I was done, I was actually thinking it wasn't horrible.  Then, I was faced with that same Greek yogurt mixed with spicy Dijon mustard.  Actually pretty tasty (but, again, it had that spicy thing to it) and it was going on a wrap - I was a little jealous of that wrap.  It looked a lot better than my ham sandwich.
• I have learned education is a good thing.  Do I wish I would have had the foresight to go to college instead of get pregnant and having kids?  No.  Do I wish I would have had the foresight to get an education?  Yes.  I would never wish my kids away.  They are my life.  I do wish I would have gone to college before now. However, I doubt I would have appreciated it before now.  Knowledge is power.  In fact, after I graduate this course, I may decide to get even more educated.  
• Family is first and always.