Do you remember in your late teens or early 20s when looking over the age of 21 was an accomplishment? I never had a fake ID, but the few times I went to huge bar parties and snuck a drink (or two), that was an accomplishment. Needless to say, the bar was set low in my young adult life.
Toward my middle-young-adult life (did I just make that up?) I raised the bar a little higher. Mastering a Puccini aria with a high C (the musical note, not the sugary drink from our childhood). Chi il bel sogno di Doretta, the aria I sang when I made the honors recital one semester in college. It is an aria from Puccini’s La Rondine and it describes the character’s first kiss. (If you’d like to listen to my performance, you can find it here on iTunes.) Coincidentally, this performance came only two short months after meeting a wonderful guy that I was heads-over-heels for.
Was it a case of real life inspiring my inner-artist to perform my best…or was it the case of artistry enhancing real life?
Fast-forward two years, and I married that wonderful man I met when I was learning Chi il bel sogno. I always wanted to be married by the age of 25, and despite older, wiser friends telling me that I shouldn’t set such specific age-related goals, somehow I met that goal. Becoming a mom at 29 was another goal I had, but that train’s left the station. One out of two ain’t bad, right?
I don’t know where this fits in (it was a childhood dream) but becoming a dog owner was definitely something I’ve always wanted. These little rascals make our lives better, and they remind us to always keep active and playful.
Over the 4th of July weekend, I finally finished a project I started several weeks ago. Honestly, if it weren’t for my husband nagging me to finish it, or the fear of having unannounced guests looking at the horrid thing midway, I don’t think I would have finished it. It was most definitely a labor of love…and something an adult adult would do.
I don’t know when I officially become old, but I think reupholstering furniture and creating upholstered furniture are sure signs of entering adult adulthood….I guess these are adult accomplishments?
Transitioning between young adulthood and [regular] adulthood (am I the only one who thinks there should be another word before adulthood?) was hardly noticeable. I can only see it when we run into friends who are still in the early-20s mindset (partying until you blackout, hooking up with random people, staying out all hours of the night).
Do I miss it? Not really. They’re fond memories for sure. I wouldn’t trade my young adult accomplishments for anything.
My days of dancing on bars are over. And I’m okay with that.
chelsea says
I’m with you, there should definitely be another word before adulthood. And I can’t believe you did that project without professional help–amazing!
Brooks says
Lisette, I am stunned! Your performance was breathtakingly beautiful.
Nadine says
I feel like we’ve made the same transition. I have zero desire to be in a loud bar paying $10 for a drink and having to yell to talk to each other. Your ottoman looks beautiful!
Lisette says
WHAT? WHAT WAS THAT? I CAN’T HEAR YOU! Yeah, that got old real quick. Besides, I could buy a whole bottle of wine for $10 and get sh*tfaced at home…and not worry about driving home. Why didn’t I learn this earlier in life?
Jessa O says
I agree with all these things. I am decorating and sewing. When I was younger I wanted nothing to do with any of that.
Lisette says
Decorating makes my heart sing. Haha. I’m full of the cheesy one-liners. Don’t mind me!
Amanda says
I’m super impressed with your skills!! Nice job getting it done!
Kenzie Smith says
I couldn’t agree more with you on all of that. I had that revelation not too long ago while I was talking with one of my best friends. In fact, I remembered it last weekend because I realized I could no longer get three measly hours of sleep and function like I did in high school.
Lisette says
I did that my junior year of high school. I had to cut that out because of the toll it took on my hair and skin. I guess the whole “beauty sleep” isn’t far-fetched!
Kenzie Smith says
Ha ha, right! I definitely need that beauty sleep.
Kenya says
I totally hear ya! Funny how life changes and we automatically change with it without really knowing that we are changing. Did you get that last sentence? lol.
Crazy to think that about 7 years ago we would go to clubs/bars to celebrate birthdays till 3am. Now, I cringe at the thought of going to an overcrowded bar when I just want to sleep. LOL
Lisette says
You couldn’t PAY me to stay out til 3AM. Why? Just, why? #oldandproud
Girl in Beta says
I agree that this transition is hardly noticeable.
I still don’t feel like an adult and I’m in my 30s. But then again, I like spending Saturday nights on my couch with a book.
Oh, aging…
Lisette says
Hey now, that’s not due to aging. You could find me reading in social gatherings as a teenager. Nothing wrong with that! Thanks for stopping by!
Meghan says
Or just highly amazing accomplishments!
Cat says
You did such a beautiful job on that cushion! I am honestly in awe of your reupholstery talents.
Lisette says
Thanks, Cat! Follow my upholstery Pinterest board. I’m sure you can do it too!
Rachel says
The ottoman looks great! And I totally agree; there’s something a little comforting in realizing that you’re just in a different phase in life. I feel like if I did try to go to a club and be “young,” it would be like that scene in Knocked Up where the bouncer won’t let them in because “she’s pregnant and you’re old as f—. ” Yeah, that would be me if I tried.
Lisette says
Thanks for making me snort coffee out my nose. Hilarious! I’m not a fan of clubs, unless it’s Latin music…because it’s just a nice way out of making yourself look too old to fit in with the crowd. I can’t free-style dance to save my life!
Lindsay @ The Newlywed Notebook says
The ottoman looks amazing!! How you had the skill for that is beyond me!! My husband and I tried to make an ottoman and it turned out OK, but nothing like yours! You got skill girl!!
Lisette says
Thanks so much, Lindsay! I actually followed a few tutorials on my upholstery Pinterest board. The lady behind the blue coffee table tutorial has EXCELLENT tips! You can do it too!
Amanda says
WAIT. you did that yourself????? I installed a new toilet seat yesterday and I thought that was a really big deal…until now! Damn girl i am impressed. and now if you’ll excuse me i’m off to find something to reupholster, most likely jake’s hideous (but beloved) post-divorce sofa…
Lisette says
Haha. Whatever you do, don’t reupholster that sofa. The ottoman sat in our living room for WEEKS half-finished.
And I just changed my first toilet seat ever the other week…and it WAS a big deal. You know about my slum landlord.
Amanda says
I am definitely with you on all of this. It’s weird to look back at things you liked/thought/cared about and realize that your likes/thoughts/interests have completely changed, and you didn’t even realize you were getting older! ;)
Kate says
I think it sounds like your transitions are all going splendidly so far ;) As for the reupholstering, I am seriously impressed! I don’t think I would have the time or the patience… super impressive lady.