With so many end of the year recaps out there, I figured I might as well join in. 2011 was a big year for growing up. I don’t feel ready to be an adult. I feel like an 80-year-old woman sometimes (early bedtimes and crocheting habits tend to contribute to that…), but I’m not an adult yet, right? Or am I?
Working for the Weekend? Adult.
I began the year just getting into the swing of a real 9-5 (well, 7-4) job. That’s right–the sort of adult job that comes with benefits, paid time off and insurance. I even got advanced to a higher position in the company (albeit with no raise. Raises? Really adult.)
Accomplishing goals? Adult.
I made a goal of reading, on average, one book a week. According to my list of book reviews I’ve read 77. Goal accomplished, mastered and then ground into the dirt. Take that, goal.
Sharing with others? Adult.
I started this blog at the very beginning of the year. It was just going to be a place to keep track of the books I read. Then vegan food started creeping in. Then I started meeting this wonderful blogging community. And then it ended up as this current conglomeration of everything that makes me happy.
Taking care of yourself? Adult.
I got more excited/organized about fitness and eating right. I started seriously lifting, considering my nutritional intake and spending too much money on revealing gym clothes. Oh, wait, that last one…
Ignoring boys and beauty? Adult.
I all but stopped wearing makeup this year–I’ll only throw it on for the once-every-two-months night out. I also stopped making terrible dating decisions and getting tied up in boy-related drama. I really like being single and I can’t imagine my life being any better than it is right now (in terms of relationships)–so why did I manage to convince myself otherwise?
Thinking about the future? Adult.
I’m considering buying a house or condo. Buying. Like, down payments and mortgages and mowing my own lawn and stuff.
To adult or not to adult, that is the question.
But my childhood isn’t over yet! I love cartwheels on sunny days, I still eat cookies for dinner, I fall asleep immediately if you put me in the back seat of a car, and I see nothing wrong with wasting an entire weekend reading a trashy fantasy novel while wearing a random array of shiny clothing items and costume jewelry.
Do you consider yourself an “adult?”
Wow, what a huge year for you! I think I grew up a lot this year too, although it is hard to think of myself as an adult. It’s crazy when you sit and write it all out!
Wow big year! I have a hard time thinking of myself as an adult, though I suppose 22 technically is. Weird.
One book a week??? I am amazed! 2011 was a great year for you! I think we all want to cling to our youth some way or another! It’s a scary world out there
It sounds like 2011 has been awesome for you! I think no matter how old a person is, your never too old to eat cookies for dinner and do cartwheels! Hope 2012 is just as great for you!!
Unfortunately, yes, I’m an adult. But, my sisters’ ridiculous gifts sometimes keeps me in the spirit of a child. The gifts tend to be crazy and whimsical.
We all need someone to help keep up young! Glad your sister keeps it fun
I love this. You had a great “grown up” year, but still remember to keep the feeling of being a child. I’m definitely an adult, except when I’m at my parent’s house. Then, I revert to being a child again.
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Haha, I definitely drop a few years when I visit the family as well! Nothing like having someone to cook and clean for you to make you feel like a kid again–when there were so fewer responsibilities!
Good luck on the house buying decision.. that’s a big deal. I would never buy a condo b/c of all the strings attached to HOA’s and being in a “community”. The condo market in my city is REALLY bad, though… everyone who bought one and wants to move is out of luck. It might be better where you are though?
I don’t consider myself a child or teenager but I don’t know if I really feel adult. I’m still a full time student and will be that way for the next 6/7 years. I’ll probably feel really adult after that… when I’m almost 30.
Yeah, I was reading more about condos here, and it’s pretty bad–but that’s good, because I was already leaning towards getting a house, it just made the decision for me
Wow Alie it has been quite a year for you! Good luck with everything and the house! That is so exciting and scary of course… can’t wait to hear about it
love this. and i think that everybody still has some kid left in them
I love this review! I still don’t consider myself to be an adult, although I guess technically I am. You’ve done so great on your goals, especially the books with their reviews!
I’m pretty adult, but I’d die without my kid moments (ie: playing on the floor with my kitties, watching Disney flicks, decorating cookies for myself). Congrats on completing all those books and getting a promotion (even if it was raise-less).
No one is ever too adult for Disney movies!
Simple is best. I’m down to just wearing mascara and chapstick most days. Some days just chapstick.
Happy New Year my friend!! =)
I love your blog so much. I do consider myself an adult, good thing cause I have 3 kids. But like you I rarely wear makeup and if I could would definitely spend all weekend reading in my PJ’s. But those 3 kiddos always put a halt to that plan. But now that they can all read we’ll usually curl up in my bed for an hour or two and all read together (our own books).
But being an adult, or I guess a parent, means putting their wants and needs ahead of your own. So I am actually off for a bike ride with my 3 little ducklings following behind. I can’t think of a better way to spend the morning.
Thank you! And I can see that kids would definitely make you be more adult–but help keep you young at the same time! Love that you’ll all snuggle and read–reading with my mom are some of my best childhood memories.
Wow!! You go girl!
Chronologically, I would have to say I am an adult. You can’t be this old and not be an adult. But in my heart and in my brain, I have a whole lifetime ahead of me! Happy New Year, Allie!!
What a great attitude–I love it! My (rather old) dad says the same thing, that he still feels like so much is just starting.
i just turned 28 and sometimes i still don’t consider myself an adult! haha. but what really makes you an adult? i worked a 8-5 and it didn’t make me feel any more grown up. quite the opposite. i recently decided to go back to school so am i a kid again? who knows. i just know i AM responsible, i have morals, and i take responsibility for my actions. so i guess i am kind of grown up huh
good luck on your goals for next year. i love your book review page and will totally have to check out some of your recommendations, i’ve been trying to read a bit more myself.
I think that “responsibility” is a huge part of feeling/being adult, so it’s hard to completely avoid adulthood once you’re out and doing your own thing. Hope you find some good reads to try!
Love this post, Allie! You’ve accomplished so much, adult and otherwise
It seems like you really stuck to most of your goals.
Cookies and cartwheels and napping are actually some of the best parts of adulthood. That’s the beauty of adulthood…we get the responsibilities, but we also have choices! Happy New Year.
I think no matter what I will always stay in between a child and adult. There are so many things in my life that would place me into that adult category but just as many that would tell me I’m not! Happy 2012 girl!
I love this. I feel the same way, about pretty much everything! Even though I started working full time almost 2 years ago I still have moments when I’m like “I’m such a grown up.”
LOL! You’re writing is so cute!
From what you’ve written I’m assuming you are a young lady right!? 
Nice resolutions?! Are you feeling grown up?! Already?!!
I’m just 21 ,sometimes my mind too behaves like a 70 year old,talking all wise bla bla but I so often behave worse than a kid -dropping all those cutlery which are so special to mom and all that. Well,I still sleep with teddy bears at night!! But I’m really proud to retain that kid in me! Sometimes you feel happy for nothing. Again,is that not like a kid?!
Awesome post! Came through Khushboo’sblog! And so glad I did!
Do visit my blog sometime! Would be more than happy to hear from you on my blog! 
Oops,I meant Nice resolutions without the question marks!