I have managed to survive the first four months of officially being an adult. Adulting, some may call it. Although I still feel like a kid every day, I think I am doing alright fakin' it till I make it. I am most certainly wrong about all of this, and I will probably wake up tomorrow panicking because I think I have done it all wrong, but at this moment, as I type into my iPad, I am feeling alright. I present to you, anonymous internet readers and randos, my list of stuff I think I did ok at.
1. I have a dog
So obviously if you don't like dogs, don't have one. But if you are anything like me, you require the love of a furry friend or two to meet you at the door. When you work from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm daily, your furry friend can get lonely, so I advise you find a trusted friend, or use Rover -- it's like Facebook combined with a dating site to help you find someone to pet-sit -- and have someone drop in on your pup a few days a week.
2. Save your money
I saved a little bit of money every few months for the four years I was in college, and that helped me survive the two months before my big-kid job paid me! And don't stop saving after college. I feel much more secure and confident when I have an emergency -- or vacation -- fund in the bank.
3. Find something restorative
I am a crazy workaholic, and love to be busy. Since I moved from my life-long hometown, I have joined a gym and am taking an art class! I plan to also apply for graduate school. Maybe I am self-distructive, but I don't see it that way! PSA: This time next year when I am pulling my hair out, don't throw this article in my face. I'll only go bald.
4. Do your dishes
I HATE doing my dishes. I hate waking up to a mess even more. Be proactive and set yourself up for success. If there is a chore that won't kill you to do right this second, do it. That means you won't have to do it tomorrow!
5. Plan/Organize/Color-code/Stratagize
I try to maintain a level of organization and planning that allows me to leave work at work. When I get home at the end of the day, I ensure that I have time to relax, work out, and walk the dog. Maybe it is super anal, and maybe I have control issues, but when I plan out my free time, it is way more relaxing. The looming clouds of crap I have to do tomorrow clear, and you have a nice sunny, or rainy -- rain is nice too --afternoon to J chill.
6. Talk to your friends
If you are like me and all of your amazing, beautiful, talented, funny, and fabulous friends are literally in compleatly different states -- or countries -- from you, make sure you talk to them. Nothing brightens my day more then a hour long phone call, or an intense Facetime session. These are your people, don't let them go a week without hearing from you!
7. Ask for help
Maybe you need help at work, or you can't remember how to tell if the eggs go bad, but either way don't think you have to do everything on your own. Ask you boss and coworkers to help you out. I am always dead certain I am totally bothering everyone when I ask a simple question, but it usually turns out they are happy to do it, and even happy to hear from you. On the other hand, I call my mom all the time about silly things, including concerns over decisions regarding a Vera Bradley blanket that I could get for 25% off, but the shipping is still $8. (BTW, I bought it with the 25% off on a day the website was offering free shipping. BOOM.)
8. Do what you love
Yikes this is cliche, but so so true. If I wasn't passionate about my job and my hobbies I would be so totally miserable. I miss home, I miss my friends, and I miss the reliability and community that accompanied my undergrad class schedule. I am here doing important work, bettering my body, hoping for a second degree, and practicing my creativity. No matter how often I complain, I have countless positives in my life.
