My late twenties are aggressively different from my early twenties.  I’ve said goodbye to the days of waiting on line to get into a bar or wearing heels without having flip flops in my purse, and hello to early morning spin classes and farmer’s markets.  And you know what?  I’m not ashamed of it.  I still enjoy the occasional late night out but I legitimately prefer going to bed before 11:30 (10:30 on weeknights) and replacing my white wine night cap with peach sleepy-time tea. There are certain things I did in years past that just don’t fly now…and I’m ok with that.

Not wearing a coat out to a bar

If it’s cold I’m wearing a goddamn coat. I will hold it and complain that I refuse to pay to check my coat, like an adult.

Dressing provocatively

Although I’m in a serious relationship, I feel fairly confident that my opinion on this would not change – seeing my boobs in a privilege. Not everyone on the street gets that privilege.

Getting too drunk to get myself home

The days of being luggage are long gone. Not only are they inconvenient and dangerous (plus really not appreciated by friends/ S.Os), but the next day hangover is just out of control.*

*Ok so at my company summer party I couldn’t do it…but that was one time. I’m not perfect.

Sleeping past 9:30am on the weekends

The day might as well be over. Plus all the good produce at the farmer’s market is gone by 10:30am.

Staying up past 1:30am ever

The next day is shot. Plus I’ve noticed I physically start to feel like crap and will be super cranky the next day if I stay up past 1:30am. Especially if I eat drunk pizza….I’m like a gremlin.

Buying cheap clothes

A real paycheck means I should buy real boots that don’t have cardboard soles.

Going out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night

It’s just too much.  One hangover is bad enough, but two or even three in a row?  I can’t even.  I have no shame in staying in on a weekend night.

Dating inappropriate people

Again, I’m in a serious relationship, but he is an incredible partner. He’s smart, funny, caring and he even has a 401k and a Life Insurance policy. Were I single, I would aim for someone with a job, less that 2-3 roommates, and a hobby that was not drinking or video games.

Eating/drinking crap

This isn’t even a vanity thing, I seriously feel like garbage if I don’t eat well.  Weekend binges of beer, wings, and pizza leave me filled with agita and regret.

Even though I’ve said goodbye to my early twenties and am creeping ever closer to my thirties, I feel pretty good.  I’m still in that sweet spot where my disposable income can go to shopping and good whiskey instead of diapers and a mortgage. Not too shabby.