Growing up, I was definitely one of those kids that always wanted to be older.  When I was 11, I wanted to be 13.  When I was 14, I wanted to be 16.  When I was 18, I wanted to be 21.  I was never satisfied!

If I could go back and talk to the 11, 14, and 18 year old Parita, I would tell her to enjoy the great things that come with being young and responsibility free.  For one, appreciate the fact that you don’t have to pay for the roof over your head.  Rent is not cheap.  Ask my bank account.  Also, don’t complain about having to drive a station wagon.  At least you don’t have to worry about car payments, insurance, and gas.  The money that goes into owning your own (nicer) car will blow your mind.  And don’t complain about what’s for dinner.  One day, you’re going to have to buy your own groceries and pay for your own meals at restaurants.  Basically, young naïve Parita, money doesn’t grow on trees!  And really, appreciate the fact that your parents take care of everything so that you can focus on being a kid.  Not everyone is so lucky.

I wish!!!

Now, you’re probably wondering what specifically prompted me to write this post.  Well, let me share… 

When my parents were here, we had my car’s Georgia title transferred over to a Florida title. It cost approximately $470!!!!  Holy moly!  And we have to do it all over again for Vishnu in about a month.  Oh and did I forget to mention that auto insurance for a married couple in their late twenties costs upwards of $3000 a year?  Well, it does.  I knew these things cost money, I just never knew how much.  And I know there’s nothing we can do about it, but it still makes my head spin sometimes. 

It’s times like these when I really wish I could go back and have a nice, long chat with my younger self.  Oh and tell myself to thank my parents profusely!

Now, don’t get me wrong, being an adult is pretty cool, especially because I get to enjoy it with my best friend (that would be Vishnu).  And when we get sick of it sometimes we revert back…it’s what we do best actually!

Circa 2006

Do you consider yourself an adult?  What sealed the deal for you?