On Friday night, after the kids were asleep, Hubs and I went next door to hang out with our neighbors, who were having a party.
It didn’t take long to look around and realize: we were the OLD people at the party.
Everyone around us was in their early 20s.
And then there was us.
But we laughed and figured what the hell- gotta love having fun neighbors that you can do things with, since that means not needing a babysitter and not needing to drive anywhere.
Really, though, I’m GLAD to not still be 22 (Damn Taylor Swift and Kidz Bop for having that age stuck in my head). While I might want my 22 year-old body back, I’m perfectly happy to be past that stage.
Not everything I do will end up on social media. iPhones were out in full force, with pics taken of EVERYTHING. And then uploaded to instagram and facebook. Dear Lord, had there been smart phones and facebook back when I was 22, I don’t know if I ever would have been able to live down the stupid things I did. I’m happy that only those who actually witnessed my stupid acts could tease me about them later. Or maybe the people they told- but then it was a case of he-said, she-said and I always was good at convincing people they had their story wrong.
While I do have a bit of a social media addiction myself, I’ve learned to draw a line at what should be posted and what shouldn’t. My smart phone was back in our house, being charged.
I don’t have to drink crappy beer. I saw brands of beer that I hadn’t seen since my college days. The cheap-o stuff that no one actually liked but would stop caring about after having enough. Thankfully, in my mid-30s, we have the good stuff. Or know enough to bring our own. Or, novel idea: don’t always drink.
Nothing is THAT big of a deal. We saw one guy totally freak out, want to fight someone, and then have to have his keys wrestled away from him when he was so furious he insisted he must leave. Some teeny tiny thing set him off. Same went for the chick who was sobbing in the corner. I remember the days of one little comment or look feeling like it was the end of the world and something I’d never, ever get over. But now, those little things roll off my back much easier or they don’t even register. Or my terrible memory means that I don’t remember them anyway.
The sheriff showing up doesn’t worry me. It really and truly was NOT that loud, but one of the neighbors called to complain and the sheriff showed up. That used to seem terrifying. Like somehow, we were all going to jail or getting some massive fine. Now, I just laughed(seriously, it was NOT that loud. At all. Not even for this old lady.) and wished the sheriff wasn’t standing in the way of the cornhole board so that I could get on with the game that I was actually winning.
No one expects me to do this two nights in a row. Or even next weekend. Staying up until all hours used to seem like fun- or at least, it was just so common that I didn’t think about it. Now, I’m content to get a decent night’s sleep- I need that sleep. And it doesn’t seem lame to turn down the next party invitation- because the other folks our age have kids, too, and like their sleep, too.
I’m sure those young kids next door could come up with tons of reasons why they are so very glad to be 22, but for me, I’m fine with it just being a song that my kids sing along to in our minivan on the way to soccer practice.
Now that I’m in my 30’s, I finally realize the beauty that is a full (and early!) night’s sleep.
There is a lot of pressure with having your early adulthood out there on the internet for everyone to see. I’m glad it wasn’t around when I was that age, too.
So much pressure. And it’s all our kids will know!
I’m very happy to be in my 30’s. At 22, I was a poor recent graduate trying to find a job. No thank you. 🙂
At 22, I had my first teaching job and was wondering how on earth I’d be able to live off my measly salary!
I am so with you, Shell! There are a lot of things I loved about being that age, but even MORE that I love about being in my thirties. Aside from the pre-baby body (perky boobs! No stretchmarks!) I wouldn’t relive any aspect of that time in my life.
I do wish I could get back my perky boobs, but other than that- am so happy to be in this stage of life.
The 40’s ended up being my time.
That’s what I’m hoping- that things just keep getting better. 😉
Oh yes being in my 30’s is not bad…and yes thank goodness all the social media wasn’t around when I was in college! Glad you had fun though. I cannot do two days in a row anymore either…nor do I want to 🙂
I was tired enough after one night!
You were at a party where the cops were called?
Hee hee.
You’re my youthful hero right now.
I’m almost 45 and I don’t even drink good beer.
It’s good wine or nothing.
(And I only see police officers on television 🙂
We were cracking up when the sheriff came. One of our neighbors is kind of a jerk. They call the cops on everything.
I had been inside waiting for the kids to fall asleep and I could barely hear the party.
I went with good vodka. 😉
I would never ever want 22 back – ever! But I wouldn’t mind having the young neighbors that I could party with – every few weekends or one in a while like you said (LOL) without having to get a babysitter!
We became good friends with our neighbors at our old place- and it was so nice to have people right there. So we’re trying to make friends with these neighbors, too. 🙂
There are times I wish I was 22 again. Why? Because I was the “good girl” and didn’t get to enjoy being a “kid”. Now that I’m 41, 4 kids and married, it’s hard to just let loose and have fun like when you’re 22. Good for you for going to the party! Thanks for reminding me that being older does have its benefits.
That’s very true. All the responsibilities mean we can’t really just let loose. But I think there are more benefits to being older.
I’m 25 and now that I have kids, 22 seems like a million years ago. Most things about being 25 are so much better though. I wouldn’t want to go back.
It’s definitely different post- kids!
Absolutely the last reason.
No way could I do that two nights in a row!
Yes sometimes I think back on my college days and remember all the fun, but then I also remember all the uncertainty, the ever changing relationships, the drama and yea I really like life in the 30’s
With you on this in so many ways, except I still drink cheap wine… prefer it actually, but if I wanted to, I could buy the more expensive stuff! 🙂
I am glad I am not 22, either. Yes, I could sleep in and yes, it was great hanging out with friends. But I am much happier with my life now than I ever was then. Settled is good.
So glad I’m not 22! 30’s were good, and now just entered my 40’s and there’s a sense of calm. I know myself more, and a certain confidence comes with that. I am so much happier in my life now too:)