When I was younger, 25 seemed really old. I had a list of expectations and goals I wanted to accomplish by a certain age and that age back then was 25, a quarter of a century, half way to 50. Now that I actually am 25, my expectations have changed (as they should). Here’s what I thought I wanted then, based on what I actually want now.
Then: To own a house
Now: A condo with a pool
Mowing the lawn, fixing the pipes, and shoveling my driveway are literally three of the last things I ever want to do as a single woman. Owning a condo and paying the monthly fee to have these things done for me is much more ideal. I don’t need a ton of space, anyway.
Then: To be married
Now: To travel with my boyfriend
An expensive wedding is the last thing on my radar, despite what my goals were at 16. Right now I want to add to my 401K, and with any extra money, to travel and see different parts of the world.
Then: To have several kids
Now: Effective birth control
I love kids. Do not get me wrong — I can’t wait to be a mom… someday. Right now I’m a selfish brat who loves margaritas. My Mirena is my best friend.
Then: A credit card
Now: To make my debt go away
I used to think it was super cool to have a credit card. Now that I have one and the Christmas bills are piling in, I would do anything to go back to the days where the only source of money I had was my ATM card.
Then: The newest Ugg boots
Now: Wedges for work
I shop for work now more than my social life, so I’d rather spend the money on my FABULOUS BCBG nude wedges than the fad shoe of the year.
Then: To have millions of friends
Now: To have a few quality friends I can count on
When you’re a kid, you think that popularity is the key to life. It’s not — it’s all about quality over quantity. I would take my seven quality best friends over 30 acquaintances any day.
Then: To take vacations every few months
Now: To save enough for one big trip
I used to think I would go skiing every weekend in the winter and to Cape Cod every summer weekend. WRONG. As much fun and amazing as that would be, it’s unrealistic. I now save for one big trip each year. This year: Chicago!
Then: Forever 21 shirts
Now: A desk calendar
In the past, my presents underneath the Christmas tree were crop tops from Forever 21 and H&M and I swore up and down that I would never shop at the Loft… which is now my favorite store ever. This year for Christmas, I gave my mother a very specific calendar request. Remembering my personal trainer appointment and Brazilian wax is way more important to me now than a cheap shirt that will fade after one wash.
Then: A brand new car
Now: Regretting my car payments
I wish I rode out my 2005 Chevy Blazer. Maybe it did have an oil leak and was terrible on gas, but car payments are a killer.
Then: INDEPENDENCE
Now: To stay on my parents health insurance plan.
I’m having heart palpitations thinking about the day I am kicked off of my dad’s kick ass city health insurance plan.
