3 things I'm happy to have as an "adult"

I wanted to do an updated "About Me" post, but one is already on the blog (that should probably be updated) and I wanted this one to be a little different. I think we can all agree entering into adulthood is weird. You're kind of lost, then you think you're on your feet, but then really "adult" things come up like signing up for your 401k or buying life insurance and it stops you right in your tracks. So, I wanted to think of things I love about being an "adult" and being out on my own. Honestly thinking of retirement or why I need life insurance kind of scares me right now, anyway. Let's keep it light.

1. Independence (and dependence) - When I graduated from college and got my job, I knew the next step was moving out. I graduated a semester early, so I lived with my parents from December - July while I was job hunting and submitting teaching applications like crazy. When I landed my job, I began apartment hunting. There was one thing I knew I wanted in an apartment: for it to be my own. I didn't want to share a space, except with my dog. I wanted to take on this next step in my life by myself and by myself I mean with the frequent occasional call to my mom to make sure I was doing it all right (cue the dependence). I wanted to call the shots with decorating, what the temperature was at, where the pots and pans go, how the fridge was organized (or completely unorganized), you get it. I wanted to take on this chapter full force and by walking around with no pants on in my own living room without judgement if needed. You can ask my daddy, he constantly tells me (in the most loving way) they "raised me too independent." I want to be in charge- but is that surprising if you know me? I'm thankful for the way I was raised to know how to take care of myself, but still call my parents when all else fails.
2. Thriftiness - I can't tell you how many times someone has asked me, "Did you get that from Goodwill?" Nine times out of ten, the answer is a hard yes. I've nicknamed myself a thrifting queen. I have decorated the majority of my little shoebox apartment with thrift store finds (a.k.a. the millions of baskets on the walls) and my closet probably seems like hand-me-down central to some people, but I love it and I love it about me. Don't get it twisted though- I still like my brands, I just buy them on sale. Most importantly, I'm aware of my spending and saving and I was taught you don't live above your means.
3. Humor - This! This is important. Probably the biggest trait I am so grateful for and proud of. For goodness sake, whether it means anything or not, I received the Cherish Cat Award in high school because I always had a smile on my face. I love laughing- it's probably my favorite thing ever. I can confidently say that I get my sense of humor from my dad (mom would confidently agree). I think it is so important to be able to laugh at yourself and if you dish it you need to be able to take it (I'm working on that last one). Biggest piece of advice I wish I could tell my younger self: laugh off the small stuff, there is a reason you can't change it.

Whether I want to think about the "bigger" stuff right now or not, thriftiness will help me build up that 401k, right?