So, I think I’m finally an adult, or I’m on my way there.  This is the conclusion I have come to while trying to decide what to write my blog about today.  I know there are many things I still do that wouldn’t necessarily qualify as “adult” behavior, but hey, even the best of us have that inner child at heart.

Here are the following reasons I feel like I’m an adult:

• I’ve graduated with a legitimate Bachelor’s Degree
• I have a steady job
• I have a home and reliable transportation
• I have a cell phone
• I don’t ask my parents for money anymore
• I have had a stable relationship for three years
• I think about ways to improve myself as a person and as a leader
• I am of legal drinking age
• Generally, I have learned how to take care of myself

Now, this doesn’t mean that I don’t call my mom when I’ve had a bad day, or that I’ve learned to stop picking at scabs, or I’m not inappropriate from time to time.  It does mean, however, that I have to budget my money, take care of my body, and clean my own house.  All things that were so much easier when done by my parents.

I’ve come to this conclusion because I had some very strange dreams last night.  One of which included the birth of my own son (and by that I mean this imaginary dream baby).  This could be because today is the anniversary of my three year relationship, or that my hormones are messing with my sleep, or that many of my friends have gotten married and have had or are planning on having children.  I’m not really sure, but it was a bit scary.  Holding a child’s life in your hands must be one of the most terrifying (I’m sure also rewarding, but definitely terrifying) things that can be expected of someone.

While I feel like I’m an adult, I’m not sure I could actually be expected to keep a baby from falling off the porch.  Yes, that was in my dream too. But, I do know that (and here’s where everything reverts back to roller derby) being the captain of my team has led me to put many things ahead of my own wants and sometimes even needs.  Each member of my team feels like my very own child.  A person that relies on me for important decisions, learning experiences, and individual growth.  Sometimes I have to be mean mommy and do something for the team as a whole that doesn’t necessarily befit a single person.  Sometimes, I make the wrong decision, which can be devastating for me and for them.  Sometimes, I get to be a proud mommy when everything we’ve worked on comes to fruition.  Or when my girls come to me and tell me their feelings and secrets.

So, children for me is scary, leading a team still scary, but I can definitely see the rewards.  And just like a gushing mother, I read books about becoming a better leader (books recommended by our Sixthman University team), I post pictures everywhere, I talk to my co captains (the dad?) about better training, I tell everyone how special my team is, I plan family vacations, everything.  It’s taxing, but it’s fun.  I’m definitely an adult, and I have the best team ever.  So for all you other teams out there (you know who you are), nah-na-nah-nah-boo-boo.

-Lisa