"The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes." - Frank Lloyd Wright

When I went to the rec today, a thought occurred to me: I'm growing up. When did that happen? Now I enjoy ...

... listening to jazz music. - Now, I'm not saying that you have to be old to enjoy jazz, but in general I find more mature ears usually get the most out of it. It's an acquired taste.

... looking at housewares at Pottery Barn and William Sonoma is almost as fun as buying clothes. - I can't wait to get my own place and decorate it with chairs and end tables and knicks knacks that really have no purpose. I'm also looking forward to buying my first dish set. I want deep bowls, coffee cups with big handles, and colorful plates. Naturally, when I get my first place I'll have no money to speak of, so I'll actually just be making due with the hand-me-downs from my parents. But it's fun to think about. When I'm a big muckity-muck in a large company at the age of 30, I can fulfill all my decorating fantasies.

I also love shopping for shoes now. About five years ago, I simply couldn't understand why most women felt they needed so many pairs of shoes. Now I understand, and I have to restrain myself from buying every cute pair I see.

... eating somewhat healthy foods. - As a kid, my favorite thing to eat was candy. Whose wasn't? Even in junior high and high school, I would eat cake over rice, ice cream over fruit. But now I'd rather reach for some lean turkey and the moderately healthy mashed potatoes than a burger and fries. In fact, fast food is pretty revolting to me. This doesn't mean I don't eat desserts anymore; I just get more enjoyment out of a good banana than a good banana cake.

... spending time with friends and family over getting presents at Christmas. - I used to only care about the presents, but now I just want the creamy feeling I get from hanging out with people I love and talking and sharing experiences. Those memories mean a lot more to me than a new computer game or a gift card ever will. But those things still have their place.

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I'll leave you with my new favorite jazz song. I'd post the song, but I can't do that, so I'll just post the lyrics. You know the tune; hum along with me.

You go to my head and you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning 'round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne
You go to my head like a sip of sparkling Burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
Like the kicker in a julep or two

The thrill of the thought that you might give a thought to my plea
Cast a spell over me
Still I say to myself get a hold of yourself
Can't you see that it never can be

You go to my head with a smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand Julys
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Though I'm certain that this heart of mine
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance
You go to my head

The thrill of the thought that you might give a thought to my plea
Cast a spell over me
Still I say to myself get a hold of yourself
Can't you see that it never can be

You go to my head with a smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand Julys
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Though I'm certain that this heart of mine
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance
You go to my head
You go to my head
You go to my head