I like the independence that comes with age:
Cooking dinner by myself or for the family.
Driving to and fro and to every little activity that I am committed to.
Depositing a check in my bank account.
Going to the dentist's by myself.
Withdrawing money that I earned for the little things I want.
Being home alone.
Taking care of little cousins. or little sisters... or big sisters for that matter.

But I do not love everything that tags along with maturity:
Paying $30 oh too often to fill up the gas tank.
Waking up to an empty house- especially after a nightmare.
Having a mound of homework still to do while the dishes stare at me in the face.
Being alone, away from home.
Sleeping a margin below the healthy amount.
Going to the doctor's by myself. without Mom.
Having to cook dinner for myself every night.


This growing up thing?
It's hard.