When did I get old?

I know I am not THAT old, but it seems like adulthood kinda sneaked up on me. I think this "grown-up" status is yet another thing that was thrust upon me when I became a parent that I wasn't exactly prepared for. It's not that I was immature and what I am feeling is kinda hard to articulate. I guess you could say I have had a serious change in perspective and I am still getting accustomed to this new view.

It's interesting to remember my parents at my age. My parents were young parents so it's not that hard to remember. My mom actually found out she had breast cancer when she was my age. My parents seemed so "grown-up", not a young bone left in their body. Now that I am that age, it astonishes me that I still feel so young. Most people think I am younger than I am, I still get ID'd buying wine about 50% of the time. I know I don't look that young, but it's been kinda flattering.

I have seen a change in the way that I am viewed now that I have a child of my own , especially with coworkers. I have worked with a lot of college students since I have been in Montana. Prior to becoming a mom, I was more like a peer in a big sister sort of way. There are new people around since I took my extended maternity leave. Upon returning, I felt a bit of an automatic dismissal with these new people. No one was unfriendly, but it seemed like they weren't expecting to have much in common with me. I was now the stay-at-home mom that works part-time at a restaurant. It was interesting to be viewed through that narrow lens.

I am not sure why I wanted their validation, I suppose it's the girl in me that's always wanted to fit in. It has been nice telling them I have a Master's Degree, I have had a "real job", I have my own jewelry business and actually do sell (one of them had actually purchased a pair of earrings not knowing it was me). I only work at the GranTree because it's convenient, mostly on my terms, and very lucrative. Once they got to know me, it has completely changed. I have really come to appreciate my coworkers, especially the young guys. They really make me laugh and make me thankful that I am married to a "grown-up".