{UPDTAE : winners below}
{This post has an amazing Swiffer giveaway below, and of course is sponsored by them. All opinions and stories are ours, though some we might not want to be. For more info on our partnerships read here.}
The first time I was out on my own, was college. I was eighteen, but I looked twelve. A rite of passage, it was a hot muggy Auburn August day, and we were moving into the dorms on campus. It was one of those life moments you never forget. Because it was completely overwhelming. Life with all its possibilities was opening up right before me, and I had no idea where to begin.
I remember that I had planned out our entire dorm room, to a T. My roomie could have cared less, and though I didn’t know it yet, this weird obsession with decor just might come in handy later in life. {Even though looking back, said dorm room kind of burned my corneas – There were Christmas lights and everything.} My parents moved us in and helped us set up, and then took me to the local store for one final trip to fill up on all things cleaning supplies and groceries and anything I could need… this was the beginning for me.
This was adulting. Or at least trying to.
My dad hugged me briefly, but hard. And with a choked up goodbye, he walked swiftly to the automatic doors before I could see him lose it. My mom lingered for a moment and reminded me of a few items in the list of to-dos I needed to remember, and she handed me a list regarding laundry. It was on a hot pink post it note, in her handwriting. To me, it was a code for conquering the world with lights on cold and darks on warm and delicates on delicate or something -which is actually the reverse and I still don’t know because I probably still have it backwards. Yay for 2017 and buttons on the washing machines.
Mama tried.
I remember tears. It was a big hug goodbye, and then I watched them leave while I stood there, on the other side of the checkout line after they’d paid for the groceries. {Little did I know what a big deal that was.} Feeling a little small in this big world, there I was. With a shopping cart of plastic bags ready to take on all things campus parking and living on my own. This was the beginning of adulthood. And the end of something else. I was about to make some decisions in the next few years that would steer the direction of the rest of my life.
Alongside other decisions that were of equal importance at the time, like which song to leave on our new answering machine. {I still say No Doubt’s Spiderwebs was a clever pick, y’all.}
Cue the laundry. The grades. The friendships. The cleaning. The maybe-pizza-isn’t-always-a-good-choice-for-every-meal-hello-freshman-fifteen, learning. I had a lot of growing up to do. I stumbled a bit. I fell. I got back up and moved forward. I met a guy named Jamin that year, and he defined the term butterflies in the stomach. So in retrospect, it also had its perks.
But growing up is hard.
Today is national Everything You Do is Right Day. We thought it was kind of appropriate. Because growing up, you can think that everything you do is wrong. And a lot of it is, if we’re hard on ourselves. It’s hard and confusing and downright exasperating.
But we found that oh-so-appropriate, because today we are in New York to celebrate Swiffer’s Birthday. They’re eighteen! (We’ll be live on our social media later, so watch for the notification and join us.) Yes, that glorious coming-of-age year where everything starts to really make a difference, in human years. {In business years, they’re definitely doing it right.}
One year after starting college, those fabulous commercials began on TV, and I still remember thinking… what exactly is a Swiffer? My {new, more enthused roomie} brought one home to our little apartment and it was like this newfound glorious gadget for cleaning up the sweet tea that our other roommate spilled. Little did I know Swiffer would be such a staple later. No more sticky floors hallelujah amen.
Remember this commercial? {Refresh if it’s not loading for a trip down memory lane}
And a few short years after that, the two of us {mere children} tied the knot and said I do. I was literally playing house, with a Swiffer. I remember mopping our first matrimonial apartment floors with it.
At least I was doing something right.
So on a day when we celebrate Swiffer’s birthday, we also celebrate Everything You Do is Right Day. And all things growing up. Let’s take solace in the fact that when things seem down even as adults, we can celebrate a day when we’re always right. And despite a few of those mistakes I made along the way, {and still cringe over oh-so-occasionally} at least I was cleaning right.
Hello, Swiffer. You’re always a good, solid choice.
Kind of like that boy that gave me butterflies.
Looking back, it blows my mind that almost nineteen years have passed since my own beginning of adulthood days. {Notice that I refuse to round up to twenty, because I feel like I deserve whatever credit I can garner.} Where I was once so eager to seize the world and move forward, and make time go faster, now… I’m a little slower. Make time stop is just on the other side. They all warned me and I didn’t listen. If I could go back to that checkout line where my parents said goodbye, I would have been a little less clueless.
But that journey made me who I am, today.
They’re now saying that the brain isn’t fully developed until you’re thirty five. I can honestly say it felt like that for me. Because from eighteen to thirty five, was a loooooong journey of pioneering my way into who I am. And it’s like one day, I woke up. It’s frightening to think that I made big life choices at these stages… and I’m just grateful that I didn’t make some totally idiotic mistakes.
Though I think it’s probably fair to say I racked up a few.
So on the other side of adulting, it’s still hard. But I look at my eleven {ELEVEN!} year old now and realize I have seven more years until he’s in that exact same position. Staring at his mother while she probably lectures him a little too much on how clean his sheets need to be and what color duvet he should use, {because to this day it matters to me that his room is pretty and fresh}. I just hope he has the good sense to eat more than just pizza, and can do more than I could in the laundry department.
I’m also hoping the important life skills like being kind to others and massive amounts of common sense… have kicked in by then. Cue the lump in the throat because really, I can’t even go there. Don’t blink. Full circle much?
Here’s to being an adult. Or at least trying. And raising little future adults in the meantime. I’m really not sure where the time goes, but celebrating all the while, is totally worth it.
You’re probably doing something right.
So here’s to doing everything right today… even the mistakes. And embracing who you become, in the meantime.
Happy Birthday, Swiffer!
And to celebrate Swiffer is going to deliver one of those green box of cleaning goodies to a lucky person. They’ll be two winners. One lucky winner will get a Wet Jet box and the other a SWIFFER green box. To enter the giveaway simply comment below or on social media about your journey to adulthood. Every story you leave here or there enters you for another chance to win! Giveaway ends 3/21.
Vicki says
What a cute story! I’m a long time Swiffer aficionado…..so glad someone invented them. Work great on my Tucker’s long doggy hair!!!!!
Faye says
Yay! I love my swiffers – wet and dry! And at 52 – with kids all in their 20s – I’m still not grown-up!
Nan, Odessa, DE says
The journey to adulthood is a tough one! At 70+ I am still learning.
Still doing lots incorrect but enjoying the journey.
Gail says
I spent my life wondering the world with my high school sweetheart. He joined the Navy and we spent 23 years running around the world and creating a family. It was a hard life being away from so many friends and family all the time but we got to see so many wonderful places and meet so many people. You grow up a lot faster. We will be married 43 years on the 23rd of March. We luckily made it thru the storms and landed back here in Georgia TOGETHER.
Sarah R says
I can remember buying the cleaning supplies for my first apartment. I felt so grown up, but looking back I was anything but!! Although, I do miss only having to clean up after myself. A bathroom and six kids is no joke!
Michelle B says
I remember really feeling like an adult when my boyfriend and I moved into our first apartment together. Previously, we lived in an old dumpy house with his friends. Our first place was in a local historic building and SO pretty. It was just us. That was 12 years ago, we are celebrating 15 years this summer!
Regina says
This morning as I sat rocking my sick twin babies and looking at my dirty floor, I actually remembered your Swiffer and how you said you use it every day. I was thinking that I just really need one in my life right now!
As for my journey to adulthood, it’s so easy to look back and see all the mistakes. But it’s more beneficial to look at today and say, “what will I wish I had done differently?”
Vickie says
At 65, I’m still on my journey. I wonder if I’ll ever be a ‘real’ grown-up! Thankfully I have friends who aren’t grown-ups either!
Lauren Drake says
I definitely relate to your story of college drop off. Not knowing what you don’t know and everything so full of potential.
Loved swiffer then and still love it 20 years and 2 kids later.
Cindy Brown says
You know, I am 61 and a grandmother but some days I think I am STILL journeying to adulthood! Just this past month, I helped my mom and dad move into assisted living. That did give me a jolt!
Pam says
I loved your story going into college as it brought back my own memories. I was in the car today before even reading your post, thinking about college and how there were steps into adulthood. The first couple of years I lived in a dorm and still didn’t really need to worry about cooking because I had a meal plan and could go down to the cafeteria with my friends and eat and pick out whatever I wanted. It wasn’t until getting my first apartment with roommates that I had to try harder on cooking, but it was still a lot of boxed meals. I ate so bad back then, but it was easy and it was baby steps. I didn’t get married until 26, which at the time seemed so old compared to friends who had gotten married at 19, 20. But, it was really after marriage that I remember really wanting to cook well and have a clean, organized home. Three kids later, that is still my goal, but a little harder. I also remember what a “treat” it felt like when buying my first swifter for me and my husband’s first apartment. I still use one to this day. Used it yesterday as I kept seeing dust on the floor in our dining room!
Angela P. says
I still think “adulting” is hard – I’m 37. I was required to grow up, in someways, when I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 20. I thought the fun was over, little did I know the truth. I teach children everyday (5th graders) and I think I am the biggest 11 year old in the room. I dance, I sing, I make silly faces during test, I overall just embrace the silliness and joy of being a child. I may be an adult, sometimes with yucky adult issues to deal with, but at heart and in actions I still enjoy being childish. đ “Adulting” is awesome!
Caron Coburn says
I have spent the last 22 years just “being a mom” while working full time as a toy designer. I guess between the 6 kids and the career that I have had, I am still just a big kid at heart.
Brittany says
Once in college, my roommate decided to use Dawn liquid soap in the dishwasher. Yeah……the overflow of suds actually happens. We learned a valuable lesson that day that we will never forget. Love swiffer and your blog!
Kathy Beemer says
I *heart* Swiffer products. I’d love to win this package. My grandchildren love the duster! (No, it’s not beneath me to use fun products and children to get the house cleaning done!)
Lynn Fowler says
Honestly, my coming of age wasn`t until I was in my 40`s! Sad but true. That`s not to say I didn`t sweep and mop many a floor. Just didn`t feel like I was getting “it” (life) right until a wee bit later than most.
MARTHAIA says
As the family has grown to all adults i still find i learn something each & everyday !!! Keep learning as we grow daily.HBS
Sarah Carletti says
Hmmm. Well, I moved back home after college and expected to relax a bit….but my dad quickly announced that I would be paying them rent in 6 months – job or no job. đ #realitycheck
kathryn says
Still learning and growing every day, loving the journey! Love Swiffer for our wood floors, it’s the best hands down.
Lizzi Galland says
Adulting is hard! But I do love my swifter products. I just used them, earlier this evening. I wish I could say it was because of my children but really it was me attempting to be a baker in the kitchen. As I am getting closer and closer to the 4-0 mark it is nice to do a little looking back. I loved your post tonight as I remember it like it was yesterday, planning out and decorating my dorm room at Georgia. I also think about how I would do it all different after all the trials and errors along the way.
Thanks for your great post and taking time to share with the world.
Rose Lefebvre says
I have never used a swifter! It is hard growing up, and I am 64+ and still growing up! My best friend says I have the Peter Pan complex and will never fully mature. LOL
Susan says
Oooooo…….I need Swiffers in my life again. We have hardwood floors in all but 3 rooms. I’m not satisfied with what I using now and was planning on looking into Swiffers.
Christine Blaylock says
I love my swiffers â wet and dry! Gosh I don’t ever plan on growing up : )
Ellen says
Unfortunately, adulthood comes with cleaning.
maureen says
Oh, the difference adulthood makes. I have gone from the nickname of “The Lysol Queen” in my college dorm, to
my 8 year old grandson telling me there is dust under the tv cabinet…LOL what a difference. I could REALLY use the Swiffer to get to those “dust bunnies”. I don’t want to be one of those “old” ladies on TV that is down on her knees to dust, and yells, “Help I have fallen and can’t get up”.
Mary Janes says
Love your story. Happy Birthday, Swiffer!!!
Lauren H says
I remember the moment I had to start filing taxes as my step into adulthood.
Shanna jones says
We have our very first wood floors…and 2 pugs!! I feel like I’m sweeping all the time. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Would be grateful to win some Swiffer!!!
Edwina says
A turning point was when a friend lost her mother. My friend said, “You don’t grow up because you WANT to”. Truth…..you grow up when you realize you must.
Laura says
My first time living on my own was when I went to seminary. My parents helped me move to a new state and into a dorm room. I remember the moment they pulled out. I had this moment of “what do I do now?” And suddenly I realized I had to be an adult and go buy groceries. And so I did.
Karyn says
Ha my journey to adulthood was not a glamorous one! I can remember how much I wanted to be an adult and do anything I wanted….now I”m ready to move back in with my parents (kidding not kidding)!
Alina says
Just turned 35 and still taking the LONG road to adulthood. Have a new baby and and it’s fascinating how we change but don’t while the little one is in our hearts. My journey though I’m still traveling it has actually been a good one. I’ve had my share of disappoints alike everyone but overall I’m a happy camper.
Stafford says
Would love to win this package! Happy Bday Swiffer. I was the typical gal that married her HS sweetheart đ and still married with four amazing children. We have family movie nights every Friday and take yearly vacations to anywhere that has the SUN!!! We live in cold Michigan. I still call my mom for advice so I’m thinking I have yet to grow up all the way. I feel I can knowledge and sometimes do roll my eyes at her advice. Love taking this journey with my friends and family.
jberry says
My journey was blessed. As a young woman I chose a career in childcare. Luckily my earliest of jobs were with loving , smart & inclusive families. I had very positive role models outside of my own immediate family. Although I’ve moved on from care giving , I think those intimate family experiences helped shape the person I am today.
Trisha Millward says
I just turned 30 and I still hardly feel like I’m an adult some days!
carol clark says
my journey was very rough point blank my mom never wanted me hated me and when i left at 17 i met my first husband and only husband went right in to a relationship where he hated me also and for a long time i figured it was me i cried i tried to just leave and woke up and then i relized there the one that are making me so sad and i grew balls and still have to deal with him to this day i look forward when my youngest kid is 17 so i no longer have to deal with him and his bullsh.. but im fine now if i could tell anyone anything is first love yourself and be confidiant in you and your skin