You know how most people go through some sort of life change as they're growing up? It is not a sudden change, something gradual, a long time in coming. You always hear about this sort of thing happening to someone 'over the summer'. That magical time when there is no school, hot humid air, first jobs, and an aura of mystery and adventure.

For me this magical change is happening now. Or at least I am noticing the results of said change. I am no longer a little girl. I've become a woman, an out-going, friendly kind of

woman. With that I am also someone at whom men seem to stare, flirt, ask out. The fact that I am a woman simply, of itself, attracts men to me. The fact that I'm pretty out-going draws even more.

It's a very new concept to me. It makes me feel embarrassed and awkward. Sometimes I even get grossed out. I'm still learning to deal with it, to be gracious and kind yet firm. It's a delicate balance and one that I am having a little bit of trouble reaching. Yet in it all, I feel good. I am no longer in denial about the fact that I am grown up, therefore, I am able to deal with these guys as they show their interest. I still need to keep on experiencing it so that I can learn the best way to deal with being a grown up woman-like character, but I know that God's got my back.

If you know what I'm talking about, have any of your own stories, or just want to tell me I'm crazy, please do. Thoughts and discussion are always welcome.

The following is the tale of my final epiphany.

Mike: "There someone at the door. He has a little beard thing."

Mom: "Mariah. You take it."

Me: Goes outsides to deal with the person at the door.

Guy: "Hi, I'm Adam. *goes into his deal about energy efficient windows*"

Me: *listening and also yelling at Connor to leave Mike alone occassionaly*

Adam: *goes on some more* "So, are you the baby sitter?"

Me: "No. Oldest sister. And just before you keep on going, we are not interested in the windows (lying here) we're just renting and the owners live overseas."

Adam: "So you don't want to do anything nice for your renters?"

Me: "No."

Adam: *as I am trying to help load softball gear in the car* "So, do you know anywhere I could get a drink?"

Me: *gives him a bottle of water*

Adam: "So..."

*on it goes him making small talk about how he hates his job, and "wouldn't mind just staying here and talking" to me*

Me: "Nope, sorry, gotta go. Softball tonight you know. Good-luck! Bye."

Adam: "So, wait do you maybe want to hang out sometime?"

Me: "Eh, nope, sorry. I'm just way to busy with work, softball and school. Bye."