You Know You've Become Your Mother When...

I'm sure as we all grow older and start to find our way in life, there are little things we do and say that instantly make us think of our parents.  I can't help but notice in the last five years that I am truly my mother's daughter.  (And please note, this is not a complaint, I'm quite proud of these developments but it does kind of help me explain so of my quirks to my Aussie.)  This morning I found myself commiting an act of complete and total V. Ann-ness that I can probably say I've reached the pinnacle of becoming my mother.  But I'll start with the running list I've developed so far.

I know I've become my mother when:

1. My label-maker is one of my most cherished possessions.
2. I put a label on everything, even when it's probably not necessary.
3. Metal clothes hangers are not allowed in my closet (and all hangers must be the same color).
4. I tediously organize the wires coming from the TV and computer, and then tie them up neatly with zip ties.
5. I see 2-for-1 sales and get excited.
6. I am a member of 7 different coupon websites (this is probably the modern day equivalent of cutting coupons).
7. A day of garage sale shopping sounds AWESOME.
8. I urge my Aussie to sneak into a second movie when we only paid for one.
9. My entire life can be found in a color coordinated file including an alphabetized list of addresses belonging to all my friends and family, medical information, financial calendar with weekly debt-countdown details, important documents and Bailey's medical history.
10. I'm seriously considering learning how to can and/or pickle vegetables (and planning to grow these vegetables in pots on my terrace).
11. A night IN of movie rentals, a bowl of popcorn and several candy bars sounds better than a night OUT anywhere.
12. I cry when someone else starts to cry.
13. I have 5 boxes of hair-dye on my shelf and back-ups for most of my toiletries.
14. I make a packing list for any trip I'm taking (regardless of length of stay).
15. I organize the books on my shelves by color and height.
16. I organize my closet by article of clothing groupings and then shirts by sleeve length.
17. My day starts with making a list.
18. I get into argument with my Aussie about how he makes the bed.
19. I get into another argument with my Aussie about the direction the decorative pillows are facing on our bed.
20. I abide to the once-a-week cleaning routine and always clean in the same order: dust first, clean glass, clean kitchen, then bathroom, then I sweep, vaccuum and and finish with the mop.
21. I wear slippers or flip-flops at all times in my home, even though I know the floors are clean because I cleaned them (and I never wear these slippers or flip-flops outside - indoor use only).

And to top it all of, I definitely know that I've become my mother when instead of booking an appointment with my stylist for a trim, I decide to cut it myself (and actually do a really good job of it). Ha!!