I hit twenty one on the odometer a few weeks back, finally clocking the big number. Officially leaving my adolescent youth behind, I am now in the threshold of adulthood. As I awoke to a string of good wishes, I remember thinking three things: how old I had become, where had the time gone and how little I had accomplished. In the depths of my morning depression I sought salvation in the internet - like you do – to solve my quandary and was quickly reassured by an appealing article in Time US claiming “ahead lays a straight track, open air, solid ground and your own work – a life.” Let’s just go with that!
Still, as motivating as that article intended to be, I couldn’t help but think about how quickly this year had gone. I remember making the remark to a friend in February how this year would be filled with weekends spent celebrating 21st birthdays and not even giving my own a second thought (being a November child). But before I knew it, the day was steadily approaching. Facing the dilemma of whether to have a party or put the money towards an overseas trip, it dawned on me that I would only be given this opportunity once, so I might as well make it a memorable one. It’s just a shame I got so recklessly intoxicated and the latter part of the evening is all but obliterated from my memory. All I really had to show for it the next morning was a nauseous hang over and a lost iPhone and wallet. While the sceptics out there (the whole four people who subscribe to this blog) might deem it a complete waste of money, looking back I am glad I decided to have the party. Apart from some late night deplorable antics, the night itself is something I will look back on with the fondest memories. I can’t think of a better way than to spend an evening with 40+ people that have been such a huge part of this 21 year journey and it was great to hear the speeches from close mates that paid out a few complements, touched on some funny memories (some I would like to forget) and triggered some laughs from the crowd - even if they were at my own expensive.
So as I sit here writing this as a twenty one year old, I can’t help but wonder what I’ve learnt so far. This is what I came up with so far:
- A childhood fascination with vacuum cleaners is strange (get your minds out of the gutters);
- Strategically lining your toys up might lead people to think you have autism;
- Blue Heelers wasn't the same after Maggie died;
- A diet of chicken and chips is not a healthy one;
- 14,000 feet when jumping out of an aeroplane is extremely high;
- Surviving 24 hrs in a middle eastern airport can be done;
- Downing 35 shots will leave your body in a comatised state;
- The neighbourhood doesn’t quite share the same appreciation for midweek drinking and the uni life as you do;
- Games that involve getting naked should not be played in people’s kitchens;
- Late night drives to maccas when heavily intoxicated will more than likely involve you spending time at a police station;
- Wearing band aids on your nipples and then go swimming is not socially acceptable behaviour;
- Accepting the fact you will not be a sports visionary;
- One shouldn’t jump through a skipping rope engulfed in flames when you’re uncoordinated and intoxicated;
- Susan Boyle is one of the worlds rare finds;
- Crocs are not a popular shoe choice; and
- Hangovers are incurable - deal with it!
While most people tend to be jumping ship and getting married and having babies at this age, I think it might be time to pull the passport out again, tie my shoes and pack my bag and see what next adventure awaits me. That or I should probably get back to work.
Here’s to the next 21 years!
Bye for now,
Cuttsy
