21 Things I have Learned in 21 Years

Today is my birthday.

I know that the blog name may be a bit confusing, so, let me clear it up. Today is my 21st birthday, so although I may seem of age, I am still a youngin, and at that, just barely legal. The blog name refers to “Apartment 22," where I currently reside in the lovely city of New York, with my lovely roomie, Kelsie.

Finally I am 21 years of age, it only took FOREVER. I remember when I was just shy of 13 and at that time, ALL I wanted was to be 13 and see PG-13 movies with my friends. Having a July birthday I was the last of everything. The last to go to rated R movies, the last to get into a club, the last to drive, the last to vote, and now, the very last to legally sip on a mildly alcoholic beverage purchased by yours truly.

I like to think that although I am one of the youngest (and at times I act it), that I am also one of the more mature and “daring” I suppose. After all, I did graduate college a year early and uprooted to the big city. There will be much more to come on the blog regarding my birthday festivities and preparations, but on this day, the day of my actual birth, I will leave you with 21 things that I have learned in my looonngggg wait to be legal:

1. It’s really not that long, don’t be a diva. Nobody likes to hear you complain, yet again, how you have “so long” til you can do/be/achieve something.

2. It’s okay to care about others, but don’t live for them, they don’t have to deal with the ramifications of pleasing others, you do.

3. Enjoy the little things. I’ve always focused too much on “the next big thing” in my life, instead of appreciating wine nights, thank-you cards, and the ability to sleep-in.

4. Splurge. The older you get, the more quality matters. So even though you LOVE that worn to death purple maxi with a hole in the side, buy yourself some quality things. Not all at once, but every once in awhile.

5. Accept that some people are meant to become a part of your life, but aren't meant to stay forever. There is a time to be sad, but also a time to realize you need to move on...but really.

6. ALWAYS keep Q-Tips handy. They are great for everything.

7. Learn to enjoy at least one sport. Men's, women’s, co-ed, foreign-- it doesn't matter, just learn to sit, watch, and appreciate the process and athleticism of a sport, because you never know when it will come in handy. (Job, boys, networking, basically everything...)

8. Buy the small popcorn at the movies. You won't eat the extra two pounds, even if it only costs an extra fifty cents.

9. You’re parents are not the enemy. Why didn't we just tell the truth when we were in middle school, instead of sneaking their wine coolers from the fridge? They are your parents, and by all means deserve respect, but it’s okay (at this age) to be friends too.

10. Heels hurt, start practicing yesterday...

11. Making friends is not like Kindergarten anymore. You have to make an effort, something that most of us slide through the teen years with a minimal amount of.

12. Everyone should be subjected to playing with a puppy for at least one hour per day. Crime rates would decrease immensely. With that being said, any offers to purchase me one? It is my birthday...

13. Don’t half ass things. Like I said above, making friends requires effort, so does everything else. Fortunate as I am and have been--thank God for my family-- I’m realizing quickly that in the real world, especially in New York, nobody has time for your excuses and certainly not your half-done work.

14. Awkward is a relative term, boy have I met some gems here in the city.

15. Ketchup is not meant to be used on things such as fish, broccoli, quesadillas, or any other food besides burgers, fries, and chicken fingers really. When you are young you can get away with this, but it is NOT cool when you try, as an adult, to justify asking a waitress for some Ketchup to go with your Mahi.

16. God doesn't give us what we want, he gives us what we need. Every time. And although it may not seem like it in the moment, and we may be frustrated or angry, in the end, it's always what we need to grow. And I've also learned we shouldn't cry over spilled milk. Learn the lesson and then move on, but don't stay stuck in the past. It's a sure way to live the most unfulfilled and immobilized existence.

17. Google “How to take a deep breath” and then don’t ever forget how to do it. There is a technique ya know, and it comes in handy.

18. Maybe don’t put so many pillows on your bed. You have to take them off every time and put them back on every time, it will get old, trust me.

19. Love what you have, and have what you love. -- People, places, foods...it all counts.

20. Be intentional. People aren't mind readers, beating around the bush and fancy wording isn't going to achieve your ultimate goal. So, say what you mean and mean what you say.

21. According to my substitute teacher from the 6th grade, Mrs. Sullivan, the only two things in life that you have to do are: die, and live until you do.

And to close, just because I’ve learned all of these things, doesn't mean I practice them, but I certainly try.