Pet Peeve Tuesday: Pointless Birthdays
When I turned 16, I got my learner’s permit. The first step towards adulthood and the freedom that comes with it is being able to drive, after all.
When I turned 17, I was finally able to see an R-rated movie without fear of being thrown out. This may seem unimportant…but it is the only major thing that hinges on being 17. (Oh, actually, you can give blood…but…whoops…can’t do that anymore!) I was also allowed to legally drive with passengers in the car who weren’t my family (thanks Massachusetts!)
When I turned 18, I was an adult. The government compelled me to register for the Selective Service, and I was able to finally buy those things off the TV that say you “must be 18 to order”. I could VOTE. It was huge.
When I turned 19, it was my last year being a teenager. So yeah, it was important.
When I turned 20, I wasn’t a teenager anymore. See my 19th birthday.
When I turned 21, it was the pinnacle of awesome birthdays. I could drink! Legally! It’s what everyone waits forever for (or maybe I’m just an alcoholic?). I also had to renew my license and get a “horizontal” one so when I got carded it wouldn’t be with a juvenile license. I also had to take a new picture, and the one from my 16th birthday was MUCH better.
Tomorrow — May 27, 2009 — is my 22nd birthday. And as I just outlined above, it’ll be the first birthday in seven years that is practically pointless. Typically, I get wicked excited about my birthday. I let people know that my birthday is coming up for several months in advance. But this time I haven’t done that. And I don’t know if it’s because my graduation clock has been the focus of my mind, but it might just be because I don’t actually want to turn 22? What do I gain from it? Like Edwin Starr’s “War”, the answer to that question is “absolutely nothing” (say it again now!)
22 is a pointless age. All that happens to you is you get older. It’s the same with every age from here on out, I just realized…and now I’m not looking forward to it as much…
