I have moments where I revel in youth; I have others when I worry that my life is going nowhere. It's a bit alarmingly at times that I don't have a career plan, I've never been in a real relationship, and I barely understand politics and economics and, god forbid, mortgages. I know so many people my age, from school, who are buying homes, getting married and having children already, and sometimes I worry that I'll never reach that point in life. Then, I stop and remember, I'm 22. What's the rush? There's no fixed time by which I have to have done all these things. I have my own vague schedule for it, but life is crazy, and plans change. For now, I can enjoy my youth and freedom. Settling down is years away as far as I'm concerned. For now, I can stay out and party all night. I can make any kind of last-minute spontaneous plans I want. I can uproot my life and move halfway around the world. I'm not tied down by commitments and responsibilities, and that is liberating. It's a wonderful age of being freed from the rules of parents and teachers, and not yet having to factor others (such as spouses or children) into my plans. I can be selfish and stupid and crazy, and do whatever the hell I want.
I mean, it's not all fun and games. I do have to go to work and earn money, and cook and clean, and I should probably start to figure out what I'm going to do when this job finishes in the summer. But, my birthday was on a Friday, so that meant a weekend of celebrating! I woke up and opened the package of birthday cards my mum had sent over, from my parents, grandparents, and godparents, so it was a nice little reminder of home to start the day. I did have to work that day, but it was our school photo day, so I didn't actually have to teach any lessons, only help look after the kids. It was nicer to spend a bit more time with them than usual too, and one of the teachers who knew it was my birthday got my favourite kid to wish me happy birthday. I'd only told the other English teachers about it, but it still spread to most of the others, and the aunties, who all wished me a happy birthday too. One of the English teachers bought me a bottle of wine, and a couple of teachers made their class actually sing to me! So not the worst day at work by any means.
My 21st year was a pretty exciting one really, what with graduating and moving to Hong Kong, and all the other travelling and fun stuff I've been able to do. I don't know what my 22nd year will have in store, since I don't have much in the way of future plans yet, but it's got quite a bit to live up to. I might be getting older, but that doesn't mean I have to completely grow up just yet!
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