Some of you may remember that I turned 20 last October. It was a traumatic event in my life, and since then (Oct. 8, if anyone wants to send me a card this year), my health had deteriorated. I won't get too into the details, but let's just say that things could be better, and they were better, back when I was 19.
But I digress. In a few short months, I'm turning 21 and I'm realizing just how quickly the years are beginning to fly by. It's terrifying. It feels like just a few short weeks ago I was complaining about the end of my teenage years, and here I am, complaining about rapidly approaching middle age.
I've decided not to let it get me down though; I've got things to do. A whole list of things, in fact, of things I'd like to do before I turn 35 and the world as I know it ends. I mean, three-five sounds like a lot of responsibility and grossness. But onto my list.
1) Pierce or tattoo something. My parents don't like piercings or tattoos, so my sisters and I are free from such adornments. But once I get out of university, I plan to change this, at least a little bit. I'll probably err on the side of piercing, because I can at least take out an offensive lip ring when I come to my senses, while a once-loved quote on the ribs is eternally regrettable.
2) Travel. I've been several places, thanks to travelling with the high school, family trips in my childhood and golf trips in university. But there are so many places, especially in Canada and Europe, that I really need to see before I settle down and have things to worry about like a mortgage.
3) Live outside of Saskatchewan. I've lived in Estevan, Regina, and St. Charles, Missouri. And while that's a bit of a random list, it's not enough to really know where I'd like to spend the rest of my life. So while I love Saskatchewan and acknowledge that I'll end up here someday, I've got exploring to do.
4) Cry my way out of a ticket. I've only received one speeding ticket in my life, and while I did get emotional, I'm just not a crier. So the next time I'm pulled over, I'm going to tap into my limited acting skills and give the water works a try. Because you never know
5) Be an adrenaline junkie briefly. I don't like to be frightened and I hate that stomach-sinking feeling on roller coasters, but I'd like to sky dive, or bungee jump, or white-river raft, or something slightly-nerve wracking just for the life experience.
6) Actually read the books I said I read in high school English classes. This would just be great for my conscience. There are so many popular classics that I've never even cracked open, despite writing thorough and well thought out papers on their plots and themes.
7) Learn to enjoy wine and beer. This isn't going to happen, but it'd be nice to enjoy a glass of wine when out of a formal supper, instead of slugging back Long Island iced teas like I normally do.
8) Meet one of my favourite singers in person. This could be awesome or it could be horrible, depending on the attitude of that performer. If he lives up to my expectations, my life will be made. If he falls short of everything I've ever dreamed, I'll be crushed.
9) Own at least some of the items I've pinned on Pinterest. I pin so many nice things every day, when planning for an intensely successful and happy future, that it would be nice to actually get to say "I lived up to my 20-year-old Pinterest expectation, at least in the case of this staircase-book shelf hybrid."
10) Finish writing a novel, even if it sucks. This would mean a lot to my grandma. And I'm not short in ideas just short in motivation and time. But I swear, I'll get this done and be able to hand her the finished copy someday, even if it never goes beyond her kitchen.
Tonaya Marr just wants to get her date of birth out there once again, in case anyone feels like sending her a card. E-cards may be sent to [email protected] and general well-wishes can be tweeted to @TonayaMarr.
