Categories: swansea
Tags: Birthday
Date: 02 July 2006 19:06:20
For the past 19 hours I have no longer been a teenager. It feels quite good really. I always seem to be the youngest - most of my Swansea friends are 3 or 4 years older than me; I'm one of the youngest in my acedemic year; and I'm the youngest in my generation of family members. From a young age I knew I'd always be the youngest child because my mum couldn't have any more children. Most of the time, amongst my Swansea friends I don't notice the age difference, but occasionally they'll be talking about houses, proper jobs and scary grown up stuff. And it'll remind me. It was also weird when I was on placement, because I was working with teenagers and their parents, who would quite often turn to me, sigh and moan about their 'typical teenager' daughter/son. I'd just nod and agree, but could never admit to still being a teenager myself!
Its just weird though. Because most people seem to moan about being too old. I'm not moaning about being too young, but part of me thinks it would be nice to be a little bit older. One friend in my card hit the nail on the head with a comment, 'Hope you don't feel too young!'* Being 20 definately sounds a lot older than 19.
I (and others) have also noticed a difference in my excitedness levels - compared to this time last year I have definately been much calmer and less excited. I'm still happy, I've just grown up a bit. I *think* this is a good thing. The inner child in me is still alive and kicking and still makes an appearance reasonably frequently, but generally I am calmer. With everything that has happened in the past year, I don't think its a surprise that I've grown up.
Many thanks to everyone who very kindly gave me cards and presents. To celebrate this afternoon I had a fabulous picnic in the park, which I think was enjoyed by everybody who was able to come. There are photos which may or may not follow.
* This was partly written because it continued from a previous comment between us.