Posts Tagged ‘21’

& the mania continues.

A generic update…nothing special:

This is my experience ordering my first drink as a twenty-one year old:

My father came home from work during his lunch break to take me out for food. We both decided on a placed called “La Bamba” to get some tasty Mexican dishes. I decided to go for a Chimichanga and the typical Strawberry Daiquiri; simple but tasty, and I was sure I would enjoy it. No risks.

But here’s the good part– the waiter was a cock-eyed (seriously cock-eyed) Mexican who barely spoke English and lived in Alabama. Talk about strange. What’s more strange is that he didn’t card me even though the people I met at church this morning thought I was in high school. I figure the average age I appear is that of a seventeen year old girl. How disappointing.

Friday night, my dad & I dressed all “fancy-like” & attended the Army Birthday Ball. Colonel Jones, who I met the week before and absolutely adore, hosted the night with jokes & sentimental thoughts. While I’m not too fond of military talk & things relating to it, I met some really great people that work for my dad (one woman even informed me of her best friend who is looking to hire a receptionist for the summer at her hair salon…bwerry!).

Saturday, as “required” by Alabama “law” (aka–typical of the locals), I went to the gun range & shot a few dozen rounds, drank a beer with pops at home afterward, then spent two hours disassembling the gun to clean it & then reassemble. It’s actually something I missed doing—the perks of living with dad. (Below-my handiwork) While I’m going crazy here without a job yet & struggling with getting accustomed to the culture here , I’m absolutely loving the time with my dad & can’t wait for some future trips camping out, canoing, and shooting.

Life is good.

two-one

Turning 21 today (June 12) seemed more exciting when I thought I would be in Philadelphia with my closest friends.

Now I live across the street from a farm with grazing cows within my view. I think I’ll spend tomorrow night in a local bar alone getting stories from truckers, soldiers, & hunters in hopes of creating some short narratives.

There’s something humbling about this experience.

As an update:

My father was in Africa for a week & a half and I filled most of the daylight hours alone riding my bike, reading in the backyard, and watching awful marathons of the most un-inspiring, dumbed-down reality shows ever created. Two days before his return, my car battery died & a man (around my age) next door willingly assisted me to jump my car when he was clearly busy. While his courteous efforts were absolutely wonderful, it turns out I needed a completely new battery. In return, I made him home-made chocolate chip cookies & a thank you card for his efforts, hoping that I see him throughout the summer. (What? I need some people my age to keep me sane this summer.)

Needless to say, the morning of the ninth, I woke up with child-like excitment, knowing I’d be seeing my father in just a few hours. I needed the company desperately & was hoping he took enough pictures to keep me satisfied for the afternoon. He did.

Things are well. Cheers.

From my drive down. Beautiful skies.