Fuddland
Some things that I achieved or did in my twenties that have had and will have a lasting impact on my life, in roughly chronological order:
The tumultuous ride that is a university degree, forming some invaluable friendships along the way. Emerged four years later with a ridiculously-titled Master of Mathematics in Mathematics degree.
Got a tattoo. Never regretted it once.
My friend threw a banana at me and I swung a ruler I happened to be holding at it with such force that the banana sliced cleanly and precisely in two lengthways. Subsequent attempts to repeat this feat have all ended in failure.
Had three serious girlfriends, and still on good terms with two of them, which I’m very proud about because it took a lot of work to remain friends.
Discovered I have one or two musical bones in my body.
Worked in London as an actuarial assistant for nine months, which was about nine months too long. Some of the people I worked with were smashing and I had a laugh, but the work was the most mind-numbingly dull thing I have ever attempted.
Went back to university and, after a bit of effort, got myself a PhD. Hardest thing I’ve ever done and my proudest achievement to date [aside from the above banana incident].
Perfected my chilli recipe.
Got interested in taking photographs and even started successfully selling a few of the better ones.
Volunteered for Crisis Open Christmas.
Moved to China, quit the job I initially had rather than be placed somewhere I didn’t want to be, and relocated to another city where things currently seem to be going fine.
Tomorrow I leave my twenties and enter my fourth decade on this planet. I’m not certain what I thought, at the age of twenty, what my life would be like when I reached thirty, but I’m fairly sure I assumed I’d be married with a steady job, house, etc. [I know I was thinking along these lines in my mid-twenties.] So I’m making no predictions whatsoever for where I’ll be when my fortieth rolls along — besides, it’s ages away, right?
Comments
Anglofille | 2006 / 09 / 08 – 23:11
What about starting Fuddland? You forgot to add that to your list!
Happy Birthday!!! :)
Jann | 2006 / 09 / 09 – 00:16
Happy Birthday, old timer! When I were a lad, at your age etc…
Vicky | 2006 / 09 / 09 – 00:50
You share your birthdate with my brother - he too is looking forwards to being 30 tomorrow, although I suspect he is numbing the pain down the pub. Many happy returns!
Hannah | 2006 / 09 / 09 – 05:41
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear David
Happy birthday to youI hope you have a good birthday tomorrow. Are you doing anything to celebrate?
David | 2006 / 09 / 09 – 11:54
Thanks folks!
Re #4: Of course! I had a wonderful dinner cooked for me yesterday, and tonight it’s my traditional “everyone meet me at this bar anytime after this time” free-for-all.
imogen | 2006 / 09 / 10 – 04:35
All my love, David. And so much more.
Happy Birthday.
David | 2006 / 09 / 10 – 17:37
Re #6: Thanks Imo. :)
Kav | 2006 / 09 / 11 – 16:37
I hope the third decade is treating you well so far.
Brown | 2006 / 09 / 11 – 22:08
Happy Birthday mate. Would have said earlier but have been on Hols.
Daisy | 2006 / 09 / 12 – 18:59
Sorry I missed being here on the day but I wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Commenting Closed
Commenting on this post is closed. Thanks to all those who left comments. If you'd still like to say something about this entry, feel free to email me.
