What's My Age Again?

Now that was an awesome party! Cheap drink, good music, nice food, best friends and a twister board; what more could anybody want for their birthday? A bit of a disappointment regarding the turnout, considering about half the people I invited didn’t show face – because of the night I picked – but I wasn’t bothered as it made me appreciate the effort everyone else went to and created a house party-esqué atmosphere, which was quality. I half remember my birthday speech but I’m going to stick down a few things I reckon have made me the person I am today.

Family; and as far as close family members go, I couldn’t really ask for a better set. Don’t know if I could ever re-pay my mum for all the hard work she put into single-handedly raising myself, and Amy, but she definitely deserves every good thing she gets and loads more for her efforts. My aforementioned Granda was a father to me and as I wrote before, taught me so many things that I’ll never forget. A real-life legend who is still missed and will never be forgotten. Amy’s just Amy and I wouldn’t have her any other way; so glad we’re well passed the fighting stage, if we got any closer than we are these days I’m pretty sure it’d be illegal - Gads. Finally, I’m so appreciative of having such a cool, chilled-out, and caring (step) Dad, the fact that I grew up without one makes me value everything much more.

Friends; again, I’ve been more than lucky with the people I’ve ended up spending my free time talking to, hanging out and getting drunk with. I could write an entire blog entry on almost every single one of my friends, but that’s pointless because all anybody needs to know is that no matter what situation I was in, or where I end up, I know there will always be somebody there to talk to. The two people that deserve a special mention are Sludge and Holly because we’re so alike in almost every sense that I know we’ll be a in this ‘friendship triangle’ (that’s the gayest thing I’ve ever posted) ‘til we’re six feet under.

Girls; even though I’ve only had a handful of girlfriends, and fewer serious relationships they have been amongst some of the most complex and tortuous connections I’ve had with other people. The things I’d change: I wish I wouldn’t have been such a dick to Jamie on multiple occasions; that Lucy would have given me more time; that Emma, Lorna and Jenni didn’t string me along; and that Alex could have left the drama at the door, keeping everything straight-forward.

Music; sounds pretty trivial but completely relates to the last three. Growing up with every genre of music, from Jazz through to Disco laid the foundations to my current broad taste. The biggest single influence was without a doubt was ‘Enema of the State’ simply because it is the perfect soundtrack to teenage life, not to mention it being full of fantastic songs. This saw the big jump from Indie to Punk, which got me into starting bands, going to gigs and subsequently meeting an entirely new set of people – if only I could find that English paper from 6th year I wrote about the album.

All in all, like everyone else my age, I could have ended up being a totally different person with opposite hobbies and friends. However, even though it’s interesting to think about ‘what could have been’ there’s not a single thing I’d change about my past or present life. From the shy loser in primary school and the easily led kid at secondary, roots are part of what makes you who you are today. I’ve never understood why some people wish to forget or lie about their roots; they're something you can’t change but most of all, something to be proud of!

Speaking of roots, as a conscience decision, I finally began the first steps towards shaving my hair. With the birthday clippers I set to work on my “hair don’t” that hasn’t changed much in a good ten years and I can’t say that it was an enjoyable experience. It’s also pretty lame when your pubes are longer than, and don't look as silly as, your actual hair! Personal reminder: never let your mum ‘tidy up the back of your head' with a razor, chunks galore.