The Last Twenty-Five… (updated)

Approaching my 25th birthday, I am left wondering what I did with the last quarter century? Feeling like I should be more than I am, and further than here I decided to look back on where I have been and what exactly it is I do with my time.

This is what my life has held thus far:

I learned to sail in Southern Australia and kayaked my way through the sloughs of Olney.

I’ve been Brazilian bikini waxed and sported the once popular Fem-Mullet.

I’ve eaten escargot, eel, and sea urchin.

I’ve skinny dipped in the Mediterranean and the icy waters off the Peter Iredale.

I’ve been through my first rebirthing and had my chakras aligned.

I’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower and seen the view from the Empire State Building.

I’ve ridden on an elephant at the circus and been on a motorcycle for the first time.

I’ve fallen in and out of love.

I’ve spent a year in the land of chocolate and beer (Belgium), and gained around 40 pounds in the process.

I once jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet in a turquoise jumpsuit with rainbows on the ass and have video to prove it.

I’ve discovered my inner jeweler and actually managed to sell a few pieces.

I’ve visited the Queen at Windsor and seen an Italian opera in Austria.

I’ve seen the world trade centers and made an old fashioned nail in Williamsburg.

I’ve lowered my credit rating from excellent to good and consolidated my student loans.

I’ve been through La Louvre three times and seen the Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo.

I’ve managed a couple of restaurants and spent the last eight years waiting tables in many many more.

I helped found The Astoria Spinster Society (ASS) and still remain the only member not married, pregnant or in a serious relationship.

I’ve taught in an ESL classroom and learned basic American Sigh Language.

I’ve joined and worked out at a gym for the first and second times.

I’ve eaten gelato while looking at the colosseum and passed over the Bridge D’Avignon.

I’ve traded in being one of the guys for an inspiring group of fabulous women.

I’ve been fired four times and almost got sent home from Belgium for skipping school.

I’ve learned to speak semi-fluent French and very poor Espagnol.

I’ve gotten two speeding tickets and an MIP.

I’ve been the only American at an all girls private catholic school and been mooed at walking down the streets of Paris.

I’ve seen Rascal Flatts, Gypsy Soul, Reba McIntire, and Willie Nelson in concert but still prefer to hear my sister sing karaoke.

I am learning the art of expression through poetry and love making collages.

I’ve seen where Anne Frank hid and others were gassed.

I’ve toured Van Gogh’s museum and slid into a salt mine.

I’ve stood beneath the Sistine Chapel and picked a piece of the Berlin Wall off the ground.

I’ve lived in a castle and walked through the Grand Place many a rainy day in Bruxelles.

I’ve long lined for halibut in Alaska and watched humpback whales swim though clouds of birds feeding on kelp just off the bow of the boat.

I’ve learned how to not only walk, but look good in heels and my shoe shelf has been known to stir jealousy in some.

I’ve seen Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera, Seussical the Musical and love watching SOU theater department productions.

I’ve moved in and out of my parents’ house (more than once).

I’ve drunk a lot of good wine and still never been hung over.

I’ve been drugged at my favorite bar and ridden home in a police car twice in my life

I’ve been to the Tower of London and seen the Crown Jewels.

I’ve attended a Goddess workshop and watched dolphins swim in Alaska, Hawaii, and Adelaide.

I’ve taken a solo vacation in Australia and toured the Barossa Valley Wineries.

I’ve almost learned how not to kill all my house plants and developed my own style when it comes to fashion and design.

I’ve played countless games of solitaire and beaten both Carl and Jason at chess.

I’ve become friends with my sister and best friends with my mom.

I’ve eaten more sushi in the last couple of years than most eat in a lifetime and stood in line for American Idol (not for me of course).