Argentines are big on birthdays. Here are a few stories to give you an idea:
On my host-sister’s birthday the phone rang off the hock because there are few things more rude that forgetting to “saludar” (greet/wish-well) a family member or close friend on their birthday.
When my host-brother-in-law turned 35, his parents took the 8-hour bus over the mountains just to come to the birthday dinner.
One morning in early June, my host-mom told me she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before because it was my birthday and the house was so dirty. She checked when my birthday actually was and was able to get to sleep again. I still don’t know what the cleanliness thing is about though.
I told my host-mom that I was going to go out for dinner with friends for my birthday. Without missing a beat, Pirucha said that she had been thinking I should have 4-5 girls over for tea at 5:30. Going along with this plan turned out to be a great idea. My host-mom broke out the china, served us made-from-scratch hot cocoa, 2 types of argentine cake, and there was cheesecake and dessert wine for a “second course.” It was absolutely lovely and delicious.
Now I’m 20-years-old and I have a few reflections to share with you:
1. Being 20 makes me feel older. Something about dropping the ‘teen’ makes me feel like a more legitimate adult. Argentines come of age at 21 so studying abroad at 19 has earned me some funny looks. Saying you’re 20 is much better.
2. Being 20 makes me think about being 30. 1 decade, 10 years, and it seems like a million things to get done. Cultural expectations in America (if I remember right) assume that by 30 I should have or be near to having a: house, mortgage, car, husband, steady job, retirement plan, and maybe a baby. Your twenties just seem to be a busy time!
3. Being 20 makes me think of being 10. I am a decade removed from my childhood. 10 years apart from the kids I work with. Looking back, 10 years seems a lot longer than when I’m looking forward.
4. Being 20 makes me think about the drinking age. I went abroad, could legally buy and consume whatever I wanted, had a birthday, came home, and still can’t order wine in a restaurant. I’m in drinking limbo! But I am very glad I didn’t have an anti-climatic 21st birthday in a country where the legal age is 18. Better by far to wait it out and enjoy getting carded next year in America.
5. Being 20 makes me feel younger. Well not exactly younger but it makes me feel very young. At 19 I was still getting used to the idea I could vote. At 20, I’m comfortable with calling myself an grown-up but realize how far I have to go before I deserve the title.
Sorry there weren't any pictures this time!
Your reflections on age remind one what it is to be young, lively as a thrush, ready in every trice, and moving forward with life on a furious march with sealed orders.
ReplyDeleteYour musings are unreservedly, unequivocally and absolutely right in a charmingly cordial way. I compliment you on your good sense.
It requires no extraordinary perception to discern that the older we are the more we appreciate the axiomatic truth that the years bring upon us.
It must be a very confirmed pessimist who would refuse a smile of satisfaction at reaching the age of 20. For such person would steer a wobbling course through life; their mischief easier to do than undo and their livelihood entirely subversive to all social order.
There is not one jot nor tittle nor scintilla of evidence to show that the next decade will be anything less than a walk through an Eden of beauty. If any such idea found lodgment it should be dismissed forthwith as contrary to the unalterable principles of rectitude.
Posterity will give its proper meed of praise to the coming years. You must face the future with a stoical fortitude, a vigorous determination, and with indomitable patience. For our lives are as tangled as a hank of yarn that runs into knots continually.
Enjoy your youth dear Katie. For the keystone has not yet fallen from the arch, the leaves are far from dropping away like autumn leaves and life, at the point, is more like a butterfly driven aimlessly before the breeze (not really but that was a cool phrase!).
The outlook is in the highest degree encouraging and let us strengthen each other's hand in God. I lay no claim to the predictive function of a prophet but I see you working toward the accomplishment of some high purpose, filled with lofty aspirations and a rare purity of motive.
Happy 20th Katie! You have our love and admiration without reserve.
Phrase book! Phrase book! Phrase Book! OH I do miss the phrase book! And Dad, you are significantly better at using the phrase book than I. You shall have to teach me your ways when I get home.
ReplyDeleteBest Birthday comment EVER!!! I trying really hard not to laugh too much when I read this since half the house is still asleep and I couldn't possibly explain what was funny in Spanish. This was really awesome!
Love,
Katie
2 things.
ReplyDelete1) I want to know about this "phrase book" - sounds like fun!
2) I enjoyed the "I feel older" and "I feel younger" as bookends to your reflections. I can especially relate to: "At 20, I’m comfortable with calling myself an grown-up but realize how far I have to go before I deserve the title." And then I talk to fully-certifiably-adult people and they tell me thy still don't feel like they deserve the title. Who knows if we ever will? :-)