Help me turn 18!
March 30, 2011 7:47 PM Subscribe
I'm turning 18 on Saturday, and I'd like to commemorate somehow and/or what should I do in my last few days of legal childhood?
I feel like I should do...something. Write a letter to my future self? Buy a bond? Take a weekend trip somewhere (I live in Seattle, fyi).
My parents would love to do something special for me if I thought of anything reasonable, and this is the first time I can legally drive around my friends around, so that's a bonus.
I'll be having a little celebration (anything bigger is not my style) and maybe going to my school's dance that night, but I'd welcome suggestions for what to do that day, or now, or in honor, or something.
I will be buying a lotto ticket and (when I get around to it) registering to vote, but that's about all the 18-centric stuff I can think of that I want to do. No cigarettes (I know myself well enough that I would never let myself get into the habit, even a little) and, well, buying porn isn't that exciting when I have the internet handy.
I just feel like I should do something more special, and I don't know what. 18-specific or not, I welcome your suggestions, wacky or otherwise.
I feel like I should do...something. Write a letter to my future self? Buy a bond? Take a weekend trip somewhere (I live in Seattle, fyi).
My parents would love to do something special for me if I thought of anything reasonable, and this is the first time I can legally drive around my friends around, so that's a bonus.
I'll be having a little celebration (anything bigger is not my style) and maybe going to my school's dance that night, but I'd welcome suggestions for what to do that day, or now, or in honor, or something.
I will be buying a lotto ticket and (when I get around to it) registering to vote, but that's about all the 18-centric stuff I can think of that I want to do. No cigarettes (I know myself well enough that I would never let myself get into the habit, even a little) and, well, buying porn isn't that exciting when I have the internet handy.
I just feel like I should do something more special, and I don't know what. 18-specific or not, I welcome your suggestions, wacky or otherwise.
Go to Vancouver and get drunk.
posted by dfriedman at 7:56 PM on March 30, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by dfriedman at 7:56 PM on March 30, 2011 [7 favorites]
Take a trip! Spontaneous road trips are some of my fondest memories of that age.
posted by desjardins at 7:56 PM on March 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 7:56 PM on March 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't really have any real advice, but I will say that, at least where I live, they don't usually card to buy lotto tickets, so don't be sad if they don't. ;-) I did the same thing when I turned 18. I think they only care if you're 18 when you try to redeem a lotto ticket.
posted by elpea at 8:02 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by elpea at 8:02 PM on March 30, 2011
When I turned 20, I asked my friends to help me do something the night before that was something you could only get away with as a stupid teenager but that you should really give up as a "grown up" adult. SO, we TP'd a favorite professor's home. (It was the first time I'd TP'd anyone's house. But she was very understanding, and super laid back about it. And we explained ourselves in the morning, and she laughed because she thought it was one of her daughter's friends, who do it regularly apparently. She even graded our skills on stealth, height and overall coverage — she had big trees and a big yard! — and we got 4 cars of young adults onto her dead-end street in the wee hours of the morning without waking her, her neighbors or her dogs.)
So while TP'ing a teachers home might not be the best move, I'd recommend something you feel like you'll outgrow or miss or wish you had done before you were too old to do it.
posted by ilikemethisway at 8:02 PM on March 30, 2011
So while TP'ing a teachers home might not be the best move, I'd recommend something you feel like you'll outgrow or miss or wish you had done before you were too old to do it.
posted by ilikemethisway at 8:02 PM on March 30, 2011
You could be like Krapp from the Beckett play and make a recording for yourself talking about the last year, or years to reflect upon at your next birthday.
The drinking age is 19 in B.C. so unfortunately that will have to wait. A road trip would still be fun. I've always liked taking the ferry from Port Angeles ferry to Victoria.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:04 PM on March 30, 2011
The drinking age is 19 in B.C. so unfortunately that will have to wait. A road trip would still be fun. I've always liked taking the ferry from Port Angeles ferry to Victoria.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:04 PM on March 30, 2011
Response by poster: Drinking age in BC is actually 19! So no legal drinking in the vincity. I will be in Iceland (actual legal age in 20) and Estonia/Finland this summer so I guess I'll have to wait until then.
posted by R a c h e l at 8:05 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by R a c h e l at 8:05 PM on March 30, 2011
Response by poster: Oh, shoulda previewed. But yeah. Keep em coming, thanks all :)
posted by R a c h e l at 8:05 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by R a c h e l at 8:05 PM on March 30, 2011
Happy Birthday! That's my birthday too.
I honestly can't recall how I spent my 18th birthday and I kind of regret that it wasn't more memorable because that is a major milestone, in terms of how you'll probably divide your life into phases.
Were I to get a do-over, I'd probably get myself a small piece of jewelry like a ring or a bracelet, to keep with me and eventually pass along to a daughter or niece when she marks that date.
Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a wonderful day!
posted by contessa at 8:07 PM on March 30, 2011
I honestly can't recall how I spent my 18th birthday and I kind of regret that it wasn't more memorable because that is a major milestone, in terms of how you'll probably divide your life into phases.
Were I to get a do-over, I'd probably get myself a small piece of jewelry like a ring or a bracelet, to keep with me and eventually pass along to a daughter or niece when she marks that date.
Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a wonderful day!
posted by contessa at 8:07 PM on March 30, 2011
Journeys on water are great metaphors for transition. Ferry to the San Juans or Victoria, maybe?
posted by holgate at 8:07 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by holgate at 8:07 PM on March 30, 2011
I went out and got my nose pierced (albeit with the blessing of my parents). Don't know if it's different in Canada but here in the States you no longer need parental permission for things like tattoos and piercings at 18. This of course depends on how you feel about sticking bits of metal into your body. I for one am a big fan and am about to celebrate my 25th birthday with a nice little rook in my ear.
posted by Polyhymnia at 8:09 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by Polyhymnia at 8:09 PM on March 30, 2011
Argh, just saw you're in Seattle. I assumed comments about BC meant you live in Canada!
posted by Polyhymnia at 8:10 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by Polyhymnia at 8:10 PM on March 30, 2011
Take your parents out for dinner.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:18 PM on March 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:18 PM on March 30, 2011 [1 favorite]
I still vote that you go up to Vancouver. The drinking age is 19... but in my experience, they rarely card. But even if you don't/can't drink, Vancouver is an awesome and beautiful city and you should be able to have an awesome time!
posted by alaijmw at 8:36 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by alaijmw at 8:36 PM on March 30, 2011
Puddle jump, blow bubbles, trespass, climb a tree on public property, color, make a mix tape, have your parents make a pencil mark on the door frame that shows how tall you are. Basically, think about the things that really made your childhood what it was and relive some minor glory.
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:27 PM on March 30, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:27 PM on March 30, 2011 [2 favorites]
Enter into a binding contract.
posted by orthogonality at 9:59 PM on March 30, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by orthogonality at 9:59 PM on March 30, 2011 [4 favorites]
I went and bought a pack of cigarettes and then went to a porn shop with my friend.
... don't do that.
Piercings, (understated) tattoos (that you won't regret, in easily concealable places), yes.
posted by dixiecupdrinking at 10:01 PM on March 30, 2011
... don't do that.
Piercings, (understated) tattoos (that you won't regret, in easily concealable places), yes.
posted by dixiecupdrinking at 10:01 PM on March 30, 2011
And happy birthday!
posted by dixiecupdrinking at 10:02 PM on March 30, 2011
posted by dixiecupdrinking at 10:02 PM on March 30, 2011
Hookers and blow!!!!!! ... don't do that either. Getting drunk with purpose isn't a great idea either. I mightily enjoy the drink myself, but drinking with the purpose of getting drunk is bad policy. I know this from experience. I get from the tone of your question that you aren't looking for advice about how to go on a bender and aren't looking for a binge.
I like the idea of taking your parents to a special dinner or if you can find something appropriate, entering into a contract as orthogonality suggests. People are fully now free to enter into binding contacts with you now whether it be the local car dealer ship or the USMC. Other than that you have the right to vote an buy tobacco products.
posted by Carbolic at 10:54 PM on March 30, 2011
I like the idea of taking your parents to a special dinner or if you can find something appropriate, entering into a contract as orthogonality suggests. People are fully now free to enter into binding contacts with you now whether it be the local car dealer ship or the USMC. Other than that you have the right to vote an buy tobacco products.
posted by Carbolic at 10:54 PM on March 30, 2011
I will remember my 18th birthday for the rest of my life. I had a good friend who asked me several times a day what I wanted to do for my birthday, and so I would jokingly respond with things that I liked to do like "eat steamed broccoli with soy sauce", "swing on swings", "watch A Little Princess", "take pictures", etc. Lo and behold she created a schedule for that day that included all of the things I had randomly mentioned, including getting over 100 hugs! My friends also had a big party for me that night. All of those little things really made me feel special. The party was super fun, and getting roses and poems from my then boyfriend was super fun, but the best part was doing things that I loved to do with people who I loved. I guess what I'm trying to say is, do something you love. It doesn't matter so much if it's traditional-- ie lottery tickets, etc. I think that doing something more unique and tailored to you would be more meaningful. Also, totally nthing the idea of you writing to either yourself or a future child. I'm already nostalgic and wish I had done things like that, and I'm only 24.
posted by delicate_dahlias at 11:07 PM on March 30, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by delicate_dahlias at 11:07 PM on March 30, 2011 [2 favorites]
Hookers and blow!!!!! ... dont do that either
18 year olds are fully free to entrer into contract if they choose to do so, You may be suddenly hit with multiple credited card offers, you may be able to take advantage of a formula for disaster, If anything grab an Amex that expects you to pay the full amount each month, You can contract. A new car or there is always the Marines, Sounds like you have more sense that I do.
Taking you parents to a meal an follow with a quiet evening with your friends is the way to go, (not to quietly with your friend sound best. Love the drink myself but, feel obliged to warn against celebratory bindging )
Happy 18th - No turning back now - congratulations
posted by Carbolic at 11:27 PM on March 30, 2011
18 year olds are fully free to entrer into contract if they choose to do so, You may be suddenly hit with multiple credited card offers, you may be able to take advantage of a formula for disaster, If anything grab an Amex that expects you to pay the full amount each month, You can contract. A new car or there is always the Marines, Sounds like you have more sense that I do.
Taking you parents to a meal an follow with a quiet evening with your friends is the way to go, (not to quietly with your friend sound best. Love the drink myself but, feel obliged to warn against celebratory bindging )
Happy 18th - No turning back now - congratulations
posted by Carbolic at 11:27 PM on March 30, 2011
How is your relationship with your parents? I ask because they made you and tried to the best of their abilities, I assume, to raise you well. I can tell because you found Metafilter. I like the dinner idea. I'd like it better if the invitation was written. In crayon.
posted by plinth at 5:42 AM on March 31, 2011
posted by plinth at 5:42 AM on March 31, 2011
I don't really drink, so I had my 21st birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. I think the guy in the rat suit thought I was mentally retarded, but we had a great time.
posted by jrishel at 8:17 AM on March 31, 2011
posted by jrishel at 8:17 AM on March 31, 2011
I got a tattoo between high school and college to mark that period of my life...
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:23 AM on March 31, 2011
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:23 AM on March 31, 2011
You're going to be an adult from Saturday until the day you die, so savour the last few days of your childhood.
Cut classes on Friday. Walk around the city by yourself or with a close friend. Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Don't hurry.
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:43 AM on March 31, 2011
Cut classes on Friday. Walk around the city by yourself or with a close friend. Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Don't hurry.
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:43 AM on March 31, 2011
You can drink in Alberta at 18, but that's kind of a long drive (Seattle to Crowsnest Pass would take you 10 hours nonstop). It'd be a scenic drive, though!
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 12:22 PM on March 31, 2011
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 12:22 PM on March 31, 2011
Buy tickets to see Puppetry of the Penis (or any other show of questionable, yet mature tastes).
posted by WeekendJen at 12:55 PM on March 31, 2011
posted by WeekendJen at 12:55 PM on March 31, 2011
Response by poster: I happen to think my parents did a bang-up job, thanks for asking :). And hey, it isn't over yet - there's still college to (help) pay for!
Ah, I would do the tattoo thing, but I've thought long and hard about a design and there isn't anything I love yet so I think I'll wait for the right moment.
Pfff, pretty sure there's no age limit on hookers and blow. So that wouldn't be very special, now, would it?
I'm still planning, but a cartilage piercing is definitely included, and I'm hoping to head up to Vancouver over my spring break (two weeks away).
And I will be doing something spectacularly immature tomorrow, currently undecided but I have a few ideas :).
Thanks all!
posted by R a c h e l at 10:39 PM on March 31, 2011
Ah, I would do the tattoo thing, but I've thought long and hard about a design and there isn't anything I love yet so I think I'll wait for the right moment.
Pfff, pretty sure there's no age limit on hookers and blow. So that wouldn't be very special, now, would it?
I'm still planning, but a cartilage piercing is definitely included, and I'm hoping to head up to Vancouver over my spring break (two weeks away).
And I will be doing something spectacularly immature tomorrow, currently undecided but I have a few ideas :).
Thanks all!
posted by R a c h e l at 10:39 PM on March 31, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 7:54 PM on March 30, 2011