I am now 22

The 15th of May has come and gone....so apparently, i am 1 year older. I am now 22...no longer 21. Didn't even get drunk (i am SO pure).

Being a young adult is a lot like being a kid; in a sense that you go through a tremendous amount of growth within a short period of time. At least that's what I think. At 18, you're embracing your newfound freedom. At 19, you're starting University/College. At 20, you are looking at the prospects of your future career or other directions u may want to pursue. As for me, my grandmothers are hinting of boyfriends and marriage, which freaks the hell outta me. Then at 21, the whole 'adulthood' thing finally hits : makes me think of responsibilities (especially concerning my sis and family), domestic chores and basically managing my life. Gotta get a sense of who you are and a sense of purpose. On the other hand, it makes me feel freaked coz there's so much to learn; books aside. So many things to do, so little time. With this sense of 'adulthood' as well, i want to have fun, and I aint reporting to noone.

And now I'm 22. Again, the grandmas and my mum talks of boyfriends & marriage & grandchildren. Although usually jokingly, but sometimes I do become suddenly aware that I am single. And that i'm a woman. God...My mum married at the age of 23. MJ married and had my dad at 21. Maktok F I'm not sure, but also in her early 20s. So at 22, comes the realization that 'the future' (read : working, independent living, marriage & kids) really ain't that far ahead. Technically, it IS within the 5-year plan.

Well, i had a quiet birthday here in Klang. At midnight there were a bunch of SMSes, and a few phone calls. Friendster testimonials, Facebook posts, YM msgs. The sweetest thing came from the darling Leong Yin Hui, my classmate. She came to my room at midnight, holding a makeshift A4-paper box, with a jelly doughnut and a lit candle inside. She sang Happy Birthday, I made a wish and blew out my birthday candle. She's such a gem. I'm sure her bf Chew Hua also had something to do with it. Thank you very much guys, I wish you guys a lifetime of happiness. Another unexpected event was a shared gift from K.Amriana, Fairuz, Farizan and Zaimie. It was a plaque with a nice message on it. It caught me by surprise because 1) i wasn't expecting presents from anyone 2) i'm not even that close to them. We hangout as classmates, sure. Except K.Am though, I hang around her room a lot. She is next door after all. So it was sweet. Deanna also gave me a doughnut after hearing what Yin Hui did and i thought it was cute, her gesture.

I spent d whole day in my room. Supposed to hangout with my sis, but both of us got up at 3pm (well, we were on YM till 6am!). So i decided to just surf the net and clean my room at my own pace. I'm still not done yet! I don't care what time i finish as long as i'm satisfied. Mazuin called and insisted I do SOMETHING on my birthday, so for her sake I went for McD drive-thru. There you go. I'm hanging out with my sis tomorrow, to make up for what we missed today.

With the recent turn of events, I think my turning 22 will be about growing as a woman. As a person sure, I've grown a lot (relatively speaking) but as a woman, not so much. So yeah, i WILL learn to cook. I don't care if its cooking up basic meals or expanding my menu on baking and desserts, as long as I'm familiarizing with the kitchen. At least i'll have something to fall back on. Cleaning i can do. I may not do it very often, but i can do it nonetheless. Just not like clockwork, yet. Sewing...buttons, hooks, clasps are OK. Torn seams are OK. Just can't patch up holes. But i'm doing fine, right? Cooking sucks. I'm 22 and haven't boiled an egg in my life. I dont even know how to peel fruits or cut up vege, let alone prep or clean meats. But baking, not so hopeless (refer previous post, The glory of FOOD). The final task would be babysitting, hahaha. Lets just wait til i get my own kid for that.

Just writing this gives me palpitations. About the future, about growing up. But its good. It needs to be done. Come to think about it....the future...will it be possible to juggle Medicine, Family and Theatre? What about time for myself? Nevermind. For now, just pass medical school and learn to live by yourself. At least if all else fails, you can survive. Haha. Happy Birthday, Dima Marlina and wishing you peace, love and happiness. Adios.