Whats Next?

I turn 25 in less then a month.

Most people laugh when I tell them that I am afraid of turning 25...especially anyone who is older. I understand... it IS laughable. This isn't as big of a deal as turning 30, 40 or 50...to most people. Maybe afraid isn't the right word. I don't actually fear birthdays like they are a pathological killer, I think I fear what they represent to me. Age often dictates social norms. Based on how old you are, you should be doing certain things. This is a ridiculous concept, and I don't usually care about social norms to begin with. However, it made me think. I've never wanted a serious relationship until very recently. I never knew what it meant to hate your job, but be forced to go to it, because you NEED to. I didn't know how precarious any kind of relationship, whether it is friendship, romance, or family, could be until recently. DO you know what all this means?

I'm an adult.

As scary as the proposition is, I'm having a tough time with all that coming at once...basically around my 25th birthday. Is this some sort of weird trick? These issues have always been flirting with me, but they all seemed to do it at once this year, like a twisted Axe Body Spray commercial, only except women hounding me, it is adult issues. Not nearly as marketable, right?

Honestly, I'd like to do something different. I feel like I've been doing a lot of the same stuff lately in a lot of ways and I want to break free of that. After being spontaneous and EXPECTING change because of my diverse surroundings for a number of years, I finally have to figure out a change and plan it myself, with no real, compound reason for doing it...except that I want to. So, this will be different from changes that come from college and friends, or even interning in another state and living with people I don't know. Maybe not much different once I do them, but how I go about making that change.

So, I guess the question is...what is next? I've decided that I need to not be at current job by the end of the year. I'm pretty sure I don't just want to go to another job that is similar by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe my comic strip will work out, but I can't count on that happening on my first attempt, so I don't like to think that is a solution. Honestly, ideas are welcome. Teaching in another country could be an answer, but I'm not sure I want to be that far away, for THAT long of a time. Maybe 3 months, but I would miss my family and friends too much.

I know a lot of people are dealing with issues like this, especially at this age. The idea of a "Quarter Life Crisis" is a new one, and the most comforting thing about it is just knowing others are going through issues like this. Finding your place, if you will.

Suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.

Also, I plan on continuing the Twins Season Preview in sections throughout Spring Training. Part II should be here soon. I know at least one of you asked about it. That is probably the extent of people who care!

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