I am 15 days away from my 21st birthday. To me turning 21 means turning a year older. It also means being of age to consume and purchase alcohol legally, gamble, and check into a hotel. I am curious as to what life will be like when I turn 21. Will I go out any more than I do now? Will I shrink when they ask for my ID? Will I feel any different? These are all the questions I am currently asking myself. I know that turning 21 means that there are new found freedoms.

As with all of my past birthdays there will be cake, ice cream, and balloons. The details will be different this time around though. I’ll have the iconic barbie spit-up birthday cake, the essential “2” and “1” 40 inch balloons. For me its important that I go all out as you only turn 21 once. I’ll have a backdrop to take photos with friends before the night begins and i’ll do the ritual of popping a bottle of champagne. I look forward to a night all about ME. While I’m not exactly sure where I plan on partying I do know that I want to dance. I’m thinking a club but I plan on doing my research first. I need to know ahead of time which locations are worth checking out and which aren’t.

Turning 21 takes much time, thought, and preparation at least it does for me. I still need to book a makeup artist, appointment at the salon, and find an outfit. I want to look and feel the part. Your birthday only happens once a year so it’s important that you look your best. As a mom I don’t get much time for myself to get dolled up and do my hair. So, doing so will be a well-deserved treat to myself. I look forward to a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. As excited as I am about officially becoming an adult and entering a new year of life, I’m terrified of what becoming an adult actually means.