On Becoming 24

Tomorrow I turn 24. Yikes.

I'm usually hyper about my birthday coming up but this year, I don't know. My birthday must-do checklist (things I do a day or two before my actual birthday) has been preserved though: getting my nails done, getting a new haircut and buying the perfect dress. I’m almost done with everything in the list but, surprisingly, the excitement hasn't kicked in just yet. Will someone dare to slap me on the face and remind me today’s the last day of September? *sighs*

Maybe I’m creeped out by the number 24. No, it has not anything to do with things mystical. I think 24 is too big of a number, age-wise. Agree with me, yes? You see, being 24 is like a juncture, a turning point especially for someone like me who admits to still having her childish ways. People expect you to be more adult. Act like an adult. Speak like an adult. Think like an adult. Some even start to settle down at this age. Gawd! I don’t think I’m quite ready for that. There are a lot of things (and I mean A LOT!) that I have yet to fulfill and to work on. Just thinking about all these things flip me out!

On the other hand, the fear of being 24 might turn out to be what I need to get my act together. I’m afraid I may be too old at 24 to finish unfinished businesses, pero this question pops outta my head: why the drama where in fact these are things I could’ve done when I was 21, 22, 23? If I let the anxiety get the best of me now, kailan ko pa siya magagawa? When I’m 25, 26, 27? Note to self: I’m not and won’t get any younger so I might as well let the excitement oust that fear taking over me. It's high time to live like an adult! Oh, please say I'm right.

Before today ends, my dress should be well-ironed. I should be wearing red nail polish, sporting a new ‘do with a new hair color and I should be cartwheeling all over the place...

... because tomorrow I turn 24.