Two days ago, in preparation for today, I made a list.
A list of the lessons life has taught me, mainly over the past decade.
Important pointers, no doubt, helping me prepare for what lies ahead.
Rather pleased with myself, I headed out last evening to celebrate my last few hours of twentydom.
And, with less than 2 hours left to midnight, life cackled at me as she is frequently wont to, and, when I least expected it, threw two more zingers my way.
Climbing up a fancy wooden stairway on my way to dinner, I had a footwear malfunction (for those who remember last July, it was the same pair of shoes). Strap off from one end and nothing to secure my foot to the base, I was barefoot and horrified. Thanks to soothing, encouragement and sound common sense from The Boy, I took the pair in my hands and walked into the restaurant in my Mango outfit…..barefoot. Much angst and a little Fevikwik later, I was back in my heels, gingerly stepping out into the world again, a little stronger in the knowledge that I had done one of the things I detest most. (Yes, walking barefoot is a biggie… will explain childhood connection someday.)
At 2 minutes to midnight, The Boy surprised me by producing cake, candles, et. al in the car and…..no knife. While he berated himself, I felt my fingers get a life of their own, dig into the cake and move toward his mouth. Before we knew it, half the cake was gone and we were frantically looking around for tissues.
It may seem like nothing at all to most people, but tonight, I did the two things I was brought up to absolutely NOT do. Conditioning is a powerful tool, but stepping beyond one’s own boundaries can be a liberating feeling. And that’s when it hit home. My final lessons as a twenty-something are likely going to be the most useful as I stumble into this new decade, and they are, quite simply, this:
1) When life strips you of kitten heels, have the grace to walk tall and barefoot.
2)It’s surprisingly fun to get your hands dirty. Close your eyes, dig in and share the yumminess.
Suddenly, I can’t wait to live my 30s.
Wisdom Wears Neon Pyjamas 
*Sigh* 30!! I look back and sigh wistfully, but do you know what girl, 11 years ahead of you is still some kind of wonderful!
I’m here very briefly because I’m rushed off my feet today but I wanted to wish you a fantastic fantastic birthday – a fabulous life and success in all things you do – especially your writing and your dedication to your job in nurturing those little spirits. If I could, I would’ve shared my little one with you to help with the nurturing. Will try to speak to you soon.
Happy birthday OJ! You are one special young lady! SHINE!!
Yay on moving on to another decade of jammie-clad wisdom! Happeee budday!!
And yes, dirtying your fingers with cake and liking it off your own and the lover’s fingers is so much fun… a good reminder of childhood and the carefree days. Just that once, you could do with dirtying the car steering / motorbike handles; those can be washed the next day after the ants have scraped off the remainders, if any.
Fun! Can’t wait to live my 30s either… 🙂
Oh what fun
With the loved One
Sandals break
Licking cake
The icing — wisdom won!
🙂 Happy Bday OJ! Shine on, Gal! 🙂 Here`s hoping you have a rocking year ahead!
many many many happy returns of the day, OJ.
May you break free of loads more conditioning:)
Happy Birthday OJ!
I did remember but was away so couldn’t greet you on the day.
It’s a liberating journey, all right & it only gets better each decade:)
Happy Birthday OJ!!! Those were things I was warned against too! I began eating cake with my hands to piss my dad off and enjoyed it. Of course, I never ate a whole cake with my hands but I’m open to the idea. And as for walking barefoot into a nice restaurant… one day my friend Sara and I were at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the strap broke off my skyscraper wedges. So I wandered all around it barefoot, then walked out barefoot, ate a late lunch barefoot, then finally took the subway with my shoes back on. Even I have my limits.
Mina: You never know. Life may still hand us that chance. 😉
Pallavi: I draw the line at the wiping bit. 🙂
Damnhobsons: That makes two of us, then.
Aunty G: *Applause*!!
Piper: Thank you 🙂
Dipali: Know what? I think I will. 😉
Rajni: I’ll remember that.
Amrita: Hey, I’d do the Met on my knees if I had to! 😀
okay i had to record my wishes here for posterity… here’s to a fantastic decade ahead…
great pearls of wisdom indeed OJ!
i have always hated using spoon for cake and a fork and knife for pizza! they are just bested with hand! you just cant lick the spoon as clean as you can your fingers! 🙂
i know thats literal meaning of your discovery! but i know just what you mean!
for once at least! 😉
belated happy budday and to great years ahead!!
cheers!
abha
MM: Let it be known that MM’s wishes are out there in the universe! Sorry, was randomly amused by the posterity comment. 😀 Thank you, hon.
Abha: I see you found me. Thanks for the wishes. We keep it simple around here. Really. 😛
this was my first guess and you said no!!
anyhoo! now i have found you! someday i shall meet you too! you two! wateva!! 🙂
cheers!
abha
Abha: A girl’s allowed to cause some confusion in her old age. 😉 Besides, I didn’t particularly want some visitors to that blog finding me. Yes, I have a feeling you shall meet us too. Us two. Wateva!