Sixteen Going On Seventeen

The Von Trapp children singing So Long, Farewell

     I remember the first time I watched Sound of Music. Though it was involuntary, I was amazed how so many songs I knew were from this movie and how the actors had such beautiful voices, despite their young age. Of all the songs, I was most impressed by the duet of a young but unfortunate couple.

     The lyrics of the melodies sung under the gazebo were simple - about a sixteen-going-on-seventeen girl singing about her naiveness compared to a seventeen-going-on-eighteen boy. Their innocence in love is what makes the story more enchanting. While watching the movie, I promised myself that I would watch this scene again when I reach this age, see time shifting my age from 16 to 17. Now that I see the shift listening to the music, mixed feelings come to me.

     When I was younger, I believed that I would never be so older to become one of the seniors or adults I know. At least I thought I would have been smart enough to be able to escape any situations I am stranded in, such as that I would be smart enough to elude such stance by attaining abnormal abilities, like being able to fly. Unfortunately, I now am old enough to figure out such things are impossible. 

     Every time I face my birthday, this sudden urge of not wanting to leave the Neverland suddenly dominates me, giving me ideas to make my birthday disappear. One of the ways was to name 31st of November (which apparently does not exist) as my birthday (and that is how this blog got its name, trente-et-un (31st) novembre (November)). But it occurred to me, and I realized that I am afraid of my birthday and the fact that I am getting older but at the same time am desiring to face my birthday.

All children, except one, grow up.

J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan 

     Becoming older means responsibilities. The numerous situations where choices will make you pay for it. Though some people need to work on being a better adult and adulting, it certainly is one of the things people just refuse to face.

     But at the same time, it is the door that leads to a totally new thing, opening your eyes and perhaps making you feel like a stranger. Having many responsibilities and fulfilling them allows the individual to make own decisions and be trusted. This is why to espouse the awkward feeling of birthday.

     I like to name my birthday the premiere of the finale. A bittersweet ending, but the period to embrace a whole new world.