Quarter of a Century Finished

This week marks the last week of my 25th year of life. I realize that in a few years, 25 will seem young, but for that reason I feel like it's leaving a milestone year. Ever notice how when women over 35 talk about the past, it's always about "looking 25 again" or "if I only knew at 25 what I know now..."? It is the age which most everyone refers to, perhaps unknowingly, as the Golden Year, flavored by strong memories.

When I look back to my 25th year when I, myself, am 35+, I am not sure what I will think. Certainly many unpredictable things have occurred in the past year. A year ago I brought in my birthday while living in Berlin, knowing I might move home again for a year at most. This birthday I will, in fact, be at home with no immediate plans of leaving! Living with my parents at my age might be common enough in Europe, especially when trying to save money, but is not necessarily a common practice in this neck of the woods. More common here for a 25-year-old is to be married, have a house and a kid or 2!

When it comes to a social life, usually 25 is in the midst of the prime party years. However, my days of coming out of a disco by the light of morning just in time for a sticky Rosinenschnecke fresh out of the bakery oven (or in the case of the ever-famous "Hasir" in Kreuzberg, an early morning lentil soup) are over for now. This corner of Iowa seems to excel mostly in dingy pubs, or the slightly better sports bars, and the only dancing you'll find is at the local tap dance studios.

Regardless of the city excitement I've given up by moving home, this year has been quite interesting and a great learning experience. Sure, I might occasionally have to repress the urge to cry when I step out of the office to a gorgeous evening and know I could be enjoying a drink at an outdoor cafe on some enchanted cobblestone street somewhere else, and all I see is cement and a gross Chinese restaurant that has made me sick two times in a row... But I know this won't last forever. And so while it lasts, I'm going to continue to enjoy myself and live it up, home-style.

So even though when I look back at this Golden Year, it won't be to chuckle at the crazy nights I had in faraway places. I will, however, have great memories of learning experiences surrounded by great people. There were less crazy, but very fulfilling times with good friends back at home, and I'll remember how I made up for lost time with my parents - how they were always there to talk to and how they got to come to my symphony concerts and cheer me on, showing the support and pride only parents can. Besides, geez, there is plenty of time for quaint outdoor cafes and crazy nights to come again when I'm 26+!