Sooooo...I had a wonderful weekend, what more can I say? Friday night I went out with girls from college down to Lygon St for gelati (what else?!) which we ate on the steps of Lincoln Sq. Although it was cold, it was yummy and a lot of fun, we mucked around taking photos and imitating the locals. Before we left, they gave me a bunch of flowers and sang happy birthday to me twice (once inside, once outside), whilst each holding a candle. It was beautiful, and so sweet. We wandered back around 10.30 (detouring through the Original Lolly Shop) to watch Kate & Leopold. They also gave me a bottle of champagne and an enormous glass, so of course I had one, filled with chocolates and flowers and little gift cards. I was so touched. It was so much fun "turning 18" with them (i.e. being with them at 12am).
Later on the Big Day I met up with my parents to watch my brother's soccer game. We spent the afternoon opening presents, which was tres exciting. Among other things, I scored received
- New Moon and The Motorcycle Diaries from my brother (which I asked for)
- The Great Gatsby, A Confederacy of Dunces
- A laptop!
It's an Asus, and really, really nice! Large screen, Vista, super fast...ah, what a machine. I'm not actually using it right now, because I have to set up the internet, but never fear, I will be soon. Expect speedy blogging!
We went out to dinner at a surprise restaurant - a stray from tradition, usually I pick the place - which turned out to be Nobu, one of Robert De Niro's restaurants down at Crown Casino. Hands down, one of the best places I have eaten at, ever. I would rate it next to Alan Wong's, one of my favourite restaurants ever. It's Japanese style, and every place was delectable, be it sashimi, fish, beef or sushi. Yum.
Afterwards, we wandered around the Casino (I was ID'd at the check point, and the security guy wished me a happy birthday.) Well, everyone except my younger brother, of course. Poor guy. Didn't bet or play anything - wouldn't know how except for blackjack - although I had a go on the pokies. Lost most of whatever I put in.
Over the week, I've had happy birthday sung to me 8 times (including repeats), 5 times in person and 3 times over the phone. Thank you to everyone who did, who sang over the phone and texted in the wee hours of the morning.
I didn't get shitfaced, or order a drink when we went out, and I won't apologise for that. It irks me that people seem to think I should have, as if it somehow validates my age or legality. I don't mind having a drink now and again (and I did!) but I don't happen to like the taste. And, for once, I take pride in having not drunk myself silly yet. That can wait. As a friend said to me, "now you can do all the things you probably wouldn't have anyway."
And my parents said: "we'll be begging you to drink, and begging your brother not to!" (for the record, he doesn't drink, but he's less about moderation than I am.)
How does it feel to be 18? Old. Good. Satisfying.
x
Just a girl
10 comments:
oohhh Nobu! Yeah I've heard of that place, supposed to be good :) Then and again I think all japanese food is good so yeah...
The guys at the casino are all really nice, I remember when I went after my bday dinner thing and they all wished me happy bday too when I was ID checked. Not what you'd typically expect, at least not what I'd expect :P
I have to say though even if you didn't want to get smashed... you so should've gone to Velvet Bar and ordered a super cocktail! not for the sake of buying a drink, more because the cocktails there are soooo good (I couldn't really taste the alcohol at all) and for the novelty of drinking from a massive cocktail glass. hahaha. We'll have to go sometime now that we're both 18 :)
And what did your bro do while you were all at the casino?!
xx
Oooh, sounds good! Yes, please do let's go out sometime, that more than anything else would 'validate' my 18ness/legailty. ;-)
Ha. He waited outside. Lol.
x
JAG
I once watched 15 minutes of Kate & Leopold, and part of me died inside. And then another part did.
I didn't stop dying inside until I threw out the tape.
That movie remains the single worst romantic comedy ever made.
...so, uh, yeah. Hi! =)
-jdl
P.S. My sisters were very upset when I threw it out, however.
Sounds like you had a perfect 18th! A LAPTOP! Thou hast scored well indeed :)
ahhh happy happy birthday! it sounds like a really nice birthday. i love that the security guard wished you a happy birthday, i dont know why but i find that very sweet. im not going to lie, im surprised you didn't order your first drink on your birthday! not even to get wasted, but just because you can. ah, well. you have years ahead now.
happy birthday! cordie xx
Wow, that sounds like so much funnnn! was the weather nice? because currently i am experiencing a cyclone/thunder storm/rain pour all at once.
Anyway, back you you:
a LAPTOP, I'm sooo jealous! I have wanted one forever...i think i may be getting one for my birthday :)
I would just like to award you one gold star (metephorically :P) Soooo many people, for one would be getting pissed way before their legailty (i.e people i know!) and two: even if they had waited, they certainly wouldnt have even been able to remember their 18th!
I think people get surprised when others dont drink, its like they expect you to stoop as low as them and get wasted! Someone was actually angry when i didnt want to drink, and im far from legal, (well, not that far, but still!) Of course a cocktail or two is fabulous, but not when u cant recall buying it! (mocktails in my case)
It's great that u had such a fantastic b'day!
~M x
Du'loque: I don't know, have you seen No Reservations? Not that you should, mind, but I hold it as one of the most awful rom-coms of all time. Though Gemini would beg to differ.
N: Indeed I have!
Cordie: I wanted to, but couldn't find anything I liked. I did have my first drink though, a glass of champagne with the girls. =)
M: Thanks. Glad somebody understands! ;-)
x
JAG
I still don't get it how you always seem to think that if you start drinking that you'll automatically get drunk. But I understand why you don't want to drink. Not all alcoholic drinks taste bad, try a gin and tonic, they are awesome, tasty mmm... People might say to you that it is a granny drink, and they are right. But grannies have the right amount of experience to know the best drink.
Anyway Happy Birthday, I can say that your 18th B'day was heaps better than mine. Oh, my parents liked Nobu too. Another really good restaurant you could have gone to at Crown is Rockpool
Hey DF,
Perhaps I should explain - I didn't order a drink when we went out because I couldn't find anything I liked on the menu, not because I think that drinking leads to getting drunk (because I don't; moderation is key.) I'm sure they're not all bad, I just have to sample.
Thanks. I've heard lots of good things about Rockpool, my grandparents go to the one in Sydney. =)
x
JAG
Congrats on the big 1-8! Glad to hear it was a good birthday.
I can't believe I'll celebrating my own 18th in a few months. And that I too will be in college in a few months... where did all this time go? Sometimes I feel like I should be about 14 still.
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