Today is the last day of my 20's, a depressing fact some might say but not me as i've always ensvisaged my 30's being my best years and i have to say i think that vision is going to be proved correct.
My 20's have been very memorable and i have enjoyed the majority of them. (The time when i was unemployed and skint wasn't very memorable, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?).
I have achieved quite alot when i think back, some of my happiest moments in my life have taken place. My marriage and the birth of my son being the highlights.
At the age of 21 i would never of thought i'd be married by the age of 27, but that's exactly what happened. I was engaged at 26 and married at 27. Getting married to Shelley was and still is one of the happiest days of my life.
Seeing my son being born was the most amazing thing i have seen, seeing him come into the world is something i will never forget. I will always remember the first time he looked up at me as i cradled him in my arms, i can still picture that moment as if it were yesterday.
I have been fortunate to travel to some amazing places over the past 10 years due to my wife being cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic. Yes that's right i married an air hostess. Cool.
- New York (x2)
- Washington DC
- Las Vegas
- Orlando (x3)
- Jamaica
- Prague
- Amsterdam
- Dublin
How many people can boast a list as good as that before the age of 30? Not many! I'm very proud of that list, mainly because for years i was terrified of flying. What a way to get over it.
Some of the highlights of my travels have been:
- Seeing Neil Diamond perform at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
- Drinking beer on the beach in Barbados at night whilst the tide tickled my feet, the stars seemed like they were literally 1 metre away from my head.
- New York, this was the first place i travelled to in America and my love affair with the place has grown ever since. Just walking through the streets noticing buildings that have been made famous by the movies is such a cool experience. Me, a soft get from Crosby, has actually been up the Empire State BuildingS twice! I never thought in a million years i'd do that.
- Meeting Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart in Orlando. This meeting is now an infamous comedy moment in our history. I'd like to think Jimmy will never forget the 6ft bald scouser who chased after him whilst he was shopping.
- There have been many more highlights and by starting this article i have realised that i could go on for hours listing them all! Maybe one day i will. When i'm 40 perhaps.
My work life has changed dramatically from the start of my 20's to the end. When i was 20 i was working at B&M Bargains stacking shelves, as i sit here typing this i am now a Web Designer working in Crewe earning over 4 times what i was earning in B&M! It's not been an easy ride but i got there in the end.
It's funny how your taste buds change as you get older i remember when i was 20 all i would drink was beer and alcopops. Gradually over the years i have developed a taste for rum. Appleton rum being my preferred choice. When i was younger i needed loud music, a busy pub and a load of beer to have a good night. Not now though. 1 bottle of rum and a night in watching 'Britains got talent' or 'The X Factor' will do the trick. How cool am i!?
I have so much to look forward to in this upcoming chapter in my life. I am going to witness the birth of my second child, something which i am sure will be just as magical as the first. I am going to enjoy watching my boys growing up and spending time with them and my wife Shelley. Taking my boys to there first football match, taking them to school for the first time, hearing them speak, helping them with homework. There is so much that is going to happen over the next few years how can i not be excited about that?
I'm sure our travelling hasn't finished either and i imagine me and Shelley will be off again soon to visit many more locations.
I am a proud Dad and Husband, and my 30s will be the best years of my life.
Of that i have no doubt.
