Conversation:

nevertheless: belated Happy Birthday

I knew I had seen you mentioning it on the 'Young Researchers' thread, but then you can bet I forgot about it again.
Hope you had a nice day despite being so extremely busy with school and etc.

Bel

Thanks, Bel!

I did have a very nice day. We went out to dinner and things, and I even got done.

So now I'm 17... it doesn't feel all that different from 16, really.

Glad you had a nice day. I have my sons decide how they want to spend their birthdays (my oldest son was 18 in October last year, the youngest is 15). Son #1 went to a friend and spent the evening/night with his friend, but was back for a breakfast with us and his grandma. My youngest son had invited friends for a BBQ and camping, but the weather decided to send thunderstorms and heavy winds and rains, so it was just the BBQ.
Well done with the editorial of again, although I'm slightly embarrassed that it's the second editorial where I get a mention. On the other hand, it's very nice to have this feedback, and I'm quite chuffed.
It's funny, with the new features on the FP, I was on it for 10 days!! I think that must be a first, and a record.

I'm not surprised you don't feel all that different from being 16, it usually takes me a year to get used to my 'new' age, and the moment I feel that age, it's my birthday, and I'm yet a year older.

Oh, I'm again late with my birthday wishes for you.

Still, here's a belated 'Happy Birthday' wish from me.



Are you 18 now?

Yes I am! How nice of you to remember.

pheloxi posted the link to the February birthday page earlier (it'll be his birthday on Monday). I really should check the birthday pages more regularly.

What's the legal situation in the states, are you allowed everything now, or are there still things you can't do until you're 21?

I can do most everything except drink alcohol - that's 21. My privileges now include:

Voting
Buying tobacco/lighters
Buying "adult" media
Gambling at casinos/buying lottery tickets
Joining the military (though that's a dubious privilege in my opinion)
Carrying passengers in my car
Staying out after the 11pm curfew
Getting things like contraception without parental permission
Getting a jury duty summons

... and much, much more! (I'm sure.) It's all very exciting!

I imagine it's exciting - some things don't change all that much: it was exciting when I turned 18.