So, today I am taking part on Cally Jackson's bloghop, The Year I Turned 18, to celebrate the release of her novel, The Big Smoke!
Well ... the year I turned 18 was full of ups and downs, though I still remember it as one of the best years ever! I really embraced the magic of the age, feeling like I could do anything I wanted, and what I wanted was fun.
I had an incredible group of friends, and every Friday night, we went to our local pub for karaoke! It was always part karaoke, part disco and the landlord of the pub was amazing. All he wanted was for everyone to have fun, and if that meant dancing on the tables, so be it! He even purposely put an extension on the karaoke room so there would be more room to dance, and there were tables set up at the side specifically for dancing!
The lead up to my 18th was an interesting one. I got involved in a relationship with a guy much older than me and he was ... well ... not good for me. Without going in to too many details, I'll say that I had a very lucky escape when he left, but at the time, I was kind of heart broken.
My 18th birthday was probably one of the best nights I've ever had. I had a big party, and it ended with me realising I was in love with the guy I'd been best friends with for years. The memory still makes me smile. He asked me on a date a few days later, in a very awkward phone conversation lol. We ended up dating for three years, and had some great times together. :D
Heh, this photo always makes me laugh - it was taken in the toy shop in town when we were on our way to celebrate a friend's birthday party! I'm the one in the outrageously short skirt lol!
The Big Smoke
Ceara’s desperate for love; Seb’s desperate to get laid. Ceara adores reading novels; Seb hasn’t finished a book in years. Two strangers, both moving from small country towns to Brisbane – the big smoke. As they prepare to attend the same university, their paths seem set to collide, but they keep missing each other. Maybe fate is keeping them apart, or maybe it’s just chance.
When the semester starts, things get complicated. Ceara’s best friend withdraws from her, Seb’s closest mate turns into a sleazebag, and the relentless demands of university make their stress levels soar. Before their first semester is over, both Seb and Ceara will be forced to question who they are and what they want from their lives. Will they have the courage to find the answers, or will they crumble under the pressure? And when they finally meet, will it be love at first sight or a collision of headstrong personalities?
Sweet story, Kyra. I love digging out old photos and having a good old trip down memory lane :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great year! Love the photo. Thanks for taking part in my blogfest. :-)
ReplyDeleteIf there had been karaoke for my birthday party, I would've cleared the room!
ReplyDeleteGreat pic! I've only taken part in karaoke once, and that was a rap song because I can't sing. You should have seen my gangsta moves... actually you're lucky you didn't!
ReplyDeleteCould you sit in that skirt? :)
ReplyDeleteI love watching karaoke. But I don't sing. I've got no guts!
I love singing karaoke. If I've had enough to drink first...
ReplyDeleteI can sing, just not in front of other people...
ReplyDeleteCally's story about the university students sounds interesting. And your story about turning 18 was interesting too. I still have my journal from that year, and I can still remember how it felt to be that age. But at the same time it feels so far away now, and I have to admit that I miss some of the things about being a teenager. Life seemed to be at least a little bit (sometimes, a LOT) simpler back then.
ReplyDeleteLove the legs Kyra. Nice post glad you had fun on your 18 b'day. You have the right guy now and that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic you really embraced your age! That's such a fun picture too. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteNice photo! You had a lot of guts to wear something so short in public. I'd be too afraid something would blow or slip out of place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory. I'm impressed with the karaoke - people bribe me with drinks not to take part!
ReplyDeleteThe karaoke sounds fun! Nice guy to do that. And sounds like a wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
My 18th is sealed and under lock and key.
ReplyDeleteNot even Adam Carter or Harry Pearce can get the truth... at least not in Season Six of "Spooks" or "MI-5" as it is known over here :)
*Thanks for sharing and the memories :)
My 18th was a bit of a disappointment, but my 21st was heaps more fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI like your 18th story here.
Looking back at old photos is always a great trip down memory lane. Your post makes me want to see if I can find any from my 18th year!
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