Jonathan Meyer.

I am a full on adult now. The big 21, the last age that really matters in the grand scheme of things. None of this kid or child stuff now, just me and the world: A life of freedom, with unlimited potential and difficult decisions to make. Oh, did I mention I’m writing this as I sit in Southern California on vacation? Safe to say, it’s been quite an eventful few days for Just Jonathan.

Well, it all started 21 years ago…I’m just kidding. Monday was my birthday and part of me thought I’d feel different this year. Unfortunately, when I woke up, I was only greeted with message after message wishing me a great day. No revolutionary feelings or even a slight change in maturity, what a shame! In all seriousness, I realized a long time ago, numbers and privileges that come with age don’t define you or even change how you feel. Character growth comes from within yourself and not from the numbers society demands you be in order to let you scratch a lottery ticket or get into the casino. With that being said, I started the day by buying a lotto ticket.

Now I probably shouldn’t say this online, but no one checked my ID as I purchased $10 worth of scratch-offs at a convenient store in town. Dare I say, I was disappointed. A big moment in my life stained by a worker trusting that the dude with a big beard is of legal age. Makes me wonder how long I could’ve been spending my life savings trying to win big.

I spent the majority of my birthday enjoying rides at Lost Island. Both the theme park and water park kept my dear friend Tommy and I entertained through our few hours between the parks.

After meeting up with my parents and eating some fantastic hibachi, we made our way to the casino.

Any ID transgressions from earlier in the day were more than atoned for at the entrance. I gave my drivers license, a debit card, let them scan my face, I very well could have been asked for a blood sample with how thorough these security guards were being. Through the whole process this guy was serious, asking me for one piece of information after another. Eventually he handed my back all 14 forms of identification and wished me a happy birthday. Looking back I’ll take the non-ID situation for the lotto tickets. Apology offered (Kwik Star) random local convenience store!

On the gaming floor I was hit with a sudden rush of dopamine as the bells, and buzzes, and whistles, dings, blings, pings, and much more infiltrated my senses. My wallet cowered in fear as I passed each hungry machine. My mission was quite clear: enjoy this new privilege and not become a gambling addict.

After maybe half an hour, I walked away with less than $10 spent after everything averaged out. I enjoyed my fair share of free pop at the machines, and spent quality time with my parents. I have no problems paying less than ten dollars for that, I’ll call it a success!

A few days later, as I sit here on vacation, I appreciate the lessons learned way more than the privileges that come with age. No matter what lottery tickets or slot machines I play, I will always value character growth and development more. Now, the only age that I care about hitting is 95, so I can see the year 2100. Here’s to another 74 years of Just Jonathan!

We’ll talk about my travels in next week’s edition. Until then and until next time, I’m Just Jonathan.

Note to Jonny from Tama-Grundy Publishing: Happy (Belated) Birthday, Newspaper Man!