Exactly 18 years ago today, we launched our first blog, and we’ve been celebrating Cowboys and Books ever since!
We think that deserves a party. Even better, you’ll get the gifts!
Read about our experiences when we turned 18 and took that first step into adulthood.
Then tell us about yours, and you’ll be eligible to win a book-themed prize of your choice!
(Click on the links to learn more on Amazon)
20 Oz. Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Canvas Tote Bag and Cosmetic Bag
and our
Grand Prize!
All of us fillies have stepped back in time and delved into our memories to share with you that important milestone from that important age . . .
When I turned 18 . . .
I got my ears pierced because my dad wouldn’t let me do it any sooner with parental consent. I just went and did it (a rare act of defiance, let me tell you!) and he never said a word because I was legally old enough. Ha! Also, I got engaged when I was 18, to marry when I was 19.
Birthdays were always very lowkey when I was growing up. For my 18th birthday, I had the day off of work and spent it doing just what I wanted to do! And that was spending the entire day drinking iced tea and reading books and relaxing! Since my birthday is in May, the weather was perfect, and I had birds singing and a nice breeze through my bedroom window.
The thing I remember most about turning 18 was that I got a job as a telephone operator at Bell Telephone in our town. I worked the night shift and I absolutely loved it. I felt so grown up talking to customers who wanted to call long distance then connecting them to the right party. It was so much fun, and in a way, it felt more like I was playing instead of working. I grew up with a vivid imagination and years of playing paper dolls with my little sister. The feeling was kind of like that. I finally had my own money and was free to do some things. So my dad helped me buy a car. It was a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair. I felt as though I won the lottery. But that job at Bell Telephone made it all possible.
When I was 18, I left my home in California and headed to the great state of Texas for college. I knew no one there, so I was terrified but also excited to be on my own. What an adventure! Little did I know that I would meet and later marry a cowboy disguised as a computer nerd and make this great state my permanent home. No wonder all of my books are set in Texas. I fell in love with the land and people here while I was busy ropin’ my personal Texas hero.
I was 18 when I graduated high School. At the end of the school year, a group of us went on a school-sponsored senior trip. We took a chartered bus from New Orleans to New York City. Along the way we stopped at Luray Caverns in Virginia, toured George Washington’s home in Mt. Vernon, and visited several monuments in Washington DC. But the highlight was the full week we spent in NYC where we saw Broadway plays and did lots of other touristy stuff. We capped the trip off by flying home – my very first plane trip! I felt so grown up…
My 18th birthday arrived about six weeks after I started my freshman year of college. For me, it meant driving 30+ miles one way to school every day, but I loved it. I loved being able to drive, and the sense of freedom and independence I experienced. My grandmother lived in the same town as the college, so I spent many lunch breaks with her. I’m so grateful I had that time with her, getting to know her as I stepped into adulthood.
The year I turned 18 was a big one for me, I guess for everyone, which is why we thought of these posts, huh? 🙂 It means our blog is an adult, too.
I graduated from high school. I went to college. I was already dating My Cowboy who is now my husband of nearly 49 years. What a launch year. I went home of course, but I’d never live with my parents again. The summer of my 18th year I got a job at a factory about twenty miles from my home called Wilson Trailer Company which made the trailers for Semi-Trucks. It was a hard, hot, greasy job but it was the most money I’d ever had in my life. The memory that jumps out is, I was just there for the summer, so I filled in on the line for people on vacation, so I did everything. And I mowed the lawn and painted, just whatever needed doing. I was tasked with ‘redecorating’ the lunch room. I painted it, cement block walls so not fancy. And I had to take down the styrofoam ceiling tiles, paint them, then put them back up. EXCEPT there was pink insulation in the ceiling and all wound up in that insulation……..dead mice. They must’ve put poison out or something? So I’d lift those tiles out and DEAD MICE WOULD RAIN DOWN ON MY HEAD. I cannot fully convey to you my horror of mice. Also it REALLY impressed upon me the notion that going to college was a fine idea so I didn’t have to do that for the rest of my life.
When I turned eighteen, I wasn’t thinking about parties or prom. I graduated early and took a job on the backside of a racetrack. I slept on a cot in a 7×7 tack room, mucked stalls, groomed racehorses, and saved for college. That summer, we followed the fair circuit from Oregon to California, working races at county fairs. It was dusty, demanding, and filled with colorful characters (some of whom had to be run off by the trainers), but it taught me grit, independence, and how to work hard for what I wanted.
It was six months into college when I turned 18. College was, to me, similar to going to a summer camp, except longer. But, although I’d never worked at a job, shortly after I turned 18, I applied for and got a job as a waitress in a drug store that had a diner. My mother was not happy with me, but I was glad to have the extra cash on hand to buy the things I felt I needed for college.
I turned 18 in 1969, a month before my high school graduation, got my first real paying summer job, saw Neil Armstrong land on the moon, and watched 400,000 people profess love and peace at Woodstock…all respective milestones to be sure. But I had more milestones ahead of me…going to college in Boston and meeting the boy who would become my husband four years later!
I turned 18 when I was away at college in Minnesota, and it was the first time I celebrated my birthday alone. I went to the movies and saw Dances with Wolves by myself. I felt very grown-up–and I had a big bucket of popcorn and a large Coke!
Shortly after I turned 18, my mom, an 18 year-old friend and I drover the Al-Can (Alaska Canada) highway from Idaho to Fairbanks, then flew to the artic to visit my dad who was working in a mining camp there. We camped the entire way. The highway was gravel at the time and loaded with pipeline trucks (yes, it was the 1970s) so we ended up with a cracked windshield and only one headlight. It was such an adventurous way to start my adult years.
My dad got transferred to West Virginia from Oklahoma when I was 17, the summer of 1974 BEFORE MY SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL! Well! I felt so put upon to have to pack up and leave THEN, of all times in my life! I’d gone to school there since 1st grade, after all. But, move, we did, and I graduated in May, 1975, with my 18th birthday just around the corner in July. I made all kinds of dire promises of packing up my car and leaving for Oklahoma as soon as I could do it, and I did just that, but my parents wanted me to caravan back with them for a vacation. Once there, my plans fell apart quickly–there were about 5 of us girlfriends from my Oklahoma days who planned to move in together in Oklahoma City and work and “make it on our own”…I ended up living with my sister and her family and going to college, and working. “Adulting”, yes, but not like I had planned to do!
The summer after I graduated high school, I went on a trip to Europe, much to my mother’s distress (this was not the days of cell phones and internet – I sent her a postcard every week to let her know I was alive and well). I even got to celebrate my 18th birthday in small town in Greece. Now, don’t be thinking I “went abroad to study”. This was a bare bones budget trip with other college students. We stayed in dumpy dorm rooms, ate in subpar cafeterias and dragged our duffle bags from place to place. But I had the time of my life and cherish the memories.
And now it’s your turn! Tell us what adult-like thing you did when you turned 18, and you’ll be eligible for your choice of one of our fun prizes.
Winners announced on Sunday, August 17.
Happy Birthday to us !
US Winners Only
I want to say “thanks to each of the Fillies” for the wonderful years I spent reading and enjoying each and every story which led me to becoming a Filly for several years. I’ve loved every moment of not only getting to know the Fillies but to have such great mentors … especially my long time friend and BFF, Linda Broday. Thank you for each and every wonderful motivating blog. Wishing for many more years and blogs. Love to all.
Phyllis!!!! How absolutely wonderful to hear from you! What a lovely surprise to start my day. You’ve always been one of the sweetest fillies I’ve ever worked with. Did you ever think we’d be around for 18 years – and still going strong? Crazy, isn’t it?
Thank you for stopping by!
Phyllis, it’s so special to see your post at 1:25 am!! Wow, you should’ve been in bed. I think of you often and remember all the wonderful trips we took together. Special times for sure. I’ll call you next time I’m in town. Much love, dear friend.
Hey, Phyllis! It’s great to have you stop by! I hope things have been going well for you! Thank you for all you did during your time with all of us fillies!
Hi Phyllis! It’s wonderful to see you here today. Miss you, dear lady! Thank you so much for visiting us today. Wishing you beautiful days ahead!
Happy 18th Birthday!
I enjoyed your stories.
As a November girl, I turned 18 while a freshman in college. Because I commuted, it was a quiet celebration at home with my family. We didn’t have birthday parties, just cake and a few gifts.
Denise, that sounds like my birthdays and even my graduation. They were quiet affairs with just cake and a gift or two. Not much. I was so sheltered and I hated that. I wanted to do fun stuff but couldn’t disappoint my family.
Hi Denise!
I didn’t know your birthday was in November — so is mine. Likewise on being 17 when I went to college. It was quite rare when I was growing up to have birthday parties, although there were a few. I don’t recall having one, though — which was common. Just cake and presents, which was thrilling, too.
Our birthdays were pretty quiet too, growing up, Denise.
I loved reading all the Fillies’ posts on when they turned 18, I married and moved to Washington at 18. I helped out on a dairy farm feeding calves and delivering hay out to the fields to feed the cows until I got a job working for the school system cleaning microfilm full-time. A month later, I had to quit because of severe allergies, so I went back to feeding calves. Loved it and didn’t realize how much I would miss it.
I always had a party at home with my parents. Nothing big, just family. My parents always took me out for a special restaurant dinner after I turned 13. Before, it was cake and ice cream.
Thanks for sharing, Julie. Your life sounds like mine. 🙂
Wow, Julie, I didn’t even know there was a job involving cleaning microfilm. I would much rather have taken care of the cows! I can see why you missed it!
I don’t remember at all really.
You know, Gretchen, an old friend of mine an I are back in touch with each other again due to us both being writers. And, it’s interesting how different our stories are of when we first met. Upon talking about it a bit, little parts of it are coming back to me now.
The day I turned 18 i went and got my first tattoo of a butterfly and tribal sign on my ankle and got my tongue pierced. When I got home my mom was like I knew your were gonna chicken out and I was like no way I got them both done.
My oldest daughter did the same thing, only she didn’t do it on her 18th birthday, she waited a month or so 🙂
Wow! What tribe are you? I know the Sioux and many other tribes did a lot of tattooing. : )
I would have loved to have seen the look on your mother’s face when you told her, Alma!
Welcome, Alma. I did something similar the year I turned 16. I had been pleading with my mom to get my ears pierced. That day after school, I went to the jewelry store, bought a pair of gold studs, and marched to the doctor’s office. After he pierced the first ear, I nearly ran out the door. I guess he must have sensed my fear because a heartbeat later, he pierced ear #2.
Thanks for stopping by P&P and commenting.
I was working my first grown up job working at a bank and going to college at night.
This is what I did, too. I went out and got a job, although I was full time in college and part-time job.
father and stepmother kicked me out of the house when I turned 18 thanks goodness for my paternal grandparents taking me in and letting me live with them for a couple of years.
Kim, thank God for those grandparents. 🙂
Yes, thank goodness for grandparents, although none of mine were in my life, except my father’s grandmother, who used to babysit us.
I’m glad you had your grandparents, Kim!
Happy 18th Birthday!
When I turned 18, I had already started my first year of college at ECU in North Carolina. I was so excited to know that in four years I would be an elementary school teacher.
( I taught 39 years in the elementary school I attended as a child.)
Wow, that’s a long career in teaching, Susan. It must’ve been in your blood.
Wow! This is wonderful! 39 years is something to be proud of.
Happy 18th birthday! 4 days after I turned 18, I married the love of my life, graduated high school, and left the Missouri Ozarks for Albuquerque, New Mexico. My husband was in the USAF, 800 miles away from home. That started my life adventure.
Yes, I sometimes think those who marry young have so much going for them. A partner through life. Wonderful to read about this.
That’s quite the kick off to your life, Karen! I bet you’ve had plenty of adventures since then!
Happy 18th Birthday. My twin sister and me did nothing special just enjoyed being together.
Hi Sharon. I have twin daughters and they celebrated their 18th birthdays by jumping out of plane!!
Oh, my! What a story to tell, I’m sure.
You’re a twin. Twins were very special people to the Lakota. Charles Eastman tells a wonderful story about twins and the love of a young man’s life.
I was a Senior in highschool when I turned 18.
I didn’t do anything spectacular or even exciting since I was still going to school. I did get to vote in my first election and voted for Ronald Reagan as president.
But, that’s special, too.
Ronald Reagan was a wonderful president. He came to my town in western Nebraska and spoke at the fairgrounds, which of course, were packed. I remember the red, white, and blue bunting that decorated the stands.
It was thrilling to see our president in real life, even from a bit afar.
Ronald Reagan was the very first Republican I ever voted for President.
When I turned eighteen, I was a freshman in college and trying to adjust to campus life. However, since my birthday is on December 22, I was home for Christmas break on the actual day. I met my husband soon after, and we married when I was nineteen.
Yes, I really do think that these marriages made when one is young turn out to be very good. Like I said above, it gives one a partner though life.
I agree, Kay. My husband and I married at nineteen, and you really do grow up together, especially when that first baby comes the following year. 🙂
At 18, I was finishing high school and looking ahead to college. Ready for adventures! I went from a high school with a dress code (1970s) to a college where only Sunday dorm dinner required a dress. Wow!! I was thrilled to not worry about freezing legs in the winter while going to class across campus.. A lot of growing up in the next 4 years.
Golly, our high school had a dress code, too, in high school. We girls used to have to line up on the stage and kneel so the principal could ensure our skirts were long enough. When out of high school, I wore mini-skirts a lot — perhaps (not sure) but perhaps partly in protest.
Oh wow, I remember the no pants rule for girls and young ladies while growing up! Winter was the worst, Kate!
I attended a Catholic high school where the girls were required to wear a green blazer, a white Peter Pan collar blouse, and a plaid pleated skirt. On the last day of senior year a group of us got together and cut up that skirt and blazer, but I kept my saddle shoes!
When I turned 18, I was still a senior in high school. I don’t really recall but I don’t think that I did any special for my 18th birthday.
But, just turning that magic number was special, I’m sure. : )
I was only 17 on graduation day and could only work at a Dairy Queen until I turned 18 in October when the local University Admissions office hired me – I bought my first car a 1975 Monte Carlo – adulting was hard even when living at home and married at 19.
Hi Teresa,
My eldest daughter also worked at Dairy Queen when a senior in high school. She loved working there. Great on getting married at a great, young age.
Happy 18th Birthday!
When I turned 18, it was in January before I graduated high school. I don’t remember celebrating the birthday, but my mom probably made me a cake and gave me a small gift as what she usually did. But after I graduated I went to work at a car dealership as a secretary. One of the customers that bought a car, that I fixed the paperwork for, became my husband several months later.
Oh, my! What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it.
I waited until I was 18 to get my “regular” license! Back then, FL had one color background for learner’s license and under 18, and another background for a “regular” license over 18. So, I celebrated by getting my license! My Mom drove me to get my license, and when the instructor and I went out to the car, Mom and I had left the windows down some, as it is HOT in FL in June!! So, the instructor told me we’d have to roll the windows up so she could be sure I heard all of her instructions. I told her fine, I’d just turn on the A/C. She told me I was the FIRST person all day (this was in the afternoon!!!) to offer to turn the A/C on!! I told Mom later I think I could have done just about everything wrong and still gotten my license since I had sense enough to turn on the A/C! The only thing the instructor told me was that I could have gotten closer to the curb in my parallel parking, but I left with my new license!!
Oh, Trudy! What a terrific story. And, look at what happened because of your kindness. Love this.
Happy Birthday! I was still in high school’nwhen I turned 18 so it was nothing memorable.
Oh, Trudy! What a terrific story. And, look at what happened because of your kindness. Love this.
But, even still it’s memorable just turning 18. )
I had already graduated at 17 1/2, and gotten married the month before my 18th birthday. Nothing special was happening in my life at this time. Married life was lived on a shoe string as my husband didn’t want me to work once we moved to his town. He felt the man should be the bread winner in our family. This lasted until he was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer which allowed me to take a job and help us out. It did solve our financial woes. Raising a family was my one ambition, and nurturing one and all.
Beautiful story. My best friend in high school also had a husband that did not wish for her to work. They had a wonderful life…so in love.
I graduated from High School a month before turning 18. My first job was an operator in the long-distance office for Pacific Telephone in San Bernardino, CA. The office handled calls from a wide area including Palm Springs. These were the days before you could dial a number direct and needed an operator to complete your call. Calls from Palm Springs were an experience as you never knew who would be on the other end. Many times I placed calls for Bob Hope, amongst other well-known show business personalities. Mr. Hope always recognized my voice, which lead to some brief but interesting conversations.
Carol, I did too. I LOVED working at the telephone office! It made me feel really important and that fed my soul. How very special that you got to talk to Bob Hope!!
Welcome, Carol. Wow! Bob Hope…I’m impressed. I so enjoyed his USO shows for the service men and women.
Happy birthday! My 18th birthday was probably pretty uneventful, and not very memorable.
Hi Bridgette! Still, just turning that number is great, if only because it could open up doors previously closed to you.
Happy Birthday. The summer I turned 18 I was prepping to go to college figuring out all the necessities that were needed for that to work.
Hi Bridgette! Still, just turning that number is great, if only because it could open up doors previously closed to you.
Some of my class went on a senior trip to New York City and when I came back , became engaged, and 4 months later was married. I moved to San Antonio (husband was military) from Michigan and later that year moved back to Michigan (he was transferred to Michigan).
Hi Karijean,
Must have been really an eye-opener to go to New York on a senior trip. Nice to get married so young. : )
Hello! Happy 18th birthday! How fun to read all those 18 birthday stories! Mine was a bit different, my childhood was difficult and when I turned 18 it was forgotten in all the family drama that was going on at the time. I remember taking care of my two littlest sisters, mom had left the home (again, for good this time) so I essentially became their new “mom” at 18. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, I loved my sisters and taking care of them was natural to me. Even now, that they are over age and we have been reconciled with out mom, they still call me mom and get me something every Mother’s day.
Laura, I’m so sorry but you seem to have handled your mom’s leaving well. Stepping into her shoes must’ve been so hard. How sweet your sisters call you Mom.
Oh, Laura, What a great story that, despite all the drama of home life, you took over and raised your sisters. Heartwarming. No wonder they still call you mom.
Laura, I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced in your teenage years. Bravo to you for stepping up and raising your sisters. I know you must share a very close bond.
J.
When I turned 18 it was legal to drink. So i went out to dinner and had my first legal drink.
Tee-hee-hee! Many of the fellows i knew back then did the same thing.
I love reading all these memories! 18 is such a milestone year, full of independence and life-changing experiences. So glad we all lived to tell the tales. Ha!
Everyone had such different experiences. So fun to read them all.
“Happy 18th Birthday!” When I turned 18 I had already been working in a Pant factory in the office for almost a year, I started working there right after I graduated from HS. Somebody kept putting notes on my desk and little papers with flowers drawn on it. Well, after work when I got home there was a beautiful flower arrangement that had been delivered to my house(my parents house, I still lived at home) it was signed. so I finally found out who had been leaving all the little notes and drawings on my work desk, it was a guy that worked in the office where I worked. My parents always had cake and ice cream for my siblings and I for our birthdays. When I went back to work I Thanked the guy and we went on a date that weekend , we went to a Car Race track where my oldest brother raced a car , our dad and my 2 other brothers all helped with getting the car ready, my dad was the mechanic for my brothers car and my other 2 brothers helped. The guy and I remained friends but that was our only date. It was fun though. I had actually been heart broken before, so I wasnt ready for a boyfriend .
Oh, Alicia, I love this story. I love that your dad was the mechanic for all your brothers. And I love the story of the fellow who left the note and that you had a date as a result. Perhaps, instead of cars, he might have done better to find a romance movie and take you to that. Fellows seldom think these things through though. : )
Happy 18th Birthday to the fillies. So fun to read about when you turned 18. When I turned 18 I got a job working for my dad. He was breaking into concrete repair with new products. I was a secretary for him. I loved answering the phones and talking to the distributors that worked for my dad.
Hi Lori! How terrific of you to do this for your dad. I love this story.
Good Morning and Happy Birthday P&P! I enjoyed all the stories! Mine was simple. My dad helped me purchase a car and I went to college that fall. But, the grown up thing was after graduation, my best friend and I went to Daytona Beach for a few days. I went to college one year and decided that wasn’t for me and worked at the telephone company (we have this in common Linda)in town as an operator. I met my husband of 45 years. Married and soon came two children and a stack of bills! LOL Do I regret not finishing college? No siree! Ended up in the educational system for 29 years! Life is funny at times!
Tracy, yes we have the job as a telephone operator in common. I left there when I was 21, moved to Abilene, Texas and got married to a man my sister introduced me to. I worked many jobs after that. How wonderful that you ended up in the educational system for 29 years!
Hi Tracy,
You know, I never finished college. I finished up my 2nd year and then went to a big city to work. I loved the independence and still love it to this day. Thanks for the wonderful story.
I turned 18 toward the end of my senior year so I was busy applying for nursing school and making plans. Three months after my birthday I moved 500 miles from home and started college. It was scary but I was determined.
Wow! Good for you, Christy, for sticking to your guns, even despite it being scary.
I turned 18 a month before I graduated high school. I went to work in a sewing factory making blue jeans. I had to catch a ride with someone else because I didn’t have a drivers license. I couldn’t get my license because I failed the eye test and had to get glasses. I work in that sewing factory for about 5 years and then moved on to a better job.
Howdy! Ah, now I understand a little better the name you use here — Quilt Lady My mother-in-law was also a wonderful seamstress and I have admired that so very much.
I turned 18 just before my high school graduation. While I was 18 I left to go to Navy Basic Training in Orlando, FLA. It was a very scary experience but I learned a lot of new things, like fighting a fire on a ship.
Janet, thank you so much for your service. Much love.
Oh, my, fighting a fire on a ship. I did some training, also, on a ship — a large boat actually and still remember all the drills we did every day about putting out a fire aboard a ship.
Janet, thank you for your service. I’m sure you learned skills in the Navy that continue to serve you well.
J.
I took driving lessons at 18 and got my license. I don’t remember my birthday celebration at all but usually we had a small family dinner at home which I enjoyed.
Good on getting your license — always wonderful to get a little bit of independence. And family dinners are the best.
When I turned 18…. I cried. 😀 I was so scared of what “being an adult” meant–graduating high school, starting college, people always asking what your future plans were, etc. Two months later I graduated high school, but a friend’s wedding was on the same day, which meant none of my church friends, my pastor, even some of my family wouldn’t be able to come to my graduation. I really wanted to go to the wedding and my graduation which resulted in a lot of teenage angst and tears because I had to make the decision myself, and it wasn’t a right or wrong, black or white decision. My mom told me to take a few days to think about things and to ask myself which I would regret more in later years–missing my graduation or missing the wedding.
Mom’s advice has come in handy many times over the years in various other situations. 🙂
Oh, and I decided to go to my graduation instead the wedding, and I’m so glad I did!
Oh, Elizabeth, what a hard decision to make as a young adult. What a great mom you had to give you this wise advice. Great story. Happy ending. I love it.
Elizabeth, what a wonderfully wise mother you have. I’m sure you have heeded her advice more than once.
J.
When I turned 18 I graduated high school, began my first real full time job and attended university at night which lasted 10 years until I obtained my degree.
Hi Sharon! What a great thing to do — work and get your degree at the same time. I decided much the same, although as it ended up, college just wasn’t for me and so I went out into the world on my own. It was a good decision for me.
Welcome, Sharon. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of a college degree. What you learned there will serve you well for the rest of your life.
J.
I know I registered to vote once I turned 18, but other than that I don’t remember. Though if I were to guess, I’d say we probably went to an apple orchard in the mountains with my family. My sister and I (I’m a twin) always use/used our birthday as an excuse for a mountain trip! 🙂
Your story made me laugh out loud. Mountain trips are the best! : )
I got engaged at 18 and married at 19. We just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.
I love young marriages. In many ways I think they are the best. Happy 40th wedding anniversary! Great thing to accomplish in this day and age.
Happy Birthday!
At 18 I’d just given birth to my first child 11 days before.
Good luck and God’s blessings for another successful 18 years.
PamT
Welcome, Pamela. Having a baby when you’re young enables you to enjoy them as well as keep up with them. We had our daughter 18 months after we married. We always said she grew up with us!
J.
The thing that stands out to me when I was 18 was that our family was living in Saudi Arabia (which was a BIG deal since I’d lived in a very small town in Calif. most of my life and never even been on an airplane!) but there were no schools there for me, obviously, so we took a trip around Europe (had to leave the country every 4 months to renew our visa per Saudi rules and ended up in Rome. I flew back to the United States ON MY OWN for the first time in my life to live with my best friend’s family for my senior year of high school! I was terrified! These were the days of no cell phones or even email (no computers!). I had to change planes in Chicago with FIVE suitcases and didn’t know where to go but a lovely Sky Cap gentleman helped me. I cried the whole flight! I couldn’t even call my parents at any point or even when I got to Calif. There were no phones in Saud except for certain places! I learned a great deal of independence that year!
Hi Valri!
Wow! What a story. Yes, I remember those days, too. But, changing planes in Chicago with FIVE suitcases would have been quite an experience. Good on you, though, for gaining a lot of independence because of this. NIce Sky Cap gentleman, too. Kindness is so appreciated and often remembered with warmth.
Wow, Valri! You grew up fast on that trip, I’m sure. What a life you’ve led!
When I turned 18 I moved back to the city I had grown up. When I was in the sixth grade my parents moved us to a small town and I hated every minute. Now I can’t wait to move to a small town when my husband retires next year. I now realize why my parents loved the small town life!
Hi Vicki! My sister used to spell her name the same as your. Yeah, I was much the same. Couldn’t wait to go to the city. Now, I really appreciate small town life, too. : )
Happy Birthday ! I have enjoyed all of the stories of being 18. For my 18th birthday I made my own cake. My parents were at the State Fair with my brother and his dairy heifer. Birthdays at our house were usually celebrated with cake and maybe a gift. Since my birthday is the last week of August I sometimes got my gift at the beginning of summer to enjoy all summer like the year I got a new bathing suit and I did enjoy it all summer. Three weeks later I went off to college and so many new experiences.
Hi Alice! Yes, We celebrated birthdays much the same. A cake and a few presents. What a great idea your parents had to give you a bathing suite at the beginning of summer. Loved the story.
HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!
Thanks for sharing the highlights of your 18th year.
I turned 18 my Senior year of HS. I remember being able to “hit” the bars as Wisconsin allowed 18 year olds to drink.
That summer I worked as a lifeguard and did fun stuff with my friends: camping, swimming, music in the park and Summerfest in Milwaukee. I left for college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. I was so excited! Loved attending football games even though the team was awful. my first hockey games, music concerts, dances and making new friends. I loved every minute!
Those were the days!! Your college memories are making me smile! Thanks for sharing them!
I loved reading about all of your experiences when you turned 18. About all I remember about my 18th year was I graduated high school and in the fall started to Junior College. It was about 35 miles away but they furnished a school bus for us to ride on. That is where I met my husband. He saved me a seat that afternoon and … the rest is history. We have been married 58 years, will be 59 Christmas Eve.
Happy Birthday to Petticoats and Pistols. I really enjoy all the posts.
Aww, what a great meet-cute story about you and your husband! Congrats on almost 59 years together!
Welcome, Sarah
What a sweet story. Thanks for stopping by P&P and commenting.
J.
I graduated high school and got a job just before I turned 18
You jumped right into adulthood! Thanks for sharing with us!
When I turned 18 I was living in a car. It made me a stronger person. Hugs and Happy Birthday to everyone who made this group a smashing success.
Wow, living in your car! I can imagine it shaping you. So glad you joined us today!
The year I turned 18, I graduated from high school and my Dad passed away a month before graduation. I also met my husband and got engaged. We got married six months later. Been married 45 years.
I’m so sorry your father passed away right before graduation. I can only imagine how tough that was for you. Congrats on 45 years of marriage!
Happy Birthday Petticoats & Pistols!
Even though it was only ten years ago, I can’t remember much of my 18th birthday. I know I was still volunteering with the toddlers at my church and taking ballroom dancing. I didn’t go away to college, I went to a small local one then later transferred to an online school. 🙂
Aww, I love that memory, Bridget! Helping out with the church toddlers and ballroom dancing are great memories!!
I was emancipated at 16 years old, so I was adulting since then. I was working 8 hours a day at the local Bloodbank, taking the one class I needed to finish high school, and, I was taking night classes at the local college. I had graduated high school at 17 and continued working for the bloodbank and college. By the time my 18th birthday rolled around, I’d been adulting for two years and felt very old. I’m retired now and enjoying life.
It sounds like you have a whole story to tell! I’d feel old, too, if I’d been working and supporting myself since 16. So glad you made it through everything. Thanks for joining us!
Marlene, reading this, I read emancipated as emaciated and was immediately very worried.
When I turned 18 on April 1st, yes April 1st, I was fetting ready to finish up my senior year of high school which meant stress. When I was stressed, my entire body would act up. My blood sugars ran high and I always felt ill. At graduation in the beginning of June I’d been ill the entire month of May. I left the ceremony in an ambulance before I could walk across that stage! I had double pneumonia from walking pneumonia. I was in a coma for a couple days! Happy Birthday and beginning of adulting to me…..
Double pneumonia AND a coma?? That’s a terrible birthday! I’m SO thankful you survived!!
When I turned 18, I was already in college for my 2nd year. Got my driver’s license…
Happy Birthday!!!
Aww, getting that driver’s license is such a milestone! Great birthday memory!
18 years old was an entire change for me. I left home, went to teacher’s college, roomed with a friend and enjoyed this entirely new locale. I celebrated with friends and enjoyed life . Can’t believe so many years have gone by.
Sounds like a fun adventure!! Thank you for sharing it!
My 18th birthday was a quiet affair at home. Mine always falls close to Thanksgiving time so I got to spend the day with my family. I remember feeling grown up but also nervous about what my life was going to look like now that I was all “grown up”.
My father wouldn’t let me learn to drive (late 50’s) so the day I turned 18 in January my senior year of high school I signed up for driving lessons at my high school. Learning to drive on snowy, icy roads in MW Montana was not exactly fun but I was so happy learning to drive. (And, that was the beginning of me learning to insist on my independence o:)
When I turned 18 the youth group seniors were preparing to go on a 2 week mission trip a few months later. We were able to visit the village where Jim Elliot and his family lived in Ecuador. See the church that still had his name on it (almost 50 years after his death). I was able experience missions in a way I never had before.
wow, Ecuador huge trip. You’re very brave.
When I turned 18 I had just graduated from 12th grade as a homeschooler and enrolled in a local community college. I also got my ears pierced for the first time! I’ve always been a baby about pain so I never could get up the courage to do it but I decided before I started college that I would get them done. That was such a crazy year with so many new experiences and it was great! I really enjoyed my classes and making new friends. I learned a lot that year about myself!
I honestly don’t remember much “big” about turning 18. I kept living on the farm I grew up on and still worked at a job I had gotten once I had graduated a few months before. The one thing I do remember is being able to go get my ears DOUBLE pierced on my own because my dad frowned upon that. LOL. Oh how I laugh about it now but I felt pretty cool being able to go do that on my own.
I don’t remember much about turning 18, except that I knew I was a legal adult, but definitely did not feel grown-up
I hope that means nothing catastrophic happened, Becky. Just a nice, calm, steady life.
When i turned 18 i went off to Berea College in Berea, Ky, furtherest I’d ever been from home, 4 to 5 hours away. I was the only kid in my family to go to college. I didn’t know anyone so it was a bit scary.
Love it, Naomi. I’d almost never been anywhere either. My boyfriend, now husband, drove me to college, a 90 drive from home and halfway there I realized I hadn’t taken all my hang-up clothes. We turned around and went back for them.
I’ve always wondered if that was me subconsciously wanting to skip college and stay home and get married.
When I turned 18 I got my drivers license and had my first car and it was a Chevy Impala ! Happy 18th Birthday Fillies
I got my driver’s license (a school permit) when I was fourteen. Long time ago and I’m out in the country. Kids gotta drive!
When I turned 18 years old, my Mom through a huge birthday party at our home. Four days later, my uncle who was my godfather, passed away. We were very close. My parents were going through a divorce. I knew he held on until I was 18 years old so I could take care of myself. I started college in the Fall at a local college. It was a a culture shock. I went to a Christian private school for six years. It took me a while to get used to the change. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Wow, Debra, that is one huge change after another. You got through it!!!
I don’t remember much about my 18th birthday. There was no big decisions I wanted to make as an adult due to the fact that my parents raised me to think through things before doing them. So I’ve basically been making adult decisions in my early teen years.
I’m sure you were admired greatly for your responsibility and maturity, Elizabeth.
The summer I turned 18 I was beginning my journey to become a teacher. I have spent over 40 years sharing my love of books with my students. I am currently a teacher educator, teaching pre-service teachers, how to love books and reading , and how to bring that joy of reading into the lives of young children.
As the mother of two daughters who are teachers, one of whom is a middle school literature, teacher, I applaud you!
I turned 18 the second semester of my freshman year of college. I lived at home throughout college (never got my driver’s license until I was 25). I am oldest of 6 siblings, and was the first of all my relatives to go to college. It was my idea with no financial help from my family. I had to rely on getting to town and classes riding with my dad. When he worked nights, there were many times we didn’t get home until 4am or later. My mother would then bring me in for my 8am class that morning. Since I lived so far from college, I had no real social life. I went to class, studied, and babysat as much as I could since that was how I paid for college. At $.50 an hour, I needed all the babysitting jobs I could get. Luckily, I had a tuition scholarship. I did belong to the International Relations Club at school. I honestly don’t remember my birthday that year. It was a Monday in January on the Canadian border, so most likely I was in class and studying.
I enjoyed reading everyone’s memories of their 18th year.
I always think of you as a free spirit with your Peace Corp experience, Pat, so reading that you didn’t get your driver’s license until age 25 really surprised me!
I was an oddball that didn’t act my age from kind of early on. I was a senior in high school when I turned 18. I was only going to school half a day because of migraines, but at lunch I helped a couple coaches by opening a food stand until they could get there(I got out of class early, I was a teacher helper). I did finally get my driver’s license and only after rescheduling twice because of migraines after I turned 18.
Migraines are no fun! My daughter suffered through them in high school, but is doing much better now. I hope you are able to manage yours, too, Joannie.
had birthday party with family and friends
You know my experiences were negative mostly at age 18 from being bullied and controlled unwillingly that’s what I remember and still the same people are trying to do only I won’t let them
Adversity makes us stronger, Crystal. I’m proud of you.
HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY ?
Happy 18th Birthday! When I turned 18 I was in my freshman year of college. It was an exciting as well as a little scary but I adjusted.
Welcome, Cherie. Being 18 and out in the world, I was thrilled to be away from home and on my own. Right before we left for college in Boston, I had a moment of panic. I would be 150 miles from home. I knew no one but hungered for adventure, for learning new things, and making friends with people who grew up so differently than I did.
Thanks for stopping by P&P and sharing your comments.
J.
At 18, I graduated high school and moved away from home, thinking I would work and go to college the following year. God had other plans for me.
Welcome, Danielle
We may make the plans, but the Lord is in control. Thanks for stopping by P&P and commenting.
Just after my 18th birthday, I moved to the Christian college not far from my home in Florida and earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing. Having wonderful godly roommates pulled me from my introverted ways and forced me to extricate myself from my pile of textbooks.
Thank you, friends, for your wonderful, witty, and heartfelt comments about turning 18. The fillies had lots of fun reading through them. Thanks also for your enthusiastic support of our writing. Here’s to 18 more years.
Jo-Ann
My birthday is in November so I graduated from high school when I was 17. I had planned to attend college but a handsome basketball player changed my plans. I graduated the last of May, got a job as a receptionist in my family doctor’s office in mid- June, and became engaged in September. Still 17vyears old! My first adult thing at 28? I married in December and dedicated myself to my husband and honoring the vows, “Till death do you part.” Sounds pretty sfilt up me!
BTW, 56 years later, I’m still honoring those vows!
Typo above–shoud say: “My first adult thing at 18. “
I turned 18 when I was going to college. I was studying to become a teacher. I am now a retired teacher. Congrats on 18!!
As with so many others, I graduated high school and started college at age 18 (February birthday). With hindsight, I now see that it would’ve been more mature of me to skip the church youth group trip to the skating rink (knowing my lack of athletic ability). When it was announced that the flow of skating would switch from clockwise to widdershins, I decided to sit things out. It was a good idea, but I managed to fall on my left ankle enroute to the sidelines and got sidelined for several months. My ankle popped out of joint, a bone broke and ligaments were torn. Surgery (a pin in the bone) and a full leg plaster cast were the result. The time in the cast strengthened my arm muscles (using crutches).
Unfortunately, my parents and I traveled several hours to Long Island. My grandmother’s birthday was 4 days before mine. Sadly, she was dying of cancer and this would be the last time I’d see her.
Happy birthday! I got my driver’s license when I turned 18. Struggled with parallel parking (why that’s a requirement I DON’T know because I don’t live in a congested area) so it took me a bit to pass. Thanks for a chance to win a nice prize. Great stories.
I HATE parallel parking. I refuse to even try. Who even came up with that concept anyway? 🙂
Happy 18th Birthday!!! So very special!!!
I celebrated my 18th birthday in Fort Walton Beach Florida. We had just got married on the 9th and moved to Florida the next day. My husband was Stationed there cause he had joined the Air Force.
Hi, Sherry! Florida would make an awesome and romantic place for a honeymoon!
When I turned 18, I was in my Freshman year of college, the college freshman dorm was set up in pods of 3 rooms, one shared bathroom and 6 girls. That year I received a mystery birthday gift… a dozen beautiful roses, which was a big deal to me!… The six of us, though we talked about it a lot, never solved who the roses were from!
Happy 18th birthday, P&P!! That’s quite an accomplishment for any blog. You ladies should be proud of that longevity!!