20 things in 20 years

As my 21st birthday approaches I've been considering how much (or little) I've learned since I've been on this earth. Finding that I had at least a few remarks to make I thought I would impart my wisdom to future generations of 20 year olds as well as remind the middle aged reader that those mid-life crises are totally worth it, cause these first 20 years rock! Now before you get ahead of yourself, I have managed to learn more than 20 things in my life. Some things didn't make the list, like soccer is better than baseball no matter what any American might say. Or, that simple math might be the only mathematical studying that's actually useful, and other such gems. But, I think I've managed to find 20 things worth reading if not even considering. So here it goes...

1. Bankrupt yourself traveling, it's worth it

2. It's impossible to mess up your life permanently

3. Gunslingers and hippies both have something to say, so listen, you're your own version of an extremist in some way

4. Listen to your parents until you can prove they are wrong

5. Do what you love...always

6. Plans aren't necessary

7. Apple products are the closest mankind will get to perfection and Pixar is the closest we will get to a perfect story

8. Accidents are the best career starters I've ever encountered

9. It's much harder to hurt yourself than your paranoid parents tell you

10. Learning courtesy was one of the most helpful things in my life (even though my 8 year old self still hates the thought of sharing my things)

11. Daydreaming is an important part of our school system's education

12. Ask questions more than you ever thought necessary

13. Children of the technology age, don't forget to read...I would suggest even holding an actual book (with real page turning action!)

14. Once you've reached a certain age it's ok to talk to strangers

15. Face your fears, if you are not freed from them, at least you learn courage in the process

16. Only perfect love never ends

17. Find an adventure every day

18. Don't leave your morals and beliefs, but never let your morals and beliefs stop you from engaging with anyone

19. Time and sweat are the currency of competition, determination is the key to these riches

20. Know what drives you and never compromise it

So Long Partner

Today I went to see the conclusion of the Toy Story trilogy, the exciting end to 15 years of work. To say the least, I was a little nervous about it. I mean this is like The Godfather of animation, and we all know how well the third try went the first time around. So I'm thinking to myself, Pixar is testing fate, they are staring all of cinema history in the face, attempting the never before perfect trifecta. But then again, who can say no a couple of irresistible toys that bring childhood rushing back to a viewer of any age--that's right, no one. So with the thoughts of seeing Toy Story for the first time (way back in 1995 when the iPod was half a decade away and Pixar was the new kid on the block), I entered the movie theater hoping for the best.

In true Pixar fashion, the film has sparks of brilliant humor, enough for a 7 year old to share with his father. The story line takes the viewer from heights beyond infinity to depths so low they end in fire, and through it all there is steadfast friendship and loyalty on display. I don't want to give it all away to the unfortunate few who have yet to see it, but I can't help share a little. After watching two hours of a comedy, thriller, action, love flick it took me until the final scenes to see the perfection of the third installment. Pixar had it from the start, and they incorporated me in it since the beginning. The Toy Story ensemble is about growing up and the hardships of sticking together through the thick and thin of adolescence. It brings it perfectly to an understanding clear enough for the 6 year old Andy I was back in '95 and nuanced enough for the 20 year old critic I am today. Damned if they didn't pull it off. The perfect trilogy, the perfect ending to a monumental story. The impossible has a face and it's digitized plastic with a heart that beats truer and more loyal than Clemenza himself. As one of millions of Andy's out there, I'm saying thanks Toy Story for a long childhood of fun and memories; for teaching me that growing up is part of life; and for showing me that even though we move on we don't lose what we always had. So here it is, one final time. So long Buzz, so long Woody, so long partners.