Bryan is now legal

It’s about that time of year when we all sit down and start to ponder the question, "Has it been a year already?" Well, the bright lights, colorful decorations and going over the credit limit dictate that Christmas is all around us.

During the course of the summer, my family was kind enough to pay me a visit in the US. Our vacation began in Michigan, visiting the Prieto’s for a couple of weeks.

After Lansing, we flew to Las Vegas. Quite frankly, of all the destinations, I enjoyed Sin City the most. I was amazed how the hotels lit the Vegas strip. These casinos spend billions each year competing for tourists. I guess money really does make Vegas go round.

The last stop of our trip was a visit to Disneyland in Anaheim. This part of the trip was focused mainly on the children. I came to conclusion that I had officially outgrown Disneyland.

However, the most memorable event of the year would be my coming of legal age. Turning 21 is a milestone for everyone.

I was fortunate enough to have a celebration in The Fort prior to my return to the United States.

Being legal means that excuses are no longer acceptable responses to authorities. We can no longer use ignorance as our last saving grace. It also means that Mom's and Dad's expense accounts are no longer smiling in your direction. There comes a point in everyone’s life where the nest is no longer the “cool” place to hang out.

I guess you could say being legal has its perks as well as countless responsibilities.

It will also be during this period of my life that I will hopefully graduate college, and with any luck, find a job. Suddenly, my priorities change, short-term goals seem real difficult to achieve and long-term goals almost impossible to reach. All I can say to those who will be experiencing this in the near future: welcome to reality kid, mom and dad never took the easy way out, why should you?

It is with anticipation and curiosity that I look forward to the New Year and future experiences that can help pave the yellow brick road to success.