9460800 minutes... 9460800 moments so dear...

After all the excitement, all the waiting, all the hype... I'm finally 18. I didn't lose my virginity to crazy sex with my boyfriend (which is nonexistent); I didn't smoke my first cigarette (nor buy a pack even); I didn't visit any "adult" stores (but Harrison seeks to change that); I didn't get a tattoo (but I wouldn't do that even on my 21st). However, this is what I did do:

After an amazing party (seriously, I wish the night never ended), I decided I would enjoy the right-of-passage for all fun-loving newly-turned 18-year olds... clubbing! So I changed into a shamelessly revealing V-neck halter top and skirt and headed out. However, nothing went as planned. Or even that well for that matter. Here's what happened:

September 20th, 2008: My 18th birthday. Being a lifetime resident of Lake Charles, I naturally wanted to go to Cowboys. I thought the racist practices everyone warned me against had gotten better. I thought my older sister, cousin, my good friend and I would have no problem getting in. Boy, did I have a rude awakening!

After standing in line and being scrutinized by at least 6 security officers and the two girls behind the counter, I thought we were golden. I thought to myself, "Finally, I'm legal and I'm going to enjoy a club."

Well, I walked in, turned the corner, and TWO security guards grabbed my male friend by the arm and began lead him around the club. Never being inside before, I foolishly thought they were escorting us away from the walkway for obstructing traffic or something. When they neared the door, however, my older sister kindly asked one of the guards where they were taking my friend. He put his hand in her face and told her, "Hold on."

Without explanation, they took my friend outside the door and then and only after we were completely outside the club did they say his "shirt was too long." His shirt, by the way, which was a medium American Eagle polo shirt. Any shorter and he would have revealed his belly button. Then, they demanded we take off our armbands and leave. We weren't inside for two minutes! I went back to the car and cried.

So my once-in-a-lifetime 18th birthday wouldn't end badly, my friend suggested we go to Crystal's. And even though it was nearly 1:30a and the club closed at two, I was so upset and hurt that I agreed. So we went to the gay bar. One word: Whoah!

Me: -eyes watery, upset-
Gay man inside: "Oh, honey, what's wrong?"
Me: -relays Cowboys story-
My cousin, sister, and friend: "They so racist... omg..."
Gay man #2: "Yeah, you shouldn't have gone there."
Me: "Well, it's my 18th birthday, so I thought I'd at least give it a try."
Gay man inside: "Look, don't worry about it, because let me tell you something," -looks me up and down- "Nice breasts, nice dress and lovely legs. Honey, you're gorgeous!"
Me: ^___________^
Gay man #2: "Well, you should've come last night. Tonight's drag night."
Me, my cousin, my sister and friend: "...Excuse me?"

I saw... things...

After that... experience, we were walking to the car and this older guy walked out of one of the bars. He had tattoo sleeves on each arm and looked like he had been drinking since dawn. He recognized my friend.
Drunk guy: "What are you doing here?"
Darius: "It's my friend's birthday." -motions towards me-
Drunk guy: -stares- -begins to approach hand outstretched- "Well, hello..."
Me: "Uhm.. hi." -shake-
Drunk guy: "You are a very pretty girl... So it's your birthday?"
Me: "Yes, my 18th birthday."
Drunk guy: "Oh, then you're my favorite kind of girl; the legal kind." -moves a little closer-
My sister: *ahem*
Drunk guy: -backs away a little- "Hey, man, it's this pretty girl's birthday."
Drunk guy #2: -passes over my sister and cousin and stares at me- "Well, happy birthday."
Drunk guy #1: "How'd you know I was talking about her?"
Drunk guy #2: "Well... you said 'pretty girl,' so naturally I looked at her."
Me: You're both like 30 though...

There's so much more I wish I could... remember and relay. The night ended like so many other outings I've enjoyed in Lake Charles.. at L'Auberge. Le Cafe is 24-7 and pretty cheap. It was about 3am, and I ordered French toast. Yum yum. Me, my sister, my cousin and Darius laughed and talked about the night, life, and vampires (don't ask).

All in all, I have a lot of memories. I thank God and everyone who contributed to the celebrations for allowing me to have such an amazing birthday.

.:~o*'Kaylyn'*o~:.