Growing Up

Nat geo was recently showing a series where they documented graduation ceremonies, graduation of a child to manhood. Quite elaborate across cultures and an occasion to celebrate. I couldn't remember any graduation ceremony for myself and for that matter any of my cousins, I guess we don't have a ritual like that.

I always wanted to grow up, be an adult, ASAP. When in the morning I will see my father taking a shave, I thought having a beard or a mustache would be cool. You can shave, you can grow it long :). Adults were allowed to do so many things. dealing with money, back then the only shopping I so wanted to do was to buy vegetables and groceries. I imagined only responsible people are allowed to handle money. Initially my parents wouldnt let me do that, but my dad would always take me on his shopping trips. ANd on the way he would ask, which turn should I take, left or right. The idea was when I do go on my own, I shouldnt get lost :) .

Gradually I would be given some money and a list to do the shopping. felt so good , felt important, the quality of shopping, especially vegetables were not very good, but mom never reproached me.

Now I do all my shopping, now I sometimes think, how this task can be automated, someone ought to take teh request online, and do home delivery, monitor my refrigerator contents and automatically send a request, payment online.

I wonder if growing up is such a good thing after all.