Jesus V. Felix the Cat

One had wicked hair, hit his peak at 33, and then disappeared in such mysterious circumstances that we still talk about them 2000-odd years later. The other found a magic bag of tricks at the age of 34 and went on to a whole new life of amazingness.


Forget the so-called Jesus Year, during which 33-year-olds wake up, realize there is a big world around them that doesn't know they exist, and, as The Globe and Mail so condescendingly put it, publicly explore their "emerging adulthood".

I am totally going with Felix The Cat.

Felix started off in 1919 as a small, curious and inventive little feller. (Oh, and did I mention he was created by an Aussie? True.) But it wasn't until 1953 - when Felix was 34 - that he found his groove. Having already led a full and exciting life, Felix got even more awesome thanks to a magical bag o' tricks that pretty much allowed him to do anything he freaking wanted. Awesome.

So screw the Jesus Year. I take great dudgeon by any inference that I am, at 33, still emerging as an adult. No: I'm married, with a mortgage, and have a 13-years-and-counting career that spans two continents. Developing and maturing, I always hope to be. Emerging, I am not.


So it is now, after all of my years as an adult, that I feel I'm finally about to discover my own bag of tricks. I am 33, and that means:
- These grey streaks in my hair can stay. I think they look intriguing and kind of hot.
- I have mastered my work skills, which means I can seek out projects that push me in new and interesting directions.
- I am confident enough in my abilities to launch my own business, and am willing to succeed or fail on my own terms.
- Note the above: I am willing to fail.


While long-haired self-discovery and rampant sandal-wearing both have a time and place in every person's life, I'm gunning for the Cat.


New Motto: I Strut, therefore I Am. Bring on my bag o' tricks!