Today, as I was listening to Italian radio (something I love to do to escape the anglicised world we live in), the programme hosts were commenting on a survey that was recently carried out to see what ‘firsts’ people most remembered.

Of course, there were the standard ones, such as the first time we fall in love, the first kiss, the first time we have sex.

Then there were the not so obvious ones (at least to me), like the first car – sure I remember mine but I don’t think it would score high on my list of firsts; or one’s first marriage – hmmm, why do you remember the first one and not (presumably) the second or third one?

So anyway, this got me thinking about my list of firsts – what do I remember?

The very first thing that popped into my head, not surprisingly given my recent experiences, was the first time I was able to go out without worrying about a toilet, I feel reborn!

The next thing that immediately came crashing through my brain was the first time I met my son, followed hot on the heels with the first time I met the man who was to become my husband (and no, there were absolutely NO signs of this at the time).

I also remember (vaguely) my first solo trip abroad (I was only 12!); my first days at University, my first job, my first guy best-friend; the first time someone came out of the closet (to me); finding my first solo (with roommate) apartment; the first conversation which effectively ended a relationship but salvaged a great friendship; the first time I attended a jazz festival, my first attempts at black and white photos of said festival, developing my very first photos myself; the first time I truly got to celebrate my birthday (I’m born on Christmas day); the first time I tried prawns (a love affair to this day); the first time I visited a foreign land (Greece) and felt right at home; purchasing my first home (oh, the fear!).

Then there’s the more negative or painful firsts – like realising that no matter what it may have seemed like, some friendships are not made to last; failing that first exam (for the record – pure mathematics); the first time the room spun round soooo hard and I just couldn’t stop it, no matter how hard I tried (but perhaps that should join the list above); the first time I ran away from home, literally, to escape a suffocating situation; the first time I felt betrayed by someone I had trusted (my mum, who thought it was ok to read my private diaries).

One thing’s for sure – I hope there are many more firsts to come.

What are your firsts? Drop me a line and let me know!