The adult check-list

If they gave out licenses in order for someone to become an adult, what things would they need to be able to do in order to qualify?

I pondered this while performing one of the tasks which should be on that list.

I changed a tyre on my car. Three actually. As you can see here, it's not the first time.

But the ability to change a tyre is only at the start of the list.

Here's what I think you should be able to do in order to activate your adult-card... In no particular order...

• Be able to change a tyre.

Truly, it's not that hard. Anytime someone calls the NRMA to change a flat the service-man should just laugh at them while performing the swap.

• Be able to check and change the oil in your car.

The second lamest reason for your car to need assistance.

• Be able to jump start a car.

Inevitably, you'll need to do this. Blowing off a hand whilst doing it would be unfortunate.

• Be able to drive a manual.

You never know when that's the only kind of car that'll be available.

• Be able to parallel park.

You should be able to park by the curb competently enough that a group of strangers or your family can watch without cringing.

• Be able to cook in order to survive.

Trust me, living off food that other people had prepared, gets expensive real quick.

• Be able to cook a roast dinner.

It's good to have a main meal up your sleeve.

• Be able to cook a specialty meal.

How else do you really impress a date?

• Be able to cook breakfast.

For the morning after you've really, REALLY, impressed a date/your spouse.

• Be able to swim.

You just should be able to do more than just stay afloat.

• Be able, and willing, to change a nappy.

Any nappy. One AND Twos. Not just your own kid. Without complaining.

• Be able to do your taxes.

Whilst you might use an accountant, you're both capable to fill in the form yourself and have done so in the past.

• Be able to change a light bulb.

See what I wrote earlier about changing a tire, change NRMA to handyman, and multiply that by a million.

• Be able to change a tap washer.

See what I wrote about the oil in your car... Ditto.

• Be able to iron clothes.

At minimum, you should be able to iron a business shirt.

• Be able to sew on a button.

For when you notice it missing from your freshly-ironed shirt.

• Be able to tie a neck-tie.

Bonus if you've got more than one knot in your arsenal.

• Know what alcoholic drink you enjoy and how it's best served.

Of course, enjoyed responsibly.

• Be able to make quality hot drinks.

Everyone loves the person who can make great coffee or brew a fine tea.

• Be able to read a map and use a compass.

You never know when you'll need it. But, when you do, you'll be screwed if all you know is how to use GPS and there's no Internet.

• Know first aid, especially CPR.

See what I wrote about a map and compass, now insert the element of potential-life-and-death.

• Be able to build and start a fire.

Again, copy and paste from above. Bonus if you can start it without matches.

• Know how to find or collect water if stranded.

Repeat from above - can you sense a trend?

• Be able to kill a bug relatively fearlessly.

If you live in Australia, you've gotta know how to handle creepy crawlies. Especially huntsmen spiders.

• Know how to form a good argument.

No matter where you are - work, home, the pub - this will be invaluable.

• Know how to give a good speech.

This will put you ahead of a lot of people who hate public speaking.

• Be albe to spell and use propa grammar.

This will put you ahead of a lot of people, especially in a professional setting.

• Know how to give and receive a compliment, criticism and apology.

If performing a good speech would put you ahead of others, this will advance you light-years.

• Be able to tell a good story.

The hidden secret of good communication.

• Be able to draw for kids.

You'll always have a source of entertainment if you can draw a half dozen things decently.

• Know your responses to my "real" man questions.

What do you protect, provide and stand for?

In no way is this an exhaustive list, but I think it's a good start.

Of the 31 points, I can do approximately 23 (you can speculate which ones I can't do).

So, if you don't mind, I'll turn in my adult-card once I hit publish...