Some people collect baseball cards, DVDs or sexual conquests. I collect bad habits.
While my occasional consumption of cigarettes, bargain brand tequila and bad reality TV shows are perfectly tolerable and by no means a “problem,” my most recent addition has been concerning me: I am addicted to classic TV theme songs.

My iTunes now only contains theme songs. Although the playlist is quite extensive, including openings from “The Jeffersons,” “The Facts of Life” and “Laverne and Shirley,” there is one song in particular that has consumed all of my attention: the theme from “Mary Tyler Moore,” or, as my extensive research has informed me, “Love is All Around.”

Not since Buckcherry’s “Crazy Bitch” have I identified so completely with a song. Although I have been listening to the song on repeat for the past week, yesterday it became even more relevant. Despite all preventative attempts and a severe case of Peter Pan syndrome, I turned 21 on Oct. 9.

There was nothing special about being 21. Being from New Orleans, alcohol was almost as familiar as milk, and I could count the times I’ve been asked for ID on my ears. The only advantage is now I can gamble, but given my previous admission of addictive behavior, I’m sure that won’t end well.

I am an adult. Whenever I do any of the compulsive, neurotic or foolish things I’m prone to do, it’s no longer boyish or charming – it’s just stupid. Like Mary Tyler Moore, I am at a crossroads, and as her theme tells me, it’s time I started living, and I’m forced to ask myself the question, “How will I make it on my own?”

I can’t manage money. I have three jobs. My apartment looks like the setting of an episode of “Cops,” and the only successful relationship I’ve had is with Vladimir, my cat. 
I can either sink or swim, and thanks to Ms. Moore’s encouragement, I’ve chosen the latter. “Love is All Around” reminds me that with a little determination, hard work and sex appeal, I may just make it after all.

Despite my inability to function as a grown-up, I do possess the same horse teeth as Ms. Moore, and that has to mean something.

I CAN take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile. Love IS all around, and there is no need to waste it. I CAN have the town, and I intend to take it.
I’m gonna make it after all.