So I came across the term “Listicles” as I was reading Life Ever Since. And I’ve got to be honest–I’m not sure I can say that without giggling. Yes, I am a teenager.
But it turns out that’s actually relevant, because this week’s Listicle is “10 Ways I’m the Same As (Or Different From) My Younger Self.” And since I feel like reflection comes up a lot in my blogging, it seems like a natural fit. So here goes:
1) Same: I have a really boring wardrobe. It’s not very large, and it’s almost all solids. And twinsets. In high school I wore button-down shirts and jeans. My school didn’t have a uniform, but apparently I did.
2) Same: I almost never wear makeup. My mother would send me back to add blush, not wipe it off. And she didn’t wear much makeup herself.
3) Different: I used to try really hard to have curly hair. I used to set my hair with hot rollers before bed and again in the morning. I have no idea why I did this before bed. Later, I got a series of bad perms. Now I pretty much let my hair do what it does.
4) Same: I read every chance I get. During my freshman year of high school, I went to the school library three times a day. And my iTouch and Kindle app mean that I can carry a dozen books around and not feel the weight.
5) Different: I’ve figured out that I’m happier staying at home the vast majority of evenings. I used to feel that I ought to be making a bigger effort to get out; now I’m happy for an evening out, whether it’s Date Night or the three of us, but I don’t feel that I’m supposed be enjoying myself in a particular way, whether or not it’s what I personally want to do.
6) Different: I am much more liberal than I was when I was young. I think that it comes primarily from a greater understanding of human frailty–we all have our weak points and make bad decisions, and I’m much more sympathetic to that than I used to be. Maybe because I’ve discovered more of my own weaknesses.
7) Same: I hate eggplant and okra. And brussels sprouts. That recipe you have that will convert me? It won’t. I’ve tried them enough to make this decision as an adult. I continue to not like sardines as well, no matter how calcium-rich they are.
8) Different: I love blueberries and cherries, neither of which I liked when I was younger.
9) Different: I spend a lot more time outdoors. I will always be fair-skinned, but I look at my wedding pictures and am struck by how pale I looked. On our honeymoon in Hawaii, I looked in the mirror one day and said, “Oh, that’s right. I freckle.”
10) Same: I have trouble coming up with a set number of entries for lists like this.
Haha – When reading some of these I thought I was reading about myself — though I do like eggplant and Brussels sprouts – but def not okra!
You may have all of my eggplant and Brussels sprouts, and we will avoid okra together!
I love that you became more liberal as you got older! Often you hear the opposite. As for Brussels sprouts, my husband converted our whole group of diners this past Thanksgiving. I think it was the insane amount of bacon & butter!
I would definitely eat the bacon and butter!
Fun list. Okra is terrible and Listicles makes me laugh, too. Can’t help it. 🙂
It’s good to have company.
Oh, P.S. – I absolutely love your blog title!
Oh, I’m so glad you discovered Listicles! I think we have a bit in common. I spent most of my childhood trying to curl my hair (via rollers, perms, and curling irons) and always coveted my sister’s gorgeous, dark, naturally curly hair.
I too am an avid reader and have a book blog in addition to my regular blog. I’m addicted to reading and was an English reader (and now write and edit for a living).
I am also way more liberal. I remember being on the anti-abortion side of a class debate and really believing what I was saying. Now I’m passionately pro-choice and Democratic. (Was always a Democrat, but was anti abortion.)
I don’t like Brussels sprouts. I like okra in gumbo, and eggplant in certain things (like Baba Ganoush). My husband loves Brussels sprouts and he and many others are also anxious to try out recipes to get me to like them. Haha.
Our wardrobes are very different, though. I have a very colorful, varied wardrobe…not especially trendy or stylish but that reflects my eclectic personality!
Glad to have found you!
Marie
Likewise! I’m not sure I’ll do Listicles on a regular basis (although who knows?), but it’s nice to have something to put into the mix periodically.
We’re so much alike. I actually had to force myself to get rid of my twinsets once I became a SAHM. It was pretty much my uniform too! And the staying home thing? YES–I always felt like it wasn’t ever ok to be home. Now I’m glad to not have plans.
I actually really like twinsets–but I do realize that I probably have too many!
!0 is always the hardest to come up with 😉 I love that you are more liberal then you were. Kinda tells me you are right where you should be. That is the best place to be! And in love!
Lovely to meet you.
Likewise!
I’ve gotten more liberal as I’ve gotten older too. Which seems odd to me because most of the people I know who are older than me are conservative. Nice list!
One of our family friends said, “When you become a homeowner, you’ll get more conservative.” So far, not the case here.
I love reading how everyone is same but different. I am also much more sympathetic. Maybe cause I know how it is with kids now
I know what you mean!
I love this idea for a post (I may have to borrow the idea). Your mom sending you back into the house to put on blush sounds like my mom!
Oh, feel free! I got it from elsewhere myself, as you can see. Let’s spread it around!
Oh how I can relate to the series of bad perms AND sardines! Very funny list! 😀
Thanks! And welcome!