Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Express Yourself!

So today I was putting on my dark denim jeans. I noticed that for some reason they had gotten quite a bit more snug since the last time I wore them. I’m sure this had nothing to do with Girl Scout Cookies and everything to do with a malfunctioning dryer. Anyway, they still felt fine because of their generous stretch.

I had a flashback to 9th grade. Puberty was in full bloom and curves were popping up on me everywhere. I pulled on my tight Gloria Vanderbilt “designer jeans” with the dark blue denim and bright yellow stitching. I may have had to get down on the floor to zip them. My older sister, still built like a string bean, and whose legs started where my neck stopped, walked into the room and said,

“Just because the label says stretch, doesn’t mean you should wear them.”

We’re just 18 months apart and my sister is my best friend and my biggest fan. We’ve gone through some heavy crap together, most of which we would not have survived without each other. She is my constant cheerleader even when I don’t deserve it, and she takes the prize for being one of my lone blog readers for quite a while.

My sister puts up with my moodiness and my bites her tongue when I’m being a judgmental loser, lashing out at the nearest target—her.

However, despite having gained almost angelic status now, my sister spent the first 15 or so years of my life being somewhat harsh to me.

While I’m thinking of it, I’ll share a couple of other zingers she threw my way during that lovely, angst-filled period of adolescence and early teens.

Anna: (applying makeup)

Sister: (looking Anna up and down)

“Yeah. Don’t ever wear brown eyeliner again.”

(leaves room)

Anna: ….


Or my favorite:

Sister: (breezing in)

“Anna, do you ever think that God just tacked on that potato sack of a butt of yours as an afterthought?”

Anna:…

Happy Early Birthday, Sis! You know I love you.

p.s. I’ve never worn brown eyeliner again.

7 comments:

Heidi said...

I don't have a sister. 2 brothers. I would think it would be nice to always have a girl on your side and in your corner even if she's brutally honest sometimes. :) I hope she has a happy birthday.

Jbhat said...

I say mean and judgy things to my beloved sister too, I guess because I love her. It's mutual, but sometimes I'm surprised that she still manages to like me.

Glad to hear of more enduring sisterly love out there. Happy bday to yours.

Christy said...

Oh I so wish I had a sister - but my brother and I are pretty close now, and his wife is like my long lost sister. Great post - and hope she has a great bday.

Kate Coveny Hood said...

For years, I made my little brother believe that he had a premature bald spot on the back of his head (where he couldn't see it). Older siblings suck.

Shana said...

As an older sister myself, sounds like you were a good sport about it all : )

L said...

You sister sounds wonderful to me ;). Did she really say that third one though? Ouch!

Chrisy said...

You gave me flashbacks too! Those crazy jeans NEVER fit my legs properly. Although trim and fit, my legs were always... well, not matchstick thin.

Cute stories. Neat that you and your sister are such good friends now. Lucky you, lucky her!