- I abandoned my TLC dream of being an interior designer in favor of a dream I didn’t discover until 2011.
- I swear now. Quite a bit, actually.
- I firmly and proudly identify as a feminist. Although I was surely a feminist before, I had the common misconception of where we grew up that feminism equaled hating men and would not have called myself such a thing. I know better now. I am a feminist, and fuck the patriarchy.
- I’m not a size 4 anymore. I’m a size 12. And yes, I struggle with it, but I’m trying to love myself. The battle of loving myself has not changed since we last saw each other, though.
- I am an art historian and an archaeologist. I study things that make me sound uppity such as aesthetics and post-structuralism. I also sit in the dirt and wear the same, gross outfit for 4 days of sun and sweat in a row.
- I can tell you all about high and low chronology and the troubles of radiocarbon dating in the Aegean Bronze Age; about state formation and staple-finance systems; about the chemical processes of creating lime plaster; the theories of metallurgy and sources of metals in the Bronze Age; the problem of 1177 BCE. But don’t worry, I won’t.
- I no longer identify as a Christian. I took a life-changing existentialist course in undergrad and have not looked back. I am agnostic; many days I need to believe there is a higher power.
- I’m more open. I’m more politically correct. I’m more aware of others struggles and how I can’t relate to them but how I need to stand up for them.
- I drink coffee. A lot.
- I have sought help for my depression and anxiety. I am on a steady dose of medication and overall, I am in a much better state of existence than when we last saw each other.
- I’ve taught a university level class successfully. I’ve commanded respect (yes, me ) from people only several years younger than me, and some who were older.
- I have a handle on my emotions. I rarely get upset in public. I have learned to let things go, that change comes within (not from others), that everyone struggles.
- I like spicy food, like a LOT. I bet my heat tolerance is way above yours. Come at me.
- I like food in general much more. I like veggies, mushrooms, sushi, rabbit and goat. I try new food now.
- I drink. Not much by most people’s standards, but I have a cocktail or two every now and then. Also, drink Cretan raki with me and be impressed.
- I work abroad for over a month each summer. I live there: eat sleep and drink. I get paid. I work my ass off. Twelve hour days.
- I can read German, Italian and Greek. I also can speak a little Greek. My Spanish is rusty as you’d see, but it’s still there.
- I dye my hair now. I have lots of grays and I need to. I try to look natural but I go a shade or two lighter at the roots and I get balayage in the summer.
- My self esteem is higher. I’m kind of a great person. I’m smart and kind and friendly and a bit more confident, thank you very much.
- I like to read non-fiction for fun. I don’t care if I’m perceived as nerdy. I am a nerd.
- I’m getting a PhD. I’m pursuing higher education, that when I last spoke to you, I never ever would have considered possible for me.
- My writing style and my grammar is much better.
- I’m not as social as I was. I still like hanging out with people, but parties give me anxiety.
- I like cats. I have a cat and he is the best.
- I have expendable money now— one of the upsides of adulting.
- I live with my partner who, I’m confident, is my soul mate.
jun 22 2018 ∞
nov 20 2018 +