Awkward Phase

I tried to google a definition for the term "Awkward Phase." All I got was a bunch of pictures of people in their awkward phase, not really what I was looking for. Even good ol' Wickepidi@ didn't have a definition. I suppose I could come up with one myself, but I think all you know what I mean when I talk about an "awkward phase." There is a time (perhaps a span of a few years) when you look back at those years and you just kinda cringe. Usually this occurs when you happen across a box of old pictures that really should be burned. There was the hair (especially the bangs!), the way you dressed, and most likely there were braces and glasses involved. Thankfully, when you look at those pictures you are surrounded by people who look pretty similar to you. Not that it makes it any better, but it does help a little. I went to high school in the early 90s where t-shirts, flannel, and doc martens were the bomb. Actually, I still wear these...NOT! O.k. I have to stop this. Anyway, back to the people with you in those pictures. Most likely, these were the friends who were going through this right along side of you. Perhaps, you were probably pretty unaware that you were all going through this awkward phase. At least I was, but maybe that's not saying much.

Well, this past weekend I was able to spend a fun weekend away with two of my friends who survived this phase with me. I went to school with Rachel from kindergarten all the way through high school. Stephanie, I met my Sophomore year because she was a "military brat" who just transferred to our high school. (Even though she's the farthest thing from being a brat). These gals know WAY TOO MUCH about me. They know all about my crushes, first kiss, embarrassing moments (which are too many to recall), attempts at being cool, bad hairdos, really bad outfits-you get the idea. This weekend we reminisced about all of the above plus some stuff I haven't thought about for years! Can I just say there were some tears? Thankfully, they were tears of laughter.

I think about those years and what I would tell 16 year old me if she was sitting in front of me right now. Perhaps I would tell her that boys jeans (even though they were the only ones long enough for my legs) are meant for boys. Smile big even though your mouth is full of metal. Be secure in who you are and don't take yourself too seriously. Thank your dad for teaching you how to "drive stick." Keep in touch with good girlfriends. Crushes are fun, but it's nothing compared to the crush you will have on the man you marry.

I am so glad I have friends in my life like Rachel and Steph. The "high school" stuff that we went through is a little bit of who I am today...take it or leave it. Plus, I need to keep them close, because did I mention? They know way too much!!

Steph, me and Ray in 1995...



14 years later...