Thanksgiving

I just realized this will be my first Thanksgiving without either of my brothers. This is hard to face as we have always spent that time together, no matter which parent "got us" that year. Now, as one lives far away and the other is going to his in-laws, I am left to celebrate without my favorite nerdy brothers. However, despite this slightly depressing sentiment, I am grateful for the family I will have at Christmas, namely my sister and brother-in-law.

All this thinking makes me grateful for the extra efforts I made in the past, knowing they would grow up before me. The few times we have all together are incredibly sweet and cherished. It still hurts not to have them ten steps down the hall, but I am happy for their great success.

Time passes so quickly now, years go by at an accelerated rate. Everything felt so slow as a child and now it seems like I'm ahead of some people my age, and falling behind others. Again, bringing forth the point that there is no set order for life and each individual chooses what they want.

Watching young people play and always remembering to treat them with equal respect as that is all I ever wanted as a child.

Analyzing Fashion and Shopping

Throughout my childhood, my parents had divorced and money was tight. Naturally, this meant hunting for bargains and wearing things I didn't always like. As status changed and shopping could be a little less price-conscious, my mother taught me to analyze the fabric content. If something was was not genuine leather, cashmere, or wool, she would discourage me from buying it. This could sound snobbish, but it makes sense. Natural fabrics breathe better, last longer, and are more comfortable.

This attention to quality has taught me to be a very strategic shopper. If the fabric is not comfortable, I simply do not buy it.

Over the years, it became my mission to dress well at all times. Trading my Downeast basics for Nordstrom Rack gold.

As a teenager, I wanted to be trendy, which resulted in a lot of purchases that I rarely wore. Whatever trendy item came along I would try to find and wear. This became a problem as I did not know what my personal style was. It took years to give up the facade of current trends in favor of my personal style. Masculine silhouettes are replaced by the frills, lace, and pink I adored as a child.

The great thing about defining one's style is that it limits the need to shop. I already have a closet of clothes that I love, there's no need to buy more trendy pieces I'll be getting rid of in six months. This also brings a sense of confidence that does not exist when trying to match the teens of the day.

I do not own, nor have I tried many trends teens seek. I have no need for masculine graphic tees with a long sleeve shirt layered underneath, mom jeans, or the ugliest chunky sneakers.

This is not to say that I do not focus on trends or note what is the style for the season, but that I do not obsessively seek out trends I don't actually like. This alone has grown my confidence as an adult, not needing to conform to the trends of the day.