My sister says I’m quirky — that I’ve got these odd little habits.
I call them my “isms.”
They’re the little extras that make me — me. And this is me embracing my quirks — doing what makes me comfortable. No apology tour required.
From across the room, my oldest sister likes to just sit and watch me.
Waiting for one of my isms to pop out. It’s like she’s studying wildlife.
She finds me fascinating in a weird, comical kind of way.
What can I say — I am who I am, and I own it.
For example
The Worm Situation
Worms have been a problem for me my whole life.
No traumatic worm experience. Nothing dramatic.
Apparently, when I was three years old, I looked at one and made a decision:
“Nope. Not for me.”
From that point on, rain was unappreciated.
Sidewalks were questionable.
Spring — I know it’s vital — just not my favorite season. My allergies would agree.
Walking home from school on rainy days?
Let’s just say my older sisters earned their piggyback badges. 🤣
Not All Gummy Is Yummy
Gummy bears? I love them.
Gummy worms? Don’t even try it. Even with all the pretty colors, they’re too realistic for this girl.
If somebody is chewing one like it’s normal, I need a minute — maybe two.
It’s not them. It’s me. I accept that.
Let’s say I get a Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s — it’s a must that I pull the fish off the bun and flip it before I take a bite.
Why?
Because tartar sauce belongs on both sides of the bread.
Add some hot sauce, and now it’s worthy of a bite from me.
This one came from my dad. He used to say this was insulting to the chef — which, of course, was him. Around that time, he discovered he might have a few isms of his own as well as being the prototype for mine. 😂
The truth will humble you.
The Freelancing Eyebrow & Other Stuff
And apparently my face tells on me.
I know I can raise my left eyebrow when I’m doubtful.
The right one?
That one works independently.
It will announce skepticism before I’ve even processed the situation.
Meanwhile I’m thinking I look supportive.
My eyebrow is over there saying, “Chile Please.”
Soft Heart. Sharp Mouth. Same Person.
Then there’s the other side of me.
The girl who loves animals like it’s a personality trait.
Dogs — all of them.
Horses.
Cows.
Baby cows?
I melt.
Furry creatures? I’m in.
Reptiles?
We can be cool from a respectful distance. I am a bit fascinated with alligators. However, I don’t want to run into one.
I love my family hard.
I’m learning how to say no — and I’m getting better at it.
I love my friends with my whole heart, even when it costs me a little.
It’s all me.
The eyebrow.
The tartar-sauce flip.
The worm avoidance.
Every last ism.
I’m not trading any of it and why would I.
I’m keeping it all. 🤍
