I came across some old journals from high school. Oh man, that is always a good chuckle, despite the cringe-worthiness of my words back then. One of my favorite English teachers had us keep a weekly journal. He encouraged us to free write, make lists, draw pictures, whatever moved us. It was a chance to pen some thoughts and ideas without the pressure of crafting a finely tuned essay. I got into the habit of making a weekly Hate and Love List. As I reflect on those items from 1984 when I was an awkward 15-year old girl, I am pleasantly surprised at how many things would be on my list today. I still hate pretentious people. I still love ice cream. You might say I never grew up, but I like to think I’m just the kind of girl who knew what she liked at an early age.
Hate
Greed
Lima beans
Keeping up with the Joneses
Bad manners
Entitlement (as in snobbery, not programs to help people)
Campaign spending
Heels
Complacency
Hypocrisy
Running
Love
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
Traveling
Dendrobium orchids
Changing seasons
Books, the paper variety
Doers, the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-take-charge sort of folks
Peanut butter banana smoothies
People who make me laugh
Pen and paper
Luxury of boredom