High school duds, lifelong stars

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my buddies from the olden days. Maybe it's because I am reminiscing, or maybe because I feel like at 25, my life is slowly slipping away (yes, I can see anyone older than me rolling there eyes here).

In high school I don't really know what people thought of me, and I can't say that I even care now. In fact, the fact that I might have cared once, seems very silly and insignificant.

Facebook is one of those things that can connect us, whether that's good or bad. I have to admit that I have Facebook friends who I sometimes keep around for the reason of buffering my ego. Anyone who admits differently is lying, or just a REALLY good person.

However, I have also seen some really cool things about my high school friends. One friend, who had things pretty good in high school, married her high school sweetheart (who we all gave her crap about at the time she was dating him), and now she is about to have her first child.

I recall another to have had a hard time fitting in. He never felt like things would just be right with him in the world and now, graduated from college, he lives halfway across the country and is making his dream job a reality.

It makes me think about myself a bit. I may not care now what my high school chums think of me, but at the same time, I can't help but wonder, have I made the best of myself? Have a taken every leap that I should have to be in a good place?

I would have to say I haven't done too bad for myself. A great husband, a cute son, a roof over my head and a college degree, which later led to a great job.

ROLLA HIGH CLASS OF 2007, Woo hoo! Go Bulldogs! (Sorry folks, it just felt right to say it loud and proud.)

Following traditions for tradition's sake

First post of 2014! First post for awhile actually. 

I have been thinking a lot lately of people who follow traditions just because it's what they believe they have to do, for tradition's sake. 

Don't think I hate traditions, in fact, I have many I like. 

- I enjoy getting presents on Christmas morning

- I like apple pie and baseball as much as any true American

- I like to clap when someone performs well, as a sign of appreciation and admiration of their work

- I like to make New Year's resolutions

- And Many more...

But, when does it get to a point that we follow traditions that we don't really believe in, just because others before us have followed that path? 

Sure, we shouldn't let the traditions of our fathers die and all that, and sometimes our elders know more than we do. But not always. 

Sometimes I think that many things I have done in my life are because of traditions. Sometimes I think, it's safe to break the rules and test things out. 

For a very light example: I don't like Thanksgiving food much. 

-Turkey is okay and so is Green Bean Casserole

-I hate stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce and yams. 

- I think we need more salad or green vegetables at these things that are doused in creamy soup, fat, or excess butter

- The main things I like are: the appetizers, the rolls and the mashed potatoes (but only with good gravy, giblet doesn't count). 

So, why is it that everyone eats these items? Because it's what their parents fixed, grandparents made and so on...

It's not because we have a deep found belief that if we don't eat turkey on Thanksgiving, we will miss out on the company of our family and forget what we're grateful for. (At least, most people aren't that crazy). 

So, I just think its' important to think about your traditions and why you do them. And maybe, you can't let go of that turkey, even if it is a tradition for tradition's sake. Regardless, it's still important to think about it and decide if you really like turkey in the first place. 

*Note: If you really think this blog is all about Thanksgiving Food, you need to be more creative*