With the excavation of adolescent angst inscribed below, I offer you a personal peek behind the veil that separates teenagers from the rest of us. Lest you judge me too harshly, I assure you that I have successfully worked through the multiple issues described herein. Mostly. Here goes:
Unlike heterosexual boys today, “getting” a girlfriend was my highest priority. And, hey, a four-year age difference is nothing when you're in your forties:
I had an above-average self image back then. Thankfully, my artistic talent gave me an outlet:
Of course, my "competitors" looked like a cross between Han Solo and David Hasselhoff:
It still baffles me that a girl would react adversely to a greasy-haired stalker wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt:
Needless to say the old "Do-you-have-a-sister-named-Denise" trick never worked for me:
So I guess I peaked at 13, and it's all been downhill ever since. Isn't that the way it is for most of us?
From Suzi E-Z, who is having trouble posting:
ReplyDeleteHa! I’ll confess I had to fight the urge to mark all over your journal – but since I couldn’t, let me tell you what my comments might have said if you had been my student:
Dear Jason:
Your grammar and spelling, while not perfect, are 90% accurate. You have a very easy flow of ideas. You are very expressive, and you seem to enjoy personal reflection. Your tone is genuine and your prose style is fresh and authentic. However, I am very worried about your state of mind. Please see me after class.
Ms. E-Z
Seriously, though – this is precious, Jay! And yes, you DID take a big risk sharing it with the whole High Meadows community!
I’m glad to hear that you have “worked through” most of your “issues.” I’m assuming these means you are no longer insecure, angsty, and girl-crazy!
Hey look, I'm not the only reader of your blog after all! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the risk and posting this. Your humility and sense of humor are inspiring. I had a blast reading it!
TQ
Thanks so much, Suzi and Tara! I'd post more entries, but there are too many expletives and I'm trying to stay PG on this here blog. BTW, Kelly never showed up at the pool that day. That evening's entry was a doozy...
ReplyDeleteJay, You are wonderfully brave to post your middle school diary, er journal. Such vulnerability is a fantastic quality in a leader. My boys will enjoy relating to you in a new way. Thanks. Tell Jason he ends up better than fine when he grows up. And he marries a really beautiful girl!
ReplyDeleteDeb Ellis
Thanks for the kind words, Deb. Yes, please do share with the boys! I've often wondered if I should share with the middle years students, but I have to wait until Paige and Sara graduate...they would be MORTIFIED.
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