A quick phone call would’ve sufficed…
Life is filled with lessons we learn along the way. Some we learn from others, like our friends and family, or the people on Shot at Love with Tila Tequila… And some we find out on our own.
Here are nine things I had to find out on my own:
1. Someday, I would love my curly hair
Coming from a family of straight-haired lads and lasses, I felt cursed by my wavy hair as a girl growing up in the ’80s and ’90s.
I spent a good chunk of my youth fighting against my natural hair and did just about everything the curly hair experts warn against.
Curly styling product options were more limited back then (I can’t think of anything other than L’Oreal Pumping Curls), but after college, years of experimentation and several bad haircuts, I grew to love my natural hair.
I’m glad I came around, too, because now there are entire haircare lines devoted to wavy/curly hair. AWESOME!
2. Change is a constant; embrace it
Everything is temporary — the good stuff and the bad. Instead of fighting every form of change, accept that it’s a part of life and make the most of every curve ball that comes your way.
3. Hobbies can transform your life
Hobbies make learning fun! They can challenge the mind, reinforce our self-esteem and help get our creative juices flowing. Two of mine — blogging and surfing — even changed my life.
I grew up terrified of the ocean and wanting to write but not having an outlet. Today, I’m comfortable in the water and share my words with you every day. 🙂
Other things I’d like to try: martial arts and wedding photography.
4. No one told me when I’d feel like an adult
In my twenties and early-thirties, I felt like a kid playing in an adult world. I mean, I did the things that “real” grownups do — like going to work and paying bills — but I didn’t think of myself as an adult.
Then, two things happened: 1) my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer and 2) my best friend’s father passed away. My world shifted, and concepts like time, family, friendship and love took on new meaning. BAM! I think I’m an adult.
5. You really can do what you love for a living
Growing up as a first-generation American in an old-school Filipino immigrant family, my parents made some things very clear to me, among them, career options. Mine were limited to medicine, law, engineering and nursing.
Without overstating the obvious, there’s more to life than that!
Today I earn my living blogging (through the ads you see on the site) and freelance writing for magazines. Of course, my parents still don’t understand what I do (or they refuse to acknowledge it), but such is life!
6. The addictive nature of Nutella
‘Nuff said.
7. You’ll get body hair in…places
I anticipated the chin and upper lip hair, but NO ONE WARNED ME about the thick, wiry toe and boob hair (don’t you act like you don’t know what I’m talking about). 🙂
8. People aren’t mind readers
Your friends and family aren’t going to know how you feel unless you tell them. It’s as simple as that.
I’ve always been pretty good about expressing how I feel in print, but I’m less confident when it comes to face-to-face interaction (especially when I’m upset or mad). I’m working on it.
9. You’ll have to ask a lot of questions
Being confused gets really old, really fast. You know what they say, right? The worst questions are the ones that never get asked.
What are some of the things you’ve had to figure out on your own?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Isk says
I think this just may be one of my favorite posts from you 🙂 To ,y list I’ll add – I never thought I could love cats the way I love my dogs until a stray kitten decided to adopt me – now I’m a certified crazy cat lady 😉
Karen says
Hi Isk,
The same exact thing happened with me! I always envisioned El Hub and I wish two big dogs, but because Tabs adopted us were are certified cat people. 🙂
What is your cat’s name?
Rebecca B. says
I agree with everything, ESPECIALLY with number 6!!!
Karen says
I’m craving Nutella right now, ha ha!
Gisele says
Great list! I had to accept my straight hair when curly was in style. And then, when my hormones started their circus, my hair got wavy and EVERYONE had straight hair!
I guess I had to figure out on my own that it’s okay to be the Outlier, the Oddball, and to feel okay if I do things backwards, or roundabout, or ahead or time, or behind the time, or turn left when others go right. Maybe the biggest part of accepting me was learning that the Outside World can’t be the judge, and my own compass will get tme where I’m going just fine.
Karen says
Oh, I learned that one too. You’re so right about trusting your own compass to get you where you need to be in due time.
Elle says
Love the part about doing what you love for a living. 🙂 This made my day, Karen!! Thanks!
Karen says
🙂 You’re welcome, Elle. I hope you had a great week!
Terri says
Great list Karen! Incidentally, I am a first-generation American in an old school Filipino family and my parents (or at least my mom) had a similarly limited list of approved careers. She was less than thrilled when I became a teacher but she eventually got on board 🙂
Karen says
Hi Terri,
I didn’t know you were Filipino! I learn something new about MBB readers every day… 🙂
Where did you grow up?
Judy says
What a wonderful post. I’m going through some tough stuff and it’s important to know that it’s only for now….I hope!
Karen says
Hi Judy,
Remember that it’s temporary. Keep your chin up! 🙂
Jennifer says
Awesome list!!!!!!!
Karen says
Thanks, Jennifer!
Alyse says
So true. I love #7. You’re so honest!
.-= Alyse’s last blog post… Chanel Paradoxal and Swatches- =-.
Karen says
Hey babe, it’s totally true!
Sarah says
This is great! I’m in my early twenties so it’s good to know it’s okay not to feel like a real adult yet. 🙂 Thanks Karen! You seriously always brighten my day!
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Smashbox Beauty Bliss- Soft Lights in Brighten =-.
Karen says
Hi Sarah,
Ahh! Early 20s is a fantastic time. 🙂 Enjoy every minute of it.
Michelle (LipstickRules) says
Thank you for this post Karen! Very inspiring!!!!
I grew up in a Filipino immigrant family in Canada as well though my parents accepted my choice of profession (journalism) though they couldn’t understand. My relatives on the other hand never could understand why I didn’t choose to become a nurse or a medical technician (nothing wrong with it but if you know me, I’m very queasy at the sight of blood!).
I’m all for doing what you love!! For me, blogging right now is a hobby that I absolutely adore and am addicted to as much as I am to my husband and kids.
Ok I’m rambling. Your post has given me a lot to think about.
.-= Michelle (LipstickRules)’s last blog post… Lipstick Loving- Revlon Colorburst in Rosy Nude- Fuchsia and Raspberry =-.
Karen says
Blood makes me queasy too. When I was in college I did a stint in the ER and remember distinctly thinking, “What the hell am I doing here?”
charlene says
i love how open u are! 🙂 love thisss post!!!!
Karen says
Glad you like this one, Charlene. 🙂
Michelle says
I can relate with #1 and #5. I’m still working on accepting my thick, wavy fair even though my filipino mom has stick straight hair. I also got pressured to be a doctor…now I’m in property management and I love it! Thanks for sharing Karen! BTW, what trade-offs should we try when PMS beckons us to eat In-n-Out?!
Karen says
LOL… if you have to give into the craving, do it. The next day, just be extra careful about what you eat. i
Lisa S. says
I love, love love this post. It is all true every single line. And the hair thing, OY. Wait until you not only have to get rid of the unwanted hair, but you realize that it’s all turning silver and instead of getting cool streaks like Stacy London, you just look like your mom….. true story by the way. ;0)
And the feel like an adult thing? I just turned 46(!) and there are moments when I still don’t feel grownup and then all of a sudden… I do! (it makes sense when it happens)
Karen says
I feel that pain pretty well. Everyone in my family goes gray early. Thank goodness for all the great hair stylists in the world, right?
sarab says
I love this kind of introspective lists and posts that you make… I think you touch on subjects we all can relate to and you make them entertaining too!!!
Karen says
Hey Sarahb,
🙂 I’m glad you liked this.
Hope you had a lovely day!
Aubrey says
The timing couldn’t be any better for this post! I’m going to be a senior in high school and I’m in the deciding process for colleges/careers/etc. It’s soo scary to think that in a year i’ll be on my own and there’s so much going to happen. As I’m starting to gain this independence, it’s created clashes with my family (gotta love drama :P). thank you so much and I hope to see more of these posts, you are probably the most relatable person ever! 😀
Karen says
Hi Aubrey,
Wow, this is a very exciting time for you! Be fearless. 🙂
Regarding careers, here’s a piece of unsolicited advice — do as many internships as you can in college. They give you good insight into the job and help you network with people in the industry.
Amber says
Karen, I needed this. Thank you.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Balcony birds =-.
Karen says
You’re welcome, my friend. 🙂
andie says
great post! I’m a new reader of yours and this gave me some insight into the person behind the make up! (love your blog!)
Karen says
Glad you like this one, Andie.
Nancy says
Love this! Love ya, gurl! 🙂
Karen says
Love you back, Nancy!
Marian says
I really love your list. I have some bad news for you though. You don’t really know what getting hair in weird places is until you experience the big M (menopause). I say this with the wisdom of an elder : (
Karen says
Oh wow! Good to know! I’ll try to brace myself when the time comes, although I can’t imagine being much hairier than I am now. YIKES!
Laurels! says
Karen, Thank you for this. I agree with the rest of the ladies here that this whole list was entirely true. The one point that I identified the most with ….and I truly do mean the MOST was #4- No one told me when I’d feel like an adult. For the past 3 years, I’ve gone through so many changes but one that truly affected me was the death of my mother two months ago. Her death was sudden, no one really expected it, and I was the one who took care of her and now it’s a case of, what now? I loved being able to ask her for advice and have the usual girl talk and having my mom around but now that she’s gone, I know that I am the adult now. Again, thank you for this. It’s truly inspirational.
Karen says
Hi Laurels,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I hope that in time your heart is able to heal.
Big hugs from both me and Tabs.
marisol says
Great list Karen!
Something that people told me but I didn’t necessarily listen to was to not care what other people thought of you. You should only live your life for you and it took me a long time to figure that out.
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Haulidays =-.
Karen says
Oh, so true. That one’s a good lesson.
Michelle says
Love your list!! I love how you use honesty and humor in all you do 🙂
What no one ever told me: Being a mom is wonderful, great, everything I wanted — but some days it is hard. Really hard. Just like being a wife. I love being married, but lets face it — a good marriage is hard work. The best things in life take work and that’s OK (why oh why do they make everything look so perfect on TV and movies LOL)
Karen says
Thanks for sharing your list, Michelle. 🙂
mkdallas says
Thoughtful, encouraging and eloquent post; thanks for sharing more than just your love of makeup and your adorable kitteh with your readers, Karen.
Karen says
Thank you, mkdallas, for being so very sweet. 🙂
Tabs sends you a big kitty hug!
TJ says
Love this list. Wiry boob hair sucks. LOLOL.
.-= TJ’s last blog post… Summertime… =-.
Karen says
Doesn’t it though?!
jess says
Wow what a great post. I love these. Karen you are so talented and honest. I love it. Keep on doing what you do gurl! You should write a book. 🙂
Karen says
I hope to someday! 🙂
snoopysteph says
Love this post, Karen. You hit the nail on the head with all 9. I turned 30 in January and I’m just now starting to feel like an adult and less like a child living in an adult’s body.
One thing I had to learn on my own is you have to put yourself (and hubby/kids, if any) first before everything else in the world and there are always going to be people who don’t agree with that. Whatever anyone else thinks of you (especially relatives) is not your problem, nor should you worry about it. Big, big lesson I had to learn.
Love reading your blog and you always have such inspiring words! Keep writing so we can continue to be inspired (and continue to go broke buying makeup). 🙂
Karen says
Thank you, Snoopysteph. 🙂 I’ll keep on writing as long as you keep reading…
Nancy says
Wow this was such an inspirational post! This is a major reason why I love your blog! I’m still pretty young, but I can relate the parents and the limited options. Haha maybe I’ll bookmark this for motivation. (: Thanks Karen!
.-= Nancy’s last blog post… Wanted- Lightweight Sunscreen =-.
Karen says
You’re welcome, Nancy. 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful Thursday!
Jasmine says
You are extra awesome because you mentioned “thick, wiry toe and boob hair”.
Those are two little things that plague my beauty routine. Along with the ‘stache and chinny chin hair.
Karen says
LOL! Um, unfortunately I’m all too familiar with ALL those.
Ellen says
😀 Thank you for this post. It might seem super-cheesy (like five-cheese pizza level), but it’s actually inspired me to start thinking about blogging. I’ve been struggling to find what I actually like to do, especially since I just changed my major in a big way after three years of college. I love writing and reviewing things, but I never had the courage to start my own blog, y’know? Maybe it’s time to suck it up and try!
I wish someone had warned me about Nutelladdiction, too. I seriously think Nutella has a special sort of addictive substance in it, ‘cept instead of getting flashbacks and the shakes you get extra pounds. 🙁
Karen says
Aww, you know I love cheese, Ellen! 😀
rashmi says
hello karen
this is first time i m writing here …
and m proud to be writing on this wonderful post of urs…
u r sooo right…
i can relate to every point from 1 – 9
thanks
keep up the good work
Karen says
Hi Rashmi,
Thank you for leaving a comment! It’s very nice to meet you. 🙂
Carolina says
What I didn’t know and had to learn the hard way was that no matter how nice and goodhearted you are there’ll always be people round the corner wanting to bring you down. B
Karen says
Hi Carolina,
That was a hard lesson for me to learn too.
Even though there are some bad apples out there, I’m thankful for all the good people in my life. They keep me steady when others try to drag me down.
Raven says
Like everyone here said, great post, and I love your blog.
I’m only 15, but in my short time, I’ve learned that:
a) people can only have an affect on you if you allow them to, be it hurtfull things, or love, you have to know when to open up an stay sheltered.
b) people will love you if you just let them see who you REALLY are, and if they don’t, then they’re not worth your time.
c) once you find a relationship that makes you happy, STICK TO IT! There’s way too much hurt and sadness in the world to let something real slip through your fingers. You have to WORK on it.
I’m sorry, I’m being so sappy. Just trying to remind myself what really matters right now…
Karen says
Hi Raven,
I love hearing from younger readers! Thank you for adding your list. 🙂 It’s not sappy at all — it’s very thoughtful.
Nina says
Oh wow. Thanks for this super pick me up post. I kinda needed it what with being tired and a bit sick with my allergies again! 🙂
You are like a friend that we all hang out with and trade stories with. Thats my favorite thing about your blog. 🙂
Some of the things I had to figure out on my own were:
– I dont have to be “up” all the time – its ok to be down in the dumps as long as I dont wallow in it.
– Mistakes are just a way to restart and reboot – this was a hard lesson to learn!
– Id get into make up in a big way. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Nina,
I’m happy to be your friend. 🙂 I like that we get to “hang” out here and trade stories, too!
And amen about mistakes offering a change to reboot. I know this one well!
Lena says
You know though, one thing I admire from families of Phils origin are that their children are usually so well-educated and have good careers in those areas you mention (plus one more, economics and business). I agree with you that there’s more to life than those jobs mentioned, but I think the pressure and demands actually lift the whole society to a really good place in terms of where they get educated and the jobs they aspire to.
Karen says
Hi Lena,
Yeah, I see that too. I just wish it would be easier for kids who want to do things outside of the box.
mill says
yes on the body hair thing! hey, i’m a teenager and i lasered my upper lip because it got that annoying… i understand.
Karen says
GIRL, you are lucky to be a teen in this day and age. When I was a teenager, my friends and I all rocked the upper stash lip hair HARD. Nobody waxed or lasered back in the day, and unfortunately we all have pics to prove it, LOL!
Petra says
Karen, I really love your posts. I like your writing style and appreciate your opinion on anything beauty-related, but I really love the honest and intimate, maybe even vulnerable tone You can hit in these posts.
They never feel forced, dishonest or like an overshare. 🙂 In the past year I moved 3 times (for me, that’s a lot), broke up with my bf of 6 years and I’m still at the phase when you’re trying to figure out what you want, what you can do, and whether you want to or not. Accepting change is really a big lesson learned and it is quite hard for me. And the whole concept of things people don’t prepare you for is a really touching and interesting one.
Thank You for balancing your blog so wisely and heartfeltly.
Sorry for the long post, but I guess this just felt like the right occasion to say how much I appreciate your blog and Your effort. 🙂
(Is that You on that surfing pic? I always wanted to ask.)
Karen says
Hi Petra,
Thank you for this wonderful note. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot of big changes in the last year. I think everybody goes through phases where things go full-on topsy turvy. In my 20s it felt like my world was a contant stream of change; I remember wanting desperately to just have a pattern.
For all the valleys there are also peaks. Trust that you’ll get where you need to be in due time. 🙂
Big hugs to you.
Tiffany says
Love this post, Karen 🙂
Things I had to learn on my own: that you can’t be everything to everyone all the time, how to cook, and how to roll with the punches
Karen says
Ooh gurl, I had to learn how to cook on my own, too (I still have no idea what I’m doing, as a matter of fact). Do you enjoy cooking? I think I’d like it more if I had more time.
Lowelli says
This was an amazing post 🙂 Your honesty, charisma and natural spunk really shine through in all of your blogs but this really captured it. I hope that this blog serves you for as long as you desire and I will be reading daily until then.
Many happy thoughts!
Oh, and Happy Canada Day!
Karen says
Happy Canada day, Lowelli! How did you celebrate?
Mina says
What an inspiring post! I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a while: what self-improvement/inspirational blogs are your favorite? I read Zen Habits, but I’d love to get some other suggestions.
Karen says
Hi Mina,
I read Zen Habits, too! Galadarling.com also has some great improvement/inspiration posts as well.
NeenaJ says
Great post, Karen! Just what I needed to read before a long (and hopefully relaxing and introspective) weekend.
What I had to learn on my own:
If you try to see the humor in life’s tough situations, it will see you through.
Don’t take yourself too seriously – nobody’s perfect.
Life is what happens, not what you plan to happen… enjoy the ride.
Every day, tell someone you love them (4 legged masters included).
Make your own traditions.
Karen says
Hi NeenaJ,
Great list! I love the “not taking yourself too seriously” part the best.
LOL… I’m pretty sure Tabs believes deep down in his kitty bones that he runs this show…
Suji says
Love this – I can really relate to it.
Karen says
Hi Suji,
🙂 Hope you had a very nice Thursday!
Cristina says
thanks karen. I really love reading your blog. haha i read it everyday and this is one of my favorite posts from you:)
Karen says
Thanks, Cristina. I’m so glad that you liked this one. 🙂
Hope you had a nice Thursday!
Saku says
Good list. I can relate to number 1 especially. Now I already love mines, but even my family members didn’t and would tease me about my hair and force me to get a perm. Lol number 6 so true, I always have cravings for Nutella.
Karen says
I’m having a Nutella craving right now, as a matter of fact.
Regina S says
I love reading your blog to see what Tabs the cat is up to (yes I am a cataholic) oh ok and to read your stuff too!!! LOL
Karen says
Hello, my fellow cat-aholic! Do you have any kitties of your own?
Gemma says
beautiful post. so true, so true-especially the nutella part 😉 thanks so much for sharing this xoxo
.-= Gemma’s last blog post… LIP SWATCHES – MAC Honeylove- Viva Glam Gaga on NC37 skin =-.
Karen says
LOL regarding Nutella. It should be classified as an addictive substance!
Jennifer says
Oh! I agree on so many levels! #4….I remember hitting 30 and almost feeling a “click” inside. Everything started making sense in a whole new way. Looking forward to 40 (Yes, I said “looking forward”!!) to see what new things I learn then. 🙂 And especially #6, which I give you total credit. Never thought about trying Nutella until reading your posts. Now? Cannot. Get. Enough! Should be a food group all unto itself. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Jennifer,
Oh, did you see the link to the Nutella ice cream in the comments the other day? Let me know if you want (need?) the recipe!
Jen says
Nutella ice cream?! omgwut? That sounds like death (by bliss… haha).
Karen says
You gotta make it at home (too bad they don’t sell it at the store… that wold be SO dangerous).
Do you have an ice cream maker?
Jen says
No… I tried making ice cream the old fashioned way (plastic bag in a tray of ice and sea salt). It was fun, but involved a lot of shaking. I learned it in my chemistry class in high school! Haha!
S says
You guys, nutella ice cream is all the rage here in Singapore.
It might be advisable to stay away – I learnt the hard way!
Karen says
Really?! Can you buy it in stores? Or do you have to make it at home?
DoDe says
Love this post! Karen your writing style is great. very witty, If you wrote a book I would read it!
Karen says
Hi DoDe,
That’s one of my life goals. 🙂 Hopefully someday…
How are you doing, btw? Good, I hope!
kelly jo says
Great post! I completely understand where you’re coming from on #4. I spent all of my 20s knowing I was an “adult” – I had started a career, paid my own bills and student loans and bought a house. Then I had the “one” – who really wasn’t. And I’d went through some pretty devastating losses that made me feel very emotionally adult – and frankly it colored some of my friendships. But I still never felt truly like a grown up in all senses of the word and what it conjures in your head. But recently I do….and oddly enough it’s related getting married. I think I needed to have another’s interests/needs/wants/LIFE truly ahead of my own to feel branded “adult”.
Wow….brain spillage. Thanks 🙂
Glad I’ve found your site – I enjoy all the makeup stuff of course, but also these little gems thrown in, too!
Karen says
Hi Kelly Jo,
Thank you for sharing that. I love getting to know MBB readers. 🙂 It makes me feel so lucky to know wonderful, interesting women (like you!) all over the world.
Wendy says
Good post girl as a somewhat clueless twenty something I appreciatte this post a lot!.
: )
Karen says
Hi Wendy,
Ah, I have walked in the same pair of clueless 20-something shoes. Now I’m just a clueless 30-something, LOL!
Chrissy says
Karen, this is the best post I’ve read from you thus far. Thanks for sharing – lots of awesome advice here for us all!
BTW, you sort of *are* practicing “medicine” like your parents wanted you too… your posts are medicine for the soul for your readers such as myself!!!
.-= Chrissy’s last blog post… Wednesday 6302010 =-.
Karen says
Thanks, Chrissy. 🙂 I’m glad you liked this one… it’s very close to my heart.
How’s your day going? We’re almost to Friday, yay!
Trude says
Soooo true. Especially #8 and 9. You’re an inspiration for someone who’s pursuing being able to do what she loves for a living! 🙂
.-= Trude’s last blog post… Flying By =-.
Karen says
Hi Trude,
You guys inspire me every day. Thank you for reading MBB. 🙂
Jen says
Hmm… one lesson that I recently learned was that people — no matter how good — will make mistakes. I’ve made a bunch of mistakes this year, and I’m learning to move on and not beat myself up over it.
And I don’t know when I’ll feel like an adult (I’m 23), but I hope it’s not any time soon! The world is scary, and I still like to cuddle up to my mommy when I’m scared. 😛
Great post!
Karen says
Hi Jen,
As a person who constantly does stuff wrong, I gotta say… mistakes are a way to keep learning about yourself and the world. Look at them as a chance to evolve!
katoato says
This is beautiful. Your makeup posts are great, but please don’t stop yourself from posting “This is what you need to know about life” posts! We all need them! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
meimei says
Thank you so much for sharing this, K; I’m on the “Best. MBB Post. EVER.” camp here. Totally agree with everything, even if I do have straight hair.
This year marks the anniversary of my move back to the P.I. after years of staying in Honolulu. There were a lot of things going through my mind back then; I was already facing the barrage of questions from relatives and family friends – What happened to your job? Can’t you just migrate somewhere else? When are you going to teach special education again? – but eventually I realized that, while everyone does mean well, the people who do know and love me well are able to trust me to make my own decisions… even my parents, who have already given up on pushing me to get a job with a gigantic salary. One year later, I’m surprised to learn that I actually enjoy my life right now, both as a blogger and a university lecturer!
Thank you, once again, for sharing this post. You’re not just a writer – you’re already an inspiration for the rest of us, and you are doing it awesome. 🙂
.-= meimei’s last blog post… My First Nuffnang Contest- Hapontukin- =-.
Karen says
Hi Meimei,
I’m happy to hear that you’re at a place where you’re enjoying your life. 🙂
And I totally know what you mean about the parents pushing their agenda… sigh.
cutie_pie says
karen omg i just laughed so hard at #7!!
Karen says
LOL! Time to shave the toe hairs…
Tracy Christian says
That was your best post EVER.
Shasha says
Hey Karen.
I know it’s been said in the previous posts, but I’m still gonna say it:
Great post. Especially the part on having a hobby (or thirty), because you also conquered your fears. I mean from being afraid of the, what was it again *scrolls up* ocean to freaking surfing. Props! Really.
I always look forward to your self reflecting posts. Sure, your reviews are great too, but it’s posts like these and the Monday posts that remind me to keep my goals in mind on bad days and push myself a bit more.
Keep it up doll!
Kristen says
This post seriously could not have come at a better time! Going through such a tough time right now, as I’m a recent college grad. THANK YOU for this post.
Sara says
i was just telling a friend last night how when i was in high school I felt so misunderstood, NO ONE was like me, NO ONE understood me, NO ONE “got me,” and I didn’t fit in anywhere. Now as a 20-something, it’s my little quirks that make me proud to be me, and I’m super glad to be such a unique individual!
On another note, I was seriously about to ask this week how to get rid of that boob hair. Might be TMI, but any gals care to share?
Susan O says
I presented my ideas regarding strategic visions for my company a few months back and as I was walking out of the meeting it struck me that I’m an adult…a real adult. I’ve been around for 35 years, have two children and own a home, but just this year feel like I’m an adult!
lilib says
omg u make my lonely friday happier when u said bout the hairy boob i knooow tell my about it, it freacks me out everytime i took a shower. i luv this web
Suzanne says
you know NO ONE around me admitted to boob hair until I was in my mid twenties? I’d developed such a complex.
(P.S. I pluck. im not brave enough for anything else)
.-= Suzanne’s last blog post… Physicians Formula- I love it when a plan comes together =-.
Kelsey says
I’ve learned to love my curly has as well.
.-= Kelsey’s last blog post… Happy 4th of July- =-.
Nicola! says
Thank you so much for this Karen. I’m at the tale end of my twenties and the things you mentioned are things that have popped up recently in my own life. You rock so much for making this blog more than just a makeup thing =)
Sabrina says
Hi Karen, I’m late to commenting on this one but I really love this one, especially #4. I just turned 29 and hardly feel “grown up.” Thought I’d feel adult once I got married, but no … lol, DH will turn 30 this month and he definitely doesn’t feel grown up either. Glad to know I’m not the only one.
Daisy says
Hi!
Really loved your post! Specially #5. My dad is from India and my career options were medicine or engineering and, when I tell people, they don’t belive me! 🙂
yangtanw says
First time to post a message here. *waving hello*
I have recently migrated to Canada from the Philippines where I spent 31 years of my life (though I’m not Filipino). Most parents would think medicine, law, engineering and nursing and the like are the jobs that would provide a prosperous future. Coming from a 3rd world country, these are the professions that provide a way out of poverty. To be more precise, it’s almost a ticket to go to a more developed country and start a better life. What they don’t understand is, you are already in a developed country so you are not bound to these limited professions anymore.
Just my 2 cents 🙂
.-= yangtanw’s last blog post… Review- Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Makeup =-.
Hannah says
whoa… like a month after everyone else…
anyways, I followed a link on one of my new favorite sites (college fashion) and came to this. The first thing on your list is a major thing in my life- my hair is soo curly that I don’t even try to straighten it unless I have two hours to spare before a major event. It still drives me crazy, and I still have not fully embraced it )(especially with the heat I deal with), despite family friends with curly hair constantly telling me to embrace my curls.
One thing that I would add to the list is something I’ve had to learn these past couple of years- your path may be changed by things beyond your control, but the destination only changes if you want it to. Four years ago I never woud have thought that I might have to stop dance, or that I’d end up starting college at a community college, but I still know I can make it to a career I love- it will just take me a bit longer than others.
I loved the article!
Marlo says
I love this post! I know it’s a little bit older but I love your blog! I’m also Filipina and it was ingrained in me to do things that made money but no passion i.e. be a nurse, doctor, lawyer, etc.
Now I’m going boldly where I have always wanted to go. I’m planning on taking my yoga teacher training certificate in October of 2011. It’s scary to make changes in life but like you I never felt like an adult living in an adult world. I still feel like a kid living in an adult world who’s good at pretending to be adult like! 🙂
Thank you for this – – – your posts are very inspiring. And oh yea, nipple hair, yes I know exactly what you mean – – – embarrasing but I’m thinking it’s more common than we all realize. 🙂
Thanks Karen.