Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

jl333 says,

I'll never forget the daily teasing, being made fun of, and being picked on for most of my junior high and high school years. 23 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Graduated high school and never looked back.

MO_Thoughts2 says,

Skipping orchestra with Karen. Problem was since we sat next to each other that left a huge hole in our section. When the conductor asked us about it the next day, I looked at him like he was loosing it, pointed to our section, and said "We were sitting right there". He pondered a few seconds then apologized for his mistake.

lillybrook says,

Well... I was in high school, but it's not a high school memory. After football games, my friends and I would road-trip to the "big town" 25 miles away from the "small town" where I grew up. We'd get McDonald's or Domino's (two of many things that were not available in our small town) and eat and talk and have a night away. I always felt so connected to them -- and so free at the same time -- when we hit the road.

Dragonflower says,

Ok...since you asked. I was on the drill team mostly to avoid gym class. Our practice time with the band took the place of gym. Well, here's the big memory--Richard Nixon, who was an alumni of my hs, got himself elected President of the United States. So our band was invited to march in his inaugural parade in Washington, D.C. Not the drill team though. But we had just a little over a month's time to raise money for the trip. I had fun with all the fundraisers we did. It really was an exciting time. We didn't know then how his presidency would end. "Nixon's the one" was his campaign slogan.

Guess his campaign people were three-ers (not sixers like us . hahaha- you just gotta laugh when that's your hs memory!)

accidentaltourist says,

...I skipped school and went to the bar...in the middle of the day...with a boy?

I don't know what you're talking about. ;)

Layne says,

See, all of that sounds so fun:) I want to do something that Ill look back and think "I cant believe I did that" Im just waiting for the opportunity to present itself i guess:)

Dragonflower says,

I bet there is something you've done that qualifies. You just might not know it yet. There was a girl in my hs that did everything. She was smart, athletic, president of every club, sang, danced, acted. I was so envious of her, thinking I wasn't doing anything notable, anything fun. But, I was. Just on a different scale. At my 30th reunion, everyone kept telling me stories of how nice I was, how funny, and how I was always making them laugh. It really made me realize we don't always see the things we are doing, at the time we are doing them.

Layne, I was getting a pedicure yesterday and looking through a magazine while my toes dried. A fashion magazine, but it had a page with quotes. One had a picture of a woman standing on a ladder, in front of a huge bookcase, full of books. She was dressed up, looking gorgeous in her high heels (on a ladder!!). She was taking down a book, and the quote from Oscar Wilde said, "You can never be overdressed or over educated." I liked the surprise of that quote against that picture. Layne, you have the potential to surprise the world!

Layne says,

That is a wonderful story autumn:) it's touching that you think if me in your everyday life too:) sometimes I walk through the hallways and try imagine who of the sixers could have been like the people I pass. Quite interesting! I love that quote also. I'm one of those kids who tries to do it all, so maybe people look up to me like you did that girl? Ill probably never know. But also it's inspiring to think someone like yourself actually believes in me. One of my teachers told me last week that I didn't have the stress management skills needed to take a higher class next year. That kind of hurt because that's what I've been trying to work on all year, but she obviously doesn't notice any improvement. I do though. I wish she wouldn't be so quick to judge and stick to that judgment but some people are just like that I guess. I decided that, like the woman in heels on a ladder that is kind of a contradictory, I'm going to tell that teacher just how much meaning I found in her class and how I've grown from it. Maybe that'll help her realize that you can't always judge someone because everyone has another story that parallels the one they let people see. I think we should always remember that.

A final thought as well: I actually love surprising people who thought of me a particular way. Kind of like breaking a stereotype, I guess. Like I study probably more than I should, so you wouldn't think I love to dance and party. I'm 5'1" and a pole vaulter and hurdler. People have said I act older than I am(I just see it as being in tune with reality) but I love to run around in the pouring rain and splash in puddles:) I really want a nose ring for the same reason; I dress as a proper sensible girl but that would remind everyone that I'm not that easy to figure out.

Dragonflower says,

Layne, nice response! Thank you for your always thoughtful responses! I've changed by screen name, btw. One of the questions was what would your band name be and I said: Dragon Empress and the Mountain Goats, and I kinda liked the name! I was born the year of the Dragon and am a western horoscope Capricorn (mountain goat). I can't sing though. At all. Really not at all. My daughter does and she's fantastic.

I do believe that people in your school probably look up to you or wish they had some of your qualities. A lot of times people just don't say, and it's not a question you can really go around and ask, is it? In work situations, sometimes they do this thing, where we're suppose go around and say something that we like about another person. I was always surprised aat what people would say about me.

Strss management skills are hard to come by with perfectionists. It's not that we can't manage stress exactly--I bet you are really, really good in an emergency situation. I would guess you stay calm and know what to do (while others are running around, all frantic). I could be wrong though. The stress we put on ourselves is different. For example, just the other day, my apt manager told me a decision I was trying make was "not that big of a deal". It made me feel like I was making a big to-do about something when I shouldn't. But to me, it was important. I told her that too and she backed down. I have learned overe the years, I will never, ever be that easy-breezy type person that everyone loves to be around. I will always be a stress case to things that matter to me. I don't fall apart, I just care deeply. If that makes any sense. Some people can't understand the difference. Especially true, if I have fallen apart at one time. They just seem to always remember that and not any improvement I've made. It's good for you to talk to your teacher and let her know how you've changed. Just like me telling the apt manager that a decision concerning where I live IS a big deal (to me). If you can do that calmly, as I'm sure you can, it will go a long way is helping your teacher see your growth.

My daughter got a tattoo on her ankle when she was about 16 (maybe). Not sure how old you have to be. I didn't know about it. She showed me and was afraid I'm be mad, but she choose something that meant something to her and she put it in a place where it would be noticeable, but not a problem in the future (like for work, or a profession--and not "in your face" kind of place). It was just for her really. And later she got a nose piercing (not a ring) and that surprised me. Her reasons were very similar to yours. Later, she developed a metal allergy, so can't wear piercings anymore. I did something like that when I was in my early 20s. So tame now, but it was big back then! I got an extra ear pierce in just one ear, so I'd wear three earrings (one was a large hoop, the other two studs). Everyone was so surprised because I'm basically very conservative. I liked how that made me feel. Because there is many facets to my personality, but often because I am very studious, polite, convervative, people put me in a box (and never let me out!!!).

You will figure your way, Layne. I really do think you are making great hurdles! (haha, pole vaulter joke). Take care! Have a good weekend. I live near San Francisco, so hope 49ers win! But, they are not my team! I like the Carolina Panthers for a strange reason. They loose a lot and I love to root for the underdog. I've been a fan since 1995. I have a tee shirt and wear it every game. How's that for differnt! Living in 49ers territory and loving the Panthers. People ask, are you from Carolina origianlly??? No, I'm a native CA girl.

Dragonflower says,

Sorry for my typos. My laptop keyboard sticks, and sometimes I don't catch them before I submit comment! (see--I AM a perfectionist!! You probably don't even notice them!) :-)

Layne says,

autumn, I mean, Dragon (love the name change by the way, very unexpected:) it seems like when you wrote your last comment you were in an extra good mood which is always great to read; it lifts my mood as well. (I love that power writing can have!) Ill be sixteen in April and I'm working on my parents letting me get the nose ring. Its great you understand that its just to be different and make people double take.

I actually do like to think of myself as calm under a dangerous situation. I'm certified in CPR and first aid because i think I could definitely help if that help was ever needed. We do these group activities at school once in a while to see if youre a leader or a follower, and I always end up being a leader, which i'm actually very proud of:)

My parents take a trip to aruba every year with my grandparents who have a time share. This year it worked that i got to come too (very special treat!) so i type to you from international waters. I can't use my phone here, so that means no contact with my friends for 5 days. I feel like im in a dream world because I'm so out of touch with my normal life. I dove into the extremely heavily salted water today and paused to listen to the nothingness that the sea yields. Total peace and serenity, being completely alone and invisible, but that good kind of alone that I only have ever experienced under water in the pool after a bad dive at my meets and out on my dock on the lake at night during the summer. I so desperately needed that break, a minuscule glimpse of the summer life I love. I'm a little lonely being one of the only kids here, but maybe ill make friends. We get to watch the super bowl in the pool from a huge projector screen, although I mostly just like the commercials:)

Dragonflower says,

Thanks about the name change. It surprised me too, actually. I just decided without thinking much, it just felt time for a change. I am actually a water dragon in Chinese horoscope, a less imperious kind of dragon; so not a fire breathing, scary power hungry dragon! My daughter's bday is in April also! Are you learning to drive?

See, I knew you'd be good in emergencies! Being certified in CPR/first aid is great. Gives you inner confidence. Pretty sure your stress management will improve over time. My daughter used to get stressed much easier when she was your age. Now she is like a superhero. Stuff still bothers her, but she just can manage it better. So will you!

Aruba had a big earthquake a year or so ago. Have they recovered from that? It sounds like a nice place to vacation. Enjoy your relaxing time away from the usual. Take good care.