Growing up, my sister and I spent a lot of time together because she was the one that always babysat me while our mom was working. But that drastically changed when she became pregnant at 17. Our relationship completely changed because instead of her always being around me she was suddenly not there as much, and I think being only 4 when she was pregnant it was difficult for me to understand the whole situation. As a kid, I know I loved my baby niece but at the same time I was in a way jealous because before that I was the center of attention with my sister. Being so young at the time my sister got pregnant, our relationship was forever changed in a way; it brought us closer and separated us at the same time.

I wish I knew how truly permanent a tattoo or piercing was. Not that I didn’t know what permanent meant, but I wish I truly understood the concept that while it would stick with me, unchanged, for life, I would most certainly not remain unchanged. Skin shrivels and moves and droops, so your accessories should accommodate those changes, not go along for the ride.

“Mommy!” followed by a pillow pet thrown at your face, isn’t exactly the “normal” way to be woken up in the mornings. This may seem silly and not that bad, but it takes a toll on me when it happens EVERY morning, especially after a long night of studying. The mommy life I wanted so bad five years ago is definitely not what I expected it to be. You see, I had this fairytale of how perfect, amazing, and happy my life would be if I had a baby.