Today there was a conversation about that wonderfully unique time Of life when some kids decide to try to reinvent themselves between 8th grade and freshman year. I’m not sure entirely what drives it, but now that I’m through with it, it’s fascinating to watch.
Teens, much like humans, want to know where their tribe is.
For me, I was bent on being “punk”; a far reaching goal for a middle class kid growing up on a ranch in Cottonwood.
I remember my undercooked brain making very conscious decisions to try to be noticed as weird, but still feeling like I was going to get found out as being poser weird. (Hey, brains really are still developing at 14,..cut old me some slack).
My world revolved around it. Choosing only to listen to music that hardly anyone has ever heard of, trying to wear as many rubber bracelets as possible, making sure my bangs hung in my face, intentional sullen looks, fuschia pink highlights, the whole nine ridiculous yards.
Putting in my best efforts. Wondering if I passed.
Then it happened! I was at Carl’s Jr on Cypress, wearing my finest “I’m weird” regalia, right down to the red beret. The employees were having a judgy conversation. With disgust; one said to the other, “We’re getting more of these punkers.” She curled her lip and gestured…towards me!!!I’d made it!
In those days, I was pretty sure that no one else was struggling to find their niche. Turns out, lots of teens want to be different just like everybody else (bwah ha!).
So, if you know the kids doing weird shit as teens to figure out who the heck they are; ride it out. They may be tomorrow’s quirky adults in the making!
Bifocals and Barbells 