Friday, June 20, 2008

Crazy College Confessions

On my new sexy radio, I seem to be migrating back to the '90's Alternative channel. Nirvana, Live, Concrete Blonde, Radio Head- this music is cathartic to me, I can't help it.

In High School, I listened to pop music, was a cheerleader, had a boyfriend, got good grades, and, frankly, put myself to sleep. I was in college in the early
'90's. It was an awakening of my soul- does that sound corny? I don't care, it really was. I became who I am today from 1990- 1994, the real me.

Up until that time (and probably, to an extent, now) I was what I thought I should be. As a student living away from home, with all the liberties to do whatever I wanted; I did whatever the hell I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted... there were some discoveries of great love and some grave mistakes, some that I regret, some that I am glad I did, and some that I learned from... here are just a few:

* I don't smoke. When filling out my paperwork for my dormitory, I chose a "smoking floor". I thought I would have a better chance of rooming with people that were "cool".

* Daughter of an alcoholic, I was never a fan of drinking, I guess I had been "branded" that drinking was "bad"(which, certainly it is for some; many). However, in my young, scattered mind, I justified drug use was a better option. It never became an addiction, but was a crutch at times and I often credit getting pregnant with my son for giving me a reason to stop.

* I worked for a "cool" skater shop and was really into grunge. I wore Birkenstocks, bought all of my clothes at second hand stores and pierced my ears as a past time (at last count, it was 17, I think).

* I applied for the 2Nd season of The Real World. I filled out a 20 some odd page application and made a video. We traveled all around town and had a blast making it! I loved The Real World, New York, but in hindsight, I'm glad I didn't get anywhere with it because season 2- Los Angeles, sucked! I would, however, sell my music collection and maybe a kid for a chance to get that video that I sent them- I miss all those people!

* I was in a sorority (this may seem contradictory, but I am complex). I dabbled, actually. I rushed, I went through the pledging process and Hell Week. I quit the night of initiation, honestly, I couldn't afford it!

* I dated a guy that was the bass player in one of the major bands from the area. I was in the "in crowd" during that time. On all the "lists", no cover charges, dedications, blah, blah, blah- I thought I was the shit, I wasn't. Oh yeah, I wasn't even 21 yet, I made my own fake ID.

* I wanted a tattoo and wanted it on my ankle, but wanted to test it out first. Do you remember the trend of cartoon character tattoos? OK, I knew people that had Underdog, Tweety Bird, and Bugs Bunny- I got Pebbles Flintstone on my hipbone, back when there was a visible hipbone. Funny story... I was thin and not modest, maybe even a slight exhibitionist. I had gone swimming and on a whim, went to the tattoo parlor- wearing a bikini! It was located next to a strip joint named "Foxy's"- obviously a class joint and I fit right in! 'Big Jake' was a, well, big, hairy, jolly man with , what else, many tattoos. He did his artistry on my nearly naked body and I was really happy with it until my first pregnancy stretched out Pebbles' bouffant!

* About a month later, I was sick of pulling down my pants (to show off my tattoo on my hip). I got another one, a sunflower, I know, GAY! But it was on my ankle. Do you remember how popular sunflowers were? I drew it myself (which is one reason why I still don't hate it), I was one of the first people I knew to get one (or two), and it reminds me of a fond time in my life (which is the other reason why I still have it- I only wish that the cool guys at Miami Ink could whip into something that doesn't scream 1990!)

I'm going to stop getting all nostalgic on you and go host a Camp Rock party! Stay tuned, I will post highlights.

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7 comments:

The Mom Jen said...

Great memories, I would have never guessed Cheerleader and Sorority girl at all!

DQ is watching Camp Rock this very minute!

Unknown said...

Yeah, I'm with the mom...cheerleader? Sorority? You are just too cool for that! lol I think it's important to sow those wild oats at some point...except, it's not okay for MY KIDS!
~Christy

Ann Harrison said...

Pebbles bouffant!!!
(Can we get a picture of that?)
I relate to the nostalgia. In my heart I will always be 26. ***I'm so-o-o far from 26***

Unknown said...

This is awesome! It reminds me an awful lot of that same time in my life, except that instead of going to college, I drove across the country with my rocker boyfriend. Which, actually, taught me a lot. Like what a creep he was.

Tiffany said...

Damn I was gonna do a post about my tattoos. Now I'll just look like a copycat. LOL Or I might do it and link to you and give you all the credit. HAHA

Soge shirts said...

I much prefer grunge music today over the crap that is on the radio. Rock now a days is pretty much dead. If only Kurt Cobaine was still here.

Mrs4444 said...

Very enlightening, Tena. :) Thanks for sharing these. Do you remember Yes Duffy, from the Real World? My niece is marrying him in September (in California; I get to go again!!)