When I was eleven years old, I saw a PBS special on small pox and became fascinated with diseases. I wanted to learn how everything in the human body worked so I could avoid diseases like small pox. The library had anticipated my interest, because the next time I went they had put up a huge display in the lobby. The sign said you could protect yourself from diseases. I picked ten random books from the display and went up to the library counter to check out. The lady at the front desk started asking me questions about my books.
“Honey, does your mother know you are reading books about sexually transmitted diseases? These are kind of big books for a little girl”.
I was insulted. How dare she tell a grown 11-year-old like me that I was a little girl? I told her that my mother let me read whatever I wanted. Driving home with Mom and the brothers from the library, I wondered if I would really be allowed to read anything I wanted. Just to be on the safe side, I hid all the books in my laundry basket and only read them when I thought Mom wasn’t watching me. I think about it now and laugh. Yes, I was a very mature 11-year-old.
Update on my challenge
Tonight we had chicken stuffed with green chilies and cheese on top of a bed of asparagus and potatoes. I felt like I was real chef when I put it on the table. There is something fulfilling about making things yourself.
my 13 day challenge 