Tomorrow marks the day that Mama Hicks went into labor for the 3rd time. I think we can all be thankful for Stephanie and her minimally painful entrance into this world because Mary and Jerry Hicks decided to finish with 4. It was my "ta-da" from Mama Hicks' womb that threw her into early retirement. Poor woman claims she wanted 5. Some may think my mom's claim that I basically "broke her back" during labor is a dramatic claim, but you can imagine how I took being born as a competition. I wanted to make my presence known which provoked me to kick the entire way out. Why? Because I'm an athlete, and I'll accept any challenges whether it be a birth canal or a Chinese Sharpee...
Now that you're sitting on that visual, and confused as to why I'm over-sharing I'm going to shift back to Stephanie and her becoming a year older...
Each year we strive to become more respectful, responsible, mature, and socially aware as humans. Stephanie at the ripe age of 32 has almost mastered each of these, however I have a few gentle reminders/suggestions/hopes I have for her this year:
1.) Compliments: Instead of responding "of course I do, I knew it, I know I'm fantastic" to a compliment I hope she starts pretending to be surprised by her greatness. Perhaps a simple "thank you, that's very kind."
2.) There is a short chaise lounge and a normal 3 cushion couch in our living group. We spend 99% of our time here and tend to "stick to our couch." Seasonally it seems, Stephanie will decide she'd like a different angle on our living room and switch our computers to the other couch. Since living with her, I've come to understand how my kids feel when they walk in to a new seating arrangement Like them, I'm left wondering if all my stuff "made the move," and why she decided to move me. Was my phone receiving too many texts in that spot? Was I distracted by Facebook when she'd speak to me? At least I give my 4th graders a name tag to find their spot, whereas I'm slapped in the face with playing an impromptu game of "Where's Waldo" when I get home from work. Waldo being my laptop and phone charger.
3.) Make that extra effort:
-Throw away pop cans or wrappers instead of strategically placing them in my path so I'll throw them for you.
-Bend down an extra 90 degrees and put your dishes in the dishwasher instead of playing a game of Jenga stacking them in our sink.
-You do put your laundry in the washing machine, but could you just go the whole 9 and transfer it into the dryer? I know it's more convenient that I'll put it in the dryer and then bring it to you when it's done, but I think you're old enough now to complete the cycle.
-Instead of saying "hey, when you get up can you grab me _____." Maybe this year you could just get up and grab it yourself?
4.) Go back to your roots:
Here it is clear our oldest sister is teaching us how to drop it like it's hot. She's the rhythmic one in the family. Steph and I try, but I tend to be more focused on low I can get, and Steph likes to throw in Salsa arms with her hip hop hips. We need to find our roots, and get back to these days, Hicks. They were glorious, and we were highly sought after.
Although these are my hopes, I am also very thankful that my sister is also one of my best friends. You have taught me so many things, and allowed me to become stronger and more assertive in life. You are beautiful, hilarious, strong, live with purpose, and won't apologize for your opinions. For the most part, it's the best knowing I get to come home to you, even if you don't have on your Sunday's best and dinner on the table as I walk through our door ;) Sure, it took us 21 years to become official friends but that was your fault. You were the one who "didn't like that I told on you to mom, wasn't funny, and was annoying." I'm glad you finally came to your senses and recognized my magic, finding me funnier and less annoying. Don't be fooled though. I still tell on you to mom when you tick me off or hurt my feelings.
If you're....
during your 32nd year...?
