Change

The Facebook posts of all the things I don't know about my friends are floating around again. I really have no desire to do it myself...I always have a hard time thinking of things my friends don't know. But it did make me think of how I've changed in the last 10 years.

There's no real reason for picking 10. It just seems the most practical, and most of the changes happened within that time frame. So without further ado, 10 differences between Kristin Age 18 and Kristin Age 28.

10. Kristin 18 tried to read The Lord of the Rings for the first time. She managed to read the beginning and end of Fellowship and Two Towers, then succeeded at reading the entire Return of the King in 24 hours. The Return of the King movie also came out the year she was 18. Kristin 28 has read almost every single book by JRR Tolkien and is considered an expert on all things Elvish by her husband and brother-in-law.

9. Kristin 18 started her freshman year at JMU believing she'd graduate, find a teaching job she loved, and teach for decades. Kristin 28 is glad she got her degree, but even more glad to not be using it (except with her own 3 year old).

8. Kristin 18 watched the original Star Wars trilogy with her brother. She enjoyed it, but didn't consider herself a fan of Sci-Fi. Kristin 28 can quote Star Wars, Firefly, and Doctor Who. She's also read a good number of Expanded Universe Star Wars books, has a daughter named Mara Jade, and considers River to be the best name for a girl super-hero. She also plans on taking lessons in swordsmanship.

7. Kristin 18 could barely boil water. Kristin 28 bakes for fun, plans meals a week in advance, uses a bread machine, and is much more adventurous with food.

6. Kristin 18 didn't really watch TV, other than Jeopardy in the evenings (which she was and is quite good at). Kristin 28's favorite (non-sci-fi/fantasy) TV show is FRIENDS. She has seen every single episode, many of them twice. She recently discovered How I Met Your Mother, which intrigues her because it reminds her of FRIENDS.

5. Kristin 18 knew practically nothing about Great Britain, and didn't care much that she didn't. Kristin 28 follows blogs on royal jewels, fashion, hats, and the Duchess of Cambridge. She knows the family tree of the British royals back to the reign of Queen Anne, and probably a bit further though the Stuarts aren't her strong point. She thinks British television is superior to American television (Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and Doctor Who!) and would happily move across the pond if they weren't so socialist.

4. Kristin 18 did not under any circumstances speak in public. Kristin 28 speaks up if she has something to say and has spoken in front of a large crowd a few times, including her graduation from JMU.

3. Kristin 18 had a list of 40 things she wanted in a husband. Kristin 28 has a husband that checks 39 out of the 40 things on the list.

2. Kristin 18 thought video/computer games were stupid. Kristin 28 thinks that video/computer games, EXCEPT the ones based on Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, are stupid.

1. Kristin 18 cared far to much about what other people thought of her. Kristin 28 desires to please God and her husband. Everyone else liking her is just icing on the cake.

How have you changed in the last 10 years?