Things I can't grow out of...

Today I read an interview with Kevin Smith on Newsweek.com. It's great. In it, he discusses how his career has enabled him to continue being a teenager throughout his adult life, and how the mediocrity of his latest films has put into perspective the fact that his teenage side is fading away. (To which I say, just give them more chances! I loved Zach & Miri, and the more you watch Jersey Girl, the better it gets, and Clerks II, wasn't so great, but still!)

Anyway, this article got me thinking... about my teenage/college years and the things that have stuck with me almost half my life (trust me... the road to 30 is bringing back all sorts of nostalgia, it's only 6 months and 14 days away. *Which means Christmas is only 6 months and 13 days away, so get planning!) So... here's a list of things that have stuck through my teen years into adulthood:

Food:

1. Dipping Wendy's French Fries in Frosties. Chocolate Frosties, back when there was only one flavor and one word for a Frostie.

2. late night overnight snacks, these delicious tidbits always make me yearn for a Slumber Party: Brownies with Powdered Sugar (Thanks Beth), Puppy Chow (thanks Anousha), Twizzlers, and canned Nacho Cheese.

3. Pizza Hut White Sauce... you can't find it in Des Moines, which is one of the biggest disappointments of my life.

4. Dill and Greek Food... thanks to Mary Ann Tahmasebi for her fabulous cooking. Because of her, I was never afraid to try something new, especially when it comes to Greek Food. I could live on Greek Spaghetti, and now love Dill (from the rice she used to make Iraj) and eggplant. Also... I eat Ham (I know, I live in Iowa, but I swear I never liked it until Mary Ann's Virginia Baked Ham.) And don't get me started on her restaurant, Maude's... my family had some of our best meals (food and conversation) there. Maude's made me a better tipper, along with Anousha's help.

Media:

1. Natural Disaster Movies: Twister, Dante's Peak, Armageddon. I am in love with the big screen concept of "Man vs. Nature." Wouldn't Ms. Boyd be so proud!

2. Romance Novels. Beth introduced me to the "trashy novels" and I've never enjoyed a breather from real life more. Usually quick reads, most of these books get a bad rep just because they are a shelf away from the Harlequin romance section. Still my favorite (and possible my favorite book ever): Remembrance by Jude Devereaux. Read it. now.

3. Television. TV hasn't been great in years. There are the grabbing shows still but nothing like what used to be. ER, Friends, and yes, even Dawson's Creek, these shows captivated us then, and we still spend hours watching reruns now.

** a special note: I love JJ Abrams. He created Alias, possibly my all-time favorite TV show. Definitely the only one I love to watch on DVD. Abrams populated Alias with cast members of Felicity, the great characters, not the annoying main characters. And he truly seems to enjoy these actors. Alias was on for 5 seasons and the look rarely changed at its core. Love all the characters, but I still intellectually swoon over Victor Garber (Jack) and David Anders (Sark.) Can't help it, they are delicious. But seriously now, for me, Abrams went from Alias to LOST, one of my current addictions, and a tons of his actors went to Heroes, another current addiction. And then there is his directorial deliciousness, Star Trek (11). Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. My entertainment junkie alter ego is seriously thankful for JJ Abrams.

Others:

1. Cooking... I'm still addicted and keep trying new things. I love it, I love to have people eat what I create. It makes me happy when they like it, it's a little high for me.

2. Art... I am still very creative. I just don't have as much time as I used to. I still paint some, but more often I decorate cakes and other things....

I'm sure there are more. I'm more into clothes and makeup than high school, but I have retained my glam-Gothic makeup trends from college. I enjoy them every so often. :) I hope this hasn't bored you, but has inspired you to evaluate who you've become... and if things ever really change all that much.