Happy Birthday, Janelle: 3 lessons you’ve taught me…

Dear Janelle:

I know, I know. You said you didn’t want me to post about your birthday, but you should know me better than that by now. After all, I write about my life, and suffice it to say, you’re a pretty huge part of it, so here we are.

First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You’re the big 29 today, and that fact alone baffles me. How can that be? It seems like it was just yesterday when we were in the living room making elaborate ramps for our Matchbox cars. Or putting on glamorous fashion shows for our Barbies. But, obviously, we’re not children anymore. We’re adults. Where some sisters drift apart as time marches forward, I like to think you and I have only grown closer. I’ll be the first to admit that our life has had its share of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather share this roller coaster ride with. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been through it together. Partners in crime, even. I may be the older sister, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today with you. I’ve learned so much about love and life from you. Don’t believe me? Here are three lessons that top my list…

1. A kind heart goes a long way: You were voted Most Kind-Hearted in elementary school. Do you remember that? You’re always kind to everyone you meet, and I’ve long admired that quality. Not everyone has that sort of kindness in their hearts, so it’s something that should most definitely be treasured when you do find it. After all, the world could use all the kindness it can get. Thank you for being a friend.

2. Giving up is not an option: When you were little, you once stayed outside all day until you’d mastered learning to ride a bike. We were all in awe of your sheer willpower. Over the years — from things like college to exercising — you’ve taught me that persistence really does pay off. Even after Father died, you never gave up. Even through your own struggles, you never gave up. And for that, I am forever inspired. Thank you for being a friend.

3. Be who you are: I absolutely love your quirky self, so please never lose that side of yourself. It’s a beautiful side. You’ve taught me to be unapologetic in who I am and to not care so much about what people think. It’s amazing how freeing it is, don’t you think? And did I mention how utterly real you are? You’re probably the only person in the whole world who I can count on for an honest opinion. About anything and everything. As we say, you always “tell it like it is,” and I’m a better person because of that. Thank you for being a friend.

Happy birthday, sister! You may be my sister, but even more important, you’re my BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world. I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, cuter, more honest friend. Thank you for always being there and for all the good times. Here’s to many more years of good times — and millions of smiles. I love you more than you’ll ever know, Sister Bear!! xoxo

Wise Words From Readers: On sibling advice…

Oh, siblings! What an interesting role they play in our lives. No matter your place in your family, what your childhood vacations were like, who’s smarter or more sensitive, there’s no denying the stamp your siblings leave on you. You might fight, say some not-so-nice words or even vow that you’re never, ever going to speak to them ever again, but deep down, you know that vow of silence won’t last long. And it doesn’t. Because even when we don’t want to admit it, we know we need our siblings close by. They’re always primed and ready with a good dose of advice, too, as you all shared this week…

*The BEST advice I ever got from a sibling is “always be yourself” — so simple, but so important to remember in life — not only when you are young, but through the decades.

*Sell the big house. It will become an albatross.

*Advice on the best stereo components under $200 in 1979.

*Your life mate should be someone you can imagine yourself sitting on a front porch with when you are 85 years old.

*Go tell Mom…she’s calling you!

What wonderful advice! Even though Janelle is the younger sister, I’ve always felt like she was the older one in a lot of ways. She’s so much smarter than I could ever hope to be, and she’s taught me so much about being a compassionate person — especially during all my childhood surgeries. It’s most definitely safe to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her shining example in my life. I hope she knows what a positive impact she’s had on me. Anyway, here’s next week’s question…

Do you have a pet? What’s your favorite memory with them?

Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! :)

[Photos via We Heart It]

Childhood photos (Part 4)

Well, here we are, friends…the last installment of our Childhood Photos series. Today’s picks are sort of a hodgepodge of some of my favorite moments — many of them from the last few years, like the shot of me and Cowboy, my grandfather’s dog, above…that’s how he’d wake me up every single morning…

I miss the days of visiting my grandfather and all the tales he’d tell of growing up in Chicago…

There was that one time we tried to take Harry on a walk…yeah, he didn’t like it. AT ALL…

And if I’ve learned anything from these photos, it’s that some things never change. Like my love of soda pop. Or my seriousness when it comes to any and all desserts! xoxo

P.S. Catch up on all the photos: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Childhood photos (Part 3)

Today’s photos are all about fun! Playground fun, like the snapshots above. My sister and I spent countless hours on the swings, but Janelle was the one who really loved the jungle gym, apparently…

She also loved chasing the seagulls on the beach (and pigeons at the zoo)…

And nothing says we were ’80s children more than Barbies and troll dolls. We were big fans of lining up our Barbies and pretending they were in a fashion show. I’m sure I’m not the only child who did that…right?

What did you do for fun growing up, friends? Do you think kids have it easier these days? What do you miss from your childhood? Let’s chat! xoxo

Childhood photos (Part 2)

Well, today’s flashback photos highlight three very important things…we were pretty big fans of make-believe and dressing up, above…

Janelle was quite possibly the cutest baby EVER…

And of course, we could fall asleep anywhere. Yes, that’s Janelle sleeping next to bars of soap in that last photo. She was obsessed with soap as a toddler and would arrange a row of bars next to her on the floor before she fell asleep…

Did you or your siblings have any quirks growing up? What do you think of them now, friends? I’d love to hear your funny/embarrassing/honest story! xoxo