My Inner Shrimp

This piece was short and sweet. I definitely identify with the author and the vertical challenges he faced as a teen. I too was extremely short in middle school and early high school. I was actually called shrimp by a few people, which makes this essay hit home even more. I like how Trudeau says, "Once you stop being the butt, of course, any problem recedes, if only to give way to a new one." As soon as I surpassed my bullies in height, their new focus was my flat chest. A girl can't win! It is so true how he says that not growing forces you to grow up fast. I had to mature faster mentally and developed a quick wit. I had to compensate for my height with smarts and lots and lots of humor. That humor has stuck with me. I think that being small for such a long time taught me how to laugh at myself and sometimes even turn the laughs on others. I became quick with jokes as a result of being the butt of so many jokes. I take this skill and still use it today as new obstacles arise. I liked this piece and thought that the author did  a good job fitting  a lot of information into a small piece. 

Shaping Up Absurd

Nora Ephron's piece on growing up was very entertaining and hit home. I've always scrutinized my almost size B breasts. First of all, they took years to develop. I was flat-chested until the summer after my freshman year of high school. When they finally did decide to grace me with their presence, they were too small to even make a fuss over. Like Ephron, I felt like less of a woman without them. I saw my friends growing up and getting attention from guys as I continued to get away with ordering from the children's menu at Denny's. Ephron's style of writing was very conversational and slightly humorous. I could visualize her showing up to school with breasts who's size depended on the day. I too have a few padded bras that I sometimes wear for a boost of confidence. Friends have called me out on it as my breasts magically grow a cup size over night or deplete a cup size if it is laundry day. Society has placed a lot of importance on women's bodies and how they should look. This causes us women to do crazy things to strive and fit that ideal image. Many girls struggle with this image and Ephron gave us a peak into that struggle.