T MINUS 11 DAYS

It's that time of year when we begin the countdown to my birthday. Poised here on the brink of my 28th year, I find myself rather nostalgic. Nostalgia, however, dear reader, is not to be confused with panic, fear, or horror, otherwise known as the trifecta of emotions that have possessed my parents in these days leading up to my birthday. Another partnerless year for me, in their opinions, means that I become that much more entrenched in spinsterhood.

So, while the 'rents are freakin' FREAKING OUT, I'm poring over old albums to remind myself of the kid I used to be. A dear friend has said I'm obsessed with my childhood and has attempted to psychoanalyze the whys of this apparent obsession from me. Yes, I'm fascinated by how I--or anyone else--am shaped by my earliest experiences and, luckily, I'm able to conjure decades-old memories with ease. That being said, I don't think I'm obsessed with the past.

In any case, I thought that for this year's birthday countdown, I could share with you photos of a young Nerd. They won't be posted in any particular order. I'm going to start with the following photo because it epitomizes the hamminess of my earliest years. Plus, I LOVE the dress I'm wearing.

So check it: