Oftentimes in the lives of young adults, years give way to outward change. A new haircut, weight gain, taller, a distinctive facial shape, new piercings—just to name a few of the many possibilities. And when you don't experience these changes gradually through constant, face-to-face interaction, with an understanding of the whys and hows of the changes, they can come as a shock when you see that new profile picture. This shock not only includes the initial surprise, but also many assumptions and ideas. We seem to take these changes we see in the pictures of our friends and use the outward to redefine the inside. Now that he looks stronger he must be cooler. Now that she wears all black she must be depressed. Now that they have those glasses they must be turning into nerds. In reuniting though, all is turned around, and we realize how, despite the new glasses and dyed hair, despite the work-out selfies and the ripped jeans, these people are still the same as the ones you knew a few years ago. The same personality, the same funny laugh, the same smile. Through experiences their interests or beliefs may have changed and certain aspects taken new form, yet at the core, they are still the same people.
Stairs
My sister and I were walking around on Hollywood Blvd. during this break one afternoon. We entered a building of which I do not know the name, but apparently it was pretty well-known, especially among the Chinese couples that we saw wandering about taking pictures. The staircase seemed to be the most popular photo location and we had to weave around all the people taking pictures of each other on the stairs. We supposed it was some famous staircase (maybe for red carpet events?) because of all the tourists. But to us it just looked like a plain old staircase, with some pretty details at could've been found in plenty of other buildings. It is amusing how something so plain can become famous simply because of what has taken place there in the past. his knowledge makes it special—but what if we don't know or forget? It suddenly declines in value. So what if we knew more people better? Would we hate less and love more?
Fire
I find it interesting how fire—something people often have a negative association with—is exactly what we often use to celebrate the start of the new year or what we have on a summer evening. Suddenly, when it's "safe" (even though that includes the many who get injured by the fireworks and bonfires), we like it and use it for fun. Normally, we'd call 911, but on certain occasions it's ok. Isn't that strange?
