Brothers are the Best!

I remember at age 8 wishing that I had a sister so that I would be better at being a girl. You see at age 8, I was not sporting the cutest dress. My hair was not done up in a bow. I was not playing with dolls or playing house. Nope. I was wearing umbros and No Fear t-shirts. My hair was in a perma-ponytail, and I was trying like hell to impress my older brothers. (This usually entailed me cussing or trying to play sports. Note--I was horrible at sports. I was cut from every team by 7th grade. I was even told that I should consider other options besides Park and Rec softball.) In 4th grade, I realized that I was missing some key elements to 1. Getting that ever so important boyfriend to couple skate with at the next school field trip to Skate Country and 2. Relating to the other girls in my grade . While I eventually found the path to being girly (I was a Varsity Cheerleader* and actually bought a dress and some wedges--2pts Becca), I still try like hell to impress my brothers.

Growing up with boys was made me stronger. There are the simple reasons why, like I am not surprised by gross messy boys, I am able to sit through any sporting even and at least look entertained, and I know how to NOT talk about my feelings. I would say there are more complex reasons, but growing up with brothers has taught me that boys aren't complex.

My middle brother, E-Rock, is my best friend. We aren't best friends because we share every detail of our lives with each other.  We are close because he knows when I need a truth bomb dropped on me. He gives me the right advice, not the advice I want. He tells me when I am being  hyper emotional.  Most importantly, he does all of this with out reservations. He isn't worried about hurting my feelings or that telling me the truth will ruin our friendship.  

I don't think we have taken a serious picture since 1997.

Most siblings that are that close have daily conversations about the happenings in their lives. We don't do that and probably never will.  Honestly, those conversations would be very boring as my day to day usually entails a nap and an hour or so of facebook stalking. (Oh crap, just had a moment of self awareness....WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE?) What is special about our relationship is what isn't said between us, and I don't mean this in a ABC Family original series, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants kind of way. I am not going to use some quote that your find in cute cursive on a canvas at a Target, "A real friend is one that you can sit across from and say nothing but know everything." No, it isn't that touching or emotional--it is way more surface level. For example, during a recent visit we went on a run by one of the many lakes in Minneapolis. Upon parking the car, E-Rock asked if I wanted headphones, I remember thinking "thank god we are going to listen to music because my Robyn/Whitney mashup is the only way I am able to make it past half a mile." (Guys, do yourself a favor and listen---This will change your life!-YOU ARE WELCOME!) Just a personal note, I have no idea how people run, talk, push a stroller, stay upright and breathe all at the same time. Anyone that can multi-task like that deserves a Gold Medal. E-Rock does the typical older brother things, he helps me with computer problems, he fixes my blog when I need to ad links or pictures or make too many grammar mistakes, and he helps me with general life issues. But I think it is the simple things like headphones that make him the best brother and friend. 

While I wish still have moments of wishing for a sister, I am more than certain that I lucked out in the sibling department. Both of my brothers have played a huge role making me a strong woman. They have helped me to take life less seriously and enjoy the ride. However, they should of had an intervention about the No Fear shirts and umbros a little earlier. Seriously, what was I thinking? 

*Did you like how I slipped in that I was a cheerleader so you would think I was cool in high school. I WANT YOUR ACCEPTANCE!!!!!

Taubel--OUT!