Me, From Rosie’s Perspective

Rosie messaged me and asked if she could write a guest post for my blog. I happily agreed, having no clue what it was about. When she sent it to me, I may have blushed a bit before being prevailed upon to post it anyhow. So without further ado, here you go.

To all of Rachel’s faithful readers who slogged through all 23 posts about her family members, wouldn’t you like to hear a little about her, too? Since she’s 25, here are that many things about her.

PC to Gretta

1. Rachel was born sixth in a family whose ages were spread generously out over the years, so she had plenty of older siblings to dote on her. But unlike the proverbial last child (even though her position as the last child was usurped by a surprise baby boy five and a half years into her life, she somehow was still a last kind of child) her cheerful disposition failed to take notice that last children are supposed to be spoiled rotten. Instead she was charmed by life and all the doting did to her was turn her into the biggest, smiliest giver of us all.

2. Somehow she outgrew all of her sisters, and she makes tall look good.

3. No, she doesn’t play basketball. But yes, she can reach that thing on the top shelf for you.

4. She’s proof that being taller than average shouldn’t stop you from wearing heels.

5. In this world of bare, stern, cold minimalism, her apartment is a perfect, cozy retreat. There you can sit surrounded by books overflowing their shelves, and cozy throws and pillows and cheerful striped pineapples on the wall, and COLOR. Her walls and clothes aren’t all hopelessly grey, even though that’s what’s cool now. Her free spirit is her own fashion guide, and she does it well.

6. Despite her maximalism, she’s an organizer to the core. I’ve heard that she’ll come organize your closet for a reasonable fee, and not in the way that involves 1 dumpster full and an empty closet with a sad, lone light bulb shining dismally on the empty hangers. Oh wait, there wouldn’t be hangers, because they’d be in the dumpster, too.

7. She’s known to rearrange the furniture in her room at least once a month. If you plead nicely and maybe promise an affogato, she’ll come to your house and throw things around in a manner that appears haphazard. Somehow, when she’s done, it looks cozy and thoughtful.

8. Rachel is a good friend. Despite being introvert-ish by nature, she’ll gladly give up her evenings to come talk with you over some tea.

9. Have I mentioned that she’s a good friend? She has a way of keeping up with people who cross her path, but not in a demanding way that involves weekly emails to keep the friendship alive.

10. I used to try to be the favorite aunt in the family, but gave up. Rachel always wins.

11. She’s the best at finding small, useful gifts for people and giving them unexpectedly. While the rest of us sit here and wonder what to give a newly five year old boy that has all the Legos he’d want, she pulls out a small headlamp that makes his week. This may have something to do with why she’s always the favorite aunt.

12. She’s determined. Never plan to train for a 5k together unless you want to be thoroughly beat.

13. She has the best closet to borrow from, ever. And she’ll let you freely borrow from it, too.

14. Rachel is not what I’d call a naturally independent, fearless person. Yet she continually does big, scary things, like moving halfway across the country to teach in a community where she knew exactly one person.

15. She’s empathetic, and quick to believe the best about a person, especially those that everybody else wants to look down on. When she was quite little, she had too many dolls to count, but her favorite was her Darling. It was a pathetic little beast with just a flat head and a dress sewn to her neck, but Rachel saw through all it’s ugliness and loved it best of all.

16. While she’s empathetic, if you complain about something that’s in your power to fix, or a boss you don’t like because you’re lazy, or rules you agreed to but still kick at, don’t complain to her. She’ll let you know very kindly to grow up and stop it. Trust me, I know.

17. She’s that friend who will tell you that your deodorant isn’t working and you have poppy seeds in your teeth, rather than letting you suffer unknowingly.

18. She makes a good bridesmaid. She’ll play her part well, and make your whole bridal party look better than average. I know this by experience.

19. If you ask her to help at an event, she’ll do her part, plus stay and clean up once the party is over.

20. She loves books, which in itself is a start to being a good kind of person. If you need a book to read, ask her. She’ll know just what to recommend for every mood.

21. She’s naturally good at music, and uses her talents even though the stage life isn’t her favorite. She’s the person you want on your worship team.

22. She’s a good cook. Ask her to invite you over for butter chicken sometime.

23. Sometimes though, if you’re her sister, she won’t feel obligated to cook for you. Instead she’ll make an amazing meal out of peas and popcorn, and it’ll be just perfect for the occasion.

24. If you want to compliment her, please do, she’s worthy of them all! Just try not to use the words “sweet” or “sunbeam”.

25. But since I’m her sister, I’m allowed to say it. Rachel is a sweet sunbeam.