Comments (149)

1. 1. I am only 23. I don’t think enough things have changed in my life yet since I was 15.

   2. I am with you on the grocery store thing but mine also extends to sidewalks, hallways, stores, basically anywhere people can walk. Why people choose to dig through their stroller or hold conversations in the middle of where everyone is walking is beyond me! MOVE TO THE SIDE! How hard can that be? I am usually the passive aggressive person who says “Great place to stop” as I walk swiftly by.

   posted by Katie Rose on 3-26-2010 at 1:05 pm

2. 1. I would be surprised to find out that I am married and have children. I always said I was not going to do that… and didn’t for a long time. We would have lunch at the Brown Derby. It was about the best thing around back then.

   2. Too many things. I am working on it, though. Just today something happened that I had to take care of that made me crazy, but now hours later I can’t even remember what it was. See? It’s not important, so stop freaking out about it!

   3. A vendor shipped gourmet brownies to a co-worker who is out of the office until Monday. I called her on her cell and she said, “Just eat them and share them!” It was so nice of her to share.

   posted by Hyacinth on 3-26-2010 at 1:05 pm

3. 1. that I’d be a recovering alcoholic – lunch at the Carousel in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

   2. people who say “also, too” – it’s redundant, folks!

   3. my husband picked me up from an event last night so I wouldn’t have to take the bus

   4. Kate Bush vs. Tori Amos – The Smackdown!

   posted by Michael on 3-26-2010 at 1:10 pm

4. Oh! Awesome questions!

   1. I would be shocked that I am married and have children…and also that I turned into such a square with a boring job. (Maybe it’s time I become friendly with my 15-year-old self again and shake things up!)
   2. When someone noisily and persistently sucks the food out from between their teeth. That is way beyond pet peeve for me…it drives me up a freaking wall. Also, I have to listen to this sound for at least an hour or so each day at work.
   3. The last time somebody did something unexpectedly nice for me was last night – my husband baked me a cake for my birthday! I’ve never had a man bake for me before!
   4. I would love to see a documentary about the development of WoW.

   posted by Jen on 3-26-2010 at 1:11 pm

5. 1: That I’d be married to an accountant and working as a church secretary living in suburbia. I think I would really scare myself. Definately eat at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. Best Mexican food ever!

   2: People in grocery stores drive me nuts, and I’m right there with you on the cart thing. One of my biggest things is people parking in handicapped spaces when they’re not handicapped. I’m waiting for the day.

   3: My husband gave me a great back massage last night. I desperately needed it.

   4: I’d like to see a documentary of a week in the life of a church secretary. You have no idea what kind of crap we have to deal with. BTW, my dream job is a librarian or archivist in a museum.

   posted by tinkerschnitzel on 3-26-2010 at 1:12 pm

6. 1. We would have lunch at a tapas place so my younger self would get some experience outside of the fast-food reality of my teenage diet. He (younger me) would be most surprised that I turned out to be a high school teacher because he (I) hated high school so much.

   2. I hate it when people hold out their hand to shake yours and then pull their hand away and rub it through their hair. It makes me what to slice the person’s Achilles tendonds with rusty garden shears.

   4. Along with the high school thing from #1, I would like to see an accurate objective documentary made about the state of education in the United States these days, both positive and negative.

   posted by Walter on 3-26-2010 at 1:14 pm

7. @tinkerschnitzel, I feel your pain. I worked on a church staff for three years. I was so stressed that my husband had to take me on an impromptu vacation to Hawaii. That was a really nice thing someone did for me once (just not the most recent)!

   posted by Hyacinth on 3-26-2010 at 1:18 pm

8. 1. Wow, just one? I had a whole different view of myself and of the world when I was 15 (who didn’t?) so I think my 15 year old self would be impressed with how independent I have become.

   2. When people abbreviate “please” to “pls.” I really can’t explain it but it makes my blood pressure rise when I see it.

   3. I once mentioned in casual conversation how much I liked this small restaurant near work. A couple days later a co-worker brought me a gift card to said restaurant… she had been given it as a gift and she doesn’t like the type of food they serve so she gave it to me and I ate many delicious lunches there!

   4. Even though there have been several already I love watching anything on Stephen Hawking. The man is fascinating and an example of the potential of the human brain.

   posted by BorgQueen on 3-26-2010 at 1:19 pm

9. 1. My younger me would find it surprisingly dissappointing that I have “let my self go” physically, socially, and emotionally and that I have never attained the acheivements/accomplishments I know I am/was capable of. We would probably be eating at McDonalds.

   2. When checking out at a store the person who ignores the 10 or 15 item limit rule in the express checkout and then waits until the checker is finished to open the purse/wallet to get out the coupons and start filling out the check.

   3. It’s been so long I can’t remember the last time someone did something nice for me.

   4. I’d love to see a documentary on how a commercial airliner is completely dissassembled, examined, repaired, cleaned, and reassembled (called a Heavy C check) in the course of a week. I used to work at American Airlines in Tulsa where this took place and it was always facinating how small and fragile most pieces (except the landing gear) really are. Another intersting part was what they would find in the “blue water” when it was drained. You’d be amazed.

   posted by JJ on 3-26-2010 at 1:20 pm

10. 1. the most surprising thing would be who i am married to…i had such a crush on him at 15 he was the bad boy rock star. Married 10 Years in june. We would eat at sbarro’s (best pizza ever)

    2.Anywhere people walk…What ever happened to just simple courtesy? everybody walks with an attitude these days and its either side step them or get a full body check.

    3. This past christmas was a rough one. My children sometimes attend a church close to our house and they took it upon themselfs to sponser my kids. i recieved a phone call about a week before christmas from the pastor requesting a meeting with me. Thinking one of my kids had acted inappropriately i went to see him. when i arrive i was shocked to see an entire room FULL of presents for my 2 girls. Needless to say after many tears and thank yous my girls had a great christmas.

    4. i would love to see an honest unbiased documentary on shamanic medicines

    posted by Gina on 3-26-2010 at 1:20 pm

11. 1. That I changed careers at 47 years old to something completely unrelated to anything I had ever done before.
    2. People who sit at the ATM while they fill out their paperwork, making those behind them wait. I want to back my car up and ram them into the next city block. Of course, I do not. I sit there, silently waiting, reminding myself I don’t want to spend the next few years of my life appealing an assault conviction. Ditto for drive-up mailboxes.
    3. I had been out of work for a while, and after relocating for a new job, my money situation was grim. My sister bought me a new washer & dryer (a gift!!) so I wouldn’t have to go to a laundrymat.

    posted by CG on 3-26-2010 at 1:23 pm

12. 1. My 15 year old self would be absolutely gobsmacked that I am not married yet. At that point, I was convinced I would be married and on child #2 by the time I hit 30. I was way off! We’d definitely go to Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches in Providence. I’ve been going there since I was 10 and have never lost my love for it.

    2. Thinking about it, I am in awe that I have held it together with all of the pet peeves I have. (Hm, maybe that’s why I’m still single at 30!)

    3. A co-worker offered to drive to lunch, so I wouldnt have to give up my prime parking spot. :0)

    posted by Heather on 3-26-2010 at 1:29 pm

13. @JJ, it’s never too late. Start the new you today. It’s obvious you’re in pain, or having a really bad day. I hope it gets better for you.

    posted by Hyacinth on 3-26-2010 at 1:32 pm

14. RE #3:

    My sister went into the hospital last week so my son and I drove up there. Everyone was camped out outside her dept for most of Wed when she had her surgery. My son was antsy and hungry so we chanced the cafeteria, which only took cash.

    Well, visiting an ATM had not been foremost on my mind the last couple days so I was down to like $13. We got our food and it was a little over $13, like $13.34 or something. Other people were in line so I was deciding what to put back when the guy behind me paid that extra money.

    It was something very small and probably incidental to him but made a big difference to me because I was super stressed, not only for my sister but my son was also hyper and in my face, other people were in line, etc…

    Re #4:

    I already have my dream job: giving ideas to m_f and actually seeing some of them become articles, even really popular ones like the Twilight Zone one. Too bad I can’t get paid for it because money is always good :-D

    posted by Sarah in CA on 3-26-2010 at 1:34 pm

15. 1. that I would become chronically ill at age 22 and at age 44 still have more bad days than good-
    2. I hate it when people read things outloud to me that I’m perfectl capable of reading myself (like jokes) and also people who tell LONG rambling stories. Narrow it down people.
    3. My sister came and cleaned my house for me today. It almost made me cry becaues cleaning is difficult for me.

    posted by Hermoine on 3-26-2010 at 1:34 pm

16. 1. That I wouldn’t have kids yet maybe. Or that I live in Wisconsin even though I grew up in Europe.

    2. It dirves me crazy when people at work talk to you in bathroom in between bathroom stalls. It is so awkward and unnecessary.

    3. Yesterday afternoon my cousin from out of town stopped by my work and gave me two pictures she framed of us for my desk. That was a total surprise and so thoughtful of her.

    4. I would love to see a documentary made about the high price of being a gay couple in the United States as mentioned in this NY Times article http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/your-money/03money.html . I would hope it would open people’s eyes to the unfairness of it all.

    posted by Emma on 3-26-2010 at 1:36 pm

17. Hah, I think I read #4 wrong before I submitted my answer, oops!

    posted by Sarah in CA on 3-26-2010 at 1:36 pm

18. My 15 yr. old self would be mad at me for not having gotten a part-time job and getting farther in my college applications already. (I’m 16).
    And we would eat in my kitchen. I’m broke.

    posted by Lucy P. on 3-26-2010 at 1:40 pm

19. These are exceptionally good questions this week!! I’ll have to give them thought!

    But I just wanted to let you know this is my favorite article to look forward to each week! Thank you for breaking up the monotony of my work week with these questions to get my brain juices flowing!

    Keep up the amazing work!

    Recaptcha: Nixon-Ford mutinies <– Uh oh!

    posted by Drina on 3-26-2010 at 1:41 pm

20. 1) Well even though it has only been 4 years since I was 15 I would go with the job I am working at. I love it but I said I would never work for the hospital but now I do :). o the irony.
    2)Well I agree with you on the stopping in aisles where you cant move I also cant stand people popping their gum. Yikes!
    3) This cute waiter gave me a slice of chocolate cake for free for no reason :)

    posted by Lissa on 3-26-2010 at 1:42 pm

21. 1. Not much has changed, but we would eat at PF Changs of The Phoenix.
    2. Use your blinkers people.
    2. If you take your kids to a restaurant, control them, and don’t leave glasses full of ice and coke turned UPSIDE DOWN on the table like people in my section did last night.
    2. If you are incapable of controlling your kids, leave a little more than $3 as a tip.
    2. If you are getting married in your early 20′s, do your bridal registry at some more reasonably priced places than Williams-Sonoma and a jewelry store. Nobody wants to give their friend a 25$ cake pan as a present, but they will if they have to.
    3. My sister has frequently given me rides too and from work since my car has been in the shop.
    4. Freddie King

    posted by Beau on 3-26-2010 at 1:44 pm

22. Recaptcha: blossomed whackier. How appropriate!!

    1) My 15-year-old self would be astounded that I’m a happily married mainframe programmer, father of 2. I was the biggest computer phobe EVER. Never wanted a family. We would eat at Paradise Too, a great, now gone, Mexican joint.

    2) People who walk through a door, then stop to carry on a conversation, blocking the doorway for the rest of us. Makes me want to kick ‘em out of the way. Hard.

    3) My wife does nice things all the time. I’m spoiled. (Take note, 15-year-old me!)

    4) Documentaries we’ll never see: what goes on behind closed doors in Washington. How do things get so screwed up, and who’s to blame??

    posted by Jon on 3-26-2010 at 1:44 pm

23. 1. I’m only 23 too, but 15-year old me would be shocked to find out I’m moving to NY in a month. And that the guy I’m going to meet randomly in the Minneapolis Airport a guy from NY and that 5 years after meeting he would move to South Dakota to live with me for a year and that we’d be moving to New York together. Still hard to believe, and I’m living it.

    2. Inefficiencies. Ugh. It drives me completely bonkers when I see someone doing something ‘the hard way’. Even if it doesn’t effect me whatsoever. It’s just..they’re wasting their own time and wouldn’t they want to save some of it?! Grrrr

    3. The last time someone did something nice for me…..It’s sorta sad that I can’t think of anything. I’ll just say my mom handed over the title to my car! So now I own my own!! That’s pretty big for us. lol

    4. I love documentaries!!! So one I would like to se made…I like behind the scenes docs. So some behind the scenes in filming, like how do they do the special effects (that aren’t computer done) would be amazing!!

    AND AS ALWAYS…THANKS FOR THE GREAT POST!

    posted by Drina on 3-26-2010 at 1:47 pm

24. 1. I think everything would be a surprise to the younger me. Where I work, where I live, everything.
    2. Noise drive me crazy especially at night. I hate the sound of load music coming from cars, honking etc.
    3. I moved recently and to my surprise my Aunt bought me a ton of new stuff. She spent a fortune and didn’t have too.
    4. I’ve always wondered about the inner day to day working of the White House. Like where are the groceries are bought, who buys the First Family’s personal items, do they get junk mail like catalogs? Things like that. The White House is a house after all.

    posted by Chris on 3-26-2010 at 1:49 pm

25. 1. 15 year old me would be shocked that I live with a boy who is not my significant other. My parents were very against the idea (Still are), and would never have dreamed of doing something so against my parents’ beliefs. When I was 15, I lived in Germany, so we would eat at a restaurant called Schnitzel Hous that THE best schnitzel I’ve ever had. EVER.

    2. I HATE when people poke me. It’s not really a big deal, but for some reason, a poke sends me over the edge like nobody’s business. I get instantly irate, just like when I bite my tongue/cheek mid chew. Instantly irate.

    3. My aforementioned roommate cleaned the toilet. The same guy who lets the dishes pile up for a week after we have no clean forks. Just cleaned the toilet for no reason. It was awesome.

    4. I would like to see a documentary about people who were written out of history. I am related to a (once) famous revolutionary war hero, Colonel Tye, but he was an escaped slave who fought for the British, and was effectively written out of history. I’d like to hear about more people in his boat.

    posted by Shash on 3-26-2010 at 1:50 pm

26. 1. I think my 15 year old self would be shocked that I’ve ended up in a boring profession. I was so sure I would be a great actress or a novelist. We would definitely be eating at Pagliais pizza in Charleston IL.

    2. I tend to get irritated by many things while driving, but I’d have to say my two worst peeves are people who don’t understand how to use turning lanes (just get in them and get out of my way!) and the people who just mosey across a parking lot lane sideways so that you can’t continue down it.

    3. Not the most recent, but one of the most memorable nice things done for me happened after my husband wound up in the hospital on the way home from a vacation. We hurried home to get him to our local hospital, and didn’t even stop at the house. I came home two days later to find that family members had cleaned the house top to bottom and stocked our fridge. It still brings tears to my eyes to this day.

    4. I’d love to make a documentary on the intelligence of pets. Anyone with a furry member of the family knows that they are not dumb creatures.

    posted by Jamie on 3-26-2010 at 1:51 pm

27. Thanks Hyacinth for the nice thoughts but now I have to go back and change my answer to #3. ;-)

    posted by JJ on 3-26-2010 at 1:54 pm

28. 1. I’d probably be most surprised that I got married and had kids. When I was 15 I was pretty sure that that could never happen.

    2. There are a few things. I don’t like it when people spell my name wrong. One would think I’d be used to it by now but I’m not. Also I can’t stand it when anyone, like, say, my young son, or the cat, starts messing around with the laces of the shoes I’m wearing, no matter how playful the intent.

    4. The Jim Bouton Story.

    posted by Matthew E on 3-26-2010 at 1:55 pm

29. 1) My 15 year old self was in rehab for an eating disorder, so I think it would be cool for her to see that I’m ok now. I didn’t think it would ever get better back then. I don’t know where we’d eat- that was a touchy subject in those years :)

    2)When people use text speak. My father, who has a masters, a well paying job, and is generally a very smart man, is the worst offender. “What R U doing? Call me l8tr.” Really dad? REALLY? You’re 56.

    3) The guy I’m seeing brought me allergy pills today because I ran out of mine last night. That might have been more for him than me so I won’t snot all over him on our date tonight, but still..nice.

    4) I like any “behind the scenes” stuff. Behind the scenes of some of my favorite kids shows – Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, or pretty much anything SNICK or TGIF would be really cool.

    posted by Caitlin on 3-26-2010 at 1:57 pm

30. 1. I think my 15 year old self would be surprised that I haven’t kept in touch with the friends I had back then. And also that I would find my fiance at a Halloween Party. I always thought I would meet the perfect guy at work. We would go eat at Baker’s.

    2. It drivs me crazy when people don’t turn on their blinkers when turning, changing lanes, etc. Car manufacturers haven’t stopped putting them in vehicles so use them every once in a while! Oh man I’m already getting worked up just thinking about it.

    3. My fiance and I do nice things for each other all the time. I love that whenever I get out of the hot showers I take, he brings me a glass of water without me asking for it. My co-worker this morning also gave me some baby girl stickers so I could decorate my gifts I’ll be giving at a baby shower.

    posted by Colene on 3-26-2010 at 1:58 pm

31. 1. That I’m married and grown-up-y at 25. I didn’t think I’d get married before I was around 30 (and this didn’t change until I was 22, hahaha). Fortunately I’m still a big kid, so it wouldn’t be too bad of a shock. Also that I actually have confidence. That would have been a big surprise to my 15-year old self.

    As to where we would go…someplace with good tacos.

    2. People who walk slowly on the sidewalk, in the subway station or at the train station, taking up too much space to pass without being rude. I have places to GO, people!

    3. One of my coworkers recently struck up a conversation with me at my desk (not a coworker I talk to often) and asked how things were going. When I mentioned I finished grad school she got all excited, congratulated me and said she was proud of me. It was pretty random, but much appreciated!

    4. A documentary on how nerds can be normal, sociable people. Don’t know where that came from, it was just the first thing that popped into my head! :)

    posted by Kate on 3-26-2010 at 1:59 pm

32. Great questions this week!

    1. That I would own my own house at age 24. I always had the goal, but I think my 15 year old self would be surprised that it actually happened. And that I would end up working at the college that I always wanted to attend.

    2. When people are walking in a hall and then suddenly stop. For no apparent reason, they just stop, which causes a cluster of people behind them to pile up and have to try to figure out if they are going to start moving again or if they should try to find a way around them. Its a pain, and I deal with it daily. UGh.

    3. My friend burned me a 3-disc set of Elton John music, complete with hand-made cover art and a track listing. That was really sweet.

    4. I would like to see the progression of someone’s life, from beginning to end, with explainations of all the health-related things happening with them at the time (ex. how the brain is developing at this stage, how his body composition is changing at that stage, etc). I think it would be interesting to see, from conception to death. But it would have to be narrated by David Attenborough.

    posted by blackglasses on 3-26-2010 at 2:07 pm

33. 1. So much I could say on this topic, but I’ll use this one. The love of my life (or so I thought at 15) was arrested in 2008 for compiling an arsenal and planning to attack his Austin, Texas workplace. I never would’ve imagined he had that in him.

    2. Again, so many pet peeves, so little time. Here’s one: if you’re waiting to get on an elevator, for the love of Pete, let people exit before you enter.

    3. My husband has made me milkshakes every night this week. There’s a sentimental thing with us and milkshakes, so it’s been really nice.

    4. I can’t think of one that I’d like to see, but I will say that I’m really enjoying “Life.”

    posted by Carol on 3-26-2010 at 2:09 pm

34. What does it say that so many of us would be surprised we were married, and that we’d go eat Mexican food?

    posted by Kate on 3-26-2010 at 2:10 pm

35. 1. I’d be surprised that I am managing a bank branch and we would definitely eat at the Mean Pig BBQ in Cabot, Arkansas.
    2. Most of my pet peeves are driving-related. People not knowing how to merge, etc.
    3. Some stranger in a restaurant bought lunch for myself and my wife.

    posted by BobBruff on 3-26-2010 at 2:16 pm

36. 1. I think my 15 yr old self would be surprised that I am no longer suffering from depression and anxiety… that I live a happy and fulfilling life without medication. We’d have lunch at The Riverwalk in Naples, Fl.

    2. I hate it when people run the fork across the tips of their teeth when eating.

    3. I was in a car accident last week and 2 people stayed to give statements to the police officer.

    4. I would like to see a documentary on the history of drug runners in the Everglades. Perhaps a documentary on the fabled Skunk Ape.

    posted by sjms on 3-26-2010 at 2:17 pm

37. 1a. My 15-year-old self would be shocked to see that I’m still alive, since I never imagined myself living past 40.

    1b. I would not be surprised by my profession (lawyer – I said I’d be a lawyer when I was in 1st grade), or that I’m married (inevitable), or that I have only one child (who is exactly like my 15-year-old self!), but would likely be surprised that I still live very close to where I grew up. I always thought that I would get out of NJ and settle in California – but, alas, I’m still here (and so are the rest of my siblings).

    1c. We’d probably eat at home.

    2. People talking on cell phones while driving – some day, I swear, I’m going to run one of those idiots off the road!!

    3. Months ago, I briefly mentioned, in passing, that I liked an obscure beer, that’s not generally available in my area. Out of the blue, my sister, who happened to be passing “near” the place where the brewery is located(like 75 miles out of her way), picked up a case and handed it to me when she came to visit for the holidays.

    4. I would love to make a documentary about hiking the Appalachian Trail, end-to-end. In the alternative, I’d make a documentary about the best stadium food at all of the major league ballparks around the country.

    posted by David on 3-26-2010 at 2:18 pm

38. 1. I have often said 15 year old me needs to get smacked upside the head. Hard. He needs to quit watching Star Trek, and stop talking about it. No one else cared.

    GET A LIFE 15 year old me!

    2. Yesterday I almost got myself in a bit of a bind. I work in downtown Houston, and I walk every day around the downtown park. Yesterday there was someone walking the other direction talking to his friend. As we were passing I heard him drop the ‘F’ bomb. My inner parent came out and before I stopped myself I said, “Naughty word!”

    I immediately realized it was a mistake, he turned and said, “WHAT?”, I just kept walking. Smart move, I didn’t get hit.

    3. I was scheduled to go on an organized bike ride tomorrow. My wife is out of town, my Mother in Law was going to watch the kids. We found out last night she had to leave town because a friend of hers passed away. I was ready, but disappointed, to skip the ride when one of our friends offered to keep the kids. We have such good friends.

    4. Documentary on James A. Garfield.

    posted by Witty Nickname on 3-26-2010 at 2:22 pm

39. 1. I’d take myself out for Thai food, which my 15-year-old self would not yet have had but would most likely be eager to try. (Get the crispy duck pad thai, 15-year-old self! I promise, you’ll love it!) She’d be unsurprised that I work with the Internet, but surprised that I went from sedentary and overweight to a competitive athlete who gets up at 5:30 every morning to work out. And she’d be shocked to know I live in sin with someone I’m not married to.

    2. Anybody who listens to their ipod on the subway and cranks the volume so that everybody around them is subjected to their music.

    3. A woman I volunteer with and I were talking about how hard winter is on the skin and I showed her where my hands were cracking from dryness. The next time she saw me she had a little tube of hand cream for me that she clamed was “miraculous.”

    4. I’d love to see a documentary about notorious cinematic fiascoes – who thought they’d be good ideas, what went wrong.

    posted by Jess on 3-26-2010 at 2:25 pm

40. 1. My fifteen-year-old self would be surprised that I’m now married. I honestly thought that would never happen, having been unpopular in both high school and college.

    2. I hate when people call me “Jackie.” I have NEVER EVER in my life referred to myself by that name. All notes and emails are signed “Jaclyn.” When I introduce myself to people I say “Jaclyn.” So it really irritates me when people just *assume* that I want to be called something else.

    When I meet people and say “I’m Jaclyn,” they will reply “Nice to meet you Jackie.” I used to be wimpy about this, for fear of being rude, but lately I’ve been more assertive, and will immediately correct the person, repeating my name for them. My husband is also quick to correct people on this, as it annoys him too.

    My boss once remarked that when people call me “Jackie,” I get a look on my face like I want to strangle that person. If that’s true, it’s not intentional, but it does reflect my feelings. Why does this annoy me so much? For one, like I said, it’s the assumption that I want to be called something other than what I introduced myself as. If I meet someone who calls himself “Michael,” then I will call him that, unless he tells me otherwise. I won’t just assume that he wants to be called Mike.

    The other thing is, to me, “Jackie” is almost a different name. My whole life, my family has called me Jaclyn and that’s what I’m used to. That’s me. Jackie is some other name.

    posted by Jaclyn McKewan on 3-26-2010 at 2:26 pm

41. 1) I would have lunch with my 15-year-old self at Einstein Bro’s Bagels and have a cinnamon sugar bagel with most of the cream cheese scraped off. And then my 15-year-old self would be shocked that I don’t live in my hometown, that I married a redhaired man who owns a theatre company, that I love to cook, and that I wear clothes that not only fit but are pretty.

    2) When people think it’s okay to casually lean on stranger’s trucks and/or leave their trash in the truck bed. NOT OKAY. I don’t lean on stranger’s cars or leave my empty fastfood containers on the trunk of their cars.

    3)My husband brought me ice cream when I was having a bad day. My husband is amazing.

    4)A documentary on young hipsters and their tragically hip lives. . .

    3)

    posted by Andrea on 3-26-2010 at 2:32 pm

42. 1. Dear 15 year old me, What people think of you in High School is not really that important. So have fun and be yourself. In 10 years, no one will care that you were the prom queen.
    2. Meltdown at the park over bad parenting, or teenagers interfering with the joy of other children. I often verbally accost offenders.
    3. My daughter’s friend’s mom made a full meal for us when I had my son. I didn’t know people still did that sort of thing, or that anyone would be so unselfish as to slave over ribs, and homemade mashed potatoes and cookies, for someone they barely know.
    4. The sociology of 4 Way stop Signs OR one about CHildren who have been placed in foster care due to substance abuse or domestic violence, following those who were reunified, and those who weren’t.

    posted by Jenny on 3-26-2010 at 2:34 pm

43. 1. My 15-year-old self’s world would probably fall apart if he learned that at age 38 I came to terms with my sexuality and “came out”. Though, as an adult, my childhood has made a lot more sense in light of this realization. We would probably make a homemade pizza together.

    2. I get irrationally infuriated when I encounter a retiree or homemaker (with kids or not) who is wasting my and others’ precious lunch hour time by deciding to visit fast-food establishments at their peak lunch crowd time. For some reason they are always overwhelmed by the intricacies of the menu and the complex ordering process involved…and they have questions! Just say “I’ll have a #3″ and be done with it! You’ve got all day to pay the cable bill and get lunch and I’ve got one hour. From 12:00 to 1:00, you are confined to your home.

    3. A woman with a cart full of groceries offered to let me get in line ahead of her. I refused and we had a pleasant chat at checkout.

    4. I would love to see a documentary about adults with Aspergers’ and Autism.

    posted by dagnabbit on 3-26-2010 at 2:35 pm

44. 1. I would tell myself to drop the “I’ll never grow up attitude.” I’m an adult now and LOVE it. I do what I want when I please, enjoy my job, and still get to play soccer. Bandito Burrito, AL
    2. When people stand too close to me in line. I don’t like my personal space to be invaded by strangers. I did get a little better about it after visiting other countries.
    3. My boyfriend surprised me with a giant Gigi cupcake.
    4. Documentary on my adopted dogs life. I want to know why she’s such an odd ball.

    posted by Kelsey on 3-26-2010 at 2:36 pm

45. 1. That I moved to Texas and have been happily married (to a Texan!), for over a year now. I don’t think I would have expected either of those as a teenager in the Mid-Atlantic states. We’d have breakfast at the diner around the corner my father used to take me once a month before school.

    2. Death-Before-Signaling seems to be the motto of many in this area. Blinkers are free, use them!

    3. I recently bought our first home (actually, we close today!), and my coworkers suprised me with a rather comprehensive set of tools as a housewarming gift.

    posted by RPILiberty on 3-26-2010 at 2:37 pm

46. 1. 15-year-old me would be surprised that I’m divorced and now an unofficial stepmom to my current partner’s 2 kids. Young Me had a lot of experience with divorce and stepmoms, and was not a fan of either! She’d be surprised how happy I am with being both of those things. We would totally eat lunch at Donovan’s in Melbourne, so I could tell her that she could also look forward to traveling to Australia and other wonderful places.

    2. Can’t really narrow down my pet peeves, but not using a turn signal is a big one. Also, squeaking through a red light at the last minute. Wait your g-d turn!

    3. My coworkers gave me a gift certificate to a massage for my birthday this year, after a really rough couple months at work.

    4. I’d like to see a day in the life of an extreme right wing tea party supporter, warts and all. I genuinely do not understand that way of thinking at all, it scares me, and I want to know why it’s happening.

    posted by Tarn on 3-26-2010 at 2:41 pm

47. 1. My 15-year-old self would be amazed and thrilled to hear that I’ve been to Europe 14 times. Trip 15 coming up in 2 weeks. I sooooo longed to go to Germany when I was 15, and thought I’d never be able to afford it.
    2. A neighbor’s barking, barking, barking dog. Gawd, people: can you not freakin’ here that annoying piece of …?
    3. A co-worker gave me a small, stuffed tiger (for the Chinese New Year). She’s someone I recognize, but don’t even know. She had been given the tiger at a “fest” in our company’s cafeteria. I said, “Oh, I’ll have to go down later. A friend of mine is a ‘tiger.’” She said, “Here. You can have this one.” Wow!
    4. I love the day in the life of the White House idea. And, like someone else said, any behind-the-scenes or how-things-are-made movies are fabulous.

    posted by Rachel on 3-26-2010 at 2:42 pm

48. 1) That I work full-time for the summer camp I loved when I was 15. We’d still get sushi. Loved it then, love it now.
    2) So many pet peeves… people who insist on using self-checkout at the grocery store but either have a cart-full, or can’t figure out how to use it. people who walk slowly. people who make mouth noises. the word “chillax.”
    3) I got a thank-you card from someone I interviewed. Small gesture, but very sincere.

    @Caitlin – my dad, a physician, uses text speak, too. and he has an iphone! Isn’t that harder to do w/ an iphone?

    posted by G on 3-26-2010 at 2:45 pm

49. 1. The most surprising thing would be how fat and non-active I have become as a 29 year old. I’m 6’1 but weigh 255 pounds. At 15, my eating habits were horrible (potato chips, soda, fries, burgers, etc.), but I was very skinny because I spent so much time running around playing sports and other games. But as I got older and less active, I gained a lot of weight. We’d eat anywhere they serve salad. Hopefully I could scare myself straight into eating better at an earlier age and keeping the weight off.

    2. People texting or doing something on their phone while walking and not paying attention to what’s ahead of them. I end up having to move aside so they don’t bump into me. Sometimes I feel like just letting them walk right into me. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a pretty big guy, so they’d take the brunt of the hit.

    3. Although it was my birthday, it was unexpected to get a present from my coworker. We almost never exchange presents; usually we’d just have pizza or go out to eat together. I was so shocked. It was actually 2 presents and both were very thoughtful. One was a note cube which I still have and whenever I look at it, it makes me feel all warm inside.

    4. I doubt this could get made due to all the secrecy behind professional wrestling, but I would love to see a documentary about wrestling. I’d like to see what really goes on behind the scenes, how much of the fighting is rehearsed, how are the storylines thought out, the real life relationships between the wrestlers, life on the road, etc.

    posted by Kedar on 3-26-2010 at 2:45 pm

50. 1) The 15 year old me would be very surprised that my body did not bounce back after childbirth. Never saw that coming.

    2) Noisy eaters or people who make a noise after take a drink of something. Specifically, I’m talking about a throaty “aaahhh”. Yay, your refreshed…no need for sound effects.

    3) My neighbor apologized to us for coming unglued at what she thought was our dogs tipping over her smoker containing a bunch of sausage. She didn’t believe my boyfriend that our dogs weren’t home until she saw me pull up with them in our SUV. It may sound silly, but it was good of her to apologize instead of just sheepishly realizing she was wrong.

    posted by Jana D. on 3-26-2010 at 2:50 pm

51. 1. my 15 year old self would be shocked to learn that i moved across the country by myself for my first job. and that it has been surprisingly easy and horribly difficult at the same time. she would also be pleased to know that her 15 year old friends are now my 21 year old friends. we would eat at whataburger, of course :D

    2. since i started living alone, i’ve become more and more particular about the way i place things in my apartment. hand towels, the order of the plates in my cabinets, which pillows can and cannot be smooshed on the couch. spacial awareness is a big hot button for me.

    3. it’s sad i can’t remember. yesterday i gave my building’s security man a cupcake.

    4. it’s already been made, but i just want to recommend “king of kong” — i am not a huge video game fan, but it is fascinating the lengths these enthusiasts go to prove their dominance in donkey kong.

    posted by Laura on 3-26-2010 at 2:50 pm

52. 1. My 15-year old self would be surprised to know I’m sitting in a cubicle. Lame.
    2.I can’t stand when people mis-use “you and I” or “me and him”, etc in a sentence. Example: “Me and Bob went to the store”. It should be “Bob and I”! I’m not usually sensetive to grammer mistakes, as I’m sure I make plenty myself. But for some reason, that one annoys me!
    3. Someone went out of their way to hold a door open for me this morning. It’s the little things…

    posted by Unicorns United on 3-26-2010 at 2:52 pm

53. 1. I’d probably meet at Salvatore’s so I could find me, but then I would tell myself not to buy that Trans Am in York, a better one for the money will show up a week later. Other than that, don’t worry, life does just keep getting better so don’t sweat that bad things now.
    2. Hard to say about any particular not really a big deal behavior that drives me crazy, people in general tend to simply piss me off with their natural stupidity. For example, I work in a government office, and for whatever reason, my number is the one people tend to find when they want just about anyone but me. Here is a rough transcript from an actual call I had:

    I want to speak to the person in charge of right to know.

    We don’t have a program called right to know, I’m not sure what you are looking for.

    Right to know, it comes under the Freedom of Information Act.

    We don’t have a designated person for inquiries of that type, what is the nature of the information you are looking for so I can transfer you to someone who can help you.

    I’d rather not divulge that information at this time.

    Well then there is no way for me to direct your call to someone who can help you if you can’t divulge what it is you are looking for.

    Well I just don’t think I should be telling you, is there someone else I can talk to about this?

    If you don’t give me any information before I transfer you to someone, I will only be able to transfer you to any random individual. If you’re not sure you should be telling me anything, how can you be sure that who I transfer you to is someone you should be giving any information to?

    If you just give me an idea of what type of information you are looking for I can direct you to the right person.

    I’ll have to get back to you on that.

    Uhh…yeah, and thank you for calling the psychic hotline

    3. I went to a video game convention and a lady in front of me and my friends gave us a coupon to get in at a discount.
    4. The documentary I would love to see is “How Wayne Won the Powerball”

    posted by Wayne on 3-26-2010 at 2:54 pm

54. 1) I would take my 15-year-old self to Einstein’s Bagel (my favorite place at the time) and have a cinnamon sugar bagel with most of the cream cheese scraped off. I would then shock my 15-year-old self with the knowledge that at 26 I would become a proficient cook, marry a man with red hair like me who owns a theater company, I would not live in my home town, I would have my eye on a PhD in art history, and that I go to the gym with aforementioned redhaired husband.

    2) When strangers casually lean up against my truck or leave trash in the truck bed. NOT OKAY. I wouldn’t dream of treating someone’s car like that – why is it suddenly “okay” when it’s a truck?
    Also, easily preventable grammatical errors, such as abusing “your” and “you’re.”

    3) My husband brought me ice cream after a bad day. My husband is amazing.

    4) A documentary about young hipsters and their tragically hip lives.

    posted by Andrea on 3-26-2010 at 2:55 pm

55. Bah, I posted twice after thinking my first post didn’t go through. Stupid slow internet connection. . .

    posted by Andrea on 3-26-2010 at 3:01 pm

56. 1. My 15 yr self was very depressed and I’m not sure how much I’d want to talk to her. She’d be surprised that I’m not dead (very depressed) or at least married (no middle ground here 30+ equaled married). Also that I’m single and independent and pretty happy about it. We’d go to Los Tios, it’s still my family’s go to restaurant.

    2. I will not hand you a controller after you’ve been playing with your feet.

    3. my co-worker brings treats unexpectedly.

    4. documentary on color theory and choices in branding

    posted by Vanessa on 3-26-2010 at 3:04 pm

57. 1. I would be most surprised that I wasn’t a scientist or engineer. I would kick my own a## to make sure that I got the grades to get me to college and make that so. We would probably eat lunch at Maxie’s. I loved that place.
    2. I wish this was more specific. I would have less stress. Rudeness lights my fuse. Cutting in line, speaking too loud in public, being bumped the person doesn’t say excuse me. Even more so in kids.
    3. I was in a fender bender recently and the cop was going to, incorrectly, give me a ticket. The other person involved stood up for me and I ended up not getting a ticket that I didn’t deserve.
    4. A real survivor type documentary where people really had to survive. If you voted someone out, you still had to support them and they would just be a drain on the rest.

    posted by Ralph on 3-26-2010 at 3:04 pm

58. 1. I think he’d be most astonished by the fact that I’m madly in love with that fifth grader he (as a high school freshman) knows… or more likely, by the fact she likes me, too. :D As for eating, I believe Pancho’s Mexican Buffet was still alive here back then, so I’d raise the flag once more on a guilty gastronomic pleasure.

    2. I cannot abide to hear nail clippers in action. Don’t ask me why, but you would be able to see it in my stress level without a blood pressure cuff, pulseox meter, or anything. I’ve literally run down the block to escape the sound. (Then again, can anyone call it not that big a deal, hehe?)

    3. I could go with the easy answer, that my beloved treated me to lunch before returning me to work after I assisted on an errand today. If you consider that too close to expected, then I suppose I’ll have to go with yesterday, when the CTO popped his head in and gave me half of a *delicious* sandwich he’d just picked up from Whole Foods (as he wasn’t going to eat the whole thing, anyway).

    (If you want a non-food-related anecdote, well, you shouldn’t have me, then, eh? ;)

    4. I can’t top JJ’s, so I’ll just second it.

    posted by CJ the Happy on 3-26-2010 at 3:07 pm

59. 1. That I would have a Masters in Library Science. My mom’s a librarian, and I swore up and down I’d never become one! Also, I’d be surprised I don’t have a “real” job yet. I’m almost 29, and between going to college, grad school, and having three kids, I don’t have a career. I am working on it, though. Getting lots of certification in network security and architecture, getting my teaching certificate.

    We would eat at the Chart House on River Street, Savannah. We’d have mud pie and Irish coffee, as well as some fab seafood.

    2. People sucking their teeth or sniffing really loudly kill me. Get a toothpick or a tissue and BLOW YOUR NOSE!!!!

    3. My five-year-old took my plate into the kitchen after dinner. We make everyone clear their own dishes, so it was a nice surprise!

    4. I don’t know; I like all kinds of documentaries, so I’ll just say, surprise me!

    posted by Tamsyn on 3-26-2010 at 3:10 pm

60. 1. The most shocking thing to the me of 12 years ago would probably be that I would move to California and become a vegetarian. And 15yo me and me would *totally* go to either Parma Pierogies (I know it’s closed now, but if we’re going back in time I should be good) or Mama Santa’s in Cleveland’s Little Italy. Those are the two places I miss most since leaving home.

    2. I’m with you and Katie Rose on people blocking walkways. It’s infuriating! Just take a half step to the right and you’re not bothering anyone! A close second is people who talk on cell phones while they are being waited on at a restaurant or store. Beyond the fact that I don’t need to know about that growth on your rear, it’s rude to the employees who have to wait for you to shut up so that we can all move on. Our local butcher has a policy that if you are on the phone when your number is called, you forfeit your place in line and have to get a new number. I really wish more places could/would do that.

    posted by Katie on 3-26-2010 at 3:11 pm

61. #2. How about when a big group of people are walking toward you down a tight hallway, and they refuse to disturb their grouping to let you pass.

    posted by Jason on 3-26-2010 at 3:11 pm

62. 1.My 15-year-old self would probably be wowed that after growing up in a home with an alcoholic Dad that now I’m an actually capable, though probably not “great,” Dad to my 4-year-old son. Also, that my wife is actually hot. Eating place: QDoba or Lou Malnati’s.

    2. When I’m looking at something at any store, am standing close to the shelf(ves), and I see this arm reach in front of my face to grab something where I’m standing without the common courtesy to say “Excuse me.” Not to mention, can’t you wait the :15 d@#^ seconds until I’m done looking before you BARGE IN on my personal space? Zero class, some people. Apparently no one’s taught to wait your turn patiently any more.

    3. I figured out who it was eventually, but one day I walked in to my building, over to my cubicle, and saw a brand new leather office chair (featuring my favorite NFL team) in place of my old chair with a big white bow on top. I had no idea it was coming, did not expect it, and am sitting in it now.

    4. Either Walter Payton or Bono.

    posted by DeMutz on 3-26-2010 at 3:11 pm

63. I would tell 15 year old me that I wear a tie to work and that I (we) eventually get laid.

    I hate when I explain something to someone or ask them something and they stare at me blankly for a second and then go “What?” My blood boils when this happens.

    I had a long planned vacation to go back home and see family and at the last minute I found out that my vacation days at work were never approved and my co-workers all chipped in for me and covered my schedule so I could still go.

    I wanna do a documentary about the local drug trade in small Texas towns. I wouldn’t glorify it but the glimpses I had of it growing up had the potential to showcase some very dramatic and powerful stories.

    posted by Patrick on 3-26-2010 at 3:12 pm

64. 1. Great question -almost too much to answer.. as a rather ‘quiet and shy’ 15-year old, I learned (after college) to overcome shyness, open up and talk to people, let some personality come out, and people would really like to know me/us..

    4. Documentary I’d see — either on the Scientologists or the Maharishi University in Fairfield Iowa.

    posted by John W on 3-26-2010 at 3:12 pm

65. 1. My fifteen year-old-self would be surprised that my current self is getting married. I am only 20, but when I was fifteen I did not think I would find a future husband. Which is funny because my fiance and I started dating a year later when I was 16.

    2. I hate when people are rude and loud to waiters. Example: This past Sunday, my family went to lunch after church. This one lady beside us was being so rude. Everyone could hear her. It was so annoying. I felt bad for the workers.

    posted by Chelsea G. on 3-26-2010 at 3:15 pm

66. 1. That I haven’t left Iowa yet (soon, so soon).
    2. One word e-mails and/or texts. Seriously? I doubt that one word was really necessary. Even worse – just “k.”
    3. My friend drove me to work this morning so I didn’t have to call a cab or ride the bus.
    4. I’d like to see more documentaries about SPACE. Dork.

    posted by Anna on 3-26-2010 at 3:17 pm

67. 1. Oh, wow.We’d eat at Flakey Jakes, a great hamburger joint that used to be in Tempe, AZ. I would tell myself this: don’t give up. Hang on. It’s going to get really, really bad-horrific–and then it’s going to get better. And making it to the better is so worth it. I wouldn’t tell myself much of anything else, as it would change who I am today. I’ve fought hard to get here! :)
    2. It does “burn my biscuits” a little when people come to work who are so *contagiously* sick, and they sit there for a two weeks, hoarking away to the point of throwing up, and then brag that they don’t go to the doctor. There’s no badge of honor for getting the rest of the office sick!
    3. The local grocery store is having an anniversary give away, and the cashier gave me the people before me tickets to enter, as they had left them behind. We’re talking about 10 bags of groceries, possibly!:)
    4. I’d love to see a documentary on the Rio Puerco disaster. So many lives affected, and such a blatant example of the government’s policy of hush hush.

    posted by Helenann on 3-26-2010 at 3:20 pm

68. 1. My 15 year old self would be really surprised that I am still alive and actually happy with my life. I was a very depressed and suicidal teenager.

    2. People who think only about themselves by being rude and insisting everything must be about them and for their benefit.

    3. A coworker brought me a casserole when I was home sick.

    4. A docmentary about brew pubs.

    posted by Rebecca on 3-26-2010 at 3:26 pm

69. Here’s another take — things I’ve done nicely for strangers recently…frankly it’s got to stop sometime!

    I was driving to work – a young person bumped me (a little hard) from behind. We stopped, no visible damage, I didn’t take their name or info and told them ‘Be Careful!’.

    I gave one of our tickets to Alice in Wonderland to a stranger who was short one ticket.

    I’m coming in to WORK almost all Saturday for a bunch of volunteers and retirees. I should be painting a room at home..

    I’m no saint.. these things just happened.

    posted by John W on 3-26-2010 at 3:27 pm

70. 2. Spelling errors on the internet. People… there’s a spell check if you’re not sure how it goes. Use it!

    posted by Anna on 3-26-2010 at 3:28 pm

71. 1. Wow… There are a lot of 23 year olds on here! Well, I, too, am 23 but I would tell my 15-year-old-self that A) you don’t have to be depressed all the time. there is help and it’s okay to get it. don’t worry about the stigma of mental health. there’s help you can get, and get it NOW, because sadly there’s more to it than you think and if you don’t, you will regret losing the rest of your childhood to depression and bipolar 1. also, if you do this now it will better prepare you for B) you will fall in love with “Noah” very soon and he will break your heart because he can’t see what he is doing to himself and how that affects those around him. you can do one of two things: 1) pray that you forget about him and you lose your feelings for him or 2) tell him EXACTLY how you feel on march 30, 2004 IN PRIVATE so that maybe you can save him from himself. C) you look prettier than you think. after high school you will gain a little bit of weight and then look back at your old photos and realize this is true so plan for this not to happen. D) make friends with C. C. and R. S.. I know C. C. is shy and you can’t stand R. S., but just do it!!! you’ll thank yourself later! E) When you graduate from high school and your parents offer you a choice between a trip somewhere or a party for your gift, choose the party. that trip will never come. ever.

    We would have this jarring discussion over either thai food or at Ozeki noodle for some good sushi.

    2. I don’t like it when people feel they are entitled to stuff that isn’t just because they are a man/woman/rich/white/black/poor/old/disabled/aveteren/famous/gay/etc… especially if they have an attitude about it.

    3. I had a problem with a game online and so when IT got back to me, they gave me a lot of bonus credits to spend in the game. That was nice.

    4. I want to see a documentary on delivery workers. Postal workers, UPS workers, FedEx, DHL, pizza delivery, movers, heck, it can even include ice cream truck drivers, garbage truck drivers… they all go different places and see different things everyday. How do they get into certain buildings? What kind of obstacles do they face on a day-to-day basis? What’s the worst place they’ve had to deliver something to? I know a garbage worker and he finds the craziest things in the garbage! Some of it brand new stuff! Sometimes it’s in such good condition that he brings it home with him! I think that would be neat!

    recaptcha: hitherto year

    posted by Elise Rivera on 3-26-2010 at 3:32 pm

72. 1) I would tell my 15 year old self about finding a fantastic man at 21, the scoop on panic attacks, since I always had them and never knew what they were until I was 20, and that I should just have as much fun as possible. I would take her to my favorite Chinese place, since I hadn’t quite learned how awesome it was yet.

    2)People who smoke. I hate smoking, and it really bothers me when my friends and I are relaxing outside and someone sits next to us and smokes. Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean that it doesn’t bother people.

    3)A girl complimented my nails yesterday. She probably didn’t think twice about it, but I was having a mixed day, so it really cheered me up.

    4)A documentary about the wonder of Mental Floss, of course! The rise of nerddom.
    3)

    posted by Kieran on 3-26-2010 at 3:35 pm

73. My 15 year old self would be surprised that I am married with 2 kids at 33, and that not only am I currently a ‘housewife’ but that I actually enjoy it. (Well–all the non-cleaning parts.) But I think she would be glad to know that everything turned out ok since at 15 I had just transferred to a new school in a new town. We would eat at a very nice, high-end restaurant that my 15 yo self would never have been able to afford.

    I hate people who don’t acknowledge it when you are talking to them. And then when you repeat yourself say “I know! I heard you!”

    The other day my mom bought me a package of my favorite candy for no reason. A very sweet and happy surprise.

    I would like to see a documentary on the comparative success rates of those who go to college immediately after high school and those who wait a few years.

    @Heather–Geoff’s rocks!

    posted by Kate on 3-26-2010 at 3:38 pm

74. 1. My 15 year old self would probably be shocked that I still live in the same town as then. I always wanted to leave, then I did leave for a couple of years but all I wanted to do was move back home. Now I love it here (not that I didn’t before, but when you are 15 there is always something bigger and better). My 15 year old self would probably be pretty pissed that we couldn’t go to our favorite pizza restaurant because her 26 year old self is now allergic to wheat and gluten!

    2. I get REALLY annoyed when people are constant texters around me. I just think it is really rude. I mean- you wouldn’t be on the phone constantly when you are hanging out with someone else, so why would texting be ok??? I also don’t like when these text addicts have the sound turned on on their phone so every key stroke makes a noise. I feel like I will turn into Hulk when this happening. AND- I despise when people tell me all about their dreams. My best friend always wants to tell me about her dreams and I really could care less! Everyone has dreams and most of them are usually weird and don’t make sense, so why do you feel the need to give me a play by play everytime we talk??? OK, now I’m done and I feel better.

    3. Last week at work, my coworker brought me my favorite order from Starbucks just because. It made my day.

    4. There probably is one already, but I would like to see a documentary about abandoned and unaccounted for nuclear weapons and facilities in the former Soviet Union.

    posted by K on 3-26-2010 at 3:42 pm

75. 1. I have started keeping a journal since my last b-day in october. i am in my mid-20s. more than one entry wishes i was still in my teens. i think if my 15 year old self saw what my life was like he would fly off to neverland and hide.
    2. Lack of movie theater manners really bugs me. I really dont like the people who disrupt it either intentionaly with a cell phone or accidently with bring a child in. I now have a 1yr old and i refuse to take him with me to the movies because i dont want to be that guy that is the disruption.
    awesome recaptcha: but unknowns

    posted by AWS on 3-26-2010 at 3:47 pm

76. 1.That the acne is gone – replaced by a rough weathered-look…:0) That I would have a family and raise a daughter! A Hamburger at Rickey’s Restaurant…same lunch every day during my senior year in High School.
    2.Any “background” music. Any music that I didn’t, myself, choose to hear.
    3.My friend Freddi drove me to a gig (I’m a musician), helped set everything up, filmed the gig and helped tear everything down and then drove me home…
    4. A documetary of how America changed (alas for the worse) from, say, 1974 up to the time George Bush came swaggering in and slinking out…not to mention how the Reagan years changed America in ways that not many people get, it seems. And how about one about how interesting melodies seemed to vanish from “popular” music and how “music” became so visual…and for almost 20 years! Or they steal a melody and talk over it….hello?

    posted by Spiro on 3-26-2010 at 3:47 pm

77. 1.) Not just that I had a child and am now married for the second time, but that got married the first time at 19. *insert forehead smack* My much starter and wiser 15 year old self would have been very disappointed in my 19 year old self!

    2.) People who insist on driving in the left lane on highways. I get so frustrated with people who don’t drive in the right lane and leave the left lane for passing. In the last couple of months, I’ve learned to swear in time to my Them Crooked Vultures album.

    3.) This morning, my hubby emptied the dishwasher while I was in the shower. It was unexpected because he’s done it the last few times and, really, it was my turn!

    4.) I’d love to see a documentary about my paternal grandfather. He was 24 years older than my grandmother and, with his brother, homesteaded in Alberta, but he died when my dad was only 12, so I’m sure there are lots of lost, interesting stories!

    posted by Beth on 3-26-2010 at 3:49 pm

78. 1. B’sghetti’s in Carson City, NV (Best spinch and artichoke dip ever, anywhere)…she would not be surprised by the fact that I am still nerdy and klutzy but would probably be offended by the fact that I got married and had a baby rather than going to Europe. Oh! And that I can cook!

    2. Every other darn thing annoys me, but I definitely can’t handle anyone who wines after the age of 18.

    3. My mom is taking me to see George Strait tonight… (!)

    4. I’d love to see a documentary from my autistic three-year-olds point of view.

    posted by Accidental Vegetarian on 3-26-2010 at 3:50 pm

79. 1. That I’m not settled and love it.

    2. Eating apples in public and an inability to use the self-checkout aisles in a speedy manner.

    3. Someone I’m not terribly close with vowed to stand behind me over a hot-button issue at work.

    4. The inner thoughts of a receptionist. Could be the most hilarious documentary ever made. A lot of us have been there, but haven’t been able to say what was on our minds.

    posted by Liz on 3-26-2010 at 3:51 pm

80. 1. 15-year-old me would be shocked to find out that I became an engineer and work on an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. I was still firmly convinced I was on the ballerina track at that time. Also, that dating would become easy and fun when I got to college; high school was definitely awkward and brace-faced.

    We would go to Whattaburger in Russellville, AR, then have dessert at Shakey’s frozen custard.

    2. I saw someone else mention it, but people who are rude to waiters really bothers me. Also, people who belittle their spouses to others. Really, what does that say about you? You picked him/her!!

    3. My husband gives me copious foot massages. I am so spoiled.

    4. A documentary on life in the Middle Ages would be really interesting. Where people lived, what they wore, what they ate, average life expectancy, etc. I’d be interested in every class level, from serfs to kings and everyone in between.

    posted by Erin on 3-26-2010 at 3:52 pm

81. 1. The 15 year old me would be surprised about how I don’t worry near as much about things that I can’t do anything about. The 15 year old me was way too serious and worried over events and things that I shouldn’t have been. Age and experience has mellowed me for the better. Probably be eating at Pizza Hut or Johnny Rockets.

    2. The only thing I can think of is when people go to restaurants and cop nasty attitudes. People, you have NO idea what kind of power the wait staff serving you food have.

    3. Two people let me into the lane as I was merging left during rush hour this morning.

    posted by Marketcap on 3-26-2010 at 3:56 pm

82. 1. i’m 24, if i’d have lunch with my 15y/o self i think i’d be more surprised that i’m still in school and i’d eat somewhere expensive just to impress myself.

    2. i walk fast. i hate it when people in front of you are walking so slow and stops at almost every once in a while especially in a crowded area. one of these days i’d trip someone like that.

    3. a few days before my last birthday, i went to a team dinner with my boss and co-workers which was a part of team building or something. when i got there, they had a cake and 2 dozen of roses for me. it was so sweet.

    4. i don’t really know… i’d like to see a documentary about the evolution of mtv or something pop culture like that…

    posted by sam on 3-26-2010 at 4:07 pm

83. 1) I think 15 year old me would be shocked as hell about a lot. I’m not married, not wealthy, still 10 lbs overweight. Also, I think she’d be shocked about the fact that I’m REALLY happy with myself this way:)
    2)I HATE HATE HATE HATEHATEHATEHATE when people change lanes in an intersection. It was on my driver’s test as ILLEGAL. Don’t know if it still is, but regardless, it’s stupid.
    3) My staff buys me candy when they’re out; they say it’s to keep me from yelling at them but really I know they’re being sweet.
    4) I would love a documentary on shelters and the reality of stray animals in America. That way all the ignorant jackasses who don’t spay and neuter their animals and allow them to preocreate would see that for every puppy of kitten they breed, they are PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE for the death of an animal in a shelter. (Sorry for the soapbox:))

    posted by Dara on 3-26-2010 at 4:10 pm

84. 1. that i am still alive.
    2. people who get in line at a restaurant without knowing what they want and then wait until they get to the order-taker to look at the menu then take ten minutes to decide what they want. don’t get in the line until you know what you want!
    3. a good friend helped me out greatly in planning/giving a recent oscar party.
    4. a documentary on the making of “sunset boulevard”.

    posted by Nathan on 3-26-2010 at 4:12 pm

85. 1. That I’m so much like my mother. At 15, even though I loved my Mom, I tried to be just like my father and my brothers.

    2. When I’m already frustrated by something and I’ve turned into a crab, pretty much anything can drive me nuts…

    3….that’s when some tiny nice thing can snap me out of my crabbiness. Like someone holding the door for me or even just smiling as they pass me.

    4. I love documentaries of all sorts. I like a lot of the ideas suggested.

    When I read JJ’s entry, I wanted to reach out and offer help, but the compulsive me had to read all the entries first. Then I saw that Hyacinth sent JJ a nice message. Then I really was pleased to see that JJ read through the entries and saw Hyacinth’s message! JJ, every day is a new chance to see something good, to feel content, to make a small change, to start doing whetever you need to do. Help can be found all around you and sometimes where you least expect it.

    posted by Jean on 3-26-2010 at 4:12 pm

86. 1. She would be shocked that I’m gay. 15 year old Me was a bit of a homophobe. She’d be shocked that she married a Michael, but not THAT Michael. We’d eat at Maverick cafe, our local Chinese and Mexican food restaurant. On that note, my skinny-ass 15 yo self would be shocked that I got fat.

    2. I absolutely HATE being called Josie. I introduce myself with both my real name and an acceptable nickname. Then people are calling me Josie.

    3. My sweetie brought me medicine in bed this morning because I have a silly cold.

    4. Forgot who said this, but I’m seconding the doc on the high cost of being gay in America. I want people to see why civil unions are NOT seperate but equal. I want a complete list of the inequalities.

    posted by Not a Josie on 3-26-2010 at 4:16 pm

87. 1. I’d be surprised that I didn’t go the marriage and kids route. I always thought I would.

    2. Being the only one in the movie theater (in my small town that doesn’t have stadium seating) and someone comes in and sits right in front of me (I’m only 5 feet tall). I got so angry one time I leaned up and asked “300 empty seats in here and THIS is where you have to sit? Really?” No they didn’t move, I did. But it still felt good to get that off my chest.

    2. People who block the left hand lane and when you can finally get around them see that they’re yammering on their cell phone. Either shut up and drive or pull over and talk. You’re obviously too stupid to talk and drive.

    2. As many other mentioned here: the clueless rude people who block doorways, halls, sidewalks, etc.

    3. My boss just gave me a significant award for some extra work I did last year.

    4. Documentary on serial killers (no, I don’t need ideas for my #2 answers)

    posted by Fran on 3-26-2010 at 4:26 pm

88. 1. My 15-year-old self would be blown away that I’m currently living happily ever after, not with the guy I had a major crush on at the time, but with a girl I met in college. We would have Chinese, which 15-year-old Me wouldn’t like; but I’d be older and wiser and have all the money, so she really wouldn’t have a say.
    2. I won’t even start. We’d be here all day.
    3. Once a total stranger gave me ten bucks. I thought it was weird at the time and it kind of made me uncomfortable, but it was really a nice thing to do.
    4. I love nature documentaries. I own Planet Earth (the BBC version – David Attenburough FTW) on dvd and plan on owning Life as well. But it’s not like nature docs are underdone. I know it doesn’t really count, but I’d like to see more mock-docs. I keep waiting for Christopher Guest to make a new one, but he keeps letting me down.

    posted by Jill on 3-26-2010 at 4:27 pm

89. 1) I Would take 15 year old me to Taco Bell. I would explain to him that he had seventeen more years before parent hood would come. Have fun and not be too serious. I would also tell him that his future wife would be fan-freaking-tastic, and to enjoy every day with her.

    2) My office used to be in the shop of a car dealership, open to the elements. It has been closed off by glass walls for several years now, but whenever someone leans inside holding the door open with their foot to just ask me a quick question. I would like very much to hit them in the face with a stapler. GRRRRR

    3) The wife called yesterday just to say hi and to tell me she loved me. Very nice with no alterior motives(a bonus).

    4) I have always heard that poeple that work at car dealers have a higher divorce rate, higher rate of drunks/druggies, and a higher suicide rate. This actually makes my health insurance 25% higher than normal professions. I would like to see a documentary talking about the high stress of being in the poeple pleasing business.

    posted by JOHN THE THIRD on 3-26-2010 at 4:36 pm

90. 2. When strangers, especially if they are younger than me, call me “dear” or “honey” or any other term of endearment. This ‘disease’ is especially pandemic in Missouri.

    posted by cdk on 3-26-2010 at 4:38 pm

91. 1. That I dropped that pre-med idea. I’d eat at this little Deli in my hometown.
    2. I hate when people check their voicemail while in a public place.
    3. Someone bought my drink and my bag of chips at a convenience store. I didn’t know what to do.
    4. I’d love to see a doc about WOW players. I just think it would be utterly revealing.

    posted by Lindsey on 3-26-2010 at 4:41 pm

92. 1. My 15 year old self would be pleasantly surprised to learn that I accomplished alot of what I set out to do as a teenager. She would also be saddened that bouts of serious depression continue to plague me, but glad that I have learned to manage them. She would be so happy that I have been blessed by my dear niece and that all those teenage family conflicts have been resolved. It takes time and alot of hard work but it can happen.
    2. I hate it when people walk into my office without knocking and start talking to me without asking me whether I have a minute to help them. They do this whether I am in a meeting, on the computer or on the phone. Time to set some limits!
    3. My minister knew I was having a difficult time. When I didn’t go to services one week, she sent someone to my house with a bag of candy and a note that read “may your troubles melt like lemon drops.”

    posted by fridagurl on 3-26-2010 at 4:53 pm

93. 1. My 15 year old self would be shocked that I am a 7th grade Social Studies teacher. She would also be shocked by the fact that her/my dad would pass away while in college. We would go to either Kianti’s in Santa Cruz, Jersey’s in Campbell, or Weinerschnitzel

    posted by Addie on 3-26-2010 at 4:58 pm

94. @Emma – Totally with you, I hate it when people talk between stalls in the bathroom, I actually had someone slap me on the shoulder while I was mid-pee in the bathroom. That was terribel

    posted by hockey zombie on 3-26-2010 at 4:59 pm

95. My 15-year-old self would be surprised that I’m *not* married. I never had any particular romance plans, but I’d always kind of figured that marriage showed up on the “life schedule” around age 25. Back then I still thought there was such a thing as a life schedule.

    Me-at-15 would also be shocked that it took me three tries to pass the Foreign Service Exam. I used to be really good at standardized tests.

    posted by Meredith on 3-26-2010 at 5:02 pm

96. 1.I would warn myself that even though yes, I’m super smart – I’m going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to be as easy as I had hope they’d be once I was older. Despite all that though, it’s going to be okay – you end up happier anyway :)

    2. I’m definitely the same with grocery stores. I also cannot stand people who are so determined that only they matter – most people seem to be able to ignore this behaviour, but I just cannot anymore!

    3. I’ve had a few people actually RUN ahead of me to open the door. That made me feel so good!
    Also, I teach, and when the kids notice something so small (that maybe my husband wouldn’t even notice) and compliment me, it is just a great feeling!

    posted by Michelle on 3-26-2010 at 5:03 pm

97. I’m not sure what would surpeise 15-year-old me about where I am now. I don’t think I considered where I would be at 38 when I was 15. Should have thought about it more.

    So many pet peeves–rudness, bad drivers, loud eaters, noisy cell phone talkers, and on and on . . .

    A while back my mom, sisters, nieces and I were eating at Olive Garden and a former teacher/coach (of mine and my sisters) and her friend (a former co-worker of mom’s) who were sitting at the next table paid for our lunch. There were seven of us and we had appetizers, meals and desserts–not cheap!

    posted by Wendy on 3-26-2010 at 5:31 pm

98. Also, just remembered, last Saturday my mom made deviled eggs for something at their church and she saved three and brought them to my house because she knows I love her deviled eggs and don’t know how to make them myself!

    posted by Wendy on 3-26-2010 at 5:43 pm

99. 1) My 15 yr old self would be shocked that I am so blissfully wonderfully happy in UT with people I didn’t know. (I’m such a homebody. We would eat at Pedro’s or some great AL Mexican Food.

    2)I get so irritated with fake southern accents. Also when people harp about my Southernisms…it’s a buggy people!

    3)Someone honked at me appreciatively while I was walking down the street. Made my day!

    4)I would love to have a documentary of the life of someone, anyone explaining all the anatomical changes and everything that is going on. So awesome!

    posted by Jessica on 3-26-2010 at 5:58 pm

100. 1. I would go to the now demolished Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and tell myself that I would not have a boyfriend in high school. :(

     2. I have so many pet peeves. First I go to a large high school, about 3500 students. It annoys me how slowly people walk during passing periods. Also I hate it when people in the halls feel the need to turn around and expect to not run into people. When there are 3500 students in one place, there is always someone behind you. Thirdly my dad speaks in a slightly Southern accent despite living in Northern Indiana his entire life. We have no accent here. He often says “labbul” instead of “liable”. It makes me want to scream.

     posted by Cait on 3-26-2010 at 6:04 pm

101. 1. That you never became the doctor you prepared most of your life for. That junior year of college(2003) would be quite possibly the most painful year of life. Ever.
     That you are beautiful. Truly beautiful, both on the inside and the outside and most people agree with you.

     2. I am with you Jason. People in the grocery store cause me so much unnecesary stress.

     3. My boss brought me a particular type of drink I like for no reason. Just because he knew i liked it.

     4. life post william the conqueror in england. 1100 – 1300. dont know why, perhaps its because i’ve read (2) amazing books from those periods (pillars of the earth and world with out end)

     posted by izzi on 3-26-2010 at 6:29 pm

102. 1. I think I’d be surprised that I’ve worked so many different jobs – and am finally starting my own business. Also – I’d tell my 15 year old self to get out more and see more concerts. We’d eat at Hi-way Pizza

     2.My neighbor is a yeller – he claims it’s because he’s a little deaf (my step-father is deaf as a post and he doesn’t yell like him- I call B.S.) he particularly likes to yell at the dogs in the neighborhood. I get that he doesn’t want them peeing/pooping in his yard – but he even yells at ones that just approach him to say “hi”. Lame.

     3. One of my co-workers just game me a very nice framed picture of a HUGE polar bear that he took when he was leading a trip up in Canada (I work for a wildlife guide service) and a tip for helping with some private trips this winter -totally unexpected – it made my week!

     4. I’d love to see a documentary about (The Amazing) James Randi (who just came out BTW – good for him!) I just think he’s, well, amazing

     posted by swss on 3-26-2010 at 6:57 pm

103. 1. The fact that I am 25 and still in college would surprise me. I hate school when I was 15. I would probably be at a BBQ place binging out because at that age I could never gain a pound
     2. I HATE when people pop their knuckles. Why do people think it is acceptable to pop their knuckles in public but are ashamed to fart? I refuse to do either.
     3. I went to Steak and Shake and the guy gave me an extra large Chocolate malt instead of the medium I ordered. I thought that was either thoughtful or a trick to make me fat.
     4. Something about meeting people as an adult. I am surprised how much harder it is to make friends in your 20’s for me than when I was a teen.

     posted by Dirrty_Brunette on 3-26-2010 at 6:58 pm

104. 1. That becoming a mom very young was not the end of the world, it actually lead to good places in life! I would take my younger self to The Market at the Shangri La in Vancouver!

     2. Toothpaste in the sink! Come on people, it isn’t hard to clean it up!

     3. Received a coffee shop g.c. from a client :)

     4. I see that someone posted about a documentary of WoW players. I think that that would be a great one. Given my industry, I have seen people spend countless hours, dollars, and lose jobs over that game. I don’t understand myself, so it would be interesting to get the inside perspective, if you could get them away from WoW long enough to get them to talk to you.

     posted by Eden on 3-26-2010 at 7:10 pm

105. 1. Not sure that the 15 year old me would want to know that both of his parents would die I had turned 38.

     2. Excessive crunching while chewing makes me crazy..have a colleague who is an ice cruncher during meetings…I love her, but wanna scream like a banshee when she does it!

     3. Had a waitress give me back the nearly-empty tube of Carmex that slipped out of my pocket and fell on the floor. lol

     4. Would love to see a documentary that would highlight a major American city and show how the demograhics change in certain neighborhoods/areas over the years.

     posted by Marty on 3-26-2010 at 7:14 pm

106. 1) I would take myself to Red Lobster, my favorite restaurant at the time. Fifteen was a horrible year, so my younger self would be surprised to learn the in the near future I would be able to walk out of the house with a genuine smile on my face.

     2) Parents who speak baby talk to thier toddlers. Speak English! It’s the only way they will learn the language!

     3) One of my co-workers ordered lunch to be delivered to the office (and paid for it all).

     4) I would love to see a documentary on Freestone County, Texas — bootleg capitol of the world (back during Prohibition). Be neat to get instructions on making corn whiskey (there are some who still make it, I’m told).

     posted by Karen L. on 3-26-2010 at 7:37 pm

107. 2. People invading personal space, or being touched without permission. And people who snap gum, not once or twice, but two or three DOZEN times. Grrrr…

     3. A woman not only let me go ahead of her in the grocery line, but paid for my pint of Ben and Jerry’s because it was her favorite flavor too. I wanted to cry, it was so nice.

     4. Aspergers or the psychology of criminals. Both interest me.

     posted by Scotti on 3-26-2010 at 7:54 pm

108. 1) We’d go to Sushi Zanmai and that alone would surprise her. She’d be surprised at all the martial arts and stage combat–all the warriorship stuff.

     2) You know, I get too annoyed about all kinds of little things. I should stop.

     3) My husband does nice things for me pretty much daily.

     4) Any really interesting biopic. I mean interesting.

     posted by Jenn on 3-26-2010 at 8:40 pm

109. 1: That you will come out a your shell. I was very introverted when I was younger and now have a backbone! We would eat at the House of Hunan a Chinese restaurant! YUM!

     2: I HATE it when people don’t say excuse me when they walk in front of me.

     3: A lady gave my dog a free chicken fry today at Burger King drive thru! It was so nice of her!

     reCaptcha: rafalsky beer (YUM?)

     :o)

     posted by Lindsey on 3-26-2010 at 8:45 pm

110. 1. OK, I think that’s impossible because I’m only 13 now, sooo……

     2. Ugh! I hate when people turn on their turning signals even just a second too soon. Also, I HATE the way some people breathe.

     3. People randomly invited me to see a movie and hang out. :)))))))

     4. A documentary about some one becoming famous

     posted by Emma on 3-26-2010 at 9:11 pm

111. 1 My skinny 15 year old me would be surprised that I’m now twice his weight. Not a lot of local dining choices, I’m sure I could talk me into going to a Gino’s. I really miss Gino’s.

     2. Your entire car WILL fit into the turning lane, that’s what it’s for

     posted by PartiallyDeflected on 3-26-2010 at 9:39 pm

112. 1. I would’ve told my little smart ass, know-it-all self to stick it out, and not run away from home at 15. That witch who made my life hell wasn’t any worse than some of the crap I’ve had to do to survive. That I have (had) enough intelligence to make something of myself. Otherwise, dumb-ass you are going to wind up at some boring job that pays pretty good, but I could’ve done better… On the other hand, I would not have wound up with the 3 kids I have, and I’d sure miss ‘em… I would probably take me to either Paula Deen’s resturant, or her brother’s Uncle Bubba’s resturant.

     posted by old hippy chick on 3-26-2010 at 10:08 pm

113. 1. At 15, I could only think about the future age to age 19/sophomore year of college, and nothing beyond that. At 19, I thought I’d be engaged by 23, married by 25, and have my first kid by 28. My 19 year old self would be surprised that at 24 I wasn’t engaged or married, but I did my own home, which I sold at age 27 when I moved in with my boyfriend. So unlike the other readers, my younger self would be more surprised that I WASN’T married…and that I was really happy with that situation. Oh, and we’d eat at this hole in the wall Italian place in Bedford, TX near where I grew up (I can’t remember the name of it), with dessert down the road at Milwualkee Joe’s Ice Cream!

     2. People getting impatient over realtively little things. Yeah, you might have to wait in the grocery line for a while, you don’t have to complain about it (as long as it’s not the express lane). Yeah, things don’t always arrive on time or work out the way you had planned. It’s not worth stressing out over those little things…there’s more important stuff to be concerned about.

     3. My boyfriend brought me dinner and a yummy shake from Sonic on Tuesday as I was frantically finishing a grad school paper. And a co-worker offered to drive me between the shop and work when I take my car in next week.

     4. I like the idea Walter (I think) had about what the American education system is really like. Though I worry how many teaching professionals would go on record to tell the truth about what things are like.

     posted by Christi on 3-26-2010 at 10:34 pm

114. 1. My 15 year old self would be amazed that I am happily married, having not really dated yet when I was 15. I was also convinced that guys would never be interested in me.
     2. It drives me crazy when people call me “Jenny”. Unless I’ve invited you to call me that, don’t. Only 3 people on earth are allowed to call me Jenny – my dad, my grandpa, and my grandmother.
     3. One of my coworkers did something nice for me today. I listen to audio books while I’m working, and today Windows Media Player wouldn’t play my book. My coworker loaned me his flash drive, which had a portable media player on it, so I could listen to my book. He gave up his ability to listen to music at work so I could listen to my book.

     posted by Jenn on 3-26-2010 at 11:24 pm

115. 1. I hope this doesn’t make me sound like a total DBag…
     I think that my younger self would be SHOCKED to find out that I turned out to be quite a hit with the ladies. I was a lanky, glasses/braces wearing, Star Wars watching, comic book quoting, rolling dork back in the day and I was pretty sure I would never talk to any girl without soiling myself. Although I am not married I have had some good times and I am now quite able to talk to women.
     I would still enjoy going to Shinders and looking at comics with my younger self and then eating at the Ediner in Edina MN (if its still there)

     2. I agree with the ‘use the f-ing turn lane’ current in this thread, I hate when people only half get in the lane.
     BUT, and this will not be popular… I really could care less if people use turn signals. I had a coworker, years ago, go off on me because we were opposite each other making left turns, from turn only lanes, and I didn’t signal – seriously Sarah, you knew I was turning and it doesn’t matter either way.
     Also @ Jaclyn I agree – I am a Matthew and I HATE introducing myself and hearing ‘nice to meet you, Matt’. Only my dad can get away with that, he can call me whatever he wants, he named me…
     3. nothing really lately, although I have been on a ‘buy someone random a drink’ kick, it’s fun sewing seeds of Karma
     4. I want a good movie about Stan Lee

     posted by matchoo on 3-26-2010 at 11:53 pm

116. 1. I’d be shocked to find out that I’m married and with kids and running my own martial arts school. We’d at Whataburger, it’s a S. Texas thing.

     2. When people don’t respect personal space chaps my hide. I mean the hair on the back of neck literally stands on end.

     3. When co workers buy lunch for me just because.

     4. A documentary about teachers. Follow two teachers in two different schools. One in an inner city school the other in a very well to do area.

     posted by Rick B on 3-27-2010 at 12:16 am

117. 1. My 15 year old self would be flabbergasted to learn that she became such an impassioned history teacher, since that was her/my least favorite subject back then. As a 15 year old, I had a rather provincial mind and I think she would be truly surprised to see how worldly I’ve become in the last 20 years. To that point, I’d take her to lunch someplace kind of exotic, to get her to see past the overly homogenized options in her suburban town.

     2. I realize this is rather ironic, but my biggest pet peeve is when people have a lot of pet peeves. It’s okay to get annoyed now and then, but I know far too many people who are outraged by everything other people do.

     3. A fellow teacher who has a free period during lunch, ran to Jason’s Deli to get us food today since we were all tired of choking down our Lean Cuisines.

     posted by Casey on 3-27-2010 at 12:19 am

118. 1. My fifteen year old self would be surprised and probably think wtf is wrong with me when I’d tell her she’s still living in Germany and this time on her own will. That she still hasn’t gone to college and is in a relationship with Simon’s twin brother for 4 years would also be pretty shocking. We would eat at Raising Cane’s because I hadn’t lived in Texas yet and that heaven on a plate for me.
     2. People being rude. I mean being rude I guess is a big deal for me. But maybe not as over the top as I find it. There is nothing that will bring out my inner monster as bad as this, or ignorance.
     3. My sister bought me a really nice necklace for my birthday. It was a big deal since she’s just 15. And spent her birthday money on it.
     4. Harry Potter.

     posted by Tamie on 3-27-2010 at 4:52 am

119. @matchoo

     The Ediner has been gone for years now, and, sadly, ALL of the Shinders stores are gone now too.

     posted by Luke on 3-27-2010 at 5:33 am

120. 1. My 15-year-old self, being the nerd she is/was, would be completely shocked to find out I haven’t finished college at the ripe old age of 26… didn’t know what to study when I graduated, so I took some translation courses for 2 years. Then started college, went through 3 years, dropped it for another 3 years, and picked it up again just this year. She’d probably smack me upside the head for wasting that much time…

     She’d also be surprised to learn that I turned out to be a rather well-adjusted adult, despite all sorts of issues up to and including depression and suicidal thoughts back then… I have since found out that life is actually worth living. :) Also, I am not as extremely shy as I used to – I absolutely love hanging out with my friends! And while my 15-year-old self might be surprised that I no longer consider myself unattractive, she will definitely not be surprised to learn that I’m still nowhere near getting married – only had one serious relationship so far. Heeheehee…

     As for where to eat, it has to be Pizzeria Vesuvio. My favorite place back then and now! Mmm, firewood oven pizza… *drool*

     2. People standing on my way, in general. Pushing to get into the bus before I have got off, walking in groups of 4 and not moving to let other people pass, having a chat while blocking the narrow stairway at work, going up the inside stairway labeled as “down” (or the other way round)… drives me nuts!

     3. The local zoo has night visits this month, and I went today with a bunch of friends from work. I had planned to take a taxi back home, but one of the guys offered to give us a ride. He ended up driving 5 of us home (scattered all over the city), and refused to have us chip in for the gas.

     4. I’ll have to go with JJ, a doc about the C-check process on a commercial airliner would be neat. The other day I saw one on NatGeo about the process of scrapping an old 747… awesome, at least until the part where the once proud bird becomes aluminum cans :o

     posted by FlyingAce on 3-27-2010 at 5:37 am

121. Forgot to add that funnily enough, I’m having lunch tomorrow with some of my old classmates… you know, the ones I studied with when I was 15! ;)

     posted by FlyingAce on 3-27-2010 at 5:40 am

122. 1. 15 year old me would be delighted to hear that we exceeded all our career dreams but disappointed to hear that following a sports injury I’d be unable to run anymore, and shocked to learn that my wife would spend years in mental institutions and despite my loyalty, she would divorce me.
     2. When drivers brazenly flaunt traffic laws.
     3. A travel agent friend heard that I was going on a business trip, logged in to the booking made by another company and pre-seated me because she figured she knew where I would be most comfortable. She was right.
     4. I’d love to see a documentary on 19th century inventions with interesting personal anecdotes about their creators.

     posted by Geezer on 3-27-2010 at 7:29 am

123. 1. 15-year-old me would be shocked that I didn’t find some way to marry Larry, the drummer from U2.
     2. When people order nonfat Caramel Macchiatos.
     3. People do nice things for me every day. I’m not making that up.
     4. I’d love to see a well-done documentary on the differences in the ways kids are raised around the world. The way kids are brought up in Japan, where I live now, is so different from how they are raised in the U.S., and the cultural reasoning behind the difference is fascinating.

     posted by Jen in Japan on 3-27-2010 at 8:50 am

124. 1- My 15 year-old self would be surprised I am in great shape at 53, and that I went back to school last year.

     2-No meltdowns.

     3-I am a custodian at a high school, I loaned a teacher some books for a new class she taught. Upon their return, which is nice in itself, I found a canoe Christmas ornament with them.

     4-I would like to see a documentary on the Adirondack hermits of the 19th century.

     posted by gus on 3-27-2010 at 9:04 am

125. There’s a big part of me that wishes the responses to #1 would be forwarded to a suicide hotline to give people HOPE. :)
     After reading all of this (and not to be self-congratulatory) I feel we readers o’ the Floss are a pretty special and resilient bunch! God bless!

     posted by helenann on 3-27-2010 at 2:44 pm

126. @Jenn, funny because lots of people call me “Jen” when I introduce my self as Jenny. I don’t mind Jen so much, as lots of my friends and siblings call me that, but I do mind when people call me Jennifer, and that happens more than it used to! It’s just funny when you tell people your name then they call you something else!!

     1. My 15 year old self…that was what, a sophomore in high school? Well she would definitely be surprised that I have a baby daughter as I never thought kids were in my future. And she would be surprised that I’m not married to someone I grew up with, I always thought I would end up with one of those guys. We would eat at Taco John’s and have a big ol’ plate of Potato Oles and cheese sauce! YUMMO

     2. The behavior that drives me more nuts than anything is people throwing their trash in the streets. Cigarette butts are the worst, they are everywhere!! The world is their ashtray, I guess.

     3. Yesterday one of my co-workers gave me 2 stamps when I said I needed to mail something. Little things mean alot.

     4. I love any documentaries. I love to learn about new things, that’s why I’m here on MF!!

     Great thread, enjoyed reading everyone’s responses.

     Captcha: is inferior —-> AM NOT!!!!!

     posted by Jenny on 3-27-2010 at 3:24 pm

127. 1. That we aren’t fat anymore, that the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with was a horrible mistake so we are now divorced and actually happy with the new guy. That we didn’t end up killing ourselves, even though we really wanted too. That we’ve never forgiven our sister. I would warn her not to marry that douche, and to brush her teeth so we aren’t in so much pain later. Oh and to stay the hell away from all those drugs. We’d probably eat at Golden Corral

     2. Lack of common sense annoys me to no end. People who say ATM machine, ISP provider, PIN number etc. When people say “I could care less”…then you obviously care, you mean I COULDN’T care less. Being touched, people who have no concept of personal space, spelling errors. Ugh, it goes on and on.

     3. I had to go to the courthouse and as I was pulling in to pay for parking someone who was leaving gave me their ticket because they paid for all day parking. I passed it on to someone else when I left.

     4. Something about how laws and punishments are made, I find it ridiculous that a drug dealer gets 15 years and a murderer gets 2.

     posted by Paula on 3-27-2010 at 4:42 pm

128. My 15 year old self would be disappointed that I am STILL in school at 33. She would be impressed that I am as fit as I am (running and climbing a lot). She would be surprised that I don’t have kids after 3 years of marriage.

     Blatant littering really toasts my croutons.

     I have a co worker who comes off as distant and independent, but will really go out of her way to make sure I get signed up for the free food events at work.

     I’d like a documentary on life as a science grad student. It would be really depressing though, so no one would watch it.

     posted by Corduroy climber on 3-27-2010 at 4:53 pm

129. @ Luke
     That ruined my day! Not the Ediner, that’s sad but not crushing, but I spent sooooo much time in Shinders growing up – my sister had ‘piano lessons’ next door and I had ‘shut up and look at comics until she’s done’ at Shinders.
     So sad…

     ReCap: overcome because
     uh, okay, guess I will…

     posted by matchoo on 3-27-2010 at 6:54 pm

130. 1. I would probably take young me to Taco Bell. (Didn’t have expensive taste then…Don’t have expensive taste now) Young me would be shocked to find out I still live in Ohio. I always swore up and down I was getting the heck out of Ohio as soon as legally possible.

     2. It drives me nuts when someone calls me…I miss the call…and I return the call within 10 seconds of them calling me….and NO ONE ANSWERS! A not-so-nice voicemail follows.

     3. My birthday was the 24th and my 11 year old nephew gave me a hand made card that contained the following poem:

     Roses are red,
     violets are blue,
     I am not smelly,
     and neither are you.

     I thought it was nice.

     posted by Lizz on 3-27-2010 at 7:12 pm

131. 1. That I was 32 when I had my first child.
     B. Burger King.

     2. annoying trigger on not that big a deal behavior. Laying cash on counter, during transactions. (where a counter is present.) I did have a public melt down, I got so annoyed I brought chop stix to work to pick up the money thrown down. I was a cashier and was politely asked to not do that again. By my boss.

     3. unexpected kindness. The guy who walked with me a couple miles while I was pushing my scooter home. The conversation made the time fly.

     4. My dream documentary is being made, its called 30 days.

     posted by Susan on 3-27-2010 at 9:48 pm

132. 1. 15 year old me wouldn’t be all that shocked about how we turned out at age 27, but would probably be surprised that at 17 we dated that guy we had a huge crush on at 15 and that he was our first love… and first everything else. And she’d be really sad to hear that he died at age 23, so I’d probably not tell her that.

     We’d go to Jimmy Johns. Our town had one before they were everywhere.

     2. I hate when people tailgate me when the people in front of me are causing the slow down. Leave me alone, it’s not my fault!

     3. My coworkers gave me a baby shower last week and I was surprised at all the lovely presents, many from people I did not expect to get anything from.

     posted by Mrs. Coffee on 3-27-2010 at 10:29 pm

133. 1. I would tell my 15 year old self to love and appreciate my Mom. She won’t be around much longer. I would also tell her to be persistent yet patient, love and that great job will come in time. Finally, I would tell her to go for a run! Get healthy now while you’re young. We would eat at home and my Mom would make the lunch.
     On the other hand, my 15 year old self will handle all of the changes to come. Can I just go home and have one more lunch with my Mom?
     2. I hate it when people complain about their jobs in front of me when I’m the customer. It just peeves me when I’m giving the cashier my money at the grocery store and he/she is complaining about their job to me or the bagger. Really? I’m paying for this?
     3. My sweetie sends me loving text messages all the time and I always smile when I get one.
     4. A documentary on 50 odd facts about the 50 states.

     posted by KimNeon on 3-27-2010 at 10:54 pm

134. I gotta chew on these a bit more before I answer, but the MD mention made me think…

     Two of my favorite Michael Douglas roles are this one and Grady Tripp in WONDER BOYS. I find both have memorable/quotable scenes, the latter with the aftermath of the shooting of the Chancellor’s dog:
     —————————————
     Okay, James, I wish you hadn’t shot my girlfriend’s dog. Even though Poe and I weren’t exactly what you’d call simpatico, that’s no reason he should’ve taken two in the chest.
     —————————————

     I’m still trying to figure out how to tell the Chancellor I murdered her husband’s dog…Trust me, James, when the family pet’s been assassinated, the owner doesn’t want to hear one of her students was the trigger man…
     —————————————

     What do we have here? This looks like… that’s our old friend Mr. Codeine. That should take the old pinch out of the ankle. Want one?
     —————————————

     posted by Anon Emous on 3-27-2010 at 11:34 pm

135. 4) Ooh… okay, got one!

     Seeing as there’s a doc of the rabid MACHEADS – who stand in line for *days* to herald the opening of a new Apple store, the launch of a new product, etc… how about one on the similarly rabid fans of….

     Chick Fil A ! And I even have a title:

     CLUCKING NUTS!

     8-D

     posted by Anon Emous on 3-27-2010 at 11:39 pm

136. 1)My mortified 15 year self would be taken to the LaSalle Market and Deli in Collinsville CT for chicken wraps. I’m not sure exactly how much of said chicken wraps would actually be eaten since I never managed to become the next Stephen King and marry Adam Ant. However I ended up married to the cute boy in the Skinny Puppy jacket I saw two days after my 16th birthday and was way too shy to talk to (Thanks Internetz!)

     2) People standing way too close to me in line at the grocery store. Personal space is a beautiful thing…

     3) Usually I’M the one doing the nice things! :)

     4) Time warp lives. How far do they really go besides the clothes?

     posted by Gwendy on 3-28-2010 at 12:28 am

137. Follow up to my previous post:

     My 15-year-old nerd self would be rather disappointed to learn that her not-so-nerd classmates have finished college and are earning twice as much as I am… on the other hand, she may be pleased to know that I am no longer the misfit I used to be back then, and am actually having fun hanging out with said classmates ;)

     posted by FlyingAce on 3-28-2010 at 1:54 am

138. 1. my 15 year old self would definitely be surprised that i am living my life the way i never have dreamed it would be. haha!

     posted by tikgirl on 3-28-2010 at 2:35 am

139. As much as I hate facebook apps, this should be one.

     1. That I’m married. I always imagined myself dating in my mid-to-late twenties.

     2. People that don’t use their blinker drive me nuts, but even then, its nothing compared to how mad I get when I do something stupid myself. Like leaving half of my meal that I was planning on eating at work today at the restaurant. It’s the second time it’s happened too. Grrr.

     3. My mom did all my laundry and the dishes while she was here.

     4. There are many things, but I’m sure there are already documentaries about them. There is no way I could truly be bored at home anymore (besides the fact that my house always needs to be cleaned somehow) because Netflix has several interesting documentaries on their watch instantly list.

     posted by Dee on 3-28-2010 at 7:32 am

140. 1. We would eat at Mighty Melt (haven’t had one since they closed down 10 years ago) and my younger self would be very surprised to find out that A: I’m not in a band or in the theatre and B: that I didn’t go to college until now.

     2. I also hate the people that stand in the middle of aisle for no good reason.

     3. My parents recently took my kids to their first trip to Disney World. I think they’re finally realizing that their grandkids aren’t getting any younger.

     4. I would love to see another documentary about American punk rock. “American Hardcore” is a pretty good one, though.

     posted by grouchonacouch on 3-28-2010 at 11:57 am

141. 1. Don’t know right now… but we would eat at home at the family dinner table.

     2. \Be right back in 5 mins.\ paper in the shop window when all I need is a light bulb RIGHT NOW! Also clerks in the clothing shop that stands at the cashier but doesn’t work coz she’s got right now her break.

     3. A co-worker said some very nice things about me (to my boss).

     4. Is already in the making: The Disney Animation Studios film documentation.

     posted by Jim on 3-28-2010 at 4:17 pm

142. That I’m still here.At 15 I didn’t think I live past 16.I was so depressed,I had a death wish I guess.I didn’t even get my driver license until I was around 17 1/2, I thought I wouldn’t need one. I didn’t have the nerve to do myself in, so I became anorexic instead. At 15 I would be surprised that I did end up dating and dated a couple of popular guys, got married and had 4 kids.No longer anorexic, but need to loose a few lbs. I wouldn’t surprise my 15 self, that I moved away from home town and family and don’t hardly ever see anyone from my youth.

     I hate when people stop in the middle of the grocery aisle and refuse to move.

     Hmm…Still trying to think of something done unexpectedly nice for me lately.

     Maybe a documentary with a span of 40/50 yrs following the life of some kids from one graduating class.

     posted by TJ on 3-28-2010 at 4:41 pm

143. (amendment)

     1. My 16 year old self (it’s important!) would be surprised to hear from his 31 years old self that when I’m in love it still feels like I’m 16. Butterflies and the stomach and all that. Also it can hurt as hard.

     posted by Jim on 3-28-2010 at 5:05 pm

144. 1) My 15 year old self would be surprised that I was going to dental school b/c when I was in high school, I wanted to be a geneticist. Also, we would probably go out for frozen yogurt.

     2) People walking slowly in front of me and I can’t get around them. It doesn’t matter where; on the street, in the mall, in the supermarket, at school…I always have to bite my tongue to keep from freaking out and screaming, “Do you know that you’re in EVERYONE’S way??!!!!”

     3) A friend made me a giant quilt to congratulate me for an achievement. I was so touched that she put so much time into it.

     4) can’t think of anything in particular….

     posted by Stephanie on 3-28-2010 at 8:18 pm

145. Great questions this week!

     1. My 15 yo self would be shocked @ how wonderfully life has turned out thus far, & it was absolutely nothing like I imagined @ the time. They would also be flabbergasted @ how how book smart does not mean \actually intelligent\ or possesing common sense (I’m assuming I’d have to listen to \present day me\, b/c goodness knows I didn’t listen to anyone else back then!) Also, that I would have had 2 incredibly different but successful careers and am going back to school again for a 3rd, @ 40! I think I’d take me to a restaurant that served really good cheese or sushi, I think I was mid/early 20s before I discovered either.

     2. People smacking/cracking gum or chewing noisily. WHY should anyone else have to listen to you chew??

     3. My husband scratched my back for 30+ min after a long day, poured me a glass of wine & drew me a bath. The nicest thing *ever* though? A very good friend cleaned my house top to bottom as a surprise after I fixed their computer. LOVE a clean house, hate to clean, but also hate being messy.

     4. LOTS of great ideas above. I’d love to see a documentary on very recent DNA/genetic work regarding genetic mutations and/or DNA specific targeting therapies/drugs.

     posted by ashleyrobin on 3-28-2010 at 10:10 pm

146. 1. That I’m still pursuing my art, and trying to make a living out of it. I always thought I’ll be prepping for med school or be a journalist. And oh yea, we’ll eat in the old COOP, sadly that establishment has long been demolished.

     2. People walking too slow in shopping malls. Move it people!

     3. My sister forwarding a cute and charming theme to my mobile phone.

     4. Wow, where do I start? I guess something about the state of tertiary education in my country (the Philippines), especially with the on-going slew of tuition hike proposals in public HEIs. Damn!

     posted by haplesswords on 3-29-2010 at 5:55 am

147. 1) discussions about why I haven’t found the right fit career-wise over a seafood platter in my grandma’s kitchen
     2) self-important cretins who crowd entrances talking about nothing so others cannot enter/exit safely: métros, escalators, buildings, etc. move it!
     3) my special gentleman companion taught me how to use my digital slr and loaded up my mp3 player with all my favourite songs and many, many other coolio techno things
     4) a documentary about the day when humans finally stopped committing atrocities against one another; sadly this will never take place

     posted by Dauphine on 3-29-2010 at 3:12 pm

148. 4) While watching the Olympics I developed the desire for a show about all of the behind the scenes technology. Do the cameras watching speed skaters automatically track or are there people controlling them? What is involved in showing us where the current downhill skier is in relation to the person currently in the lead with that magical line in the snow?

     posted by Christa on 3-31-2010 at 4:56 pm

149. Elise, I work for FedEx they just had a documentary on the history channel not too long ago about express overnight shipment. They also did one on ups, didn’t watch that one though haha.

     posted by Anna on 4-2-2010 at 4:59 pm

Comment