Picture Perfect Thursday: Hotsie-Totsie
Today, I'm playing along with Mrs. Flinger - who insists that licking people is a great way of getting to know someone - so, if you're going to BlogHer, you might want to play along.
Or, roll up your fists and be ready to protect yourself.
Either way, she wants us to be brutally honest in introducing ourselves with some image, some visual SOMETHING, that she (and everyone else) can hold on to?
Here's my story:
In 1978, a few of my classmates put together a skit based on the then popular television show "Welcome Back Kotter" (I had SUCH a crush on John Travolta, as Vinny Barbarino) and they asked me if I'd like to play the part of Hotsie-Totsie, one of the Sweat Hogs (you know, the one with the loose hips) in Mr. Kotter's class.
Played by Deboralee Scott (who, I've sadly learned passed away in 2005 at the youngish age of 52) Hotsie-Totsie had an exaggerated reputation (stupid boys) and her self-professed promiscuity was at least in part a reaction to the strict discipline enforced by her father, the Rev.Totsie.
I was in the 8th grade, the same age as my oldest daughter and terribly self-conscious of the fact that I probably got the part as a result of being blessed with the unfortunate moniker of being much more physically developed and already looking older than my fellow classmates.
Little did they know, I would play my part well.
Word soon got around that I was, you know, hot-to-trot and then Bobby Nelson insisted on french-kissing me, without asking, and laughed (real loud) after telling me that I was fat and would probably get pregnant!
Aaaand that's when I punched him in the mouth, went home and cried for about a week.
Stupid boys.
I've come a loooooong way since then (eat your friggin' heart out, Bobby Nelson!) confident in myself enough to move beyond the past (no matter how bad) and use it in a more, I dunno, nurturing and healthier way.
Like, telling that story to you (and my children) and still be able to keep a straight face.
"Be careful who you kiss, you just might see stars!"
Kiss me (right here) my name is Liz, but you can call me Hotsie-Totsie, since my husband, Garth (not his real name) insists that my kisses are, you know, perfect; just right.
[Semi-colon thrown in for extra credit; Mrs. Flinger likes it when I do that, too!]
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In OTHER News:
New Jersey Moms Blog: Pomp and Circumstances Beyond Our Control
This Full House Reviews: Kit Kittredge - An American Girl Movie
Fresh Kids: Dolphins, Sharks and Taffy! OH MY! (Thing Two celebrates Love Thursday with her image of living on the Jersey Shore!)
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