She and I inspired by He and I-Natalia Ginzburg (APE)

She was always in the spotlight, while I always trailed behind. Seven years set us apart from each other. She had finished high school and started college, before I entered my teenage years. Sharing a mother, she got similarities of facial features, hair length, nose, while I favored my father. Growing up she was very athletic, while I climbed trees and read books. She planned softball with our sister, Brittany. She was a catcher. I remember attending the games to see her from the stands in a padded vest and a guarded helmet. She could throw a ball in 2.5 seconds across the field. Her softball playing career ended when she graduated high school.

She had a baby boy, dropped out of college, and got married, while I was just starting high school. She matured in motherhood, while I still wore zip-up hoodies. She seemed to know how to care for her babies, while I hesitantly asked which way was best to hold them. She had the signs of relief and glow, when I saw her after she had my nephew, Logan. She was working at Goodwill for awhile to help pay for food and rent, but then shortly quit when my niece, Lily, was on the way.

I entered college as the last and only child left in the family, while she had a family of her own. She came to my college on a weekend (Sibs Weekend). She wanted to drink and party, while I had tried to make the most of her time. We went to a bar on a night that was supposedly for same-sex couples. She realized it was gay night, before I did. She smokes menthol cigarettes, while I start coughing even if there is a little smoke. She’s a stay-at-home mom, while I try to get an education to have a career.

She is always defensive, while I speak the truth. She uses the line “No I don’t!”, far too often, while I explain my reasoning. She has three pets (2 dogs, 1 cat), while I can hardly take care of myself.

She loves anything that has to do with owls or vampires. I don’t understand the popular culture ideas like Twilight, it’s her favorite movie. She tries to talk about boys, while I hide that part of myself. She asks me what my type is. I just laugh it off.

She talks before thinking, while I analysis everything I say. Her words can hurt, especially during the holidays. She expects the most from those that are closest to her. I understand don’t her expectations. She still sees me as a child. I at times, still do.

She relies on her husband, in-laws, and our mother, while I’m independent. She struggles to be active and assertive, while I try to make my own decisions. She loves girl talk, while I tolerant it. She talks the loudest in a crowd. I talk at medium volume. She loves country music, but can’t carry a note in a wheel barrow. We share the same height, but not the same dad. She needs no make-up, while I feel bare if I wear none. She is the loud at times, obnoxious sister, while I’m the reserved one.