What do you know about y=x^2? The simplest of exponential functions. It's finished value always being at or above 0, infinitely positive, no matter what values, negative or positive, you throw at it. It never touches the other side of the x-axis, unlike its older exponential siblings. So simple, so beautiful, but so fragile.

What happens when you cap off its limits by placing a 1 on top. Instead, the function becomes y=1/(x^2). Such a simple encounter with a seemingly meaningless number. Who cares about the number 1? It's insignificant in our society. No one mourns over a lost penny or rejoices when it's littering the bottom of our washing machines. It's easy to forget, easy to underestimate. But that simple encounter with the number 1 completely changes the original characteristics of the function. In fact, the resulting function almost the exact opposite of the preceding one. No longer does it reach high to infinity, but instead trails so closely along that x-axis. Even then, the x-axis that used to be its only link to the ground now barely hovers beneath it, mocking its futile attempts to once again touch the familiar, but achingly knowing that it's not longer mathematically possible. And then that 1 constantly reminding the x^2 its significance by letting itself be the absolute highest point it will ever dream of reaching, as if to ensure the number 1 would not be underestimated. The once boundless, free-spirited x^2 is now contained within two incredibly close barriers with its only future being to always be within reach of something, but never obtaining it. 

Now to those who understood, or suffered, the gist of my mathematical rant, I apologize and I'll move on.

There's a chink in my armor. No, that was not a Jeremy Lin reference. And to those who know me best, they'll understand that pun (hopefully.) It's my weakness, though I parade it out as my shield. I claim it's the glue keeping me together, when I know all too well the glue isn't quite dry yet. I make it out to be my safety net below me to catch me when I fall, when in reality it's the only rope I'm holding onto to keep from falling indefinitely. There's something deeply troubling about this revelation on how I depend on this rope in hopes of escaping the unknown abyss below me. My dependency on something that requires such strength on my own part without even knowing the reliability of the rope itself. What if it's rotting at the top? What if something descends on me and I'm forced to let go? It's obvious to me that I should have never invested for a rope, but should have patiently weaved net knowing that in time it would benefit me more. Even if the adrenaline rush is hindered by the fact, it would have been worthwhile; less dangerous. 

Now I ask you this question.

How in the world do I make a net now?

Before

- I always really hated Wednesdays when I was little. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that our mandatory computer typing class was always on Wednesdays growing up. I never did well with repetitious and tedious tasks. 

- When you're given a large, shallow box wrapped in gift wrap, chances are that it's an item of clothing. Call me spoiled, but I remember tossing those gifts off to the side while I enjoyed my Barbies. It's really hard to get excited about clothes when your parents dress you anyways.

- Okay, so this is pretty disgusting, but bear with me. While I was growing up, my little brother and I absolutely hated to wear socks. It seemed like such a hassle and felt as breathable as plastic wrap around our feet. As a consequence, all of our shoes were insanely smelly. I remember always being embarrassed to take off my shoes whenever I'd go to other people's houses and would try to find a way to wash my feet in their tub before they could get a whiff.

- I'm sure everyone who is or was a kid could relate to this. Seatbelts. There's just something so not kid-friendly about the way the seatbelt seems to rest right where your neck and chin meet. How could something that practically threatening at my neck save my life?

After

- I can't say I absolutely love Wednesdays to this day. I still have a weird disposition against Wednesdays that I accredit to my childhood. However, I'm really good at typing quickly (which helps when you're doing a last minute paper) and it was all due to those boring classes. I don't remember myself ever "finger pecking" the keys unless I had a chocolate bar in one hand.

- Now that I've grown and acquired some sort of fashion sense, I gratefully accept all types of clothes, whether they're gifts or hand-me-downs. A lot of the times when people pick out clothes for you, they're things you wouldn't have thought of getting or would have never thought twice about. I have a lot of unique pieces in my closet all due to clothes from other people and they're precious to me. 

- I'm so glad that I love socks now. I've saved quite a few pairs of shoes from a smelly, horrible death because of my fondness for socks. I have numerous pairs of long, patterned wool socks, no-show ankle socks, and even a few "flat" socks. Especially in this winter weather, I take care of my socks and always make sure they find each other in the laundry. ALWAYS. 

- Ever since I was in a (minor) accident with my cousin, I have been a lot better at always putting my seatbelt on. It was because of my seatbelt that my face didn't go smashing into the front seat of her car and (surprise!) it didn't end up decapitating me. My parents aren't the best at putting on their seatbelts in the car and I think they don't even hear the sound frequency the alarm makes anymore, so I'm always yelling at one of my parents to buckle up. 

 Honorable Mentions

- Veggies. I freakin' love vegetables, even more than fruit. Never thought I'd ever say that.

- A homecooked meal. I've always been blessed to have parents make homemade Korean food almost every night. That's probably something I'll miss the most when I go off to college.

- A shower. I was more of a bath kid growing up. I don't remember when I finally made the switch to showers, but I'm glad I did. Baths just seem so unsanitary now!

I'm sure there's plenty more things I appreciate a lot more now than I did as a kid. I'm probably going to appreciate things I hate right now in another decade. What are some things you hated as a kid, but really appreciate now?