I Never Wanted A Name Ring

I absolutely adore this photo of me. It's honestly one of my very favorites.

I loved that jumper with the cute stitching on the chest. I loved that I wore a little pink birthday crown. I love that my mom is clapping wildly behind me. I love everything about this photo.

I'm turning 7. It was a great year. I didn't hate school. I didn't hate my teacher. I didn't hate the kids in my class. I don't recall anyone calling me "corroded" that year.  In fact, I'm lookin' pretty cute at 7.

Another thing I loved about this photo is the "A" necklace I'm wearing. It was given to me by my Uncle Tony. He often gave me the coolest gifts from what I remember. I loved this enormous Colorforms doll house he sent me for my birthday. It was so awesome!

Hmm, now that I think of it, maybe it was his then girlfriend who was picking out all of this cool stuff. Duh! Anyway, he is my youngest uncle and my mom once told me he was secretly like her favorite little brother. Maybe that's why he's my God Father. Don't tell anyone I told you about the favorite brother thing. She'd get all mad at me for having a big mouth.

Anyway, back to the "A" necklace. I love how the "A" is sorta chunky like totally early '80s style. The reason I'm sharing this photo with you is because this necklace came to mind yesterday while I was getting my hair cut and colored at the salon.

While sitting in the chair, I noticed a girl sportin' one of those shiteous name rings. They were super popular in the late '80s growing up near the Nassau County/Queens boarder of Long Island. They usually were worn by girls with huge puffy hair, painted-on jeans and these ugly suede black boots that sometimes had fringe or other crap hanging from them.

Suddenly the ring and my necklace were all I could think about. As the stylist snipped and carefully combed, I kept my eyes focused on the mirrored reflection of the other stylist's ring. I couldn't take my eyes off it. Why was she wearing it? Did someone give it to her as a gift? Did she actually like it? When did these god-awful rings come back in style? Where have I been?

Trust me, I'm far from a "fashion plate" (that was my mom's famous term when I was a kid). I wear Doc Martens just like I did back in 1988. I haven't changed much. I refuse to wear Uggs or Crocs or anything popular. I just can't do it. I've never liked current fashion - though I did like some of the old Steve Madden shoes back in the '90s.

Googling the word "name ring", I was surprised to see Lauren Conrad from The Hills wearing one! I was also unaware that if the girl's name is long, the ring becomes a two-finger ring. How awful? I find it awkward just wearing my engagement and wedding ring. How does someone get anything accomplished wearing a TWO FINGER ring?

Well, thanks for letting me vent.

I'm sorry if you have a name ring on your finger right this moment. I apologize in advance for hatin' on the style. I guess it's just one of the many fads I simply don't "get."