Seven Similar Things

I came across a wonderful fellow blogger's post who listed seven random things about herself. I was amused by the fact that I could relate to all of them in a similar but non-exact way. That inspired me to come up with a spin on the old
"Seven Random Facts" theme just for fun! Please join in if you can relate to what we've said by putting your own spin on things. You're all tagged by your own choice. No pressure, just let it fly!

So the thing you need to do is first read KJ's post, then compare my similarities!

Here goes...

1) I live out of a laundry basket. I don't have enough dresser/bureau space to put my clothes away.

2) On a related note, we lack closet space in this tiny duplex so many of my clothes don't get hung up. But if I'm being completely honest here, all I have to do is give away the clothes that don't fit me even though I swear they will one day soon and then I will have PLENTY of room in the closet.

3) Nature is my church, kindness is my religion.

4) I'll give away nine cents of every dime I have but please don't ever take advantage of me.

5) I grew up poor in inner city Boston in the 50's and 60's. Those were not good times. My parents drank every paycheck and most often we were without heat, food or electricity. My mother would cover us with coats on top of blankets. I could see my breath and hear my teeth and bones chatter. My body would ache from the shivering.

6) I was arrested at age 14 for shoplifting. I was a little runt always trying to be accepted by the wrong people. They were stealing the latest, coolest outfits and I was stealing Christmas presents for people I loved. I was busted for ten dollars worth of merchandise. I also remember having cardboard inserts in my shoes that night because it was winter and I had holes in my shoes. The mother of my friend came to bail her out and forbade her to hang out with the likes of me anymore. My father left me in jail that night to teach me a lesson. That's the most profound and loving thing he's ever done for me.

7) I didn't have a senior prom, or a junior prom. I was expelled from school at the age of fifteen for circumstances beyond my control at home. Instead of helping me, the 'powers that be' labeled me. Thank God for my probation officer who stood by me and knew I was a good kid in a bad situation. Forty-four years later we are still very close. I went on to get my GED at age 25 and even did a bit of college until I ran out of money. I learned more in the school of hard knocks, and really, I think I've done okay.

Please join in if you wish! I really like the voluntary aspect of memes. I know my answers were a bit of a downer, but I look at those memories as a reason to celebrate where I am today.