+mojan. / September 11, 2003 9:43 AM

Externally, not much has changed -- unless I count how long I was unemployed and/or underemployed. Internally, everything has changed. Whether it's post-September 11 or just natural "growing up," I don't know, but I can tell you that I went from being afraid of spiders to being afraid of dying before having the chance to hug and kiss my parents; while fashion used to be a priority, it's now more of a passing interest -- my priorities are more about fulfilling goals and dreams; I listened to top-40 radio stations but now I listen intently to NPR and almost always come out wanting to cry; and instead of worrying all the time, I rely on God foremost.

Alice / September 11, 2003 10:20 AM

Professionally, in the last 2 years, there's been a definite increase in the need to defend our intellectual freedom.

Wiz of Odds / September 11, 2003 10:27 AM

For about six months, it was increased abuse, including street altercations and a tossed battery from a car. In general, a lot of explaining of what exactly an "Assyrian" is, and the difference between "Eastern-Orthodox Christian Assyrians who speak Neo-Aramaic" and "Arabs."

jocelyn / September 11, 2003 11:27 AM

i think mostly i'm upset that in the last two years i feel raped of feeling part of the process: not just that i feel that our government has spiraled out of control, but that it's become necessary for me to explain to my children that people who express thier opinion of right and wrong by blowing things up are probably a little mixed up on things. we used to talk about what we think the cats do in the house while we're at school and work. now we have conversations about why people hate.

Cinnamon / September 11, 2003 1:26 PM

I've become more politically active. I actually read stuff about people instead of just voting based on a few things I've read. I'm much more creative and crafty than I had been, I have many more friends, I'm generally in a much better place personally than I was two years ago.

But, I'm also much more disappointed in patriotism, many people I know and don't know personally, and I'm more likely to get my news from non-commercial sources.

shechemist / September 11, 2003 8:45 PM

I have gotten off my ass and started working on getting back to school. I have also starting letting go of emotional baggage that had nothing to do with who I am, but other people's ideas of who I am.

I spent a lot of time fighting with god. I've decided I still don't understand god, but I understand free will, and I need to use my free will for the good of my family, friends and community, even when it makes me uncomfortable.

one small way I have changed: I'm calmer when I do drive. I yield more. I'll get where ever I need to be when I get there. I don't need to be in such a freaking rush.