Telling on myself...

My son is writing the story of his life thus far, and it has been a very interesting process watching him recount his memories. There are things I was sure he'd recall that he didn't, and things that he chose to highlight that I wouldn't have expected. I'm loving his language arts teacher for this assignment.

All this has prompted me to reflect a bit, and I thought you might enjoy getting to know me a bit better. I was born Sept. 21, 1966, and grew up in Fort Wayne, IN. (Don't start to worry; this isn't going to be a blow-by-blow, but everyone starts from somewhere.) I am the oldest daughter of 2 firstborns, so you might assume that I'm a perfectionist. While there are some things that I want done "just so," I'm much less particular than either of my parents. My only sibling Joan is 2.5 years my junior, and she took on all the firstborn characteristics I didn't want. She graduated valedictorian of our high school, and maintained a 4.0 through college. She's an amazing technical pianist and organist, but I'm the better vocalist.

Music played a big role in my childhood. My parents sang in the church choir weekly for over 35 years, and I was also in choir through elementary, middle school, and high school. I survived 7 years of piano lessons, started playing flute in 5th grade, and in high school was in the swing choir, marching and concert band. I was a great student, but didn't have to study. As you can imagine, this drove my sister crazy.

I walked away from everything musical in college. Why? I was somewhat intimidated, but I was also ready for something else. The "something else" I discovered was writing, and a love for shaping words into sentences blossomed through my coursework in communications. I love expressing myself with just the right words, and reading a well-crafted article or story is like indulging in fine dark chocolate. I also like knowing and using unique words in my everyday vocabulary. I don't do it to be snobbish, and sometimes I don't even realize I'm using a word that others may not be familiar with. So please don't be offended. It's just who I am.

I have been married for 17 years to the most wonderful, caring, insightful, sensitive, handsome man. I met him at a pay phone, and after I clarified for him that I was not married we dated for 3 months before he proposed. Not many thought we'd make it, but he understands me like no one else, and lavishes me consistently with unconditional love. I'd follow him to the ends of the earth.

My husband will tell me when he sees this that this post was too long, so I'll quit with this last observation. I never had animals growing up, and never knew what I was missing until we got a dog shortly after we got married. I wouldn't live without a dog now, and we currently have 2 Australian shepherds.

Well, I hope you enjoyed reading this. I'd love to know more about you too, so why don't you tell me something about yourself by leaving me a comment. Share something that is unique about you that you'd like others to know. If you're still reading, then you're someone I know enjoys relating. Thanks...