If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Oh, how I've always abhorred this question. My brain just doesn't work this way. I wouldn't be an animal. I'd be a human. Why would I want to be an animal and live in the outdoors, dealing with someone trying to kill me all the time? Having to hunt and/or gather food? I like being a human - I can go to a grocery store to purchase pre-killed, pre-gathered, pre-packaged foods. I can sleep in a comfy, temperature controlled home with little fear of being attacked. I can have babies without fear of having them eaten by a predator. I guess I'm just spoiled by my human life.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Strengths (Day 14 of 30)
Describe 5 strengths you have.
1. Emotional. I know what you're thinking - how is this a strength?? First, let me explain: when I say emotional, I do not mean hyper-sensitive, super intense, spilling my personal feelings all over anyone who comes near me. I mean that I have a heightened sense of my own emotional well-being, which translates into being able to define and own my emotions - and DEAL with them. Obviously, I'm not perfect. There are things I haven't been able to handle yet. But, in every day life, I am comfortable expressing my emotions and moving on.
2. Forgiveness. I can forgive almost anyone almost anything. Sometimes, it takes a little longer than others. But, in the end, I'll try to see where the other person was coming from and forgive them.
3. Humor. I can make fun of myself like no one else. I can find the humor in nearly any situation. It definitely balances things out for me in tough situations.
4. Honesty. I rarely lie. I won't say never, because we all lie from time to time. But I really try to avoid it. I was a serious liar as a kid - and I got caught about 50% of the time. Now, a lie will make me feel sick to my stomach and sad and guilty as hell. So, I just don't do it. Besides, lying is exhausting. Not only do you have to come up with a good, believable story but you have to remember all the details so as to never get caught.
5. Love. It's so very very cheesy, but I have a lot of love in me. And I love so many people. I'm not always the best friend or wife or mom, but I always try. And I always let people know how much they mean to me.
1. Emotional. I know what you're thinking - how is this a strength?? First, let me explain: when I say emotional, I do not mean hyper-sensitive, super intense, spilling my personal feelings all over anyone who comes near me. I mean that I have a heightened sense of my own emotional well-being, which translates into being able to define and own my emotions - and DEAL with them. Obviously, I'm not perfect. There are things I haven't been able to handle yet. But, in every day life, I am comfortable expressing my emotions and moving on.
2. Forgiveness. I can forgive almost anyone almost anything. Sometimes, it takes a little longer than others. But, in the end, I'll try to see where the other person was coming from and forgive them.
3. Humor. I can make fun of myself like no one else. I can find the humor in nearly any situation. It definitely balances things out for me in tough situations.
4. Honesty. I rarely lie. I won't say never, because we all lie from time to time. But I really try to avoid it. I was a serious liar as a kid - and I got caught about 50% of the time. Now, a lie will make me feel sick to my stomach and sad and guilty as hell. So, I just don't do it. Besides, lying is exhausting. Not only do you have to come up with a good, believable story but you have to remember all the details so as to never get caught.
5. Love. It's so very very cheesy, but I have a lot of love in me. And I love so many people. I'm not always the best friend or wife or mom, but I always try. And I always let people know how much they mean to me.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Weaknesses (Day 13 of 30)
Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
Ohhh, I've always hated this one!! (Even when they call them "challenges.")
1. Insecurity. I like myself. I really do. I just never know if others like me. For real like me. Which is somewhat crazy. And, like most people, I hate being judged. So, I find myself holding back. Just keeping my mouth shut, or trying to blend in, so that I don't have to deal with the hurt feelings that come with someone's harsh judgments. Which all points out how insecure I am.
2. Laziness. Given the choice of lying on the couch, watching mindless TV or cleaning, I will choose TV 9 times out of 10. Or reading. Or blogging. Or Facebook. Anything besides cleaning.
3. Codependency. I have a tendency toward being codependent. It stems from my childhood and I have a pretty good handle on it, but still struggle from time to time.
4. Jealousy. I try really hard not to let this one come out, but I am quite capable of being jealous. And not just in a romantic scenario. I find myself envious of my siblings because they all live near each other now - when they post fun things they've done together, my heart tings and I get jealous. Or when Wayne goes out with his friends and they have a great time, I'm a little jealous that I wasn't there to share in the fun. (Although, I go out without him, too.) But I wanted to be there, with him, when he was having fun. It's really silly of me and I don't let it get in the way of anything, but it is definitely there.
5. Lack of self-discipline. It's why I can't be self-employed. At a job, I feel a sense of obligation and urgency in completing my tasks - people are counting on me. Plus, they're paying me to do xyz, so I better get it done. But on my own, I find reasons why I don't want/have to do things. Which is why having a gym buddy and/or personal training sessions work so well for me - someone is counting on me to be there, so I get there.
Many... listing your faults is exhausting and somewhat depressing. I guess you can't work on them if you don't acknowledge them, though.
Ohhh, I've always hated this one!! (Even when they call them "challenges.")
1. Insecurity. I like myself. I really do. I just never know if others like me. For real like me. Which is somewhat crazy. And, like most people, I hate being judged. So, I find myself holding back. Just keeping my mouth shut, or trying to blend in, so that I don't have to deal with the hurt feelings that come with someone's harsh judgments. Which all points out how insecure I am.
2. Laziness. Given the choice of lying on the couch, watching mindless TV or cleaning, I will choose TV 9 times out of 10. Or reading. Or blogging. Or Facebook. Anything besides cleaning.
3. Codependency. I have a tendency toward being codependent. It stems from my childhood and I have a pretty good handle on it, but still struggle from time to time.
4. Jealousy. I try really hard not to let this one come out, but I am quite capable of being jealous. And not just in a romantic scenario. I find myself envious of my siblings because they all live near each other now - when they post fun things they've done together, my heart tings and I get jealous. Or when Wayne goes out with his friends and they have a great time, I'm a little jealous that I wasn't there to share in the fun. (Although, I go out without him, too.) But I wanted to be there, with him, when he was having fun. It's really silly of me and I don't let it get in the way of anything, but it is definitely there.
5. Lack of self-discipline. It's why I can't be self-employed. At a job, I feel a sense of obligation and urgency in completing my tasks - people are counting on me. Plus, they're paying me to do xyz, so I better get it done. But on my own, I find reasons why I don't want/have to do things. Which is why having a gym buddy and/or personal training sessions work so well for me - someone is counting on me to be there, so I get there.
Many... listing your faults is exhausting and somewhat depressing. I guess you can't work on them if you don't acknowledge them, though.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Typical Day (Day 12 of 30)
Describe a typical day in your current life.
I am currently on vacation, but when at home, our typical day goes something like this:
Wake up around 7/7:30, argue with Jack about waking up, get ready and finally head out the door around 8. We go to the gym (when he's not in school), run errands, have playdates/brunch/lunch dates, and finally end up at home in time for "quiet time." (That's where Jack watches TV in the family room and I semi-unconsciously watch TV in the living room.) Before I know it, it's time to start dinner and do a little picking up. Somewhere in there, I fit in blogging, FB, bill paying, menu planning, calling to make doctor's appointments, grocery list writing, and social calendar planning. Oh - and ovulation calculations. Ha!
After dinner, Jack starts getting ready for bed - shower/bath, stories, etc. After he goes to bed, Wayne and I watch TV. And start laundry we suddenly remember we need washed before the next morning. We have been trying to go to bed around 10, but it's usually more like 12 by the time we're actually asleep.
I'd like to say I feel super productive at the end of the day, but I rarely do. I feel like most of the day slipped by without me noticing. But I have a happy kid and a happy husband, so I really can't complain.
I am currently on vacation, but when at home, our typical day goes something like this:
Wake up around 7/7:30, argue with Jack about waking up, get ready and finally head out the door around 8. We go to the gym (when he's not in school), run errands, have playdates/brunch/lunch dates, and finally end up at home in time for "quiet time." (That's where Jack watches TV in the family room and I semi-unconsciously watch TV in the living room.) Before I know it, it's time to start dinner and do a little picking up. Somewhere in there, I fit in blogging, FB, bill paying, menu planning, calling to make doctor's appointments, grocery list writing, and social calendar planning. Oh - and ovulation calculations. Ha!
After dinner, Jack starts getting ready for bed - shower/bath, stories, etc. After he goes to bed, Wayne and I watch TV. And start laundry we suddenly remember we need washed before the next morning. We have been trying to go to bed around 10, but it's usually more like 12 by the time we're actually asleep.
I'd like to say I feel super productive at the end of the day, but I rarely do. I feel like most of the day slipped by without me noticing. But I have a happy kid and a happy husband, so I really can't complain.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Pet peeves (Day 11 of 30)
Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
1. Crazy drivers. Especially when I have my child in the car. And then the crazy person decides to flip me the finger as she races past me.
2. Unprofessionalism. I realize you're getting paid less than minimum wage to take my order and serve my food, but YOU chose this job. Make the best of it. Trust me, you'll make more in tips if you quit being a douche to your customers and stop complaining about your job within earshot. (And this also applies to people talking about their hangovers, partying, baby daddies/mamas, and other personal business.)
3. Flaking. I realize things come up, but I make every effort to do what I say I'll do. I have had to bow out of plans; we all do. But when it happens again and again... I suspect you think it'll be "okay" with me. It's not.
4. Lying. Even tiny little "white lies." It pisses me off, hurts my feelings, and generally makes me regard you as someone I should probably avoid. I don't care if you're trying to spare my feelings - just tell me the truth. I am hypersensitive to lies, so I almost always know anyway. (Most of you are terrible liars, anyway.)
5. Questioning my parenting choices. I am trying my hardest to do the best thing for my kid. So, if I say he can't have anymore sugar for the day, I have reasons - you may not understand them, but I don't care to justify myself. And I'm sick to death of people thinking they know best. You are not his mom or dad, so I really don't care that you disagree with me. A treat every now and then is fine. But when the kid has diarrhea and stomach aches... yeah, he feels better after a while, but that's no reason to dump more crap into his system. The only person who has a right to discuss how I parent my child is my husband. (And even he knows better. Haha!)
6. The belief that all Christians (of any denomination) are uber conservative, right-wing, close minded, uneducated freaks. I'm not. I am Christian. I believe in God and Jesus. I have found answers to many of my life questions in the Bible. I have grown as a person, a parent, a wife, a daughter, a sibling and a friend since I have begun studying the Bible. I turn to God when I have a blessing or a problem. But that doesn't mean I believe gays are going to hell. Or that I'm now a Republican. (The change of heart on the gun issue you can blame on my gun-loving husband. Haha!) I still like to have a drink. I still like to have fun. Any prude-like behaviors came on as a result of having my son - long before we started attending church. And as far as uneducated goes, most of the Christians I know have at least a Bachelor's degree.
7. Smoking around my kid. (Or any kids...) I grew up with smoker parents. My dad and stepmom quit when I was fairly young. My mom and stepdad still smoke to this day. It bothered me a lot, especially in the car. Now that I'm a grown up, I get really irritated with people who smoke in their homes or cars but especially if they have kids. The damage being done to their little lungs is just sad. But it's gross - even if you're outside, and a kid is around, he is breathing that in. Just walk away. And if you're going to be around my kid, try to wash off the smoke smell when you do come back in. He'll tell you if you stink. haha!
8. Competitive parenting. I'm pretty sure I blogged about this a while back. It still irks me. Luckily, most of the parents I hang with don't do this. But if you've ever been around a one-upper, you know what I mean. Only it's magnified. Because now, the one-upper isn't just saying you're not good enough - he/she is implying your kid is less than awesome. And, let's face it, we all want to think our kid is the most awesome of the awesome kids. Which is... awesome. But when you let it get out of control, that's your own ego talking. And that's definitely not going to do you or your kid any good.
**Note: this definitely does not mean don't praise your kid in front of me or tell me what an awesome job he/she did on her test, karate, dance recital, etc. Just when you start assigning genius status to your kid while we're discussing everyday things kids do... well, let's just say I am pretty sure you're a little biased.
9. Backseat cheffing. This is when someone is in the kitchen while you cook and decides to throw in little "helpful hints." Such as, "you may want to turn the heat up/down on that," or "don't you think you should slice/dice that a little smaller/bigger?" And my favorite, "are you sure you want to do that?" If I do want to do any of the above, I will. I am making this meal and you should just be happy to have me cooking for you. So, shut it, and go peel those potatoes for me, would you?
10. Belittling my opinion. It's fine if you disagree with me, but if you try to come off like I must be stupid to think the way I do, you come off as a douche. I am definitely not stupid. So, to repeat myself, shut it. Or I just won't talk to you anymore.
1. Crazy drivers. Especially when I have my child in the car. And then the crazy person decides to flip me the finger as she races past me.
2. Unprofessionalism. I realize you're getting paid less than minimum wage to take my order and serve my food, but YOU chose this job. Make the best of it. Trust me, you'll make more in tips if you quit being a douche to your customers and stop complaining about your job within earshot. (And this also applies to people talking about their hangovers, partying, baby daddies/mamas, and other personal business.)
3. Flaking. I realize things come up, but I make every effort to do what I say I'll do. I have had to bow out of plans; we all do. But when it happens again and again... I suspect you think it'll be "okay" with me. It's not.
4. Lying. Even tiny little "white lies." It pisses me off, hurts my feelings, and generally makes me regard you as someone I should probably avoid. I don't care if you're trying to spare my feelings - just tell me the truth. I am hypersensitive to lies, so I almost always know anyway. (Most of you are terrible liars, anyway.)
5. Questioning my parenting choices. I am trying my hardest to do the best thing for my kid. So, if I say he can't have anymore sugar for the day, I have reasons - you may not understand them, but I don't care to justify myself. And I'm sick to death of people thinking they know best. You are not his mom or dad, so I really don't care that you disagree with me. A treat every now and then is fine. But when the kid has diarrhea and stomach aches... yeah, he feels better after a while, but that's no reason to dump more crap into his system. The only person who has a right to discuss how I parent my child is my husband. (And even he knows better. Haha!)
6. The belief that all Christians (of any denomination) are uber conservative, right-wing, close minded, uneducated freaks. I'm not. I am Christian. I believe in God and Jesus. I have found answers to many of my life questions in the Bible. I have grown as a person, a parent, a wife, a daughter, a sibling and a friend since I have begun studying the Bible. I turn to God when I have a blessing or a problem. But that doesn't mean I believe gays are going to hell. Or that I'm now a Republican. (The change of heart on the gun issue you can blame on my gun-loving husband. Haha!) I still like to have a drink. I still like to have fun. Any prude-like behaviors came on as a result of having my son - long before we started attending church. And as far as uneducated goes, most of the Christians I know have at least a Bachelor's degree.
7. Smoking around my kid. (Or any kids...) I grew up with smoker parents. My dad and stepmom quit when I was fairly young. My mom and stepdad still smoke to this day. It bothered me a lot, especially in the car. Now that I'm a grown up, I get really irritated with people who smoke in their homes or cars but especially if they have kids. The damage being done to their little lungs is just sad. But it's gross - even if you're outside, and a kid is around, he is breathing that in. Just walk away. And if you're going to be around my kid, try to wash off the smoke smell when you do come back in. He'll tell you if you stink. haha!
8. Competitive parenting. I'm pretty sure I blogged about this a while back. It still irks me. Luckily, most of the parents I hang with don't do this. But if you've ever been around a one-upper, you know what I mean. Only it's magnified. Because now, the one-upper isn't just saying you're not good enough - he/she is implying your kid is less than awesome. And, let's face it, we all want to think our kid is the most awesome of the awesome kids. Which is... awesome. But when you let it get out of control, that's your own ego talking. And that's definitely not going to do you or your kid any good.
**Note: this definitely does not mean don't praise your kid in front of me or tell me what an awesome job he/she did on her test, karate, dance recital, etc. Just when you start assigning genius status to your kid while we're discussing everyday things kids do... well, let's just say I am pretty sure you're a little biased.
9. Backseat cheffing. This is when someone is in the kitchen while you cook and decides to throw in little "helpful hints." Such as, "you may want to turn the heat up/down on that," or "don't you think you should slice/dice that a little smaller/bigger?" And my favorite, "are you sure you want to do that?" If I do want to do any of the above, I will. I am making this meal and you should just be happy to have me cooking for you. So, shut it, and go peel those potatoes for me, would you?
10. Belittling my opinion. It's fine if you disagree with me, but if you try to come off like I must be stupid to think the way I do, you come off as a douche. I am definitely not stupid. So, to repeat myself, shut it. Or I just won't talk to you anymore.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Most embarrassing moment (Day 10 of 30)
Describe your most embarrasing moment.
Ahhh. There are so many from which to choose!! I do a lot of embarrassing things. I fall down, I say the wrong thing, I do something unintentionally goofy... But none of it really makes a lasting impression on me - I end up laughing at myself. Because, really? We ALL do embarrassing things. It's in our nature. And if I were take them all seriously, I'd be a mess. Well, more of a mess than I already am.
Here's a story that simultaneously makes me laugh til I wanna pee and cringe because I feel bad:
My friend, E, had moved recently to our town. In getting to know her, she admitted that while she loved her some God, she felt a little smothered by her religion back in her hometown. Don't get me wrong - she is a deeply religious person. And she loved her church family. She was just going through a little bit of a change and trying to find the right fit for their new life. I dubbed her a "recovering Baptist."
One evening, E accompanied me to a home sales party. (I believe it was home decor being sold, but can't really remember.) Somehow, the hostess, her friend, and E got on the subject of the Duggar family and Arkansas. The hostess asked if there were many Mormons in Arkansas. (She mistakenly believed the Duggars to be Mormon.) E told her she attended a Baptist church in Arkansas but now attended First Christian. I quickly jumped in with our little joke and piped up, "E's a recovering Baptist!"
...
...
The hostess replies, "I am Baptist."
I was mortified. I felt so badly for insulting her religion. I had no right and was very much in the wrong. I know plenty of people who have/do attend Baptist churches and they are great people. There's nothing wrong with being Baptist. Just like there's nothing wrong with being Catholic, yet my husband and I will sometimes joke about his childhood religion.
The rest of the evening is a blur. I remember finally getting to my car, and E and I dissolving into laughter. Mind you - we were laughing at ME, shoving both feet into my mouth, at the home of a woman I barely knew. I've seen her out in town a few times, but she either has decided to ignore me or truly doesn't remember me. I can only hope it is the latter and that she didn't dwell on my idiocy and lack of judgement.
Ahhh. There are so many from which to choose!! I do a lot of embarrassing things. I fall down, I say the wrong thing, I do something unintentionally goofy... But none of it really makes a lasting impression on me - I end up laughing at myself. Because, really? We ALL do embarrassing things. It's in our nature. And if I were take them all seriously, I'd be a mess. Well, more of a mess than I already am.
Here's a story that simultaneously makes me laugh til I wanna pee and cringe because I feel bad:
My friend, E, had moved recently to our town. In getting to know her, she admitted that while she loved her some God, she felt a little smothered by her religion back in her hometown. Don't get me wrong - she is a deeply religious person. And she loved her church family. She was just going through a little bit of a change and trying to find the right fit for their new life. I dubbed her a "recovering Baptist."
One evening, E accompanied me to a home sales party. (I believe it was home decor being sold, but can't really remember.) Somehow, the hostess, her friend, and E got on the subject of the Duggar family and Arkansas. The hostess asked if there were many Mormons in Arkansas. (She mistakenly believed the Duggars to be Mormon.) E told her she attended a Baptist church in Arkansas but now attended First Christian. I quickly jumped in with our little joke and piped up, "E's a recovering Baptist!"
...
...
The hostess replies, "I am Baptist."
I was mortified. I felt so badly for insulting her religion. I had no right and was very much in the wrong. I know plenty of people who have/do attend Baptist churches and they are great people. There's nothing wrong with being Baptist. Just like there's nothing wrong with being Catholic, yet my husband and I will sometimes joke about his childhood religion.
The rest of the evening is a blur. I remember finally getting to my car, and E and I dissolving into laughter. Mind you - we were laughing at ME, shoving both feet into my mouth, at the home of a woman I barely knew. I've seen her out in town a few times, but she either has decided to ignore me or truly doesn't remember me. I can only hope it is the latter and that she didn't dwell on my idiocy and lack of judgement.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Influential people (Day 9 of 30)
List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
1. My dad. We didn't have the best relationship, growing up. I was a stubborn, willful child. I didn't like to be told what to do unless I'd been given a rational explanation. (As a parent now to the same kind of child, I see how frustrating that can be!) Add to that a natural resistance to emoting on his part, and an abundance of emotion on mine, things got uncomfortable. Let's say I had "daddy issues" for some time. His influence colored the way I saw men for some time. And not all bad - he was never a cheater or a drinker. I never put up with too many shenanigans from any man because of my dad.
2. My mom. When I was a kid, she was such a hippie. Not in an unbathed way. But she was the first person who told me love can't be wrong. I think I've made a lot of decisions in my life based on what my heart says - some good, some bad, but all the right decision at the time.
3. My stepdad, JD. He was so much fun. And, as a teen, he helped Mom and I navigate our relationship. But mostly what he influenced was my sense of truth. He has a sense of honor and integrity that I hope I live up to and can instill in Jack.
4. My stepmom. She made our home, in many senses of the word. She kept the house looking nice - not just clean, but well decorated; did our laundry, baked delicious chocolate chip cookies, and made the world's best fried chicken - all with 4 kids and one income. When I look around my house, I want to know it's as well kept as Mom's.
5. My good friend, Judy. I worked with Judy in California and then in Texas. She has kids my age, but she has been my friend for years. Judy taught me a lot about a lot. She knows so much about etiquette and the finer things in life. I'd still be eating crappy food and drinking cheap alcohol, if it weren't for her influence.
5b. An Army vet, my husband has different views on the world than I do. He tends to think I have a rose-colored view of the world. I think his is colored by too much negativity. (Would that be gray??) Wayne has helped me become a little more grounded and realistic.
6. My friends, Dan and Dyana. (They're married so they count as one, right?) During a difficult time, Dan and Dyana were there to help me navigate the many questions I had in regards to Christianity. Dyana never balked at any of the questions I had. Dan gave amazingly objective advice. Neither of them judged me. Not once. It's because of them that I began to see that I could be a Christian and not have to be hypocrite or a stereotype.
7. Wayne, again. (Yes, he gets two slots - he's influenced me that much!!) My husband's love is completely steady and unwavering. Being loved that way has helped me come a long way in terms of insecurity. I can now accept myself for who I am and know he'll always be there - no matter who else lets me down.
8. My sister, Riann. She is passionately committed to fairness and equality. Seeing Riann take a stand on issues has helped me to see that we can make a difference. Even when her sense of fairness and objectivity (when I'm complaining about a loved one) can make me nuts! (Because she's right but I want to be mad. LOL)
9. My sister, Rachael. I'm not done figuring out how she's influenced me - but knowing her, and losing her, has definitely shaped my life.
10. My friend, Kel. What can I say? I can literally say nothing, and Kel will understand what I mean. That kind of friendship has helped me to grow and become more aware of who I am and who I want to be. She's like my friend-therapist - only with lots of laughing. (And only a little crying.)
1. My dad. We didn't have the best relationship, growing up. I was a stubborn, willful child. I didn't like to be told what to do unless I'd been given a rational explanation. (As a parent now to the same kind of child, I see how frustrating that can be!) Add to that a natural resistance to emoting on his part, and an abundance of emotion on mine, things got uncomfortable. Let's say I had "daddy issues" for some time. His influence colored the way I saw men for some time. And not all bad - he was never a cheater or a drinker. I never put up with too many shenanigans from any man because of my dad.
2. My mom. When I was a kid, she was such a hippie. Not in an unbathed way. But she was the first person who told me love can't be wrong. I think I've made a lot of decisions in my life based on what my heart says - some good, some bad, but all the right decision at the time.
3. My stepdad, JD. He was so much fun. And, as a teen, he helped Mom and I navigate our relationship. But mostly what he influenced was my sense of truth. He has a sense of honor and integrity that I hope I live up to and can instill in Jack.
4. My stepmom. She made our home, in many senses of the word. She kept the house looking nice - not just clean, but well decorated; did our laundry, baked delicious chocolate chip cookies, and made the world's best fried chicken - all with 4 kids and one income. When I look around my house, I want to know it's as well kept as Mom's.
5. My good friend, Judy. I worked with Judy in California and then in Texas. She has kids my age, but she has been my friend for years. Judy taught me a lot about a lot. She knows so much about etiquette and the finer things in life. I'd still be eating crappy food and drinking cheap alcohol, if it weren't for her influence.
5b. An Army vet, my husband has different views on the world than I do. He tends to think I have a rose-colored view of the world. I think his is colored by too much negativity. (Would that be gray??) Wayne has helped me become a little more grounded and realistic.
6. My friends, Dan and Dyana. (They're married so they count as one, right?) During a difficult time, Dan and Dyana were there to help me navigate the many questions I had in regards to Christianity. Dyana never balked at any of the questions I had. Dan gave amazingly objective advice. Neither of them judged me. Not once. It's because of them that I began to see that I could be a Christian and not have to be hypocrite or a stereotype.
7. Wayne, again. (Yes, he gets two slots - he's influenced me that much!!) My husband's love is completely steady and unwavering. Being loved that way has helped me come a long way in terms of insecurity. I can now accept myself for who I am and know he'll always be there - no matter who else lets me down.
8. My sister, Riann. She is passionately committed to fairness and equality. Seeing Riann take a stand on issues has helped me to see that we can make a difference. Even when her sense of fairness and objectivity (when I'm complaining about a loved one) can make me nuts! (Because she's right but I want to be mad. LOL)
9. My sister, Rachael. I'm not done figuring out how she's influenced me - but knowing her, and losing her, has definitely shaped my life.
10. My friend, Kel. What can I say? I can literally say nothing, and Kel will understand what I mean. That kind of friendship has helped me to grow and become more aware of who I am and who I want to be. She's like my friend-therapist - only with lots of laughing. (And only a little crying.)
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