Keeping it Real

Note: Looking for snark? Try again later. Oh - and Blogger's spacing is being a jerk so I apologize for its wonky-ness.

Today's post is about being real. I have many blogs on my reader (read: I spend most of my life reading about other people's lives) and Heather decided it was time. So here I go.

I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and moved around between the ages of 12 and 21 (Wisconsin, 3 parts of Ohio, Texas and New Mexico) before returning 'home' ... and home is where I intend to stay.

I am the third child of four; the second daughter of two. My sister and I played Barbies and school growing up and spent our summers eating Kraft macaroni and watching The Golden Girls. I am proud to say she is one of my best friends today.

For 8 years of my life, I played the flute. THAT, my friends, is how lame I was. I wasn't allowed to quit so I was even in the marching band wearing those nasty-year's-old polyester jumpsuits, suspenders, spats and giant plastic hat.

I am the proud Auntie Tidbit to a niece and nephew - Isabella and Nathaniel. I love spoiling them with handmade goodies whenever I can. My only wish is that they didn't live so far away.

I dabbled at a few Universities and ended up back here for two reasons: 1. I was broke and Aunt Betty had a basement, and 2. I had the strong urge to be near my grandparents who had been put in a nursing home with no other family in the region.

Visiting every Sunday, I heard many precious stories and I learned first-hand what Alzheimer's does to a person. Although I left in tears many times, I always came back. I was with them both when they passed later that year. I am proud to have known them the last year of their lives.

Found Fred at a Ben Folds concert a year or so later - a well behaved, small town boy that is one of the nicest and supportive people I know. We clicked instantly and have now been married for 5 1/2 years and have a 3 year old son. They are my favorite two boys.

I am a sewer and quilter and enjoy creating. I have an Etsy shop on the (very, very) side and wish I had more time to devote to it. Instead, I live vicariously through the many quilter's blogs I read.

I will read anything but Romance-Schmomance. Ewww.

Sienna, our cat, is crazier and meaner than ever.

Elliot has 3 sets of grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is a lucky boy to have so many people in his life that love him so very much.

Although no one believes us, Elliot will be our only child. Of course, now that I typed that I will likely be the next Octo-Mom. Ick.

I don't eat vegetables - they taste so bitter!

I am scared of moths and have a general dislike all bugs.

My one and only speeding ticket was for going 84 in a 55. I was out of state. In my sister's car. No where near my sister's city. And it was like 10 pm. I thanked the trooper for not ticketing me at my actual speed which would've gotten the car impounded. [Edited to add: I've had 2 speeding tickets in my life... I just managed to forget about the other one while writing this. Ironically, both involve my sister in some way. Bad luck charm?]

Blogging is a great outlet for me. I love writing, editing and posting for the world to see. Someday, I'd like to be a writer.

I am thankful for my life - for the challenges, ups, downs, disappointments and joys. The heartaches, losses, gains and love. I wouldn't be me, and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of that.