Who am I? This is just part of it.

I am a mother. I have three amazing (and I say amazing in complete honesty, because somehow they really are amazing people. I might be automatically biased, but I try to see things from an outsider's perspective...) kids. They are smart, funny, witty, caring kids who leave a lasting impression. They teach me junk all the time. I feel like I (we've, really...the ex does a great job with them, as well) have done a decent job at giving them direction to be themselves, and to be "good" humans. Hopefully we can continue the trend. I want children who don't take themselves too seriously, who learn from life's experiences, and thrive despite letdowns. Who can appreciate humor, beauty, happiness...as well as disappointments, unfairness, and bad times.

I am a good employee. Maybe a great employee. Maybe I care too much about my job. That's ok. It's what I want. I want to do an exceptional job at my job. I'm there for a reason, and even if my coworkers aren't at the same level of dedication as I am, I can get past that and do my thing.

I am a friend. Sometimes friends take more than they give. I feel like that friend right now. In fact, I know I am. I'm not real happy about that. I'd much rather give than take. Oh well, their time will come! When I'm situated, I'll give, give, give!

I'm a blogger. I write. Is it terrific? NO! Is it inspiring? Highly doubt it! Is it entertaining? Perhaps? It keeps some folks coming back, for whatever reason. Is it the words? Is it the persona? Is it the message? (Message? What?) Is it the punctuation? Are they just bored? Are they too poor to buy books? Too dumb to find better sites? Addicted to the enthralling events of my life? Masochists?

I am a girl. I like to make myself look better. Some of the time. Other times, I just say "fuck it" and go out in public looking like crap. I like clothes sometimes. Other times, I just like comfort and convenience. Sometimes I like shoes, but most of the time, I like what feels good. I cry at sad movies. Emotional passages. When I miss my kids. When I miss my dad. When I miss my friends. When I contemplate my life, and my place in it. I like things that smell good and girly. I like subtle jewelry. I like pedicures. I like white wine. I like female singers. I like purses/handbags. I like things that are little and "cute." I care too much and dwell on every little thing. I have emotions.

I am horribly inappropriate. Can't shut my mouth, ever. Say what I think (to an extent) without thinking of how it might make me look awful/inappropriate/disrespectful/uncaring/clingy/overbearing/selfish. Need editing lessons.

I am a reader, believe it or not. I am a lover of books...the ones with pages...but just have been out of the habit for a couple of years. Really want and need to get back into the groove of reading. Don't want to force it, though. It'll come...I know it.

I am a people watcher. An observer. I love observing and getting to know people. Love to listen to what they say. Gestures they use. Expressions they display. What they wear. Who they choose to project. It's like sociology 101 or something. :)

I am a lover of music. Not all music. I really can't stand country. Though I like instruments/stylings that are associated with country? I like Bluegrass Lite (my own definition). I like banjo, picking. But not poppy country. I appreciate all, though. And am craving new stuff. My ears are open. My favorite genre (as if you don't know) is what I'd like to call alternative light. Modest Mouse, The Shins, junk like that.

I enjoy a good pop song. Hello, "Satellite," by Jason Plumb. Though not the recorded version. I prefer it live.

I am maybe ok with what I look like. Like, with my body and stuff. Seriously. This is a big deal for me. I *think* I might like my legs. And my arms are acceptable. My boobs are nice. My butt is acceptable, maybe even exceptional. My stomach - another story (can't see myself ever being accepting of this area). This is some amazing progress for me. And I'm actually quite proud of the progress.

(that might seem superficial, but it's true: when you feel good(ish) about your body, you feel better about yourself)

I am a learning-photographer. Listen, I am not even good. I realize this. But I enjoy seeing things, and capturing them. It makes me happy. And no matter how poor the quality of the output, it's still part of me, and I enjoy it. It brings me fulfillment. It's part of who I am.

I am a housekeeper. It's true. I do like a kept house. I like to clean? No, not really. I just like the results more than I despise the process. Does that make sense? I thrive on fresh hand towels, clean counters, and rooms that smell nice. That's about it.

I am a chick who cares too much. I can't control who/what I care about. It just happens. And I can't make it un-happen.

I am open. To new things, most things. Not creepy things. If I'm semi-comfortable, I'll do it. No apologies.

I am a lover of food. Though in smaller portions now than in the past. My stomach just can't handle tons o' food like it used to. But I loooove the food. All kinds. Bring it.

I am an explorer. I love to feel, see, hear many things. I can't wait to get explorin' again. A matter of time.