25 Random Things About ME

1. I’m very lucky… I’m married to a wonderful husband, who loves, adores and spoils me. He is the best snuggler, comforter, and companion. He’s seen me at my worst and best, and loved me fully through it all. I don’t believe that any person is perfect, but he is perfect for me.

2. My family is the most important thing in my life. All of my family. We are very close and nothing comes between us. We celebrate holidays and everydays together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

3. I learned at a pretty early age the importance of respect. You have to give it to get it. And those who don’t give it aren’t worth it – no matter who they are. One day, I think my father will wake up and realize this. I think then he’ll also learn the true meaning of regret. And if he never does then I guess it’s his loss.

4. My mom is my best friend, and has been for as long as I can remember. She has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love, and I have the utmost respect for her. My biggest fear is that I won’t live up to her expectations, and that I won’t be half the mother she is to me.

5. I am so proud to be Madelyn’s step-mom. She makes me smile. Being her step-mom is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and at the same time one of my greatest challenges. Sometime I cry for fear that I don’t live up, but I’ll always try my best to be the best for her – she deserves it.

6. I have a new found fascination with eating healthy (Yeah Weight Watchers) and working out. I LOVE my aerobics classes, and I HATE anything to interfere with their schedule. I love cooking new healthy recipes, and I’m fab at counting points. It’s been a great reality check after a tough year. Now I didn’t say I gave up all the good, but not good stuff. I still enjoy a great meal out and have to have my sweets. But I’ve learned a lot about moderation and balance. Sometimes I lose the motivation to keep it up, but it always comes back.

7. I’ve never been a person to have a lot of friends. And I’ve always been okay with that. Because instead I have a few amazing friends. You know who you are – and I’m so thankful for you everyday.

8. My brother and I aren’t as close as I’d like us to be, but I absolutely adore and love him – even when he drives me crazy. And since he’s given me a wonderful sister-in-law, and the most beautiful, bright (and stubborn – not sure where she gets that from) niece, Mia, he has an even more special place in my heart. Not that he didn’t already.

9. So many people complain about their in-laws. I’m very fortunate, because I have nothing to complain about. They’ve become an extension of my own family. My mother and father in law are rocks, and I so admire them. My sister-in-law, April is one of my very best friends – I don’t know what I would do without her. She keeps me sane and happy. We laugh together, talk constantly, and can finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. She’s an inspiration to me, and she keeps me motivated (see # 6).

10. I have been diagnosed with Lupus. It’s been a challenging year and half learning to deal with this. I’ve learned a great deal about myself, what my body can handle, and what it can’t anymore. Learning to live with Lupus has been a roller coaster that I hate to say, I don’t think is over yet. But again, I say I am lucky. I have been surrounded by fabulous support – from family and friends to phenomenal doctors. It’s a great feeling.

11. I miss my Meemaw (grandmother). It’s been almost 2 years since she died, and I think of her every day. Some of my fondest memories are of times we spent together. And there a ton of memories, because she was there for it all. She didn’t miss a thing. The heart remembers…

12. I graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, with a BS in Communication Studies. Hook Em’ Horns! I think it’s ironic how when you’re in school all you can think of is being out. And when you’re out, you yearn to go back.

13. I truly enjoy my job. I work with great people, I have a sense of accomplishment with what I do, and I like being there (almost) every day.

14. I am not a morning person. I don’t like to be talked to, touched, or involved in any way with anyone for at least an hour after I wake up.

15. I’m Jewish. I like that I come from such a rich (not money) and spiritual culture. I wish I was more involved with my religion. I don’t like that there are more questions about Judaism that I can’t answer than I can. But when all else fails, at least I know where to go to find out. My husband converted to Judaism about 4 years ago. It was an amazing experience for me to be a part of.

16. I love Dogs, I do NOT like Cats. I can’t really explain it – I’ve just always felt this way. Dogs win me over. Especially cute, fluffy, cuddly ones. Cats do nothing for me.

17. I don’t drink alcohol or do drugs. Now I didn’t say I never have. I’m a realist, and I think that experimenting is a natural part of life. My only expectation is that it’s done in a responsible and safe way. When Jackie and Dani or Madelyn are ready to try things, I hope they’ll come to me so that I can help them understand how to experience life smartly.


18. I believe that it takes all kind of people to make this world go round. While I wish everyone were noble, and kind, I know that is not the reality. I recognize that it takes the good and bad to make us who we are. And even though we may wish away the bad or uncharismatic pieces of us, they are a part of who we are, and who we become. I believe that life is complex and difficult, but beautiful and sacred.

19. I tend to live in the gray areas in life, which can make things a challenge with my black and white husband. But we find a way to make it work, and it keeps things interesting.

20. I’m up for a challenge, but can also appreciate things to be easy sometimes too. This very concept is my biggest fear about being a parent. It’s so difficult to find that very fine balance between giving your child(ren) all that you want them to have and you think they deserve, but also teaching them how to work hard for it, and not just giving it all to them. My mom perfected this balance, and I don’t know how she did it. I find it to be one of the most difficult things I’ve ever encountered in my life.

21. I think one of the most unfortunate things in life is that Madelyn will never know what it is like to – by herself – ride her bike to pool during the summer, walk a few blocks to her friends house to play, or lay in the grass in the front yard seeing what images the clouds make. It’s a very scary world, and it really bothers me that these simple things done by herself will never be something I feel it is safe for her to experience.

22. My absolute favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love the food, and the way my family celebrates it – casual with everyone cooking, eating, laughing, and just being together.

23. Some of the things that make my world go round … Starbucks, manicures and pedicures, having a new car, the smell of vanilla scented candles and air fresheners, reading all kinds of books from great girlie books to fiction to sudoku to a cookbook, going to the movies, lazy days at home (I’m a true homebody), going on vacation (who doesn’t love that), Starbucks (I know I already said it, but it deserves a second mention), seeing my niece grow and change by leaps and bounds, feeling appreciated, being organized, having a clean house, my Flintstones gummy daily vitamins (my doc says 2 of those are just as good any adult vitamins – and they taste just like gummy bears – it’s so hard to just eat the recommended dose), seeing Jackie and Dani grow into beautiful, charming young ladies… oh I could go on for hours.

24. I met my husband by being on a bowling league. If you know me you know how funny this is. I can’t bowl well (Trey would say at all), and it’s so uncharacteristic of me. It’s the perfect example of why I believe things happen for a reason.

25. My goal in life is to make those around me, who love me, proud. To carry on my Meemaw’s legacy of family and love and laughter. Lots of laughter. And to be happy – because if you’re not happy, what else is there?



So, that's me...