Post Number 100!!!

Well, here we are at my hundredth post! What a fun ride it has been! In keeping with the tradition that I’ve seen on other blogs, here is a list of 25 things about little ol’ me. It was supposed to be a list of, ahem, 100 things, but, well, I fear I’d loose you around number 25 anyway, so for both our sakes, here’s the abbreviated version of me.Before we get started, here’s a photo of where it all happens in my house: the kitchen. (Uh, the counters are actually a dull, and I mean dull, mauve. They always end up looking bright pink in the photos. I'd love to replace them with industrial kitchen stainless. Dream on!) Like many Italian households, the kitchen is the heart and soul of our home. The island is where I bandaged many a knee, where my kids hang out to chat with me, where homework gets done, where guests like to hang out, and where I prepare all our meals. As you look around, you’ll note the Medusa drawing taped to the cupboard, a memento from when my youngest was studying mythology. While all the art work and photos are kid related, the color swatches on the wall near the sink are mine. I’m toying with the idea of painting my kitchen a warm, Mediterranean yellow. Last, but not least, is my brand spanking new dishwasher delivered this past Monday. In the short time that I’ve had it, I’ve come to care for it very much.

I’ve also come to care very much for my blogging friends. I’m daily humbled that you folks visit my blog, and absolutely delighted when you leave comments. Don’t you love it when someone takes the time to leave a comment? It’s the equivalent of an in-person wave hello, how’s your day going? It’s been a joy getting to know your personalities, likes, dislikes, children, pets, trips, hopes, flops, and just overall who you are via the blogsphere. When I started this, I never thought that I’d enjoy cyber friendships with so many wonderful folks both here and abroad. I thank you sincerely for the kindnesses you’ve bestowed upon me.

1. I am the youngest of 3 girls. My oldest sister lives in Illinois, and my “middle” sister died 2 years ago at the young age of 46. I miss my late mom and late sister on a daily basis. They’re in Heaven hopefully saving me a seat, or at least on stand-by to sneak me in the gate!

2. I miss my dad on a daily basis. He lives 2000 miles away. That’s just wrong.

3. My oldest sister is a better sister than I am. She checks in frequently and adores my children. She’s a keeper.

4. Twins run in my family way back, on my mother’s side. My grandpa was a twin and had multiple twin siblings. Now I have twins; I like how that connects me with my ancestors.

5. I’m kind of an info nut. I was the kid that liked encyclopedia’s (Do students today even know what an encyclopedia is?), and even today I love all sorts of information sharing type books.

6. I enjoy reading cozy mysteries. Quick and easy, yet engaging and entertaining, they help me detox from daily life.

7. Like my mother before me, at one point, I was actually a great sketch artist. My son loves drawing, and has his own amazing style. My littlest girl likes to draw clothing designs, and just this week, I encouraged my middle girl to try her hand at drawing. She likes to draw little fantasy creatures. I love that because she’s otherwise such a serious kid.

8. I love being a mother, and would have loved to have more children. The three we’ve got are pretty darn special.

9. Until very recently, I never liked staying home alone. Now, I relish every moment I have to myself ... they are few and far between.

10. My friends would consider me to be very quiet and reserved. I’m much more exuberant in print than I am in person. Still waters run deep and all that!

11. I can count on one hand the number of good friends that I have. While their numbers are few, they are pure gold to me. It’s funny that I’ve always had friends who possess strong personalities, are socially secure, possess great senses of humor, and are not afraid to voice their opinions. I’m blessed to have them, and blessed that they'll have reserved me.

12. I was a very good girl growing up. It never occurred to me to disobey my parents or sneak out at night. Can you see my halo glowing? 

13. I don’t like arguing, but I’ve gotten good at it! If only my hubbyman wasn’t so darn stubborn!

14. I enjoy visiting National Parks more than, let’s say, a casino. I don’t like crowds ... too much static! All those emotions in one space coming at me. Ugh!

15. More often than not, I will think of somebody and then all of a sudden they’ll call or leave me an email.

16. One day a few years ago, I was in the kitchen and clearly heard my daughter call out “mom” in distress. I swung around only to realize that she was at school. Just a minute later, the phone rang and it was the school calling me to tell me that my daughter had an accident on the playground, was scared, calling out for me, and could I come to the school. I have stuff like that happen a lot.

17. I love homeschooling my son. Everyday, a thousand times a day, I think about homeschooling all three of my kids again. What a grand adventure we would have! Well ... I would have, anyway!

18. I’m a math lover. Algebra floats my boat. Plus ... don’t tell my son ... I like to diagram sentences! He’d let out a mammoth moan if he heard that!

19. I’m not a great singer, but when I sang to my babies, I rocked. Anything from lullabies to country music to rock from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Nowadays, my girls like to dance with me in the kitchen. My son just gives us "the look".

20. I used to be a gung-ho corporate manager. Wore fancy clothes, gave speeches to hundreds, managed multi million dollar budgets, won awards, traveled for work, etc. Then I had my babies and to everyone’s utter shock and surprise, walked away from the corporate life and never once looked back. ‘Nuf said.

21. The older I get, the more simplicity I crave. I grew up in a smaller town, moved to the bright lights, and now desire a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. I’m totally fascinated with homesteading, and while true homesteading is beyond my reach, I hope to embrace it as much as a city dweller can.

22. I’m a night owl, staying up until after 1:00 am most nights. I get up early by default, not by choice.

23. I look forward to reading all of your posts, and really try to leave a comment that lets you know how much I value you!

24. My good friend, Marjie, whom I’ve never met in person, is the one who provided the encouragement for me to start blogging. We are both homeschooling mom’s and she’s one of the first mom’s that I “met” via homeschooling through Calvert.

25. I would love to be a great gardener, successful writer, and Olympic Skater. Oh well, two out of three are possible!


Thanks, again, to all of you who’ve made the world a little closer, a little brighter these past 100 posts!