Look, we all have these labels on here for clarity reasons. I know some of you hate it but it does help in keeping things straight in your stories.

I think the ones that hate it the most feel that way because you feel like it defines you or that the label follows you around every where you go.

I used to think (& sometimes still do) that people just look @ me & all they see is BW glaring back @ them across my forhead or something.

I hope they could see how far H & I have come & don't define us as 'that couple who......' kwim?

The biggest way I have gotten over this is to define MYSELF better IRL. I am ME and there is WHOLE lot more of ME than just these 2 or 3 letters (BW & FBW).

I have gotten back to me. I know that this forum is specefically designed to offer support for those of us in these unique situations so I don't want to bring in nonsense if someone feels that this is not important.

But I beleive it is.
One of the greatest things I could do for myself was to realize that BW is NOT who I AM but rather an event in my life.

It was a moment but NOT the defining moment.

I think it is very healing & freeing when you, no matter what your label, can realize that.

So I really want to KNOW, what else goes on in your life? I know many of you have children, careers, hobbies. Remember those?

This 'situation' is just ONE aspect of your life.
I know there are other things that you are good @, excel in & LOVE to do besides all this madness. What are some of your strengths?

I'll start:
Many of you know by now that I learned to crochet in the last few years after seeing my mom & grandma doing it for years. I thought it was just for ol' grannies. Well, hello, with the influx of some wonderful new yarns & fabulous colors, this craft has really grown in popularity. SO I told my mom to teach me & it renewed her interest as well as my SIL, & now my MIL has started & I will also teach my other SIL as soon as I have the time.

I can make gorgeous blankets, luxurious scarves & trendy ponchos for my dd. I am currently working on the cutest baby beanie, matching poncho & some little mary-janes for a girl I met @ a baby shower who will be having her own daughter soon.

I finished a lovely blanket for OC birthday w/ a matching poncho. IT was just darling. I take a project w/ me everywhere I go, where I will have to be sitting & waiting. And I meet so many people this way because they can't resist commenting on it or asking questions & I've met so many other ladies that are also learning to crochet & I encourage them as to how easy & fulfilling it is. * Plus it helps to decrease depression.....which I am prone to.*

I am also a homeschool mom. Our oldest is in 6th grade & has been homeschooled for all his life. HE loves it, we love it & plan to do it for all of our kids.

I love to act & my H & I actually met in college in an acting class. He was the funniest & most talented improvver I had ever seen. Improv is our specialty. (think: 'who's line is it anyway?')

I lead the drama club @ church for the 5th & 6th graders. My son is involved in it too of course. HE is also quite talented & has done a few stand-up routines the past few years.

I can't draw to save my life & have no desire too, nor have I ever had the desire to run or jog. I see no point! LOL But I'll roller blade for miles, I love that.

I love to paint old beat up furniture into something lovely in my home. I especially like to distress it, I used to hate that look but it really hides flaws & adds character to a 'do-it'yourself' project. LOL A few Christmas's ago, my H bought me an electric sander. One of my best gifts yet.

My favorite holiday is Valentines. (or my birthday but that is the selfishness in me! LOL)

I am jsu tin love w/ being IN love....but a quirky thing is I also rebel on that day when it coems becuase I think-oh EVERYONE is going out tonight trying to impress & hoping to get lucky-like it only takes ONE night!

Wierd hanh? I felt that way on my honeymoon---------like everybody KNOWS what we are gonna be doing----so why NOT do it instead? kwim? LOL

I have a rebellious streak, can you tell?

But enough about me. I talk a lot, if you haven't noticed by my longwinded posts.

I want to know about YOU.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxox
kt

Kt,
Great question!! First off what is IRL?
Who am I? I don't know if I can define myself as well as you can but I will try. You sound very interesting, much more than any labels. My pastor at church one day said that if you got divorced, you weren't just a divorcee- you were a person who went through a divorce. It's an experience - an event- but it doesn't define you.
I am 28 years old. I go to a community church which I love- I grew up Baptist and pretty conservative- this church rocks and is great for people who don't like church. Plus I learn something every week, and I feel good serving and giving back too. I help with the 2nd graders and I am on the womens ministry leadership team. I actually gave my testimony in August in front of about 200 women- which was a blessing and a humbling experience- hoping to help other women in distress.
I don't have any kids, but I spend a lot of time with my nieces (15 and 8) and my nephew (3). I have a special and unique relationship with all of them. My nephew is my little man though- he is the one who always called me by my full name (usually kids cut it off) and he gives me big kisses and just makes me want a son someday even more. My 8 year old niece acts a lot and looks a lot like I did/do - which is sometimes scary! My 15 year old niece is very quiet and has had some problems this year- I have to work with her to get her to talk to me/trust me and have fun - she enjoys being with me I think but is just going through those tough teenage times.
I have just started getting interested in going camping/hiking- I have a friend who is supposed to take me pretty soon- doesnt' want me to camp overnight alone. I also like to take walks (even though my exercise lately has been non-existent because I have been in cold weather so long) and I like to read. I am reading Janet Evanovich's mystery/adventure whatever series right now (One for the dough, two for the money...) I am also about to read the 5 people you meet in heaven, and I like books that are non-fiction that help with spiritual growth or personal growth.
I am in advertising and traveled 38 weeks last year. I go to about 6 different cities a year and stay a while working on a project. I come home on the weekends but am away a lot. I have been in extremely cold weather conditions since Nov. and I am ready to be home for a while (TN- my next 2 projects are at home) My job has been a blessing because the people I work for really believe in me and build me up and help me to value myself.
I have great friends, I went to college and was in a sorority- go ZTA- I don't do the sorority stuff now but I do have great "sisters" as friends still. I also have other friends through college (dorm buddies or apt roommates), church, old jobs and through other friends. I feel like I have a large crowd of support around me. I would say I am very blessed in this area. I graduated college 6 years ago and a lot of my friends I have known since I started 10 years ago. I was shy and a little nerdy in high school so I wanted to branch out and be a new me in college. My parents divorced when I was 18 and a freshman in college, so I was a new me in more ways than I expected.

I may take my 15 year old niece to a knitting or crocheting class- I have been interested in doing that and she expressed interest a while ago too.

I don't like Valentines even though I will say happy birthday KT. It's a trigger day for me but since it is your birthday I won't bring that up. I like Thanksgiving because it is simple (for me at least because I don't usually cook much- esp now that I travel so much), and we do have a lot to be thankful for and everyone is laid back and we watch football at my grandmothers and my brother is a huge Cowboys fan (they always play on Thanksgiving). I like July 4 too because I like fireworks and patriotic music.

My mom is always saying I am different than most of my family, because I am more stubborn and aggressive. I tend to take that as a compliment. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Ok so maybe I did have a lot to say!!
Great thread!!!
Adgirl48

Kt,

I LOVE that you started this thread! How great!

BTW, I owe you an update email! Lots going on!

Wow, I am a lot of things, and I hope to evolve into even more!

I'm a Mommy to my two boys. I don't have a job outside the home, but considering how busy I end up being, I'm GLAD!!!

I love to cook and bake. I love to read, and before I had children, I was an actress (since the age of 5)

Right now I am knee deep in wedding planning h@ll!! I was supposed to elope in December, but my darling future husband asked if we could please include our families, so now we're having a traditional wedding in April. Just got *my* actual dress (not the store model) and had a bit of a teary-eyed moment when I tried it on...LOL! It's just beautiful!
We'll be busy next week starting pre-wedding counselling with our Pastor at church...this week my sweetheart is away on a business trip. :-(

We're currently finishing our basement, so over the weekend I was installing insulation, and choosing paint colors. We're also shopping for a larger home, but I've talked DFH (darling future husband!) into putting it off a year so we have time to breathe!!! LOL!

Love being home with my kids, love being home when DFH walks in the door...love my life, love my family.

I'm very, very happy!

<small>[ January 25, 2005, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: meNtheboyz ]</small>

Sorry for the confusion, my b-day is in April. My fav month but there are now some triggers associated w/ it soooo......

My birthday used to be my favorite because it was ALL about ME. LOL When I was little, for our birthdays, mom would allow us to do NO chores, like a little prince or princess.

I give myself credit for the maturing I have done in my life & feel my mission or ministry will be to encourage young/new wives to LOVE their H.(properly) A lot of our problems could have been avoided if someone would have told me.

I am proud of my kids, they are rather well behaved. I used to beleive it was becuase I was such a GREAT parent, then I had baby #2! LOL I realized I was blessed w/ that natural character of #1 & the next 2 took a bit more training. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I am proud of my H, the man he has become.
I am proud of my part in keeping my marraige together.
I am proud of my assertiveness.
I am proud of my humbleness as well. (how can you NOT be humbled after something like this)
I am proud of the communication skills I have taken time to learn & teach my ktbunch as well.
I am proud of my public speaking skills that I have developed.
I like to take pride in my intellect but really that is nothing to be proud of becuase I didn't earn it, it just came naturally.
I am proud of the patience & tact I have learned in dealing w/ others negative behavior.

THESE are the accomplishments I am most proud of today.

Oh & I am proud of the fact that I am a quick thinker & knew what to do to put out that fire! LOL

I am greatful for the talents that God has given me & I hope to use them wisely.

Anyone else...........BTW, I don't care what your label is....feel free to chime in.

xoxoxoxoxoxxo
kt


PS: IRL means In Real Life.

mntb------------I was wondering why I hadn't gotten any wedding e-pics!!!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> HOW exciting. I just LOVE weddings........I cry every time! LOL But they are happy tears! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

<small>[ January 25, 2005, 06:52 PM: Message edited by: ktbunch ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by ktbunch:
<strong>.

Anyone else...........BTW, I don't care what your label is....feel free to chime in.

</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Oh you're going to regret that one! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Alright, I harrass you all enough with my frank opinions I'll let you know who I am IRL.
I've been reading these boards for nearly two years and only recently decided to chime in. I don't know why. I just couldn't keep my yap shut one day and it's been an ongoing problem ever since. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Anyhoo...

First and foremost I am Mom. It is what I have chosen to be and it is what I love about my life more than anything!

My big hobby is Scrapbooking. I crochet too KT(!); my grandmother taught me when I was about ten. I also sew and do needlepoint. I love working out at the gym, dancing, playing volleyball, softball and pool. I also love going to the theatre, the symphony and the ballet. Don't ask me to cook though! My boyfriend is a chef and a dietician so I don't have to worry about it. I feel like a celebrity- having my own blanced meals prepared for me. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> We've been together for nearly three years. We're gonna try the "Five-Year Plan" and if that pans out we'll probably get married. Right now we have that "if it's not broke, don't fix it" viewpoint! We both have goals we're still working on for ourselves first.

I'm a college educator by profession and a published writer. I have a Masters degree and I'm working towards my PhD in Education.

I also work with several charity organizations in my community- mainly for the hearing impaired, but also for troubled children, struggling students, a few church organizations and a local animal shelter.


That's me when I'm not stirring up the heated debates here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

(By the way, I really don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings when I post. I'm just honest, brash and sarcastic by nature.)

Okay. Bye-Bye. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

I'm a mother to 5 wonderful children. I'm also a SAHM. When I'm not busy cleaning house, I enjoy doing different activities with my kids.

I to love to cook/bake. Family hates me at christmas time with all the goodies I give out.

I love to read, favorite authors are James Patterson, Tami Hoag and Patricia Cornwell.

I'm also a animal lover. We currently have 3 cats. 2 are strays we took in and one is a persian we got for christmas.

Sorry can't get into more detail, Xow loves to read up on what is going on so........

I teach grades K-5.
I am in charge of the Gifted and Talented Program for my school.
I also have a Masters Degree in School Counseling.
I love to work-out.
I have 3 giant dogs. They are my loves: a dalmation, a great dane, and a german shepard.
I have a huge close family who I love to spend time with.
I am pregnant w/ my first child and can't wait.

KT this is a great idea. I think when we post now we can kind of look at each other a little differently.....as knowing what we do IRL <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />
Let's see, as CLO and most here, I'm a mother foremost. I have 3 kids. A set of twin 6 year old girls and my little baby girl who is 10 months now. I've been in property management most of my time in the S.W. and love it. I've always been in the admin end of it and just before I got pregnant I started school to take my Real Estate test and make more money at what I do <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> . I'm also a bookkeeper. I've done that for many many years and it's served me well. I'm ready to jump into the Real Estate market though and make more money at what I do best. I should be taking my test no later than by spring. Getting pregnant kindof put a damper on my plans for that year, but I did finsish school, while working 2 jobs and raising my kids. I have been seperated from h for 3 years. We have no near future plans on divorce as it's just easier and cheaper to stay married. After alot of work and putting aside feelings on both ends, we have learned to become good friends and that is very important to with my kids. He has openly accepted my daughter and really she brought us closer. He helped me out a lot before the court orders were inforced and all. I enjoy listening to music and just about any kinds of music. I can go from Guns and roses to Celine to Tim McGraw in a second with out any ajustment periods. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> . I love to go dancing too. I love to spend time at the park with my kids and to swim. I LOVE THE OCEAN. I don't live near it anymore, but try and get there every chance I can get. I enjoy cooking and baking although time does not give me the opportunity to do like it I use to. I'm a sun goddess!!! Love the sun. I'd take 110 degree temps over 40 degrees any day of the year. Between work and my kids I really don't have the time to spend on me as much as I use too, although now that the baby is almost a year I plan on taking a bit more time for me. I'm enjoy doing crafts and use to do them a lot but again, my time does not permit me to do it much. As you can tell TIME is very important to me <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> . I do enjoy reading books, but more so on the self help and motivations than novels. My fav time of the years are spring and fall where I live. It's perfect wheather here then. I will be honest, it's very important to me how I look. I think that a person should always look there best if they leave the house. I'm not saying you have to be all dressed up and made up, but if you look good, you feel good and it shows. My fav color is country blues and grays. I'm a member of the PTA at the girls school and enjoy helping out there too. I wish I had more time to be more involved in there school as I was in there pre-school, but hopefully within the next year that will change too. I gave myself 1.5 years after the baby was born to totally get my act together and get life back to where it was before it all happened. It's been a long road and alot of bumps and obsticles in the way....but really am not to far off my goal. I guess that is it for now.

<small>[ January 26, 2005, 07:26 AM: Message edited by: needtomoveon ]</small>

KT, I am trying to discover the true me. I am a mom to 3 wonderful children, ages 15, 12 and 5 months. I love to cook and am known by the family as the wonderful cook. I'm 31 years old. I got pg in high school as a sophomore w/child #1 and managed to graduate with HONORS and was in top 10 of my class. I'm very proud of myself for that huge step! It was very rough raising a child being a child myself but I did it and I am proud!! My boys (the two oldest) are honor roll students and both play sports that I love to go watch. The baby girl is a blessing to me. I've always wanted a girl but H and I had decided when our youngest boy was 6 that it was too late to have a baby, that there'd be too much of an age span and so we hadn't planned on having more....so God decided to wait until our youngest was 11 to give us the news that we were expecting!! And when I found out it was a girl through ultrasound I was ecstatic. She's exactly what I needed to complete my life and has really been an inspiration to me to change the way I was living (in pure Hell and misery due to the A's H sprung on me) and to enjoy life.

I enjoy rehabbing homes. My mother and I bought a repo'd house that needed alot of work and we busted our butts to complete it. It was beautiful when we were done, and we made quite a bit of $ in the process by selling it when we were through.

I'm still, however, trying to discover me. I've always been known as H's wife, so and so's mom, but never really established myself. I've always been fairly quiet and shy. Ironically, though, when XOW and her H and me and mine were friends they really brought me out of my shell. We had some really great times together. (we were all best friends, became friends very quickly because we all clicked so well...we see where that went though). Sadly enough, not only was I betrayed by my H with the A but I was betrayed by XOW too. I had to not only mourn the pain my H inflicted, but I had to mourn the loss of a friendship that I had never really had before.

Here I go....talking about the sad stuff!! I'll quit now!

great thread!

Who am I?
I'm 31 yrs old with a 15 1/2 months beautiful daughter. Moved from Puerto Rico to Upstate NY eight years ago. Other than xH, I have no other family here.
I'm a Software Engineer. I enjoy my job but it is not my passion ...
I'm very proud of my dad that raised me and my brother with an $8k salary and we both went to college.

I love Scrapbooking but since DD was born I haven't been able to keep up with that <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> right now just putting the photos in 'normal' albums ... kill me now!
I love to watch Lifetime movies ... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />
I love to read ... my apt is full of books everywhere ... and DD is getting her own library too <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I miss my family very much! I talk to my mom on the phone almost every day ... she's my lighthouse ...
I have a niece (10) and two nephews (7 and 4) ... my brother (30) and I have a great relationship ... he's looking to get me a new boyfriend ... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

God and church are a very important part in my life. I was a religious formation teacher for two years before DD was born. Right now I do the introduction to the mass and the readings on Sunday mass.
Also before DD, I was involved in a Hispanic society working mainly with hispanic high schoolers to get them to continue their education on math and science.

And this past year, I'm just beginning to know who I am inside ... I'm stronger than I ever thought I would be. I'm a fighter ... I'm a mom to DD ...
Friends labeled me as BW - we don't understand you ... still working with that hurt ... just a couple of real friends left ...

Since I found this forum, I feel that I've found a great group of special, amazing people ... I try to keep myself out of controversial treads though <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> , but I read here everyday ...
I've learned from all of you, your stories and how you've approached your situations ... Thanks for that ...

KT, I think that this is wonderful thank you for allowing this brief escape. I am 27 years old I to am first and foremost a mother to 3 beautiful children. Two I gave birth to and unfortunatly the other I did not but none the less I do love them all. I am security manager and I really enjoy my work it is very fulfilling and it pays well to. I am working towards a bachlors degree in Criminal Justice and after that I plan to go to Law School in two years. I am really not an animal person but I am definetly a reader I prefer true crime novels and right now Aphrodite Jones is my favorite author. I have raised my sister and we are very close she is my main support since I really do not have any friends. KT Thank you again for starting this thread it is nice to know more about all of you.

Hey guys. It's me <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

As my sig line says, I am 22 years old and I have a 14 month old girl who is the mini-version of myself.

I am still in college pursuing a bachelors in criminal justice. I will admit I have been a workaholic (in the drug testing industry) but I am trying to get to where I want to be so my daughter and I will have a secure future. I also am a part time actress/extra.

In my spare time. I enjoy playing with my daughter, playing the piano (practice every day), reading, and watching movies.

I've never been a BW but I almost was. When I first came here I was a BG and I was engaged to my childs father.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" /> How nice this thread is!
I am 27 yo and also think of myself as a mother first and foremost.
I was a nanny to three great kids (two of them from birth) for 6 years and I feel like they were my first "mothering" experience! It made me very comfortable when I had my son, who is now 3. He is the light and the color of my world (to quote a John Mayer song!) and the only reason this whole A/OC thing hasn't put me in the nuthouse.
I also love to read (CRAZYMUM I adore James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell too!) but don't get to much anymore.
I love my job, and I am taking a new job starting Feb 7 in the same institution so I am excited. It is a very fulfilling place and keeps me humbled.
I feel like I am a good friend and great listener to my girls in town, although I very often give advice but I very seldom follow it (amazingly enough my best friend of 15 years is going thru this A/OC thing too; hers started first though...)
I am close to my mother, but not too close - I learn from her how NOT to be as well as how to be, KWIM? She does not know about OC and I am afraid to tell her...
Anyways, people would say I am very outgoing and always smile <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> and I make strangers feel comfortable in an instant.
I have been very faithful as a converted Catholic but have not found a church to be involved with locally.
I try to think the best of someone until they cause me to think the worst...
WOW this is hard, KT!! Trying to think of good things about myself - too humble am I <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Kt,

THis is great. Who am I? I am a 26 year old. with NOW 4 kids (2 older step kids... 14, 9) My son who is 5 and my setpdaughter OC who just turned 1. I am a executive assistant for a developemnt comapny. I love to read, love to watch movies. I love spending time with my family.

I plan on going back to school this summer to start taking classes so i can be a nurse. In the meantime, H and i are trying to get Pregnant again, since there is a nice span between my son and now. Since the A i have become a much STRONGER woman. If i thnak my H for anythign its for that, 4 making me have to be stronger to get through this. Iwill not giveo my marraige up for anything.

My H now sees what he has done wrong and we are trying to move forward from that. I give him credit for being a great dad. For being their for his mids no matter what, if he cant finacially take care of them, he atleast wants them to know that hes around. Even though we dont really have c with OC right now, even though she is only 1 he will still call and talk to his daughter on the phone listen to her babble and let her his is voice (this does not happen to often, but he does do that) he has always said he just CAN NOT act like she is not his, that is not him and I APPLAUDE him for that.

We live with his 79yr old g-pa and we help take care of him, my 5 yr old kind of helps to it warms my heart to know that we are doing something good and its not beasue we have to its because we WANT to. and its great to see my son get to know his great grandfather. I am one of those woman who know i cant afford 3 more kids but given everything that has hapen i STILLL WANT 3m ore kids!!! you guys can say im crazy but I LOVE CHILDREN. I love my step kids like they were my own. Im one of those people who will do anything for anyone, even if it means not putting myself first,maybe thats why i would make a great nurse.

Is it just me but i also love to take bubble baths inthe dark with candles. SOOOO RELAXING. If you have not tried PLEASE DO SO. Ill cut it now, cuz now im jsut rambling. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Here is to ALL OF US.

Here is to 2005 let it be the best year YET>

Love you all.

Lonely

Ladies, we truly have lots in common!!! I talk so very much in my posts- I wonder if there is ANYTHING I've ever left out. LOL!!!

As everyone else said-- my major function is MOM TO ALL. I have one bio son who is nearing 15- who is a mini-me, my soul... he and I virtually "grew up together" LOL! I also have 2 wonderful stepchildren, one who lives with us, and my beautiful biggest fan.. my HOMIE, my stepdaughter who lives w/ us part-time. And then the neighborhood kids who also I think live with us.. lol.

I have been a legal assistant for 13 years. Very prosperous firm with TONS of GREAT friends that I socialize w/ at work and out of work. Not my life's calling anymore, but must stick it out for now...

I WILL FINALLY pursue my art career at some level, now that the kids are older. My passion and love is in color, texture, painting, photos, sketching, decorating.. even creating amazing chocolate art pieces sold for $$ that *I* could not afford to buy..LOL!

Some other favorite things/past times are weight training, sunny spots/beaches, camping, sports (I was bound for a basketball scholorship CEPT oooops the baby boy "popped up" in my senior year.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> .... I love to sing and come from a WHOLE family of tallented singers. My father was a popular R&B singer in our city and made some great 45's... LOL! I do not read much -cept for here- but I have always had a passion for writing in many capacities.

I cook my butt off and LOVE to cook for multitudes. Baking-- oh too much science for me ! I can barely make a pancake!!! My Italian genes have given me special powers to avoid recipes at all costs and somehow pull it off!

Ok and my other "weakness" would be that I still, at 32 LOVE to go clubbing - kids are older- and now I don't need that darn babysitter for me to put on some loud music, to work on my outfit, hair and make-up and head out for a night of DANCING my [censored] off. Talk about a stress reliever! Me and H LOVE to go out together (not as much anymore but darnit we STILL force ourselves to get up and act as YOUNG as we still are)! We still both get carded every time. LOVE THAT. I think these nights keep our marriage hot and heavy and young!!!

I wish I could crochet or sew--- I STILL take my missing button items to my mother to fix.. ha!

And then there's the best part of me.. God..! I LOVE him with all my heart! I was a penticostal pastor's kid, and penticostal pastor's worst nightmare as a teen!! LOL!!! I have NOT been attending church for a LONG time- I went 4 times a week for 20 years and I just got out of the habit... my HUSBAND has started going with my parents - I'm sitting back and watching him fall in love w/God! Its AWESOME.

GREAT thread- I am reading SO many neat things about you girls!!!!!!!!!!

<small>[ January 26, 2005, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: giovanna123 ]</small>

KT...What a great thread!

I am a mother of four. I have a 10 yr. old son from my previous relationship, a four yr. old daughter and a 3 yr. old son with my H, and I have a 4 yr. old step-daughter (OC). I love all of my children more than anything in the whole world!

I am a graphic designer and an artist. I LOVE my job!

I am a strong, independent woman with a very solid marriage, and a deep love and respect for my H.

In 2004 my youngest son was diagnosed with liver cancer (Stage III Hepatoblastoma) and underwent six months of chemotherapy. He is in remission! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

In November I lost my favorite step-dad (who was a hippie and a chef) in a tragic car accident. Our whole family is clinging to eachother; sharing more love and hugs because of it. There's nothing like death to remind us what's truly important!

My H and I are working on buying our first home. We hope to move by August 1st. This will be a wonderful addition to our wonderful life!

I am happier now than ever before. I am healing and learning and living.

KT,

I must admit with everyone else, this is a wonderful way to put aside the labels and see who everyone truly is. I will admit that I have had a hard time labeling people. I have done it all my life and I think it had to do with my upbringing. I hate holding grudges and never have until Dday towards the OW.
As for myself, I am 23. I attended San Diego State to get a degree in Criminal Justice but I am one semester shy because my H (in the military) and I were transferred from Cali to the middle of the Ice age, Maine.
I have worked with children since I was 16 and currently work with infants at a preschool were I am the head in my room. My seven little ones are my pride and joy. The turnover rate in preschools is pretty high and in just 3 months, I have two staff members. The little ones have become so attached to me that when I leave even to go to the bathroom, they scream and cry. It makes me sad but makes me realize what a wonderful impact I have had on them! One just started saying my NAME!!!!
I worked for the Mission Valley YMCA in san diego running day camps for 4 year olds! We had seventy in my camp alone and I loved it!!!
I love to sing! When I was 14 I passed down a record deal because my mother would NOT let me live that dream. I have done some plays in cali and was the lead singing for the praise and worship in my church back home.
My hobbies include reading which is one of my favorite things to do, especially here in Maine when it has been snowing. I can knock out two books a day if I try hard enough. I love to bake for others. Once a week or so, I'm bringing a cheesecake or cookies to all the girls I work with. When we lived in San Diego, I told my H invite people over all the time just so I could cook! I adore my H even though sometimes I feel like I could run him over. Despite everything he has put me through, I just look at him when he is sleeping or doing something and I am so proud of him and so proud to be his wife, sometimes I just get teary - eyed. Since I've been pregnant, one of my favorite things to do is SLEEP! Lol..I wasn't really one who needed a lot before but now, the moment i get home, I fall on the couch. I guess I should take full advantage of that before Cayden COMES!
I got married at 22 in San Diego, on shelter island. I'm sure EVERYONE knows this already but we are expecting our first one together June 5th of this year. We went to the ER this morning at 12am because I was bleeding pretty bad. We had another ultrasound which was sooooooooo amazing. I could watch him ALL DAY LONG on that screen. I asked if I could buy one! Hehehe.......made the nurse laugh. Cayden had the hiccups and was sticking his tongue in and out REALLY FAST! I'm so proud of my little guy and he isn't even here yet! I am proudly planning out his room yet haven't decorated because we won't be in this place when we have him. OH...its sooooooooo hard waiting. I can't wait to hold my lucky little guy in my arms! 18 weeks and COUNTING daily!
I've overcome a horrible childhood with a mother that wanted to kill me because God (she became involved with a cult like lady) told her I was the devil. Its made me a strong person who has a much better outlook on somethings. I adore my 10 year old sister although my mother has full custody and rarely lets me talk to her. I try to be a great role model for her but that sometimes proves pretty difficult.
I love going to the movies or just listening to those who need advice or a shoulder to lean on.

Take care!

I’m a 35 y/o mom. My Jonas is now 4. I’m also foster-mom to my best friend’s daughter, now 14. I’ve been with BF for 3 years and he has 2 kids of his own….11 and 14. Custody with his ex is 50/50, so we’ve got a pretty full house.

I’m Hispanic and have a fairly large family. Okay, who am I kidding….the family is HUGE. Needless to say, we love to have “carne asadas” (Mexican BBQ’s). With a large family, there’s always a birthday or anniversary to celebrate. Since our house is pretty big, it has become a sort of hub for get-togethers with friends and family alike. I absolutely love casual entertaining. Being surrounded by people I love is really cool. The two older kids are in their freshman year at high school, and they’re warming up to the idea of throwing parties at the house with their friends. I like the activity and having so many people around makes my home feel like home.

With so many people coming and going, of course I know how to cook. I like following recipes and coming up with my own creations (I make a killer Chorizo cornbread). BF’s partner at work is always hitting me up for Posole verde and tamales. Yes, he gets them. I’m a people person and love to do for others. I fully admit our kids are spoiled, and I make no apologies. They’re good kids.

In my down time, I like to read….A LOT!! I believe shopping is a sport, not a hobby. It takes dedication and stamina….and, boy, is my foster-daughter a team MVP. I also love soccer and actually did some coaching during my pregnancy...until I took a ball in the stomach. The parents objected to me being anywhere near a ball after that. I was reduced to advising. I haven't been "in it" since then, but have plans to go back this year. My little guy is old enough to play in the Pre-K league. I can't wait to see him go. The boy's got soccer balls all over the house. Grandpa can't wait either. He's in his mid-50's and has been playing since he was a little boy in Mexico. As a matter of fact, we (brothers, sister, mother) have all played.

As for my “professional” side. I work in the Workers’ Compensation arena. I used to handle claims on the tribal side, but am now back to working under state jurisdiction. It’s fast-paced and involves a bit of brain-work, but I really like what I do.

“OW” is a very small part of my make-up. It was a hiccup in my life, and one that has long passed. It’s something I had to go through to get where I am now. I lived, I learned, I moved on. Life is now good, and I’m happy.

OB1

BTW, Hurt, I live the San Diego area. I read somewhere that you lived in El Cajon....me too! My teens go to Granite.

<small>[ January 26, 2005, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: ohbratti1 ]</small>

OB1-------my H is 'hispanic' so I know all about those bar-b-q's! LOL Can't have a birthday w/o one----------every year since the each member of the ktbunch was born (even when they WERE born for 'welcome baby' barbq's) we've had big bar-b-q's! LOVE the carne asada & my MIL beans!!!!!!!!!! mmmmmmmmmmm! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Mostly everyone drives in from TJ & SD. I LOVE it. The men hang out & crack jokes & the women serve everyone, gossip & brag about their own kids & grandkids, all trying to out do the other. IT's all fun & lots of wonderful memories, even if I am tired out after a full day.

And now w/ the greatest invention since sliced bread---------the JUMPER-----the kids are so easy to deal w/! LOL LOVE that thing. What's a party w/o a JUMPER? LOL

Nothing beats family! right? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

xoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxo
kt

Oh, and H & I are HUGE movie buffs!!!!!!!
BTW has ANYONE seen Napolean Dynomite? IT's hilarious.....especially if you did ANY growing up in the 80's. And it's rated PG, no fould language, the kids would probably like it if they aren't too old to think it's too uncool! LOL

ROFL....the jumper!! OMG, have you ever seen a bunch of grown men, after a little cerveza, think they can bounce around like the little ones? NO WAY!! The thing collapsed onto it's side....and the men were stuck. The "viejas chismosas" had to go to the rescue. I almost pee'd myself that day. My stomach was really sore from laughing so hard. They were flipped every which way, in there. Our big macho men....HA!