Who I was: "Back in the day...." I was all that and a bag of chips - or at least I thought I was. I grew up with my Grandmother (and the majority of the rest of my family) telling me how fabulous I was. I whole heartedly believed them. Now some would say that made me conceited....and they may be right. However, years later, knowing that most of my friends have low self esteem, I'll take conceit. I have learned over the years to be much more gracious and I would argue that it's not conceit if you don't think you're better than someone else - it's confidence.
I went to beauty school the summer after high school to become a manicurest. For most of my career, I worked at a great salon in Cherry Creek. I was highly influenced by the socialites who owned the salon and the wonderful women who were my clients. They became my friends and I was thankful that I found a job that blessed me with so many wonderful women.
I loved high heel shoes, long fingernails, tight clothes, dancing, Barbies (I'm a collector), scrapbooking, black lacquer furniture, glass tables, movies, going out with friends, family gatherings, being involved in church, vacations, shopping and anything shiny, sparkly or pink.
My goal was to be married and have a family. I kissed a few frogs and had quite a bit of fun - but I was always on the lookout to find Mr. Right.
Who I am: I think I ate the bag of chips! That's not to say that I'm huge, but yes - I have indeed discovered that eating Reese's peanut butter cups and a soda for breakfast wasn't the best plan. Along with having had two c-sections (love both of my girlies!) and two other surgeries (painful - and I didn't even get to take a cute baby home), I now would love to be back at the weight I was when I decided to start dieting.
I'm in the very s-l-o-w process of going through a divorce. The good news is that we don't hate each other, we have two fabulous daughters and some of my very best friends, I met because of my husband. The bad news is that we're getting divorced.
I'm a stay at home mom who LOVES it! I love being around my girls (Erica, 7 and Isabelle, 5). Their joy and sense of humor keep me laughing often! I love the busyness of running them all over, watching them try new things and seeing them shine. I love my neighborhood and my Bunco group. Going back to work isn't something I'm overjoyed about, but apparently, I'm a grown-up now, so I'm probably going to have to work through that at some point soon. I'm always on the lookout for some sort of job I can do from home so I can still be with my kiddos most of the time. I'm already doing the "home-based business" but it's more of a hobby than a business right now. Again, I am thankful that this business has also blessed me with many wonderful women.
I have recently become Lutheran. I was a Catholic and they're not too different, but different enough for me to make a change. I love my new church home and it has been the bright shining light that has brought me closer to God and stronger in my faith.
I love sweat pants and soft t-shirts, my Croc flip-flops, hats, scrapbooking, martinis, girls nights, playing "mommy jungle gym", Bible class, wood furniture, jewel tones and classic colors, taking pictures, tivo, country music, family gatherings and my children.
My goal is to get (and stay) organized, to make a schedule and stick to it, to be a good mother and friend and to survive my current situation.
Who I will become: A mixture of my two former selves! I will "SPARKLE"! I will be Strong, Poised, Active, Rich, Kind, Loving and Efficient.
I realized recently that I had lost a piece of myself along my journey over the last two decades. I do like a lot of the ways I've changed, but I do miss the bling. A girlfriend told me just last week that I "need to get my sparkle on", so here goes. I'm 39 this year. This is the year of clean up and writing a new map for myself. I'm going to finish the things that must end for me to move forward and make a new path for myself. I'm going to end my 30s in a whirlwind of change so that I can face my 40s with flair! What my career ends up being and what I love are going to change and expand. My goals are many and they, too, will change and expand. That's what this blog will be about - my new journey (along with a few memories here and there).
If you choose to take the journey with me - I hope to entertain you along the way.
Now.....it's time to get my SPARKLE on!
