The New Baby Boom

Did you hear/read the news that more babies were born in 2007 than the previous record set in the 1950s?

Interestingly, 40% of the babies were born to unwed mothers, and although some of those were teenage mothers, the vast majority of those were over 20 years of age. One of the lead researchers was quoted as saying, "For a variety of reasons, it's become more acceptable for women to have babies without a husband."

It's definitely something I continue to ponder and have discussed with some of my singleton peers. Ideally, I would like to have a committed relationship first and then a child. But as the clock continues it's steady march towards forty, I wonder if I should go it alone. But I continue to delay the decision, in part because I wonder if bringing a child into the world on my own is selfish, knowing that the child wouldn't have a father. Would it be better to adopt, giving a child at least one parent? And, of course, there's the very real fact that I would have to continue to work, being a single parent, and someone else would be raising my child during most of its waking hours.

There's no easy answer. I'm grateful that I at least have three beautiful nieces and two charming nephews to enjoy, all of whom I got to see this past weekend!

Unexpected Surprise

Before we left on the cruise, we knew it was Spring Break time for many Texas schools and there would likely be many kids. We learned once we got onboard that several high schools had planned senior trips, and the ship was full of teenagers and their parents. Although there were a few "singles activites," I didn't go. I didn't think I'd meet anyone I'd be interested in, and I decided I'd rather spend the time with my family.

On Monday night, our first formal night, I entered the Karoake competition. I know it doesn't sound modest, but I can sing well. Their list really sucked, and the one song I wanted to do had already been sung. They wouldn't let me repeat it. I decided to sing La Bamba, but the organizers suggested R-E-S-P-E-C-T. When my turn came, I couldn't hear the music and asked them to turn it up. They decided to also change the key. While I continued to sing, trying to adjust to the new key, they changed it again. It was a disaster. I was really embarrassed, and asked them to just put on La Bamba. I did passably well, but I had lost my confidence. I didn't make the cut for the competition, but there was another opportunity on Wednesday.

After that flop, I said goodnight to my parents and went and talked to one of the karoake organizers for a bit, and then I went with a couple of the other participants to the disco/club across the way. I was just standing there, trying to compose myself but still fuming and humiliated, when this really good-looking guy came up and started talking to me. Turns out he works for Royal Caribbean as an IT project manager and was onboard to implement a new scheduling computer system for staffing. Besides being cute, I also found out he loves to dance and is pretty good at it! He's a widower in his 40's and has two kids -- a daughter in college and a 16-year-old son. He lives in Florida, and he has a happy looking face, always ready to smile. We had a lot of fun dancing and talking, and I asked if I'd see him again. He said he'd be pretty busy with the computer system but might see me at the end of the cruise.

On Wednesday, I was determined to sing my best at that Karoake competition tryout. I got there early and signed up for the song I wanted: Bonnie Raitt's Something to Talk About. I had been warming up my voice for about an hour and practiced the song all day. I was the fifth or sixth person to sing, and I was really pleased with my performance -- it was probably one of the best times I've done that song. Since it was late, my family had all turned in for the night, but several strangers in the audience complimented me afterwards. I sat down for a bit, shaking from the adrenalin of performing, and Cruise Guy shows up, telling me he just had a few minutes for a break and decided to come hear me sing. I was flattered. I think he complimented me and stuff, but I was just so surprised to see him, that he remembered I had mentioned it the other night and made a point of being there. I walked out with him -- he had to get back to work -- and we agreed to meet again the next night at the disco/club place where we had met on Monday.

So Thursday, we danced and danced. The cruise was having a 70's disco theme, and we danced to all the classics. It was fun but tiring, too. He kept pulling me back out to the dance floor! We also had a great time talking, and it was just easy to be around him. He asked me to meet him on Friday night at the club they were creating around the adult pool.

Each of these evenings, by the time the dancing was scheduled and Cruise Guy was done with his work for the day, it was usually 11 p.m. My family had all gone to bed, and while I would stay out late dancing until 2 a.m., I still got up early with them around 7-8 a.m., not wanting to miss out on the fun.

Friday night felt like a date. Each time I saw Cruise Guy, he was dressed impecably in a suit or at least a nice shirt. Friday had been a formal night for dinner, but I changed out of my sparkly gown to a black-and-white strapless dress. He showed up late, admitting he went to the Karoake competition, which I had not been a part of. He said only one of the singers could rival me (who knows if he was telling the truth or just being courteous, but it was nice). Again, we danced and danced. Then we took a walk around the deck, and he kissed me. It felt so nice to be in someone's arms. I could feel myself kinda falling for this guy, and I fought against it. I try to steel myself against liking anyone too much...guess I'm afraid to get hurt again. But he was so consistently nice and respectful and complimentary and CUTE!

I only saw him briefly on Saturday night, as my niece Anna, my bro-in-law Anthony and I were headed back to our cabins. I was absolutely exhausted by this time anyway, but he said he couldn't leave his colleagues, mentioning he had gotten into some trouble by staying out with me so late the night before. I had given him my business card and tried to be casual, saying "if you ever come to NY, let me know." He squeezed my hand and whispered in my ear that he was sorry he couldn't kiss me but with his colleagues there, watching him...I told him I understood and said goodbye.

And I was hoping by the time I wrote this, I'd have at least an electronic communication to tie it all up, but nothing. I'm disappointed, and disappointed in myself for letting my guard down. But it was fun.

Cruise Memories

I got back late last night after a fantastic 7-day cruise. I'm still a bit exhausted, as the first night back after being gone so long, my cat Sabrina insists on waking me several times through the night to give her attention.

The Caribbean was gorgeous and warm. Back in NYC, it still seems like winter. 

The cruise was especially fun because my niece Anna (soon-to-be-eight) and nephew Colin (5) were so excited about every little thing. It was all new to them, and it was fun seeing things through their eyes. Plus, they usually wanted to sit next to me or hold my hand. I love holding their sweet, soft little hands in mine.

Our first port of call was Cozumel, Me

xico. We adults had all been there before, and we had decided to spend the day snorkeling at the Chankanab park. The water was absolutely spectacular -- such beautiful blues and turquoise that were a feast for the eyes. Anna took to snorkeling easily, but Colin decided the mask wasn't for him. He said he likes to breathe out his nose. :-)

After several hours of viewing the many varieties of fish, and after consuming some beer and lime, we headed into town for a bite of lunch before returning to the boat. 

The next day, we were in George Town, Grand Cayman. Jenn, Anthony, the kids and I wanted to go to Sting Ray City, a sandbar just 20 minutes out on a boat that is shallow and

 frequented by many sting rays. Mom & Dad had been there before and decided to spend the day in town, walking and shopping. Sting Ray City was awesome. The beautiful green water was shallow enough that the kids could easily stand, and of course, the water was so clear, you could easily see through to the sandy floor and see the shadowy figures of the sting rays as they approached. Jenn, Anna and I each kissed a sting ray on its nose -- supposedly giving us each 7 years good luck -- and Jenn and I each took turns holding a female sting ray on our flattened forearms. She was at

 least three feet across and actually quite heavy.

 The sting rays are used to being touched and fed by the many tour guides, and as long as you kept their gills under the water, they were content to be held.

Our next port of call was Montego Bay, Jamaica, and when we docked, we were happy to see we didn't have to "tender" -- take a small boat -- to the island like we did at Grand Cayman. Also, where Grand Cayman is a very flat island, Jamaica has beautiful mountains that were covered in greenery. A reggae band played music as we disembarked, and Jenn found us a bus to the beach Doctors Cave. Of course, the tour guide on the bus tried to sell us on a city tour or at 

the very least a return ride to the boat, but we didn't want to be tied down to a particular time. After all, we're on vacation! We don't want to be on a time schedule, other than the one the cruise ship gave us for getting back before they depart. We rented umbrellas, and the kids loved this beach. The sand was soft and not too hot. Anna got her hair braided, and then Anthony and I rented jet skis and each took a kid. I first had Anna, then we switched and I got Colin. Each one just giggled with glee the whole time! It was great fun.

Jenn found us a cab driver that seemed trustworthy, and he turned out to be a great guy, not too sales-y and very helpful. He took us to a place we could get jerk chicken, and we ate that as well as buying a "young" coconut. We drank the coconut water, learning that it doesn't turn to milk until later in the aging process. Colin couldn't get enough of the water or the pulp.

Our last couple days were at sea, and there were many activities for the adults and the kids. There were many things I would have done if I'd had more time, but I also wanted to just lay on a recliner and read my book, enjoying the ocean views.

There's more to tell -- I met a guy! -- but that's enough for one post, don't ya think?

And We're Off!

Tomorrow, my parents, my sister Jenn, her husband Anthony, their kids Anna & Colin, and I embark on our 7-day Caribbean cruise!

Don't know how much I'll be blogging from sea...depends on how much internet access costs, how busy we are, and if I feel like blogging. :-)

I'm sure there will be many pictures and stories to share next week. Until then...

Beautiful Sight

I got home just in time to catch the last few seconds of a magnificent sunset.

Although I don't have the great camera my bro-in-law Anthony does, I hope these give you some idea of the beautiful colors.

A Night Out in NYC

I read a really good article in my Oprah magazine about being open to new experiences and chance encounters...similar to one of the comments to my last post.

On Friday, my cousin Rob who attends West Point came to the city to celebrate his 21st birthday. He asked me to meet him and his friends for dinner at a restaurant in Little Italy that caters to military guys and West Point cadets. Getting off the subway and walking to the place, I was immersed in Chinatown. It's amazing how it feels like a different country. First, I had to walk through the vendors hawking most-likely-illegal wares. There was a guy saying "Rolexrolexrolexrolex" without pause. (I tried to repeat it and found it to be a tongue-twister!) Then you pass the different markets, and there are so many fruits, vegetables and other things that I can't identify. At a corner, I waited for the light to change and noticed I'm the tallest woman by head and shoulders. I was surrounded by petite Asian women, and although I don't comprehend what they are saying, I love listening to the sing-song language.

And just another block down, I'm in Little Italy. Rob and three of his buddies showed up soon after, and we had a good meal with Italian wine. Rob let me tell a few embarrassing stories about him as a child, and afterwards, we headed upstairs to a "members only" lounge that all West Point cadets are allowed to join to hang out and smoke cigars. (Although the ventilation in the room was very good, everything I was wearing reeks of cigar smoke. Ick!)

We sat on a group of couches and chairs that only had three other guys. Introductions were made, and we learned that these three men were an actor, a cameraman for films, and an entertainment lawyer who also owns his own record label. We started talking about singing, and they asked me to sing something. I sang just one verse of a song and it was well received. The guy in the music business started telling me about different restaurants and jazz clubs around town where anyone can get up and sing, and they encouraged me to go with them to one later that night. Then, someone from another group in the lounge came over and asked if I would come sing to their group! I was flattered and sang for them (Sweet Dreams, a Patsy Cline favorite of mine).

Rob and the other cadets headed back to Grand Central to catch a train back north -- they didn't get weekend passes and just came for the evening -- so I left with the other guys to the restaurant/jazz club. I sang When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole) with the band and agreed to meet them again sometime.

It was a blast! I stayed out much later than I had anticipated, and I probably had a little too much wine, but it was the most fun I've had in a while.

Worth Waiting For

There's a saying that anything worth having is worth waiting for. And on the flip side, anything that comes too easily is not as valued.

Last Friday, we had our first day of almost-spring-like weather. It got to 59*F and was really gorgeous. I took a long walk at lunch and just soaked up the sun and enjoyed not feeling windburn.

Yesterday, we got a record snowstorm, and eight inches of snow dumped on Manhattan. It's beautiful and white (except for the slushy gray parts on the streets and corners), but it's freezing. This morning it is 16*F (-8*C) but feels like -1*F (-18*C) with the wind chill. When I came out of the subway and inhaled, my lungs protested the cold air, forcing me to cough. I'm really ready for Spring, and I'm so looking forward to my upcoming Caribbean cruise with my parents and Jenn and family.

I've been struggling with keeping my dream alive, the dream of finding someone to spend my life with and have my own kids. With every tick-tock of the biological clock, I feel like the door is closing. And with my past history, even if I met someone today, I would want to spend enough time with him to feel secure about my decision before changing our lives forever with children. The realist in me takes stock of all the blessings I have, and I know I can find happiness and fulfillment in other ways. But the romantic in me is still clinging to the dream. Is it futile? Only time will tell.

Recharged

Since the whole FWB ending, I've been lying low, just trying to regroup and soothe my wounded ego. It's been fine: I'm exercising almost daily, catching up on my reading and doing little things to pamper myself. But I do miss male company.

This week, I was very fortunate to get taken to lunch by one of my vendors and out to drinks & appetizers by another. The lunch was just a one-on-one, and I really enjoyed our conversation. I've been talking to this guy for over a year, strictly platonic. He's married with two adorable girls. He reminded me not to give up on my dream of finding someone but to value the freedom being single gives me.

The happy hour was with a group of my colleagues from work and a group from the vendor. Without planning it, we realized it was Fat Tuesday, and the swanky bar we met at had live jazz playing in the background and festive purple, green and gold beads strung about. The conversation was great, and I enjoyed talking to one guy in particular. Again, not really a flirty conversation, just intellectually stimulating. (He's in a committed relationship.)

Both of these encounters were very simple, easy, and not at all sexually charged. But I left each feeling recharged, and enjoying the pleasant exchange of thoughts and ideas. Maybe I'm ready to get out there again...

Music to Soothe the Soul

A little over a year ago, I mentioned the idea of a choir to the minister at my church and we started one. Our organist is our leader, and his talent and encouragement have made us into a pretty decent group.

Yesterday we performed our most ambitious music to date: a Latin cantata by Buxtehude and a women's-only piece titled Snow. Both were accompanied by violins.

The cantata was a bit of a struggle, but we got through the 8 minute piece without anyone in the congregation knowing where we missed an entrance or added an extra harmony note. But the Snow...! It was incredible. We had five women, two altos and three sopranos, and we were so in tuned with each other. The unison parts sounded like one voice, and then we would break into harmony in perfect rhythm. The song is very haunting, going from a minor key to major then ending back in the minor. The violins added complexity, and at times it sounded to me like part of a movie soundtrack. When we ended, the sound floated down to a hushed audience, and I found I was shaking. It was so good, and it was so great to be a part of it!

I corralled everyone into taking a picture after our mid-winter potluck lunch, but two people had already left. The gentleman in the middle is Earl, our director and accompanist.

My New Crush

Been spending time with my digitally recorded TV shows lately, and I must admit I have a big crush on Damian Lewis. He first came to my attention in Band of Brothers, and I'm enjoying watching him each week on Life. Too bad he's married.












I also think Jason O'Mara in Life on Mars is pretty cute. (Also married.)











Not that I have a chance of meeting these famous actors anyway. But I do enjoy watching them!

***

Ha ha...after I posted this, and looked at the layout on my blog, I realize my picture on the left is gazing directly at the pictures of these handsome men!

V-Day is Over!

Long time no post...partially due to the fact that I was trying to ignore Valentine's Day. I was hoping that with it being on a Saturday this year, I could just hibernate through it without calling attention to my singleness, but on Friday, flowers kept arriving here at the office for various girls around me. At the end of the day, I got an IM from a fellow singleton here remarking about the plethora of flowers for seemingly everyone but us.

On Saturday, I planned a quiet day and evening, but although I knew my cousin Rob was coming in from West Point and meeting me for lunch, I wasn't expecting to spend the whole day and evening with him. He was bemoaning the fact that he doesn't have a girlfriend and is at a school with few women, and I was trying to encourage him while being in the same, if not worse, situation myself.

I did finally get some time to myself yesterday for self-pampering. I went shopping with my favorite companion -- my debit card -- and stimulated the local economy while getting some really cute outfits for my upcoming cruise. I was thrilled to buy several smaller-sized items, and just enjoyed the saleswoman's comment that "everything looks great on you" even though I know she's trying to make a sale. Nothing like some retail therapy to perk a girl up!

The Rest of the Weekend

Don't worry, my weekend got better. Friday was just a low point. (Blame it on hormones.)

We had some milder temperatures this weekend with lots of sunshine, and I walked around until I couldn't walk anymore. (My right hip has been acting up, shifting out of alignment due to slight scoliosis, and although the chiropractor adjustments help, it keeps falling out of place.)

Our church choir (all ten of us) are preparing to do a Cantata and special womens-only piece in two weeks. The music is very challenging for our group, but it's starting to sound so good. We practice after the church service, and I've realized this is my favorite part of the week. We also have cassette tapes of the music to practice with at home, and when I start to sing along with the tape, my cat Sabrina howls along with me. (It's a bit disconcerting but also funny.)

And I saw my NJ friend Kelly yesterday. Her pregnant belly is beautiful, round and full. We haven't seen each other since early December, and she remarked that my face looks thinner. :-) Love that!

A bit lonely

Friday nights always seem to be the worst when I'm lonely. I guess I equate Friday nights with "date night," and it just seems pathetic to spend it on my couch with my cat and a half-bottle of wine.

And I know I'm thinking too much when I start to read stuff into stupid commercials, but... I just saw one for a jeweler in preparation for Valentine's Day (which I'm SO looking forward to) which stated something about "if your heart is open, love will always come in."

Well, what if your heart is open, and all that happens is that love flows out? I'm feeling a bit unbalanced in the heart department.

Remember that book about Love Languages? My primary love language is touch. I start to feel extreme loneliness when I go days without feeling human touch. I think that's why I've been getting so many massages lately, in addition to the reason that my neck and shoulders have been killing me. Even though I have to pay for it, as least it's human contact. Although it doesn't quite fit the bill -- it's not like bumping into people in the subway or shaking peoples' hands in business fill the void -- but it's as close as I have, now.

The crappy thing is...FWB was my best friend here, as well as my "boyfriend." Now I'm back to square one. (And I'm not going to call him. I'm not even tempted. I'm just sad, grieving the loss of my friend.)

Random Thoughts & Snowy Pictures

Why is it that when you lose a sock or an earring, you only lose one? For me, especially if it's a pair of earrings that I really like, I hold on to the one I have left, hoping the missing one will turn up. As I've been "cleaning house" -- sorting through and weeding out stuff I don't need -- I'm having a hard time throwing away these onesies. I think, I really liked this pair of earrings, and what if I throw this away and then find the missing one? At the end of the day, though, it's just earrings, and I usually find a way to part with it.

***

Facebook is a great tool for keeping up with hundreds of friends and former colleagues, but lately, I've been getting several friend requests from people who went to the same high schools I did. (I attended two, as we moved from Midland to Houston in the middle of my junior year.) In the vast majority of cases, I don't remember these people! It's a bit unnerving to me that I honestly have no recollection of them, and presumably they do of me.

***

Having spent the past 7-8 years of my life watching my weight go up and down the scale, my wardrobe has gone through many different sizes, from an 8 to 14. As I'm now coming back down again (hooray! thank goodness! it's working!), I'm reluctant to let go of the larger sized clothes. Not that I'm emotionally attached to them, but I fear that I will go back up again. I've also considered having them tailored, but I also worry about regaining the weight and possibly popping the stitches!

***

It snowed ALL DAY yesterday. My desk is by a window, on the 16th floor of our building, and I watched the small flakes come down, swishing this way and that. Not much stuck, and the City is so good at salting and sanding the streets and sidewalks that this morning, the snow is only left on rooftops and grassy areas. But I took a few pictures yesterday afternoon in City Hall Park. I'm really pleased with how they came out. It looks like the winter wonderland I was walking in, and the falling snow shows in the images, too.

Anti-Superbowl Evening

I'm not a huge fan of football. I was, at one time. Football is big in Texas, and I spent high school and college faithfully going to the games and cheering on my team. But after awhile, I guess I got burned out on it.

Of course, it's fun to watch with a group. But I didn't get any invitations to a Superbowl party, and rather than wallow in self-pity, I decided to make an appointment at a spa for some "me time."

I really enjoy spas. I like the steam room, sauna, hot showers, and of course, the services. I was scheduled for a massage and manicure. I was in desperate need of the massage after waking up on Friday with a very stiff neck and shoulders. Apparently, I had slept on it funny, and all my muscles were bunched up and hurting. The massage therapist was great and worked on all the kinks, improving my range of motion.

Then I went home and made some lettuce wraps, opened a bottle of wine, and watched a movie, La Vie en Rose. Halfway through, my phone beeps, a text message.

From FWB. "U still not talking to me?"

I thought of several choice things I could say but decided not to respond at all. I'm still so angry about the whole thing. Obviously, he misses talking to me, but I think he just wants me to be there for his emotional support. I'm realizing he's much more selfish than I originally thought. He can't even respect my request for time and space!

Baggage

A few years ago, after a break-up, my mom suggested I try to find someone without baggage. I replied that we all have baggage -- I know I certainly do -- it's just whether you've dealt with it or not.

A good friend of mine, who is a lurker on my blog but prefers to send her comments and encouragement privately via email, explained it another way. I think she's got it figured out and so enjoyed her take on it, I wanted to share:

It is my hope that people who know they have baggage (me included) take the scary steps needed to work on it, try to trust and love again, and get back to LIVING life their way and not in the shadow of an experience with someone else. Much easier said than done, as we both well know. It is also my feeling that someone with “extra” baggage either be willing to pay the heavy bag fee or offload some of that crap and just take a carry-on.

I totally agree. The airlines are now charging for checked luggage, encouraging carry-ons. That's going to be my new policy, too!

Some Enchanted Evening

I had a lovely time last night with my surprise visitors -- my sister Steph and her daughter Paige, who is 5 1/2. Paige called me as soon as their plane landed. She was so excited to be here on her special trip with Mommy.

I met them for an early dinner at Gramercy Tavern, which is conveniently located close to my office. While Steph and I enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine, Paige was thrilled to enjoy a Coke! (A very rare treat.) She called it her "beer," and the effects were almost immediate. She was buzzing from the sugar and caffeine. Of course, it was all part of Steph's plan to help Paige stay up through the Broadway show!

We went to see South Pacific, and the talent was fantastic. From the orchestra to the performers, the costumes and the sets, everything was breathtakingly beautiful. And Paige was such a trooper! We only saw two other children there, and she was definitely the youngest. Poor baby had gotten up at 4:45 a.m. that day to catch the plane, and she definitely got a zombie look through the performance. But she was completely well-behaved and everyone around us commented on her poise and maturity. And she was entranced enough in the story to stick it out until the end.

During one of the opening numbers, a group of guys dressed as sailors sing "There is Nothing Like a Dame." We had incredible seats -- even the usher said they were his favorite seats in the house! They were situated on Row F in the orchestra and were overlooking a stairway where the performers would enter and exit. This meant no one was directly in front of us! During the "Dame" song, at one point, all the guys turned in our direction and seemed to be singing directly to us. I swear I caught eyes with one cute guy, and he continued to sing while maintaining my gaze. I felt my face go hot (I'm sure I was red) and it seemed to go on for several somewhat-uncomfortable minutes. I can't remember the last time I blushed, but it was such a powerful experience. I love Broadway! I love the talent, the live performance, the energy you get from the performers and even from the other patrons around you. I like the smaller theaters where you feel almost a part of the action.

All in all, quite an "enchanted evening," to borrow one of the popular songs from the show.

Sometimes You Need a Good Laugh

I had dinner with some great girlfriends tonight at Anthos. It's a fancy Greek restaurant with fabulous food and beautiful presentation. 

I've been so down lately, and that doesn't inspire me to write much. Plus, I don't think it makes for great reading either!

But one of my girlfriends has been blogging, using her great sense of humor and pointing out the ridiculous in everyday life. It makes me laugh out loud, so I thought I'd give her a shout out. Check it out at Seriously? I Mean Really. 

Ready for a New Week

I had a quiet weekend, so I got a lot of things done around the apt. I filed, sorted and recycled a lot of paper, painted my finger- and toenails, and played on my Wii. It makes exercising so much easier and fun. I'm now down a total of 14 lbs. from where I started. And the upcoming family cruise is a good motivator.

My dad has graciously offered to take us on a Caribbean cruise. We leave on March 15th from Galveston, then on to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Wee! Although the thought of putting on a bathsuit is a bit frightening, it does keep me focused on my diet and exercise.

I've been trying to keep busy so as not to ruminate too much on things, and I have dinner with some girlfriends scheduled tomorrow night to take advantage of NYC's Restaurant Week. On Wednesday, I actually had four offers for drinks/dinners! Crazy. The winner is my niece Paige, who will be coming up for a special mom-daughter trip with my sister Steph that day.

25 Random Things

I received this meme through Facebook and decided to leverage the content for my blog as well.

1. I was born in NYC, although we left when I was 18 months or so. I moved back here in 2007.
2. I moved around a lot as a kid. The list of where I was raised is: NYC, Dallas, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Dallas, Midland, Houston then off to college.
3. My hazel eyes are usually mostly brown but turn bright green when I cry or my eyes are irritated.
4. I've been coloring my hair for the past 15 years. Currently, it's blonde.
5. I love to sing and perform. My biggest audience was over 8,000 when I sang the National Anthem at a Race for the Cure event in Plano, TX.
6. I am the middle child of three girls.
7. I am the proud auntie of 5 adorable, intelligent and loving kids: Anna (7), Colin (5), Paige (5), Graham (5) and Evelyn (1.5)
8. I've survived countless bad relationships and 2 divorces.
9. I have played the violin, clarinet and piano, although I currently just play my iPod.
10. I used to be near-sighted but had Lasik when I turned 30.
11. I used to own (and ride) a sports-bike, a Suzuki SV 650.
12. I'm not a morning person.
13. When I was 6, I had an operation to repair a hernia.
14. My degree is in health education, although I have taken it into a very different direction than I originally thought.
15. I always thought I would be a stay-at-home mom.
16. I still hope to have kids of my own.
17. I drink more English tea than coffee.
18. I really enjoy good food with good wine, and even better if there's someone to share it with.
19. I'm generally an extrovert and can talk to just about anyone.
20. I enjoy my alone time, too.
21. I prefer savory foods to sweet ones.
22. I've struggled with my weight, but it's currently headed in the right direction.
23. I've completed 2 adventure races and 2 triathlons with the encouragement & support of my big sister Jennifer.
24. I haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up yet.
25. With the encouragement of friends, I've been writing a book and finding it to be quite a challenge! (It may turn out to be more of a pamphlet!)