I find it difficult to write about myself without worrying it sounds arrogant. I’ve made different choices than most but, to be clear, I don’t think my choices are better. Just better for me. I had my two girls very young. I’m sure at that time most people thought my life was pretty much spelled out for me, and it was for a long time. I became a nurse and worked to pay for the “normal” life with my significant other. I always knew something was just missing. That kind of life didn’t make sense to…
When my youngest daughter took an unanticipated break from her selfie-a-thon to hand me my phone, I knew something big must have flashed on its screen and caught her attention. It was a notification from Dana about submitting a story for her new series. Excitement and terror both gripped my chest as I thought about the opportunity/ challenge for me to step out of my shell and give others a snapshot of my experience. This is a HUGE push for me, and I am grateful to Dana for providing a platform for others to tell their stories. Here…
I’m a native Gainesvillian and yes, I’m 39ish … (41, almost 42) Eeek. I’m married to an awesome guy (13 years now) and together we have six children! I love spending time with my family, taking trips to the beach, watching home improvement shows on HGTV (sometimes binge-watching), reading, exploring, cheering for my UF Gators, and traveling. I am a mother, stepmother, wife, sister, sister-in-law, friend, daughter, aunt, and I love my huge family! I look forward to life’s adventures every day and love living in North Central Florida…
Giving birth to my 40s… My 30s have been good to me, but there’s something special about entering my 40s. I’m a single mother of two beautiful children, ages 13 and 7. So, I forgot what it felt like to do what I want to do a long time ago. 🙂 As a mother, educator, bible study teacher and youth leader, it’s important that while dinner is in the oven, I find the time to ride my bike, text a friend, or cry when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I do get tired of hearing, “Mom!” over and…
My 39ish life is likely different from many of those I know; I am not the typical 39-year-old woman. I don’t have my own children and I do not yet own my own home (and I won’t until my Ph.D. is finished, that’s my reward). I am on my second marriage and I am a student working on her Ph.D. I used to wonder if I was a little out of place because my life didn’t fit the stereotypical persona. However, I don’t think I will ever fit in with a…
When Dana asked me to write a piece for this series, I was touched that she would think of me, and also slightly terrified. I would have to look at my current reality, and stop pretending time isn’t moving at warp speed. At 39, I find myself a month away from being an empty nester (the tears well up just at the thought of it). I live in Southern California, and I am the mother of two incredible daughters; Karley (22) and Sadie (18). Karley very recently moved to Boston to start her career, and Sadie will be heading…