So, its Tuesday, not Monday but here is my FMM post!! I don’t join in on Kenlie‘s fun often enough but I should!
Personal Quirks and Habits
1. Share one unique character trait that sets you apart from your friends.
I am not sure if it unique but I always, always look for the brighter side of things. I am positive and perky; almost to the point where I probably annoy people (especially my students).
2. List at least two pet peeves that always aggravate you.
When people bitch and bitch about the same things and never do anything about it!! OH and know-it-alls! My husband has this “friend” who talks louder to make sure you listen to him, because in his mind he knows it all! Sadly, this is the same guy who bitches about his girlfriend and his life but NEVER changes! Seriously, it has been the same conversation for years.
3. Is there a word or phrase that you say so regularly that people expect to hear it from you?
Dude. I use the word ‘dude’ A LOT! I have been overusing the word since I was a pre-teen!! I guess this is a side effect from growing up on the beach.
4. Are you a risk taker, or do you typically play it safe?
Play it safe. 😦
I think I have been this way ever since I became a mom. I worry more and I want to make sure I am around for her. I used to want to go skydiving and bungee jumping and I want to open a bistro or coffee/book shop or a soup and sandwich shop….but I don’t because I worry I wont be around or have enough to take care of my kid. The biggest risk I have taken since she was born, was leaving the other half of her and trekking from Florida home to NJ. Then I went to college and racked up debt. I have a great job but I will be paying off student loans until I am 97. This knowledge leaves me a bit paralyzed when it comes to taking risks.
5. Describe your life as it was in high school. Are you the same person? Have you changed?
OMG!! I have changed light years and yet stayed the same just a more grown, more confident, more comfortable version of myself. I have always talked too much. I have always overshared. I have always had a big heart and would/will do anything for anyone else. In high school, I lived with a very controlling mother who didn’t always know how to talk to her teenage daughter. In fact, I was often criticized and degraded and left in tears. My father was pretty much non-existent in high school. We (my sister and I) were busy with high school life and he never pushed so it was once or twice a year visits. I felt like I was not enough, not good enough, not pretty or smart or good enough for either of my parents. I overcompensated with friends and I let people walk all over me. I would do anything. I also found that when I let my true awesomeness shine I was too much for most people.
Now, on the verge of 35, I am ok with me! I am ok being too much for some people and not enough for others. Because I KNOW I am enough, I am perfect , I am awesome…just as I am!! Those who love me accept me as I am! I finally accept me as I am!
I think this makes me more empathetic to my teenage daughter and the students I teach!
6. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done that you’re glad you did?
I was 19 and I was dating this boy, Shane. My ex (yep, the sperm donor) was feeling bad for being a jerk and he probably didn’t like the new boy, invited me to Cancun. The trip was only a week away. I broke up with the boy and went to Mexico with ex and his cousin. We had a blast. Cancun was the first time I had done anything like that! First time on a plane, first vacation by myself, first drink til I puke party….needles to say, a lot of firsts!
I was bit with the travel bug right then and there. I have not traveled as far or as wide as I would like but if I had unlimited resources I would travel ALL the time!!
7. Do you ever talk to yourself? If so, share an example.
Just one example?!?!?
I talk to myself ALL the time!
8. Share something you did that unexpectedly helped shape your life.
I was never going to have kids. Then I did. Well, I had one! That one life act has shaped everything I have done since then! Q changed my life in ways I never imagined!
Knowing that one day she would see the way I was being treated by a man would one day be ok with a man treating her that way. I couldn’t handle it! More so than how I was being treated, the thought of my beautiful baby girl being treated in such a terrible manner broke my heart!
In a very roundabout way, leaving my ex and living the experience I lived with him added on to how I grew up helped me with my current career. I started a literature degree thinking I would be a teacher and have a great schedule. The same schedule as my daughter. Little did I know I would wind up teaching at an alternative high school working with kids who live the life I left.
9. Do you follow a strict routine, or are you a free spirit? Are you somewhere in between?
I am so not strict. At All!
I am much more of a free spirit. I do things at my own time in my own way! However, I get too carried away procrastinating AND I have a real job in the real world so I have to be at certain places at certain times. I know I work better when I am on a schedule/routine. But I fight it!
10. Share something about yourself that you hope will inspire others.
I seriously do hope to be an inspiration. I want to inspire at-risk kids to go to college or go to trade schools. I want to inspire these same kids that no matter where they come from, they can go far! My heart definitely goes to the young girls, I want to be a role model so they know they are not alone! They are not stuck!!
Now, it’s your turn…answer any and/or all of the questions above and let me know!! Also, link up with alltheweigh.com – for some fun times with Friend Making Monday!!!
XOXOXO
Listen.Learn.Love.Mend 