What were you afraid of as a child?
My father. I was afraid I hadn't done my chores well enough and I would be in trouble and get a spanking (with a belt). I was also afraid of memorization. I froze up when we had to take timed addition and multiplication tests--which, when I failed I feared my parents shaming me about it.
When have you been most courageous?
I thought several things took courage to go forward--going to the University and finishing when I thought I was so dumb. The same for graduate school. Running a marathon when I wasn't sure I could do it. Continually trying to have children after heart-breaking miscarriages.
Probably where I showed courage in individual moments was when I stood up to people that were being abusive or disrespectful to myself or others.
What sound most disturbs you?
The sound of cars crashing.
What is the greatest amount of physical pain you’ve been in?
Probably when my appendix burst when I was 18 years old. When I had pain I honestly thought I was a whimp. Next to that would probably be child birth--the pushing part.
What’s your biggest fear for your children?
That they will succeed and be able to be happy in relationships and school and ultimately work. I fear someone may sexually abuse Jenna since she is so vulneable.
What is the hardest physical challenge you’ve achieved?
Having a child, by a long stretch. But I have also had trouble with TMJ (clenching jaw pain), migraines and even sinus problems (before my nose surgery).
Which do you prefer: Mountains or oceans/big water?
Probably mountains for peace and the ocean for relaxation.
What is the one thing you do for yourself that helps you keep everything together?
Sleep. No joke, either! I am fairly organized and make lists when things start getting unwieldy. I like to get things done far in advance when they are due.
Ever had a close relative or friend with cancer?
My maternal grandmother died of cancer but I didn't have much of a relationship with her so it didn't have much of an impact. I have had several friends with cancer and always saddened when I find out another one has it. But most of my experience with cancer came after graduate school when I worked at Hospice in Topeka, Kansas for 1 1/2 years.
What are the things your friends count on you for?
Hmmm. Anyone? I would guess support and encouragement, but that is so vague that it is hard to know. I think some friends count on me for strength (which I feel I am failing at right now) and even spiritual perspective (also not good right now). Some friends count on me to remind them of what would be a healthy boundary or respectful way of approaching some difficult relationships.
What is the best part of being in a committed relationship?
The companionship. I like knowing someone will help me out if my car needs a jump (happened last Sunday since the dome light was left on). I like having someone to share responsibilities (house and financial and kids). Some one to go places (biking, travels etc).
What is the hardest part of being in a committed relationship?
Being tolerant and accepting him for who he is. I want to "inspire" hime to be better when that doesn't happen I can be a nag and even bossy. So hardest is keeping myself in check.
Summer or Winter? Why?
Summer. I need a lot of light to feel happy.
Have you ever been in a school-yard fight? Why and what happened?
No. But pleanty of verbal fights with my siblings when I was young.
Why blog?
So my family and friends feel like they know my kids and our life since I chose to live so far that visits are unlikely. Also as a journal so I can remember all the little events of my kids that make up the big picture.
Did you learn about sex, and/or sex safety from your parents?
No. I had the class in 5th and 6th grade in Orem, Utah. I also snooped in my older sister's box of sanitary products, but that was about it. I really learned about it when my freinds started getting married and would talk about it with me.
How do you plan to talk to your kids about sex and/or sex safety?
I have some good books that I used with kids in therapy. Already I use the correct terminology with them about the parts. I am sure as they reach puberty I will need to have a more in depth conversation about it--I dread that! It was so much easier to have with children in therapy than I can image with my own kids!
What are you most thankful for this year?
I am grateful that I am a mother--and get to learn so much from that. I am grateful that we are financially secure and I can stay at home with financial stress. I am grateful that I have relatively good health (no major long-term disabilitis) althoug my age is finally catching up with me because I need reading glasses/bifocals. I am grateful that I live in a safe and lovely country. I am grateful to be an American with all the priveledges and responsibilities that go with it. (Didn't I have a post about this already)? I am grateful for wonderful family and friends that support me in more ways than they will ever know. That means you!