There’s something special about the start of a decade. I was born in 1970. I had my tenth birthday and my first boyfriend in 1980. I had my first child in 1990. I turned 30, graduated from residency, married my soul mate and had my third child in 2000. On Monday, I welcome the new decade by turning 40. So I thought I’d make a fun little list—a 40 in 40—but since 40 is the new 30—it only has 30 things on it. (okay, I thought that was clever but in reality, I can’t make that document bigger because photoshop does not cooperate with me). Here’s to the new year. The new decade. New beginnings and another chance to make those dreams come true. Happy 2010!
What’s on your list?
100 things about me
100 things (painfully continued) Edition 3
First, peak in on my project but be careful….there’s stuff everywhere!
My cabinet project is going well. I’m taking the cabinet doors off and embracing open shelving. They are soaking in SEVERAL coats of ‘Roman column’ paint from Sherwin Williams. The bottom cabinets are a nice hue of blue and they will be sanded and distressed.
and then there’s the kitchen walls…….not such good luck. If they looked like they look in this picture, I’d be happy. But they don’t. It feels like you’re sitting in a 1950’s ice cream shop where lime sherbet has been smeared on the walls. I’m trying a new color called ‘Hemingway’ tomorrow. Say a little prayer.
Now back to the list of 100 hundred things you never wanted to know. For editions 1 and 2, go here and here.
Now back to the list of 100 hundred things you never wanted to know. For editions 1 and 2, go here and here.
41. I speak from experience when I say that having children who are compliant can give you the false sense that you are an extraordinary specimen of a mother. And on the contrary, having strong willed children will have you convinced that you are not capable of parenting at all. I have both varieties in my little family. Until you’ve parented a strong willed child, it would be wise to save all your statements that start with “Well, if that was my child, I’d….”. Give people the benefit of the doubt and spend the time you might judge them–saying a prayer for them instead. This is no task for the faint of heart. And grace and mercy need abound.
42. My favorite color is tiffany blue. I have plans to paint my craft room that color. Last year, my favorite color was orange. I’m wishy washy like that.
43. My favorite southern city is Charleston. My favorite northeastern city is Boston. My favorite midwestern city is Chicago. My favorite place to spend time in the summer: on the lakes of Minnesota.
44. I dream of lazy days reading and baking and making crafts with my children while the smell of clean laundry and fresh bread tickles my nose. No wait, that’s what I get to do everyday. Someone pinch me.
45. My favorite tree is the southern magnolia. It looks beautiful and stately in the yard and its branches frequently adorn my tables inside. Neither Emme nor I, however, like the smell of magnolia.
46. If I could live during any historical time period, it would be colonial America. Maybe that’s why I love Boston so much. I would assume the role of Abigail Adams.
47. My favorite movie is The Notebook . Or maybe Office Space. I also love Steel Magnolias and Little Women. And The John Adams series. And of course Coal Miner’s Daughter. Then there’s Slingblade. And Pride and Predjudice. Picking one thing has never been my strong suit.
48. Steve introduced me to Martin Luther and bird watching. I introduced him to C.S. Lewis and cornbread. I’d call that even.
49. Each of my children has altered my life in some profound way. They have taught me and changed me and made me a better person. I have learned patience and humility and loyalty and compassion. They continually force me to reevaluate my preconceptions and prejudices. I owe them a debt of gratitude which will be impossible to repay.
50. My hair is blonde. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
51. I’m pretty sure I could quote most of the Dr. Suess book “Yertle the Turtle”. I cannot, however, seem to remember where I put my car keys or parked my car or laid my book. I now remind my children to watch where I put my cell phone. Between all of us, we can usually find it. Usually. And whenever I’m frantically looking for it before we walk into dance class, I’m usually talking on it.
52. I am an ‘early to bed, early to rise’ type. I could never stay up at sleepovers when I was a teenager. I always ended up with shaving cream in my hands and other girly pranks. My daughter inherited this gift and thinks it’s pretty pathetic.
53. I dream of living in the country in a big white farmhouse with a huge front porch and chickens and goats and dogs and pigs. Or on the lake in a cute little 2 bedroom cottage. Or in a downtown loft in Birmingham. If only there were more time here on earth……**big sigh**
54. There have been people through the years who have had a dramatic impact on my life. They are numerous and I wouldn’t even attempt to mention them all. One of those people is Susan, who I met when I was in medical school. Her children went to school with mine and she taught me so much about mothering children and nurturing a family. I remember her growing ‘creeping fig’ on the side of her old brick house. I found some this weekend and will plant it in her honor.
55. I was a gymnast as a young girl. I can still do a back bend with a kickover. I might see stars and need to see a chiropractor the next day, but I can do it all the same.
56. My youngest brother has Down’s syndrome and I have an aunt with cerebral palsy. I’ve been bowling with the CP group many times and used to help with special olympics. I’m thankful for them in my life (even though my aunt once chased me around the yard with a butcher knife and then would repeatedly ask me if I thought she was ‘going to hell’) and I think it gives you an understanding and comfort of the handicapped that is invaluable. I love DS kids and have a special love for parents of children with handicaps. Christ always values the weak and vulnerable in society and we should too.
57. I frequently speak to Caiti and my sister and JamieKnoxville in my native appalachian tongue. Almost every morning as Taylor and Caiti leave for school, I yell out the door, “Caaaiti, don’t git in no fites today and uh…..I luv u better’n anythang”. It’s like our own private dialect. It can be scary to a northerner. Or to small children.
58. I am terribly addicted to my own bed. I love my bed and my pillows. All three of them. Feather of course.
59. I currently have 33 lamps in my house. I never. NEVER. turn on overhead lights. Ever.
60. I once glued someone’s eye shut when I worked in the ER. It’s a good story. Maybe I’ll tell ya sometime. Suffice it to say, I will never live that one down and as it turns out, an opthamologist told me “Aw, don’t worry, people do that accidentally with super glue all the time. It’ll come out in a few days.” Maybe the public is safer with me here at home!
100 things (painfully continued) Edition 3
41. I speak from experience when I say that having children who are compliant can give you the false sense that you are an extraordinary specimen of a mother. And on the contrary, having strong willed children will have you convinced that you are not capable of parenting at all. I have both varieties in my little family. Until you’ve parented a strong willed child, it would be wise to save all your statements that start with “Well, if that was my child, I’d….”. Give people the benefit of the doubt and spend the time you might judge them–saying a prayer for them instead. This is no task for the faint of heart. And grace and mercy need abound.
42. My favorite color is tiffany blue. I have plans to paint my craft room that color. Last year, my favorite color was orange. I’m wishy washy like that.
43. My favorite southern city is Charleston. My favorite northeastern city is Boston. My favorite midwestern city is Chicago. My favorite place to spend time in the summer: on the lakes of Minnesota.
44. I dream of lazy days reading and baking and making crafts with my children while the smell of clean laundry and fresh bread tickles my nose. No wait, that’s what I get to do everyday. Someone pinch me.
45. My favorite tree is the southern magnolia. It looks beautiful and stately in the yard and its branches frequently adorn my tables inside. Neither Emme nor I, however, like the smell of magnolia.
46. If I could live during any historical time period, it would be colonial America. Maybe that’s why I love Boston so much. I would assume the role of Abigail Adams.
47. My favorite movie is The Notebook . Or maybe Office Space. I also love Steel Magnolias and Little Women. And The John Adams series. And of course Coal Miner’s Daughter. Then there’s Slingblade. And Pride and Predjudice. Picking one thing has never been my strong suit.
48. Steve introduced me to Martin Luther and bird watching. I introduced him to C.S. Lewis and cornbread. I’d call that even.
49. Each of my children has altered my life in some profound way. They have taught me and changed me and made me a better person. I have learned patience and humility and loyalty and compassion. They continually force me to reevaluate my preconceptions and prejudices. I owe them a debt of gratitude which will be impossible to repay.
50. My hair is blonde. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
51. I’m pretty sure I could quote most of the Dr. Suess book “Yertle the Turtle”. I cannot, however, seem to remember where I put my car keys or parked my car or laid my book. I now remind my children to watch where I put my cell phone. Between all of us, we can usually find it. Usually. And whenever I’m frantically looking for it before we walk into dance, I’m usually talking on it.
52. I am an ‘early to bed, early to rise’ type. I could never stay up at sleepovers when I was a teenager. I always ended up with shaving cream in my hands and other girly pranks. My daughter inherited this gift and thinks it’s pretty pathetic.
53. I dream of living in the country in a big white farmhouse with a huge front porch and chickens and goats and dogs and pigs. Or on the lake in a cute little 2 bedroom cottage. Or in a downtown loft in Birmingham. If only there were more time here on earth……**big sigh**
54. There have been people through the years who have had a dramatic impact on my life. They are numerous and I wouldn’t even attempt to mention them all. One of those people is Susan, who I met when I was in medical school. Her children went to school with mine and she taught me so much about mothering children and nurturing a family. I remember her growing ‘creeping fig’ on the side of her old brick house. I found some this weekend and will plant it in her honor.
55. I was a gymnast as a young girl. I can still do a back bend with a kickover. I might see stars and need to see a chiropractor the next day, but I can do it all the same.
56. My youngest brother has Down’s syndrome and I have an aunt with cerebral palsy. I’ve been bowling with the CP group many times and used to help with special olympics. I’m thankful for them in my life (even though my aunt once chased me around the yard with a butcher knife and then would repeatedly ask me if I thought she was ‘going to hell’) and I think it gives you an understanding and comfort of the handicapped that is invaluable. I love DS kids and have a special love for parents of children with handicaps. Christ always values the weak and vulnerable in society and we should too.
57. I frequently speak to Caiti and my sister and JamieKnoxville in my native appalachian tongue. Almost every morning as Taylor and Caiti leave for school, I yell out the door, “Caaaiti, don’t git in no fites today and uh…..I luv u better’n anythang”. It’s like our own private dialect. It can be scary to a northerner. Or to small children.
58. I am terribly addicted to my own bed. I love my bed and my pillows. All three of them. Feather of course.
59. I currently have 33 lamps in my house. I never. NEVER. turn on overhead lights. Ever.
60. I once glued someone’s eye shut when I worked in the ER. It’s a good story. Maybe I’ll tell ya sometime. Suffice it to say, I will never live that one down and as it turns out, an opthamologist told me “Aw, don’t worry, people do that accidentally with super glue all the time. It’ll come out in a few days.” Maybe the public is safer with me here at home!
100 things Edition 2 (big yawn)
If you’re really bored and don’t have any laundry to fold, take a seat, drink some coffee (you’ll need it to stay awake) and stroll down memory lane with me.
21. I double majored in chemistry and biochemistry in college with a minor in biology. I would have made a pathetic chemist. Chemists should be precise and serious and a little neurotic.
22. I am a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Tennesee 1994. I had two babies at the time and studied alot. Maybe back then I was precise and serious and a little neurotic.
24. I was the secretary of my medical school class. I redefined that role to entail baking bread and cookies frequently for my class mates. I’m sure that surprises no one. I can’t remember doing anything ‘secretarial’.
25. I have always been athletic. I played almost every sport in high school, broke my hand playing flag football in med school, trained and finished a few half marathons, and can’t remember a time when I didn’t ‘work out’. As I approach my fortieth birthday, I’d like to train for ‘something’…..a marathon, a triathlon, a hotdog eating contest……..unless you have any better ideas for me?
26. I gained 12 pounds with my first pregnancy and did aerobics nearly until I delivered. 20 yo bodies were meant to have babies. I loved being pregnant. Every time. I would have a quiver full if I could. There is nothing more miraculous than giving life to a child from your own strong able body.
27. I have so many regrets about my early days as a parent. Can I get a do-over? Why is it that when you finally ‘figure out’ how to do this parenting thing, your oldest is graduating high school?
28. My father passed away when I was 27. He died from complications of lung cancer and cirrhosis. I lived 2 hours away and the night they called to tell me he ‘wasn’t going to make it much longer’, I prayed the whole way that he wouldn’t die before I got there. When I walked into the room, his breathing was labored. He died twenty minutes later. I cried and hugged him and held his hand and sang Amazing Grace to him as he passed from this life to the next. I know he waited for me. I can’t wait to see him again someday.
29. Watching Grey’s Anatomy has been a little like reliving parts of my past. And I knew from the start of the show that I’m definitely an Izzie. I get too attached. I struggle with boundaries. I had several regular patients to whom I gave money and rides home and my cell phone number. I prayed for them often and always had a sense that their over arching spiritual and life issues were often at the heart of their physical complaints. I miss doctoring. I miss the sacred bonds of the doctor patient relationship. It has been one of life’s greatest honors; to care for the sick and afflicted and dying.
30. I met Stevie just after I had told my first patient he was dying from pancreatic cancer. Despite my herculean efforts, two tears escaped as I held my patients’ hand and tried to give him hope. When I left the room, my heart broke into a thousand tears. A knight in green scrubs rescued me. I have been trying to say thank you ever since.
31. A brief period of darkness ensued. I will summarize by saying that the love of Christ is tenacious. God chased me down dark and twisty roads. I ran for my life and in circles and He was always there, breathing heavy into the recesses of my want and pleading with me to stop. He has been determined from the start to have the last word in my life. I’m trying to sit still and listen.
32. I am an ESFP on the MB personality test. To refresh your memory, that means: extrovert, sensing, feeling, perceiving. If you’ve been reading my blog very long, you probably already know that.
33. I am a foodie. My dream kitchen would have an eight burner Viking gas stove, 3 ovens, a built in deep fryer and wine refrigerator, a commercial coffee maker, a sous chef, and an entire collection of vintage aprons.
34. I don’t read chick lit. The closest I come to chick lit is The Red Tent. If there is a chick lit book that you think I must read, send me an email. Otherwise, my night stand will continue to look like that of a 40 year old male seminary student.
35. I am neurotic about smells. I love a fresh, clean smelling house. And fresh clean smelling kids. And fresh clean smelling pets. My car….. now that’s another story.
36. I married an IITJ. Opposites attract.
37. I love old style country music. I grew up listening to George Jones and Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette. I could bust out a good Loretta Lynn song at the least provocation. My children can roll their eyes and testify to that.
38. I am growing weary of the ‘100 things’ list. ADDers should never start a ‘100 things’ list.
39. I feel fairly certain I won’t have the sticktoittiveness to finish it.
40. But you probably already knew that too.
100 things Edition 1: Before Children
I am quickly approaching my 200th post! Wow, I’ve had a lot to say these past 9 months. To celebrate, I’m contemplating a giveaway and I’m doing the obligatory ‘100 things’ post…..only in bits and pieces. And only 100 because I don’t even know 200 things about myself. So here’s the first installment.
100 things you never wanted to know about me
1. I was born in Maryville, Tennessee. I am southern through and through. I like banjo music, monograms, cornbread, saying y’all, teaching my children to say ‘yes ma’am’, and watchin’ Gone with the Wind.
2. I took a hard fall as a baby while sitting in a ‘punkin’ seat on a kitchen table. That may explain the following 98 things.
3. I am a people pleaser to a fault. I was compliant and pleasant as a child. And cried alot. And still do.
4. I went through a severe tomboy phase as a young girl. I took boxing, had a mullet, begged to try out for the football team, and loved to beat boys in arm wrestling.
5. I fell into a frozen lake while playing outside with my friends. I was afraid I was going to die and even more worried that my Jordache jeans were ruined. I didn’t. They were.
6. My daddy loved a good honky tonk and frequently left my sister and I in the car with some RC cola and some ‘tater chips’ while he did whatever it is you do in honky tonks. This didn’t seem to me all that strange at the time.
7. I am an overachiever. Partly I think as a result of being a child of a binge drinker. And partly because I function as a first born. (my brother is 7 years older). I rarely do things in a ‘normal’ fashion.
8. My mother has always loved me unconditionally. This may be the greatest gift that I have received from a human. I am trying to pass it to my children. She made it look so easy.
9. I am an eternal optimist. The glass is always half full—-with pink juicy sparkling champagne. And a cherry on top.
10. I have been a christian for more than 30 years. I have done nothing to merit the wonderful grace of God. I have only presumed upon it and abused it in the most vile ways. I am learning to accept the gifts He gives with humility.
11. I am more like my daddy than my mother. I inherited his sense of humor, his insatiable bruxism, his kind and generous spirit and large imposing forehead.
12. I’ve always had the most wonderful friends. It seems that no matter where I move, beautiful angelic people are waiting to ‘befriend’ me. I am thankful for them all.
13. I never tried marijuana or any illicit drugs and did not drink alcohol until I was 27. I have never smoked a cigarette. Go ahead and say it. Goody two shoes.
14. That said, I will probably die from lung cancer from the 2nd hand smoke I was exposed to as a child.
15. I have always had the sense that we are part of a grand adventurous story. That God has a purpose for our lives. That His great ransom of mankind is the most miraculous and romantic tale of all.
16. My mother once told me, “The sun always shines where you are”. I have spent decades listening to that phrase play a melody in my heart. And I finally believe she is right. He does always shine. He is like a consuming fire. Purifying and making new.
17. My sister and I have shared a complex myriad of traumas and joys together. It has forged in us a bond that is untouchable. It is, I believe, eternal. I’m sure that she and I will go skating together in heaven and watch our children play along the sea and make each other laugh till we cry.
18. I have a ravenous appetite for books. I wish I could just sit and read all day, every day. I almost always have a book in hand. And one in my purse. And several in my car. And hundreds in my house. I think of Lewis and Chesterton and Luther and McDonald almost as friends. And just mentioning G.K. Chesterton’s name makes me want to devour “Orthodoxy” again. But I need to finish Surprised by Joy first and I am so jealous of Steve who is finishing C.S. Lewis’ sci-fi trilogy. My favorite book is Mere Christianity. After the Bible of course.
19. I was named after two deceased uncles. Ed and Dennis. Wow, that’s a cheerful start.
20. Edie is not short for Edith. It’s just Edie. A name which I hated as a child. Why couldn’t I be Kristi or Tiffany or Kelly? Now, I love my name. It exactly fits me.
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