Friday, February 11, 2011

Introductions...


Hey there! This is my first blog post, so here goes...

My name's Elizabeth and I am a 30 year old, single gal, living in Lexington, Kentucky. I grew up in Michigan and still miss that part of the country from time to time. I don't know if I'll spend forever in Lexington, but I am pretty happy with my life right now, so I'll be here for a while. I started this blog because I feel like I have alot of thoughts swirling around in my head and it might be helpful to write them down. Rather than write a narrative about myself, I thought I would do a Top Ten list of things to know about me:

10. I was a competitive swimmer for 11 years of my life. This involved twice-a-day practices, major competitions, "swim-parents," and being cold and wet most of my childhood/teenage years. That said, I still love the water, and actually teach swimming lessons 5 days a week (that's the part-time job).

9. I have family that either used to or still do work for the Big Three in Automobiles. That said, I will never own a foreign car. Not only would I be dis-owned, but I would feel funny. I bought my first car in 2002 and it was a Ford Focus. I just bought a new car last August - it's a Ford Fusion and I love it.

8. I love garlic. Seriously, it's amazing stuff. I add it to anything that I can, and always add way more then a recipe may call for. But, I am nice too, so I always brush my teeth after I eat. :-) As a side note, I work for a garlic farm at the summer farmer's market, so I always have the best garlic on hand - that stuff at the grocery store is crap. If you need the inside scoop, just let me know.

7. Since high school I have felt this affinity for Germany. I have traveled to Germany 6 times and even spent a year there on an exchange program in college. I love the people, the food, and the culture. A couple of years ago, I went back to the city where I did my year abroad and I just felt at home. Even my mom said that I looked more relaxed and comfortable in my own skin while there. I hope to live in Germany again at some point in this life - hey, maybe when I retire, eh?

6. I have a very large extended family. My dad was one of 6 siblings and my mom was one of 9. So, that's alot of cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Growing up, I didn't get to see them all that much, pretty much just due to life. As an adult, I have spent many hours on the road to Michigan to attend a family gathering or function. After my grandma passed away in October of 2009, it seems like everyone realized that we need to make each other a priority, which I kinda like.

5. I have a strong sense of social justice. I hate to see people hurt, be treated unfairly, or to use other people. I think I sometimes put my foot in my mouth about this, but I enjoy standing up for what's right. I won't let you in on my political beliefs this early in the blog, but let's just say that you can't pidgeon-hole me. I consider each issue on its own and form my own opinion. I like it this way, and that's what makes me comfortable.

4. I am slightly obsessed with my cats. I currently have 4 that live with me. Yep, I am in danger of being labeled a "cat-lady." My cats' names are: Sam (8.5 years), Max (7 years), Annabelle (1 year old), and Zeke (1.5 years old). I am hoping to find a forever home for Zeke, but in the mean time, I love snuggling with my Zeke-ster. I really do have a soft spot in my heart for all animals and hate to see them hurting. I'll have to share the story of my animals some time, they are all rescues and I love them dearly!

3. I'm really close to my family. My parents are still married after 30 years and my (only) sister just got married in May. I talk to my mom almost everyday, and my sister lives in the same apartment complex as me (different apartment), so yeah, we are close. I love my parents, love my sister, and love my new brother-in-law. I would do anything for my family.

2. I'm a Christian. I grew up in a Christian household, did the whole church on Sunday thing, and even went on a couple of youth group trips. But, I had a bad experience with a youth minister that turned me off from church, and when I got to college, I stopped going. Fast forward a decade and I found myself in a church where I could actually be me and felt like I actually related to people. The Lord was faithful and after 10 years of living life my way, I gave my life to Christ on June 7th, 2008. I was baptized last Summer (2010) and get to live a life full of grace, forgiveness, and Jesus. Amazing.

1. I am ready to be a mom. All my life I have wanted to adopt and have never had any interest in birthing my own children. I don't judge anyone who does, but it is definitely not for me. For so long I felt like I needed to wait to get married to be a mom, but since this isn't going to happen any time soon (smile), I am going to set about the process of doing this on my own. I know I will be judged, I know I will face hardships, and I know that it will be a long and costly process. But, I can see the other side of this journey. I already love my child even though I don't know his/her name or face. I'm ready, and I thank you for coming along on the ride - it's sure to be an interesting one!