1. Animal cruelty literally leaves scars upon my soul. After ten years of working in social services, I developed a thick skin with regards to child abuse--don't get me wrong--it's horrific but I am (sadly) no longer surprised by the depths human beings will go to when harming each other. On the other hand, I lack any form of emotional protection with regard to animals. If there is a hell, there's a special place in it for those who delight in cruelty.
2. I don't actually believe in the "Christian" idea of hell. If you're interested in my spiritual beliefs simply ask me---to even attempt to explain them in this blog would take an inexorbitant amount of time.
3. It infuriates me when others use intimidation, threats, and scare tactics to push their own ideas and agendas upon others.
4. I didn't think the United States would elect a black President in my lifetime. I am so glad I was proven wrong. #hope
5. I am genuinely grateful that I have finally met my perfect match (whom I will marry next February). #miracles do happen
6. I believe that life is hard but wouldn't be worth living if it were any other way.
7. I have learned exponentially more from failing versus any success I have achieved.
8. I am innately selfish. I continue to work hard at overcoming selfishness but it truly is my biggest character defect.
9. I have been blessed to have some of the greatest coworkers at every job I have ever worked at.
10.If someone had told me two years ago that I would eventually love coffee I would have thought they were crazy.
11.The library works hard to satisfy my addiction to books. On average, I read 4 books per week. #bookworm
12.I rarely watch TV.
13.My nighttime ritual includes watching black and white reruns of "The Munsters" with Steve and our dog Charlie....yep, I have become that girl.
14.My goal is to become a CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor).
15.I currently have only one credit card which I pay in full each month I use it.
16.Until I was diagnosed with PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder) I thought there was something very wrong with me. This diagnosis literally changed my life. Thank God for good doctors and great pharmaseuticals.
17.Acceptance is the answer to all things. It took me decades to grasp and embrace this simple yet profound concept.
18.I used to dread getting older, however, I now understand why no sane person would ever want to return to their younger selves.
19.My son thrills me to this day. How he manages to maintain straight A's in middle school is beyond me. It would not be until undergrad and graduate school that I would be able to maintain a 4.0
20.I have a lot of regrets, however, without them I would not have the profound gratitude I have for my life today.
