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Oh, is this a hard post to write! I’m not sure if I’ve had a clear path through life. I didn’t grow up knowing what I wanted to be, though I had some sense of what I enjoyed. From the perspective of 44 years later, I can see myself becoming more real and who I am today.
I’ve often thought of my life as a journey up the mountain. I’m quite fond of the mountain/hill image. Whenever I run hills nowadays or cycled up them in college, I always told myself “Hills build character.” My journey has been a circuitous one uphill. I find myself coming back to certain truths, certain issues at a higher level, i.e. with a greater appreciation of how to handle them.
When I was in high school, I took art classes and learned calligraphy. I also had the opportunity to take classes at Moore College of Art. I’ll never forget learning to draw animals and taking the Paoli Local into Philly. I’ve always been a visual person with a certain sense of what I liked. Even though I never felt like I could pursue art professionally, I’ve always loved to be creative whether it’s decorating my home or taking tons of pictures of my kids and the world around me.
Going to college was my first step away from home. I love my parents dearly, and they were going through a divorce during my high school years. I was so unhappy at home. I gained tons of weight. I struggled a bit my first semester of college before finding my balance. I also found cycling with a then-dear friend and lost all my weight. Getting away from home was the best thing for me at the time.
In 1991, I met my husband through my sister, and in 1993 we married today, October 9th. Another creative spirit, my life with my husband has had its ups and downs, financially and emotionally. My husband’s addiction has certainly taken its toll on us. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my husband in my life. I am truly blessed to have him.
Shortly after I had my first son, I went to work for a wonderful boss, Adam Corson-Finnerty, at the University of Pennsylvania Library. I learned so much from him about working with people and he helped create in me a huge enthusiasm for technology and the web. I had so much fun playing with new tools!
My last moment, though I could come up with many more, happened this summer when my long-time friend and sister-in-law ended our relationship. Over the course of our friendship, I learned a lot from her about handling issues with other people. When our friendship ended, I knew it was time for me to move on. My sister-in-law had given me as much as she was able to give me as a friend, and now God was closing that door to open up a window for something new.
Today, I am a mom, a writer, a runner, a photographer, and a cook. I love positive, outgoing people, though I’ll try to draw out the quiet ones. I’m a Woohoo Girl because supporting and encouraging other women makes me feel good. I’ve got some good friends in my back pocket, and I’m meeting new ones some of whom will join those back pocket friends. I’m working on balance in my life. I’ve realized that balance is about the seeking, not the being.
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I love how we don’t see the path while we’re on it. It is just by looking back that we can see how all those moments added up to the life we now have.
Shannon @ GrowingSlower recently posted..Tuesday Baby Link Up {Week #1}
It’s true that so many moments in our past shape who we become. I feel that I am a much better and stronger person now because of the many hardships in my life. The great moments kept me an optimist, allowing me to see the light at the end of the dark tunnels. Happy Anniversary!
Yes, it is true! It’s hard to just pick 5 moments, too. I didn’t talk about becoming a mom 5 times which certainly has impacted me. I think I would have done better with 10 moments!
wow this tells so much about you, barb! thanks for sharing
Steph @DonnaReedSteph recently posted..How to Create A Google Doc to Share on the Web
Wow… what a wonderful couragous post. I do admire your honesty with us and yourself. Thanks for linking up at The Gathering Spot. Hope you share again next week
Diane recently posted..Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
Thank you!
Barb,
I think you are an amazing person and I too am a Whooooo girl.
I try to keep negativity out of my life it just makes me not feel my best and I can’t stand to be brought down.
I often am described as too bubbly that no one can be that happy in life. Well I am.
I too spent 3 years living in Philly so I know about PA and it has some major great points.
Janet recently posted..Frugal Living
Thank you! What part of Philly? We’re near the airport.
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