Old Me Vs. New Me

I was just reading my friend Christel's blog and it occurred to me that I never write anything about myself. I usually write entries based on the pictures I have taken most recently. I really am obsessed with my kids, I know, but my interests used to be more diverse.

Here are some things about the old me:

-I taught English, so I was always discussing literature and reading new books and poems. I also enjoyed the inservice classes I took, usually.

-I am a pretty competitive person, so I really enjoyed being the cheerleading advisor. I would often lie awake at night thinking of things we should do to improve our competition routine, or to use our practice time more effectively, etc. Also, I went to all of the games with them, so I really got into the school sports. And I loved working with the girls.

-Because I was single for a long time, I had a fair amount of disposable income, which allows for some very fun things. I traveled quite a bit. I went back to my mission in Guatemala twice (once with my sister, Kimberly, since she served in the same mission). We also went to Mexico City together. I went to CA once a year to visit Kimberly when she lived there. I went to Massachusetts twice to visit my sister, Rebecca, and her family. I got to go to Europe with Rebecca after high school, but there was no disposable income for that one. (I got a scholarship to go.) In hindsight, I wish I had traveled much more. I almost went to Israel with my mom, but the fighting broke out right before, and our tour was cancelled.

-I dated enough that I got to go out to eat and to cultural events pretty often (without having to think about what it was costing).

Even as I write these things, I am struck by how much happier I am now. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about how great my life is now. I enjoy John's company so much and the kids are so fun. I was always aware that I was missing out. So I guess that explains why I write about the kids all the time, right? But I really do get excited about a time when we can travel and when I can start reading a book without feeling guilty.

So here is some info. about the current me:

1. My favorite songs right now are "Lucky" - Jason Mraz, "Open Window" - Sarah Harmer, "Not Like You" - Lowen and Navarro, and anything by Jack Johnson.

2. My favorite shows/movies are any period pieces, or as my brother, Dave, calls them, my "cravat" shows. I was in heaven when PBS aired that Jane Austen series. I also really like a TV show called "History Detectives" where people show the experts from the show something they have that might have some historical significance, and the experts go research it and find out. That would be my dream job. I wish I could watch it more often - I've actually only seen a handful of them. There's really nothing else on TV that I like, or that I have time to watch. Reality TV just makes me uncomfortable - I'm too non-confrontational, for one thing. I love a good romantic comedy, but there are so few good ones. Oh, we do watch sports. We really love BYU football.

3. I recently read a book called Tisha for my book club and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading The Power of Play which my sister-in-law, Rhonda, recommended. I just need to go get it. I've also been reading Parenting With Love and Logic.

4. I love having holidays or events to look forward to. It is part of my personality to need fun things on the horizon. That's probably why winter is so hard for me after Christmas. There just isn't much to anticipate. It's also why I spend too much on vacations. :)

Jonah's awake, so I'll end.