Who knew that GOOGLE blog spot would become my diary of sorts? And, who knew that so many people would actually want to read it?!  Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your interest in my story.

I really do want to make a difference somehow by being candid and open with the challenges that I have experienced; you know... the ones that have molded me into a 'stronger woman' (wink)  OK, that may be a questionable statement on being stronger, but I do feel like I now fit the cliche'.  "That which doesn't kill you will make you stronger".

So? You wonder, what is it exactly that I have been through and what is the deal?  I haven't been through any more than many of you.  We all have our own burdens to bear. Some people have health problems, some money problems, some relationship problems, and some just have problems; if you know what I mean.  :)  But, most of us wouldn't trade those problems after we know what other options we might have had to deal with.

I am the oldest of 6 children.  I was not a perfect child, but I will tell you I didn't get into trouble. I was always the responsible, dependable and obedient kid.  I graduated with a 4.0 and overall 3.97 GPA.  The amazing part of that is that while I graduated with such a high grade point average, I also graduated with an 8 month old baby.

I feel like Loretta Lynn, I was a child bride.  I got married at 16 during my junior year of high school, and broke one of many statistics by not only finishing high school, but by graduating with high honors.  I loved learning, I still do.  I love the exhilaration of gaining knowledge and being able to apply it.  What I am not digging so much is the lessons that life teaches us.  But, I figure that knowledge is knowledge, and it is still something I can apply...by teaching someone else what I have learned.

I had a great childhood.  The only thing I can complain about is being the oldest and having to do more of the chores, or babysitting.  Or maybe that I had to wear glasses since I was in the 3rd grade.  A real self esteem hit, especially when my aunt who was a beautician poofed  my hair up for school pictures (it was a major bouffant Doris Day look) which wasn't the style in those days for a 4th grader; and not only did I feel like a geek, I truly looked the part for that photo. UGH.

So, the fact that overall I was a really good kid, I still ponder just what I did to deserve some of the things I have faced.  I will never know what the answer to that question is until after I am gone, but like I said before...I think I was either last in line while up in heaven for the good stuff, or else I am truly supposed to learn and teach. 

Stay tuned for my first lesson~