It's Been Awhile

Sometimes, I sit down to blog and just start writing.

Stream-of-consciousness.

Running on and on and on.

As if everyone who stumbles upon this blog knows me.

As if all of you reading implicitly understand.

And then, sometimes, I remember that I've been running this blog for more than 2.5 years and maybe, just maybe, some of you all don't understand what I'm talking about.

Some of you may not get the references I'm making.

Some of you may not have been reading since Day One.

So, I figured it was time to introduce myself. Or, rather, re-introduce myself.

For you, and, more importantly, for myself.

Because I've changed a lot in the last 2.5 years. My life has changed a lot. And, thus, so has my blog.

After all, it's been awhile.

***

I am in my mid-20s and a native Floridian. I graduated from the University of Florida with both my bachelor's and master's degrees, and therefore, I am a diehard Florida Gator fan.

My educational background is in journalism and health communication, and I have worked as a journalist. I still freelance today, in fact.

But most of my professional life was spent teaching language arts to high-school students - a job I loved and also, at times, hated. I've been out of the classroom for more than a year now, and I still miss my students. I don't miss the bureaucracy, though.

But even before I'd worked in journalism or education, I worked in fitness.

At 18, I started teaching group fitness classes, and a few years after that, I also became a personal trainer. I've worked in college recreation, running continuing education for other fitness professionals, and then moved on to maintain a part-time job with various gyms, no matter what job I was doing.

Almost three years ago, I married my husband - a man I met while working at a camp for children with terminal and chronic illnesses. He was my boss, which isn't nearly as scandalous as it sounds.

Now, the hubs is a sailor in the United States Navy. We're currently stationed in South Carolina at a training command. I work for the armed forces, too, part-time, at least. I'm a trainer, who primarily works with dependents who are post-partum, plus a few veterans and active-duty members.

Two months ago, I gave birth to our first child, Ella. She is the light of my life, and being her mother is my primary job.

In preparing to raise her, I have found a whole new set of passions; exclusive breast-feeding, cloth-diapering, co-sleeping, and baby-wearing. I am a true advocate of attachment, hands-on parenting, and though I know many a person sees me coming - with my long skirt, carrot juice, and baby in a sling - and thinks, "What a hippie!" But I like who I am as a mama.

That being said, I am much more hippie-crunchy-granola than most people think upon meeting me.

I buy predominantly organic produce, dairy, and meat. I prefer alternative medicine to mainstream conventional health-care in almost every respect. And I'm the kind of girl that - gasp! - refuses to own a microwave.

Still, I'm extremely Type-A. I make lists and have very regimented days, so I can get everything done. (After I write this, I will be able to check "Write Wednesday's blog post" off my itinerary, and I may or may not squeal with glee.)

Unfortunately, my personality often means I struggle to give up control. It's a daily battle for me, and God and I spend long amounts of time in conversation about how I can work on it.

I am a snack-er and a very casual person. I like being the hostess, but only if people understand that sitting around and chatting is my ultimate idea of entertainment.

I am afraid of steep falls (i.e., Tower of Terror-esque rides), snakes, and needles.

I have a high pain tolerance and am incredibly stubborn, but the combination often gets me into trouble because I hate being told I can't do something.

The most expensive article of clothing I own is my running shoes.

I have distinctly Target-like taste. Most of my wardrobe was bought with a discount. And my home decor is largely home-made or clearance-racked.

I'm a good cook but a horrible baker. But, no matter who made it, I love to eat it. I could live on stove-top popcorn, watermelon, and olives if you let me.

My friends and family are my favorite parts of life. But I am horrible at answering my cell phone, keeping it charged (or even with me), or remembering to check my voice-mail.

I like to be tan, but don't.

I like to eat Sweet-tarts, but won't.

I regret my wedding dress but don't really care because I love my marriage.

And I can't wait to have another baby because natural childbirth was the best thing I've ever done.

One day, I want to go back to school and get another master's degree; this time in library science. But first, I want to have at least four children.

I never "do" my naturally curly hair, but I always wear make-up, and I spend a large majority of my day in either workout clothes or tank-tops and skirts.

I often turn the TV on but never watch it; I like it for background noise.

And, because my husband is gone so much for work, I often talk to myself and our part-lab, part-Great-Dane, fully lovable mutt Marvin the Dog.

My perfect day is spent reading stacks of good books.

I love the beach but don't love sand.

I know how to sew, scrapbook, and write poetry, but I am not very artistic. In fact, I consider myself severely lacking in the creative department and, if I believed in re-incarnation, would wish to come back as an artist.

I am practical but sentimental.

Smart-mouthed but sometimes nervous.

I don't fake it very well, and I can't lie; I have no poker face.

I think my other calling was to be on the stage; not that I can sing or dance, but man, I'd love to try, and I do have a flair for the drama.

I will play devil's advocate, but I don't like extremes, and I have trouble making political decisions because I always see both sides.

I am ashamed of what others who call themselves Christians do, but I am one.

And I have worn hemp and pearls at the same time. But I refuse to wear polo shirts.

I like folk music. And techno music.

And I semi-collect pretty dishes and quilts.

I don't wear heels unless it's a special occasion, and even then, I kick them off halfway through the night.

I hate to be tickled, scared, or forced to eat sour cream.

For a long time, I also hated Vera Bradley bags, but now, I love them and own quite a few.

I enjoy shopping, but only for bargains, and I'm not afraid of anything second-hand or bulk.

I am a typical oldest child (of three) and only girl. Because I only had brothers, I'm afraid of having another girl besides Ella because I don't know how to raise sisters, and everywhere I look, I seem to find women my age who still have volatile relationships with theirs.

I worry. A lot. Especially about my baby.

And I blog. Here. Almost always five days a week.

***

As always, I'm open to questions. And if you read here but haven't heard from me at your blog, drop me a line. In my new-mommy haze, I probably haven't had a chance to check it out. But I'd love to!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!