My Being

I take things in, observe, and analyze. It's something I have always done, for as long as I can remember. Even though it has left the impression that I am shy or introverted, or maybe even creepy, I like that I do it. Because, it has allowed me to see a bigger picture, and I believe it is a huge contributing reason as to why it's not a challenge to be humble.

I've watched others condescend or be mean, just because they are attractive, or think that it's some sort of power move. When someone disrespects another, I understand how impactful the repercussions can be. I know that the satisfaction of making someone laugh, feels better than owning a materialistic possession. I remember things like this, and they influence my demeanor and attitude.

When I meet people, I am courteous, never feel entitled to anything, and say "please and "thank you." I'm a big advocate for working hard for what you want, but also am gracious and accepting when things come easily, or are gifted. It's a beautiful bonus.

One comment that I repeatedly hear from people that I meet is:

"Wow-- I wasn't expecting you to be so cool."

Thanks? 

I'm not going to play dumb: I understand that this is somewhat of a back-handed compliment that corresponds with my looks. A lot of people will judge a book by its cover, and/or base it off their past experiences with attractive women. So when I contribute to a meaningful conversation, express humility/vulnerability, or provoke a hearty laugh, it can catch someone off-guard. But, yes: I'm chill like that.

I haven't ever considered myself a tomboy, but often labeled myself as a "guy's girl." In the past, it was difficult for to connect with other women because I preferred to drink beer, move furniture, hike, or set up a bonfire, instead of shopping, spending hours on hair and makup, or getting sexified and going out to the bars and clubs. I always wondered if I was sexist against my own gender?

It really wasn't until recently, that I embraced more of my feminity. I had a epiphany that I spent so much of my adult life "taking care of business," that I had trouble relating to my female counterparts because my mindset of hunting and earning created more of a masculine attitude. I am no longer a guy's girl; I'm a confident woman, and all genders enjoy my company (as I do theirs).

I do like an adventure, especially activities that engage and challenge the body. I have my PADI scuba certification, and my "M" class on my driver's license. If it were available in Chicago, I would absolutely involve myself in stunt driving courses.

Almost all of my friends have been with me for most of the time I have walked this earth. I met my 3 best girlfriends within the first decade of my life. I've always been hesitant to toss out the word, "friend," because my definition is very serious. Having true friends keeps your head in check, and it's a relationship that I value deeply.

I spend a lot of my free time tasting beer. Notice I said tasting, and not drinking! Of course I drink entire glasses, but I am very involved in craft beer, to the point where I study it. I'm huge on quality ingredients, aromas, and tastes, so there is a lot more than just guzzling the brew. I visit breweries, alehouses, and attend beer dinners. It's so fun! But everything in moderation. Speaking of:

Over the past decade, I have strived to live a more healthy lifestyle by eating less processed foods, making things from scratch, and overall avoiding synthetic ingredients. This has also translated over into my beauty regimen: I use essential oils, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar for most of my beauty needs.

This is due to the fact that, around 2009, my mom became extremely ill; she had Hepatitis C which also led to cirrhosis of the liver. It was a terrbile to see my mom suffer, and her health is what set the fire under my ass to start living, eating, and treating myself with care. Who knows? If she hadn't gotten so sick, perhaps I'd still be eating processed food, or wasting my money on skin care products. Not saying that's what needed to happen, but my life would be different in more ways than one.

Unfortunately, although medication made her Hep C dormant in March 2015, her liver was so bad that it was the cause of her passing in January 2016. I'm not including this to evoke pity; I mention it for its relevancy as to who I am today.

Let's see, what else? I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, my younger sister has autism, I think I look like a man, my dog ate my blue-crowned conure parrot named Kiwi, I barely graduated high school because my goal was to get a "D-" (technically pass)... Email me any questions, and perhaps I will add more to this page.

All in all, I am extremely easy going. It takes a lot to upset me, and even then, I work it all out and move on. Life is too short to dwell on negative things, or to let someone of something make you feel unworthy. I can go on and recite a bunch of cliche quotes/sayings, but I find it redundant. I think you get where I'm going?

SOME RANDOM FAVES

Color: Brown

Animal: Red Fox

Bird: Peacock

Flower: Lillies (especially Lady Alice, Salmon Star, & Asiatic)

Smell: Rain

Cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia

Nut: Pistachio

Cuisine: Mexican

Time Era: The Roaring 20's

Holiday: 4th of July

Season: Summall (between summer and fall)

PEEVES

* People who don't put away shopping carts

* Unneccessary plastic waste

* Conversations via text message

* The smell of storage

* Automatic toilets

* People who stop in the middle of a walking flow

* People who drive 5 under in the left lane

* Pennies

* Web ads that magically appear and blanket over the entire page

* Billboards