Everyone is constantly learning, whether we want to or not. Whether we recognize it or not. Whether we like it or not. And whether it's an easy lesson or one that causes hurt, anger, and confusion. Sometimes it's subtle and you may not realize it until later down the road with an "AHA" moment, sometimes it slaps you across the face and leaves you feeling like you just got hit by a semi. The past year or so of my life I feel as though I've had one such lesson thrown at me.
Most people in my life, whether folks I talk to on a regular basis, or who I associate with virtually via social media sites, are aware of my recent health struggles. And amidst the bad of that I've also had one positive by planning a wedding.
Both of these events are times in my life when I needed (and still do) people to lean on, to count on, to rely on, and to help keep my spirits up. And I have been very blessed with the number of people who check in on me, send me positive thoughts and prayers, congratulate me on the wedding plans, and just generally give me the chance to vent whether it's good or bad when needed.
That being said, the lesson I've learned amidst all these events is who in my life I can count on and feel truly cared about by. Some have really surprised me because they are folks that I haven't had much contact with over the years and/or have not been exceptionally close with, but surprised in an amazingly good way with their concern and love. The outpouring of thoughts, well wishes, and offers of help has been incredible and I feel truly blessed to have everyone who has done this in my life. On the flip side of that some have not been there as I thought they would be. And that truly hurts the heart.
The most recent life lesson I've learned is who I can and can't count on in this point in my life. Some have made me smile, some have made me cry, some I miss terribly because I don't know who else to turn too when in a time of need, but have had to learn to let go. And that.......is one of the hardest lessons I've ever had to learn.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Little known Jen facts......
I've decided to compose a list of little known Jen facts, since it takes quite a lot for me to open up to people. This leads to some surprised faces when little tid bits come out once in awhile. So, I figured I'd put everything out there someone may want to know, and maybe some things you don't really care about, but again, this is my blog and I'll write whatever I want.
#1-I'm an only child. No brothers, no sisters. My parents divorced and both remarried and neither one of my step-parents ever had children of their own so no steps either. Just lil 'ol me.
#2-I have a very small immediate family. Currently there are only 9 of us and that's counting my fiancee. I have lost all of my grandparents, great-grandparents, and my father. My father was an only child so no aunts or uncles there, my mom only has 1 sister. Not many of us left.
#3-speaking of great-grandparents, I had my great-grandfather until I was 19 years old and feel extremely lucky I did. He was one hell of a fiery Irish man, came from Ireland as a boy, and wouldn't give up without a fight. Passed away well into his nineties and had gone completely blind by that point.
#4-I can play the piano. I took lessons for many years when I was younger. It would take me a few to get reaquainted with the notes and keys, but I can. Surprised??
#5-I spent 3 years in my schools band playing the flute. When I got to high school I quit after my freshman year. I prefered to spend my time enjoying the games with my friends instead of playing in the band :)
#6-I became pregnant with my son when I was 16. I had him when I was 17. It was Feb. of my senior year of high school. I took 3 weeks off of school and went back and graduated on time, with my class, and with a B+ grade average. So.....I'm the last person someone can use the "high school is just to hard" excuse with to avoid graduating. If I did it with a newborn at home, you can also.
#7-I took tumbling lessons as a youngster for several years, and was pretty damn good at it too.
#8-I'm terrified of people in masks or with their faces painted too heavily to see them clearly. Snakes, fish, and heights also top the list of things I'm afraid of. And closed in spaces. On the flip side of that, too widely open spaces creep me out also.
#9-I have a blankie. And god help you if you touch it. It is mine. I do not share it with my own children. It is mine.
#10-I am an introvert by nature. It is not because I am rude, bitchy, or think I am better then anyone else if I'm quiet. I prefer to have a few close friends then a wide group of little known people around me. I don't trust people easily at all and am always on the defense around people I'm not familiar with. When faced with people I don't know, I am quiet because I'm taking it all in and deciding how much I can trust you with before I react. It's nothing personal, it's just how I am. If I'm around large groups for too long I long for my home to be left alone and recharge my batteries.
#11-My dad was a local actor. For a short time he had his own local t.v. show "Lackner After Hours" where he reviewed movies. His best friend also had a show "Unlce Don's Terror Theater". He was in many things in Rockford, and then in Chicago. He was an extra in the movie Stolen Summer. I grew up at the t.v. station, radio station (he had radio shows also), and in the theater watching him on stage. He passed away at age 54 almost 4 years ago.
#12-I read. A lot. And know a lot more about a lot of things you wouldn't think that I do. So don't underestimate me. I will surprise you. If I choose too. If I don't care for you, I won't talk to you.
AND finally #13-simply because 13 is my favorite number.
Enjoy!!!
#1-I'm an only child. No brothers, no sisters. My parents divorced and both remarried and neither one of my step-parents ever had children of their own so no steps either. Just lil 'ol me.
#2-I have a very small immediate family. Currently there are only 9 of us and that's counting my fiancee. I have lost all of my grandparents, great-grandparents, and my father. My father was an only child so no aunts or uncles there, my mom only has 1 sister. Not many of us left.
#3-speaking of great-grandparents, I had my great-grandfather until I was 19 years old and feel extremely lucky I did. He was one hell of a fiery Irish man, came from Ireland as a boy, and wouldn't give up without a fight. Passed away well into his nineties and had gone completely blind by that point.
#4-I can play the piano. I took lessons for many years when I was younger. It would take me a few to get reaquainted with the notes and keys, but I can. Surprised??
#5-I spent 3 years in my schools band playing the flute. When I got to high school I quit after my freshman year. I prefered to spend my time enjoying the games with my friends instead of playing in the band :)
#6-I became pregnant with my son when I was 16. I had him when I was 17. It was Feb. of my senior year of high school. I took 3 weeks off of school and went back and graduated on time, with my class, and with a B+ grade average. So.....I'm the last person someone can use the "high school is just to hard" excuse with to avoid graduating. If I did it with a newborn at home, you can also.
#7-I took tumbling lessons as a youngster for several years, and was pretty damn good at it too.
#8-I'm terrified of people in masks or with their faces painted too heavily to see them clearly. Snakes, fish, and heights also top the list of things I'm afraid of. And closed in spaces. On the flip side of that, too widely open spaces creep me out also.
#9-I have a blankie. And god help you if you touch it. It is mine. I do not share it with my own children. It is mine.
#10-I am an introvert by nature. It is not because I am rude, bitchy, or think I am better then anyone else if I'm quiet. I prefer to have a few close friends then a wide group of little known people around me. I don't trust people easily at all and am always on the defense around people I'm not familiar with. When faced with people I don't know, I am quiet because I'm taking it all in and deciding how much I can trust you with before I react. It's nothing personal, it's just how I am. If I'm around large groups for too long I long for my home to be left alone and recharge my batteries.
#11-My dad was a local actor. For a short time he had his own local t.v. show "Lackner After Hours" where he reviewed movies. His best friend also had a show "Unlce Don's Terror Theater". He was in many things in Rockford, and then in Chicago. He was an extra in the movie Stolen Summer. I grew up at the t.v. station, radio station (he had radio shows also), and in the theater watching him on stage. He passed away at age 54 almost 4 years ago.
#12-I read. A lot. And know a lot more about a lot of things you wouldn't think that I do. So don't underestimate me. I will surprise you. If I choose too. If I don't care for you, I won't talk to you.
AND finally #13-simply because 13 is my favorite number.
Enjoy!!!
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