Story time!

One of the things I was thinking about last night was the direction I want to go with this blog. I came to the decision that I don’t want a “direction” and my like my life, it’s going to be all over the place. I’ll make it sound fancy by calling it eclectic! Much like weight loss, it’s not going to be a straight line.

Many are privy to my background in that I am a daughter of a true momroid. While the spelling was adapted, it is directly related to a hemorrhoid. She is a literal pain in my ass. I thought I’d add a little more to the story.

Born in September 1968, I am the only daughter of Stan and Barb. I am also the 4th child. We have kind of an age gap with us siblings. I’m turning 56 this year while my oldest brother turns 70. Yep, 70. He and my sister-in-law will be celebrating their 50th anniversary soon. Obviously sil has been in my life forever.

Next brother, his Irish twin, turns 69 this year. 11 months apart and worlds different. He and his wife, married in 1986, live out of state. We are not close, but he is the blessed golden child. Amazing how valued his once a week call is. Hmm, I need to invest in sarcasm font.

Next brother is closer in age. He’s turning 59 tomorrow. He and his wife of 26 years live down state. We fought like cats and dogs as kids, but we’re close now.

Between them I have 3 nieces (49, 45, 20) and 1 nephew (20). The 20 year olds are twins.

Oldest nieces both have 2 kids, so I have 3 great nephews and a great niece. The oldest of each family are planning marriages to their significant others in the next couple years.

Dad was one of 11 kids. Mom was the youngest of 13. I have more aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins once removed and driven around the block. However that fork in the family tree goes. To sum up how all over the place it is, my cousin/coworker is older than me, but his father (80) is my actual first cousin.

I am the youngest of the youngest on mom’s side, so most of her siblings had established families before I came along.

Born and raised in Northern Illinois, I live about 8 minutes from my childhood home. Oddly enough, my house sits on what was farmland directly across the road from one of my long gone aunts. Very odd to pull out of my garage, see her house, and have recalls of family picnics at her house.

Small town… quite perfect really. I’m still in touch with many of my grade school friends. We in turn were close to all our teachers our whole lives. Sadly the years have taken those souls from us.

Seems perfect doesn’t it?

I won’t lie, some parts were! I lived a few blocks from the library, which became my sanctuary. The town pool was a bike ride away. Actually the whole town was a bike ride away! So many adventures! The 70’s were a different time!

The biggest thing I remember looking at this picture was how much joy this girl still had. Just the happiest girl, eager to please, first to help a friend, and so clueless what was to come.