Hey, it’s me.

I’ve been starting blogs for a while now. Haven’t published one yet. Until now. I always feel like I have a lot to say – funny stories to share, advice to give (though I’m not qualified!) and experiences I’ve learned from. But I’ve always been afraid. Afraid to look foolish. Afraid to speak my mind. Afraid to be laughed at (though if I’m telling funny stories isn’t that exactly what I want???) The older I get the less I care about what others think of me. I’m genuine. I’m authentic. I’m the person you see on the outside. And I’m finally comfortable in my own skin. Don’t like me? Don’t care. I’m too old for teen angst. I’ve found my forever friends. They like me and frankly that’s all I need. I gladly make new friends when given the chance but let’s face it, I don’t need that many friends – just a few true ones. I’ve been through some tough times. Raised three kids who I’m not quite finished with yet; navigated 24 years of marriage – the good, the bad and the ugly; and suffered some losses that hurt so deeply I felt like I would never recover. But I’m still here. And I feel strong. And I feel energized. I’m beginning to see my worth. I’ve questioned my place in the world. Especially now that my kids are older and needing me less and less. Who am I other than a wife and mom? Well, I’m figuring that out right now. What’s my next move? Who do I want to be in the second half of my life? Don’t know yet. But I’m going to do what I want. I’m going to do things that make me happy. I love to read so I work in a library. I love to write so I’m writing this blog. I’ve always wanted to publish a book so I’m going to do that too. I don’t care if it sucks or if anyone ever reads it. But I’m going to do it. That way, when I look back 20 years from now I’ll have no regrets. Well, sure I’ll have some regrets but hopefully not the kind that start with “I wish I had …” So this is my restart. I hope you follow me on the second half of this journey. I hope I make you laugh or cry or just think. I hope you enjoy reading what I write. And if you don’t, I don’t care. But thanks for giving me a try. Welcome to middle age. Pull up your big girl Spanx and let’s have some fun. 😉