Let me introduce myself and family to all of you. My name is Mary and I'm 51 years young. I have been married to my handsome prince, Pete for 26 years and we have 4 wonderful children.
The eldest is Jenny. She's 24 and my favorite. Jenny works for Apple Computer as a Lead Specialist, lives in Pleasant Hill and is dating a terrific guy named Scott. Jenny graduated from CSULB in 2007 with a degree in Communications.
Doug is next. He's 22 and my favorite. Doug works at Sears, lives at home and is desperate to get a job in the police department -- any police department. He's currently in the process with the CHP so we'll let you know. Doug graduated from Heald College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He dates Nina and we like her, too.
Margaret is our third child. At 17 she is on the brink of graduating and is probably the most talented kid in the bunch. Margaret is my favorite for so many reasons. She's a senior in high school -- involved in 4000 activities including cheer, leadership, performing arts and general teenage life. Next year Margaret will attend Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon and we will miss her.
And then there's Carlie. She's 13, counting the days until high school and she's my favorite. Carlie is also a cheerleader and a soccer player and has a secret artistic talent for drawing. Carlie does a great job keeping up with her older sisters.
My husband Pete is sooooo terrific. He's also 51 and he's my favorite of all favorites. He works at United (yes, we are grateful he has not been laid off) as a jet engine mechanic. Pete's passions are music and golf. He sings, plays the drums, guitar and piano and is in the band "Behold" at church. Pete plays golf whenever he can.
We have two dogs -- a Jack Russell Terrier named Jackie and a brand new cockapoo named Bradley that we (ok, I) purchased at a fundraising auction. Don't tell Jackie, but Bradley is my favorite.
We have one cat (actually Doug's cat) named Kitty. We also had a cat named Jasmine but she's taken up residence somewhere else since the dogs have moved in.
And now for me. I wear many hats and have many passions. You already know about my mom hat (please see above) and my wife hat (please see above). I work at Carondelet High School as the Alumnae Director and love it. It's rewarding and allows me to have the flexibility I need to handle my crazy life.
I love Disney (especially Cinderella), traveling, playing computer & regular games, jigsaw puzzles, summer, great food of all sorts, crackling fires, reading, Lost & 24, Harry Connick, Jr & Michael Buble and so much more.
I could not live without my friends -- Vicki, Antoinette, Jim, Mary Jane
and Jim. We have grown up together (ok, so Jim L is a recent addition and is slightly ahead of the curve), sharing our lives and tears without reserve. They are a blessing and my favorites.
One brother and one sister also belong to me. Russ is 72. He's retired (sort of) and lives in one of three homes at any given moment. I wish he lived closer and that he wasn't so busy. Donna is 66, lives nearby and has been a wonderful influence in my life. She has six kids who are old enough to be my brothers and sisters. She, too, is always busy (I'm seeing a pattern here) and I wish we could spend more time together.
So that's my world in a nutshell. Basic background info indeed, but you'll need it to appreciate the blogs to come. I am anxious to undertake this blogging thing and I think it's going to be fun! Feel free to refer back to this list of characters whenever necessary. Welcome to my world -- I hope you'll love it. xoxo
