Who Am I?

This time of year, despite the snow and cold, is a great time for self reflection. I've had some time off work and part of this time has been looking back at this year and looking forward to the future, and everything in between. I'm guessing that I'm like most people and strive each day to be the best I can be. I also take time each year to set goals (not resolutions) to increase my capacity as a decent human being. Sometimes I'm not my best. And other times, I'm better than I hoped to be. Being conscious of who I am and how I fit in to the World around me is important to me and I hope I leave this life with gifts left for anyone I have met during my time here. I hope and will strive to do this well.

So who am I? 

A hard question to answer on my own. Especially because I tend to be so hard on myself. But I'm going to attempt a little list that I can look back on when I have a moment where I feel like I've not done my best. Here's who I am:

* a feisty, dedicated, loving wife who loves fiercely her guy

* a hands on mama who would go to the end of the Earth for my children, no matter the roadblocks in my way

* a very hard worker who loves this eclectic career path I've ended up on by my own creation and some good luck

* a creative, artistic being who loves to make for others

* a life long learner who is always excited to take a class

* a loyal individual who will always be there for others, even when others may not be there for me in the same way

I know I don't quite fit well in to everyone else's life. I am and do identify as a "hippy" even if a lot of it is closeted. I don't always fit in as I don't follow every trend or movement. I can be outspoken when I am passionate about an issue. I am an advocate and that doesn't always sit well with some. I will stand up for what I believe but only after I have become educated on the matter so that my protest, words or advocacy make sense and have purpose for a peaceful resolution. Always worth the effort in my opinion. 

A snapshot of who I am but as always, a work in progress.

So now I turn the tables and ask "who are you?"

~ Chy

Uniquely Me.

If I had a barn, this is the color it would

be. I truly don't go for fads and trends. Just

whatever suits my mood and what I love. I

will never, ever "fit in" but I'm sure when I

am no longer here, I shall be remembered

for being unique and myself. This is me.

~ Chy

Ten Fun Facts.

Danielle over at "Danielle's Sweets" shared a great post today called "Ten Fun Facts About Me" and invited readers to participate. So here is my "Ten Fun Facts About Me" List:

1. I want a sweet little puppy one day soon! We had a puppy for 16 years. We bought her to help our kids heal from their grief after our many baby losses. After Celti died, we decided it was too painful to bring another puppy home. But now we're thinking about it again, and secretly, I'm really excited. Hence, the puppy picture above!

2. I never knew my dh in school. We went to the same junior high and then high school, and likely attend many of the same parties, but never ran in to each other, until a month after I graduated (he graduated the year before) when we were cast together in a large theatre production.

3. I was not interested in a relationship after being "dumped" by my longtime love in high school. Then I met my dh that Summer. We vowed NOT to fall in love, but here we are, almost 40 years later ....

4. I always hoped for a large family. And feel so privileged to have met my guy, who had the same wish. We have had 12 pregnancies, every one planned. But have only had the honor of raising 4 of our babies to adulthood.

5. I work in a field I had never planned on being part of. I mean seriously, who as a kid says "when I grow up, I'm going to be a grief counsellor, an educator and my dream job would be in a community-based, family-focused hospice!" Who decides that at a young age? Not me!

6. I have one brother. He's almost 4 years younger than me. And almost a whole foot taller!

7. I've lived in 3 Provinces: Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. My favorite was B.C. but I love it here too.

8. I was terrified to move to the country but not I can't imagine ever living in a town or city again!

9. I've travelled to the U.K. and Russia. Would love to go back and see the changes as I was a teen then.

10. I'm super short, have fallen in love with gardening, rescue dollhouses, write every day, love to sing, have my very own art studio, a cozy cottage we built, and a loving family. But every day, I struggle with anxiety, self esteem and feelings that I can't even always name. I'm real, feisty, authentic, and will always advocate and fight for what's right. 

Will you share your Ten Fun Facts?

~ Chy

Sunlit Curls.

I was part of a Podcast panel the other day

and it was broadcast live. Taped as well.

So the curls had to come out! I've had

long hair all my life. Without the curls

on the end, my hair actually goes past

by bum! But every once in a while, I

think about cutting it. It's super easy to

take care of and on any given day, I can

do so many things with it. However, I do

wonder if it ages me. Then I go to an event

like this one and everyone oogles (and

touches!) my hair the whole time. It is

a decision I need to make. Scary thought

as it's now part of my identity. Thoughts?

~ Chy