"That was then..."

1 February

So, this is my web page? I guess maybe I should tell you something more about myself then that little blurb you read upon entering. I really do enjoy gardening, cooking and reading. I love my computer, I can turn it on and click my way around but I’m lost when it comes to the behind the scenes stuff. You'll also discover that I love to write. My one true ambition in life is to torture poor souls like yourself and force you to read! Some other interest and hobbies I have may shock you, I enjoy camping and I am a total cartoon junkie! Love my Warner Brothers! I cry at Disney Animated Movies. I love all types of music with the exceptions of rap and country (can only handle small doses!).

1997 was an interesting year for me. I went through some major life changes. Like every year before it I did have a birthday (I’m 32 years old but for the love of God don’t tell anyone! – I don’t mind being 32 but 33 will be a killer!) I used to be a secretary. Actually, I was an assistant; I would have been a lousy secretary lacking all the basic secretarial skills needed to survive. My official title was Executive Level Administrative Assistant to the Chief Information Officer.

It was an interesting job, I had lots of fun and made some great friends. Early last year I fell into a new position. Basically I was in the right place at the right time. The impact of a single moment in a person’s life can be staggering.

I became a Business Systems Analyst. Sounds more impressive than it is I think but definitely a step up. I set out on the road for nine months to train users and install software. I love training people in a classroom environment, I feel like I’m on stage. Sometimes I even manage to make them laugh as they learn. God, I love that feeling!

My new job gave me the opportunity to travel around the country and meet some great people. I even got to spend three weeks in London last summer and it was one of the ten best experiences of my life. (I’m not so sure I can name the other nine in public) .

I really love my job but into each person’s life a little rain must fall. Recently we’ve had some management changes and it made the road a bit bumpy but its getting better now I think.

Just goes to show you that being stubborn and persistent can sometimes pay off. I had decided that no matter how unhappy I was that I would stick it out and try to make it work.

I have learned a few valuable things this past year. I have learned that like my hero, Wile E. Coyote, no matter how badly I am beaten down, I can always pick myself up and try again.

I also believe that everything can be a learning experience if you just pay attention. I used to read about three romance novels per week – everyone teased me about it but when I went to London, I knew more then my tour guide did about the city.

I have even found that there are things to be learned from children. I have a six-year-old niece and a nine-month-old nephew who only recently have taught me how to laugh like a child once again.

Home and family are very important to me too. I have been married for ten years, and anyone married for a long time knows, it can take some work to keep it going. I have two cats that I think of as my babies and I own my home. The past four years have brought new meaning to the term "Ho-Moaner". Its never ending work and expense but I love every inch of this money pit.

Over all I think I’m a pretty lucky person. I try to remember to count my blessings everyday. I am still working on learning patience and tolerance for others. But I have learned to not be so afraid of life.