"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. " -Helen Keller

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Who am I?

If someone looks at you and says "Who are you?", can you answer that question? Do you have a short sweet answer or is it long and involved? I can't give a short answer. There are too many different facets of my personality and they can't be jammed together into one little description.

When we are battling infertility, it becomes all to easy to focus on that one aspect of who we are...to focus on what isn't working. In one respect, I was lucky about how and, when I went through infertility, I already had 2 children. I was forced to define myself as more than an infertile woman and that helped me survive with my sanity intact.

Who am I?
  • I'm a wife - my soulmate and I have been married for over 15 yrs and have been together for over 17 years.
  • I'm a mother - we are raising 3 boys but we've conceived 11 children.
  • I'm infertile - I lost 8 babies.
  • I'm an artist - I create and design all kinds of things...cross stitch, crochet projects, quilts, clothes, tote bags, etc
  • I'm a dreamer - I dream of my future and the future of my family.
  • I'm a reader - check out my 2010 book challenge and the books I've already read this year.
  • I'm a student - I continue to teach myself how to do things - build web pages, hardanger embroidery, quilting, etc
  • I'm a teacher - I'm homeschooling my oldest son.
  • I'm a friend, a daughter, a sister
  • I'm an outstanding cook
  • I'm a crappy maid - housework SUCKS
  • I'm a teensy bit of a rebel - tattoos, multiple ear piercings, experimentation with my hair, getting married without telling my family
  • I'm a traditionalist - I followed up our quickie legal service with a beautiful service in our church
  • I'm a Christian, specifically Lutheran, who believes my faith and my church are strong enough to withstand my questions and doubts.
  • I have a warped, twisted sense of humor
Who are you? Tell me about how you define yourself.

And, Happy ICLW!

23 comments:

Mrs. Gamgee said...

I LOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE this post! And rather than answer 'who am I' in this little comment space... I'm going to do a post later today!

Colette S said...

I'm the woman who is yet to be satisfied with my station. I yearn to continue to learn and grow and become stronger and wiser, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

I love your post on this. It is hard to just say. I'm this or that. There is so much to us as individuals and we are always changing for better or worse.

daega99 said...

I'm a crappy maid too! We hired a cleaner once a week because my lack of domestic godessness was stressing me out... ;)

Anonymous said...

I am the walrus, lol, sorry couldn't resist. Love the post. Great blog, can't wait to read more. I'm your newest follower from IComLeavWe.

-K
http://mypottyseat.blogspot.com/

Robin said...

Well, like you said, that isn't so easy to do! I WAS a mom (second to being a wife because my happiness in my marriage definitely has an effect on how I work to raise my children!) but now my children are in college and need me almost not at all. So NOW I'm a sexy wife who is rediscovering the joys of - YOU know - with her surprisingly sexy husband who somehow got better and better every year (and keeps telling me I did too)! AND I'm a grad student because for the first time, I can do something that I'm choosing only because I want it, not because I have to consider my kids! YAY! There are other things, but those are the ones that are bringing smiles to my every day!

This post was a great idea! Thanks!

Unknown said...

This is a great post! Thanks for the sanity check. Sometimes I forget that there's more to life than IF.

I am woman -- hear me roar! But more than that, I'm also a human being, plain and simple and with that I know I can be whatever I want (except maybe a man or a walrus). :)

April said...

I am a wife, step-mother, daughter, and sister. I also can bake really well. I'm with you on being a crappy housekeeper though. I'm also a musician, singer, and actress. Plus I like to make crafts. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

ICLW

Nicole said...

We are forced sometimes to box ourselves into one or two categories, but really we are all a great many things. Thank you for sharing! And thanks for the comment over my way--happy ICLW!

~nicole

Amy said...

Mrs. Gamgee's post sent me your way. I love your blog - such an interesting lady! I'm now a bookmarked reader.

Kitty said...

Happy ICLW! Thanks for your comment on my blog :)

I love this post; very thought-provoking. Although now that I think about it, my "profile" pretty much sums it up - wife, cat-mom, car-singer, banker, etc... also a terrible housekeeper! And of course, barren as the arctic tundra! ;)

Anonymous said...

I am a believer, a dreamer, a lover, a fighter, a romantic, a realist, a fun loving wife, daughter, friend, sister, aunt, god mother, I'm a blogger, a chef, a mom to a perfect cat, a bookworm, a music lover. I am a lot of things other than someone struggling with TTC.

Gurlee said...

Thanks for visiting my blog.

There are so many things that define who we are, infertile is a moniker I cannot embrace.

You, on the other hand are a prolific reader, hot-damn! I have a goal of 25 books in 2010, you have already surpassed that and its only April! Wow.

Wishing 4 One said...

This is so cool. I may have to do a post on this too. I agree I am trying not to let being reproductively challenged define me. I will not allow it damn it. xoxox

Jennifer in MamaLand said...

Interesting how "who am I?" so often comes down to "what do I DO?" This definition seems adequate until we remember how many people are not able to DO many things, yet their lives still have value.

So how's this? I am a pure soul, created in the image of God.

And also a crappy housekeeper. :-)))

ICLW!!!

Lindsey said...

I love your Who Am I Post.... I might have to do one myself!!! =)

Keiko Zoll said...

I'm in the process of redefining myself... and loving every moment of it!

Happy ICLW!
~Miriam (ICLW #47)
Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed

rys said...

I am the Ethel to your Lucy. :-)

You forgot one that is VERY important. You are a TEACHER. Not in the homeschooling sense (although yes that is true), but as mothers we are ALL TEACHERS.

I'll have to do one of these on my blog. Midnight just isn't the time to start it!

Awaiting our miracle said...

Well I know something I definitely am not: an outstanding cook like you! I wish I was though. I am also not a mother, but I hope to be some day.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy ICLW.

Quiet Dreams said...

You are also a friend, and a darn good one.

I think I am still figuring out who I am, as I had been shoved to the backseat for a few years. I'm driving again, just figuring out where I'm going. :)

musicmakermomma said...

Hi - found you on ICLW, and realized I know you from many other comments! Fun to find your blog. Love the who am I post. Right now I'm too tired to make a statement about who I am! Guess it goes with the territory - mom, wife, daughter and worrier of many troubles!

Justine L said...

Wow. You forgot "I'm amazing." Because you are!

Kakunaa said...

I have seen this a couple of times this ICLW week....I think I shall tackle it tomorrow. Still pondering a What IF post as well....that one is harder for me. Love your blog.

battynurse said...

I so agree on the house work. I hate doing house work. That and the rebel part. I am a bit of a rebel too.