My first acceptance speech

I was so honored to be identified by one of my other blog friends. Pam lives in the prettiest country I have ever seen through pictures. She is honest and charming, with a significant amount of grace. Our lives are so different and yet the same. I like to think all mothers share a bond of some sort. Pam challenged me to list 10 honest things, and make it interesting. I like to think I am an open book, but I can always share more. I have shared in the past, thanks to Khadra, so I think it's time to broaden that initial list of ten.

1. I used to be considered a little mean and bitchy. Really I am terribly shy. I also have terrible vision, so often if I look like I am glaring, I am really just squinting.
2. My mom died last year in October from an unexpected stroke. We had a love/hate relationship but there isn't a day I don't miss her. That relationship stems from her love of drugs when she was younger. My mom was able to turn her life around starting when I was 14. She was really able to nip her problem when I was 19.
3. I have worked since I was 16. My very first job was in the mall for Swiss Colony. I had to stand in the middle of mall and ask people if they would like to try an incredible spreadable. I do still have a fondness and knowledge of cheese.
   
4. One of the main reasons I left my home town of Reno is that I was being stalked. It was one of the most miserable points in my life. In order to move from Reno I had to leave Delicate Flower with my mom in Oregon for a few months.
5. The fist time I went to Hawaii, it was to visit my Grandmother. While I was there she had a breakdown and tried to kill herself. My vacation ended very suddenly.
   
6. Despite the downs in my life, I am a strong believer in keeping the past just that. If I didn't live this way I would hate for the rest of my life. I believe it is up to me to make positive decisions in my life for myself and my family.
   
7. It is very difficult for me to make friends. Sometimes I convey a "know it all" approach that is really meant to be helpful. I just am not that successful in letting people know.
8. I love my first son like no one else. He lives with his dad and that makes me feel guilty everyday. I never regret my first marriage, I regret the decisions I made after.
   
9. I am not a hugger. You can always tell I consider you a close friend if I hug you. If I tell you I love you, I consider you part of my family.
   
10. I would kill to be a SAHM, for a week. I love my job. I love my kids. I think we each need some time away. I am a better parent when I have some space. I am a better parent now than when I was 24. I despreately want a third child, and maybe a fourth. I feel that I am now ready for MSC. I feel like I am finally growing into the person I will become and I am pleased (-minus the weight gain)

I hate tagging people. If you choose to list some truths, please do so and let me know!