Picking my Brain...

1. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?

Honestly... I like to talk but it's all in fun and games! When it comes to life... I hope I've crossed more off my bucket list then I've talked about!

2. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

Geez... Just one... Violence in all forms!

3. What is the one thing you'd most like to change about yourself?

I'm my worst critic in everything! I need to give myself more credit. I also wish I was a better listener! I wish I could open up more! I hold grudges and shouldn't!

4. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

Both... I'm settling because it is what's best for the kids! Everyone knows I want to be on the road but the timing isn't right. I'm thankful I get to be a reserve! I am so excited for my next chapter!

5.
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Yes!

6. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

No... It doesn't matter now! I remember the day I quit my job to become a stay at home momma to 2 amazing kids! That was the day I lost ME! That was the day I felt like I lost my independence and had to depend on someone else! Don't get me wrong... I love my kids and I'm so happy I got to stay at home for a few years... Just so hard!

7. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

Camping at horsemans's campground in Brown County! Creek stomping, racing Eric, the shower house, having chicken pox... My memories there are amazing!! Everyone went... Our entire family! And extended family!

8. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

NOW... Right Now!

9. What are your religious beliefs?

I believe! I have Faith! After the past weekend my family just had... I could go on and on! For me... Finding God at a young age was amazing! I got baptized at 10 but I'm not sure I truly understood that commitment! I've gone to church on and off my entire life but while at NEO is when my commitment to Christ hit a different level! I moved home and married someone who wasn't "in" to church and I let go. Over the past 1 1/2 years... I have found a new church! I have never been happier! I have found a man that loves to attend church with me and who likes to talk about service!

10. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Unless I'm 6 feet under... I'm alive! Truly Living is being present! Being in the moment! Enjoying the small things!

11. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

Ugh... This is so hard! I would say things... I would stand stronger... I would let certain people know who I really feel!

12. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

I love my kids! I tell them (numerous times) daily! No words will ever be enough to tell them what they mean to me!

13. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

Ouch... This is hard!! I always make decisions for my kids and myself but I hate hurting certain people's (the ones who mean the most to me) feelings. Until 2 years ago... I let others make decisions for me! I guess it all depends on the situation and I NEED to learn to stand strong(er)!

14. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learning to live for my kids and myself... And not depend on anyone else! It's okay to ask for help... However I let my pride get in the way... Which isn't good! My kids will always be my best accomplishment!

15. What drives you every day?

My kids! Giving my all for them!

16. Who do you admire?

I admire many individuals for different reasons, but my siblings are amazing!

17. What traits in others are you attracted to?

Smiles! Optimism! Honestly! Hard work!

18. You have a 10 minute speech to give at a high school, what is it about?

Shattering the Silence! Angela Cain has been a huge inspiration on domestic violence and I've seen her speak many times. I actually did my senior speech on this, but as a police officer and through past work experiences... I've gained so much more knowledge.