Why Do People Care / Why is It Your Business???

I am so tired of the questions about my having kids. Do you have any? Why not? Don't you like kids? Don't you want kids?

No, I do not have children. No, I do not want children. Yes, I do like children. I am raising a dog.

OK...that seems a little harsh but at 41, almost 42, I am really tired of the questions. There are numerous reasons why I don't have kids...in no particular order:

1. My health
2. I got married later in life
3. Different priorities in life
4. Never had the desire

OK, so that last one is what always seems to cause a problem. I do believe on some level I never had the desire to have kids because I know that they could "inherit" my medical issues...after all they are birth defects and, while not hereditary, I run a much higher risk of having a child with the same problems or worse. Yes, medical treatment has come a long way in 40+ years, but still. My mother didn't know that this was even a possibility. I do. Wouldn't it be selfish of me to put a child through what I went through? I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy let alone my own child.

I didn't get married until I was 35...the time that counted, anyway. Definitely not a great time to start a family when the health risks are great for you and the baby. OK, so my baby survives but I don't. Not really fair to my child to have to grow up without a mother just because I wanted to be a mom.

I have been career-driven my entire life...even when I played Barbies I was the career Barbie, not the one with a bunch of kids. I didn't even own the little sisters so I wouldn't have to babysit.

OK, rant over. I just get so tired of the questions. My main gripe with these questions...even for my parents and D's parents...what business is it of yours. It is mine and D's decision alone, no one else has a say in whether or not I have kids...I don't care if they would be "your" grandkids....(not that this rant is about the parents...but if it's not their business, how could it possibly be anyone else's!)

P.S.--the parents, either set, have said nothing that was purely an example.

Five Adjectives!

Completely stolen from Rude Cactus! Seems his daughter, Mia, had an assignment which included listing five adjectives to describe herself...you can read the full story here. Anyway, what I hope to be my five adjectives are:   

- Smart
- Caring
- Fun
- Stressed
- Pretty 

Of course, I don't really want to be stressed, but I am trying to write my dissertation, so yeah, stressed. It is the other four that I hope really work. So, do you think I'm even close? Also, what are your five adjectives?? (After all, it's no fun if you don't play!) ;-)

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone is enjoying Spring! I have been working, writing, and knitting! It seems that everyone I know is suddenly pregnant and I am trying to keep up with knitting baby blankets. I finished one last night around 11...and it was a good thing because the baby shower was at 11 this morning. Now, I have another one to start. Although I am working towards an August graduation date, the knitting helps keep me calm and relaxed.

I hope everyone has time to relax tomorrow and remember the true meaning of the holiday...not just the bunny and the eggs!

Time Moves Quickly...

I cannot believe it's already March! Where did the first part of the year go? I am not complaining since I hate cold and snow. Loved the weather today...Soxy and I even went for a walk when I needed a writing break!

I am spending most of my time writing and editing, but also attempting to keep the house in order and myself in shape...

Need Motivation...Found Motivation

Need Motivation: I have been dragging on my writing these days. I just can't find the motivation to get moving...always something to distract me (i.e. reorganizing the master closet, making yet another baby blanket, etc.) but I need to finish my dissertation this year. Time to focus and power through.

Found Motivation: As of Thursday there will only be two of us that sat for exams at the same time that will not have finished. And, I know the other person is on Chapter 4, whereas I have just started Chapter 2....

No more excuses about my health stopping me. I need to power through and focus!! My screen saver now reads "Focus, Write, Finish" -- hopefully this will help fuel my motivation to get this part of my life behind me so the rest can move forward.

Any, and all, encouragement welcome!

Happy Hearts Day!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentine's Day. My main Valentine is in Texas on business, so I am spending time with Soxy, my other Valentine.

Sending hugs and smiles to all my online Valentines!

<3

Phase II of Getting Back in Shape Begins TODAY!!

OK, so I've blogged about getting back in shape by going to the gym. I love it. About killed myself yesterday trying to keep up with a workout routine I downloaded onto my iPod, but I'm "resting" today as the program says. However, I gave myself a one month leeway on tracking what I ate and drank. Since today is February 1, it is time to start writing down everything I eat and drink. If I do this correctly, the weight should start coming off. I am 22 lbs above my goal weight. I have never had to diet before in my life, because I was always active. I still am not calling this a diet because, if done correctly, it will be a life-long way of eating and exercising that I will find enjoyable and easy to maintain.

Wish me luck!!!!