QOTD

If you had to pick something that defines who you are.. what would that be? I am a care taker. I have been someone who cares for others more than myself. This began early in life with my brother who was developmentally challenged and needed me. Than on to my mother who had MS and numerous other medical problems. I have always been the care taker type. My first job was a nurse and remained that for years. Even though I dont do the medical end anymore I still provide the caretaker mentallity to my job. It is just who I am. To this day I will do without to ensure my family and even friends have what they need. It is the person I am and I do love that quality about myself although sometime it can be a problem because people will take advantage of my good nature. My family coming from the south always set an extra place at the table and made sure that there was extra food just in case someone showed up. I think that is why I gained the weight as well. I do the same thing. One thing I am trying to learn now is how to make the appropriate amount of food to reduce waste and excessive eating by myself as well as my family. Its way to easy to have that extra portion if its on the table. This journey is a learning process in many ways. I am learning to care more about myself and do what is right for me and not always worry about the rest of the world needs. I guess.. in a sense I am starting to learn to put me first and take care of my needs instead of ignoring them to give to others.

I have always been a counselor or social worker and have spent my life helping others. It is a challenge to learn how to put myself first... my kids will truly be #1 always but as they get older I am putting myself up there as a priority... I am ½ Italian and also am learning how to cook for us 3 and not 5 plus...LOL I struggle with that...

what's the other half if i may ask? ANDI

Hi Andi The other ½ is English, Scotch and Irish. My grandparents were all immigrants

I think my humor defines who I am because no matter what the situation is, I find something funny about it! I have laughed at funerals, wakes, dead baby births (my own) fires, floods, famines etc. It has served me well because I have come to realize that life goes on and if you get consumed with grief then you are allowing death to triumph over life and that won't happen for me. It doesn't mean i won't grieve, i'm human, but it means i will remind you of that persons good qualities! hugs, ANDI