OT: Jerz just brought up a good point.

She just mentioned to Lori about how we act on here, but then in real life we might do something totally different.  We basically don't stand by our own preachings.  My mom and I were just talking about this today.  For me it's a real big thing because number one all my kids are on the net all the time.  My husband and I met in a chatroom also, so I know how these things work! ;)  

I know with me sometimes I feel like I speak on here as if this is how I want to be, or the reverse...it's my most inner thoughts only, and you guys are the ones who hear all the weak and bad stuff.  Other wise you don't see the fun, motivational side of me.  We know each others fears, weaknesses, and inner thoughts and that is about it.

For example with Lori afraid of her own shadow (sorry Lori for using you as an example).  We (or I) see her as a tough woman, tells us the best of advice, everyone looks up to her. :)  But then in her own life she is scared (it seems to us) of the outside world which really doesn't reflect on what she says to others.  I know..it's like I always say...easier said than done.  

We should all tell something about ourself, our behaviors, whatever we want..that would show us what kind of person we really are.  Anyone up to it?  I think it might be a neat way for us to get to know the "other side" of our lives. 

Just a thought 

I speak easily to all of you. I look forward to each day on here. In real life, I have a hard time talking to people because I am always wondering what to say. It causes me come off as stuck up when I really very much am not. I am a very caring sharing person but sometimes have trouble putting my emotions and words into coherent thought.  I love people and being around people but I have a hard time "fitting in". I think a majority of it stems from my own self esteem and self worth issues. I know it does. It has taken me a long to grow up enough to be more forward. I still have serious problems with it from time to time.  That's me in a nutshell. Beth

I am what you would call a true Gemini.  I swear I lead two lives, lol sometimes three.  During the day most of the time I would be called a soccer mom.  I do everything to better my children, and want their lives to be fulfilled.  At night time my time seems to devote around my husband. Othr than the few phobias I have (and working on ) I will do anything, at any time.  I LOVE change and despise routine with a passion.  I believe in going with your heart, and not do things just for money or career.  I'm a very open, caring person that believes in individuality.  lol Sort of like a new era hippie so to speak. If my kids (or myself) wants to do weird things to their hair, or whatever..I'm with them as long as they want it and won't hurt them.    I want them to explore the world, just not mine..theirs in their own way.  I'm on the same path, I have many new ventures to endure.  I'm one that you will never know what I'm going to do next.  I have flown to a different state within an hour just to buy and pick up a new dog and be home by midnight on the spare of the moment.  I THRIVE on doing things like this, it's in my nature.  I go camping or out for the weekend within only fifteen minutes. I've made hawaii plans and packed within two hours for a two week vacation.  I hate planning, never have.  Without excitement I get bored and pissy extremely easily.  I love music, I'm a HUGE music buff.  I watch American Idol (just starting this year and occaisonal biggest loser) other than that the tv is OFF and music is on.  I love loud, head banger, metal, rock, and scream music. That is what is close to my heart.  But then I also like to listen to rap, r&b, some classical, and once every year or so I get on a country kick for a month or so.  I am also a HUGE 70's music fan.  I can listen to that to no end.  My kids friends think I'm cool and I'm one that will talk to my kids about birth control or worse..openly, freely, at any time they need.  I want to be their best friends, and expect them to believe they can tell me anything freely.  Everything is open to me, just ask.  If I'm lied too, watch out. :)  That's what I tell them anyway. hehe  

My thrive for adventure has taken a toll with being over weight.  My body NEEDS this all to be gone.  I would probably do fearless things, that most people wouldn't do.  I want to live life to the fullest, and I feel deprived with being over weight.  It makes me sad, and moody, and generally depressed!  Think that is why the phobias kick in?? Not sure.

Turning 40 in a few months has really got me nervous, and I don't like it.  I feel like I haven't even begun my life with the kind of lifestyle that I thrive to have.  Jus****ching my husband and kids get on the computer or turn on the tv at the same time absolutely throws me.  I'll even start a fight with them over it.  I want to travel, I want to go white water rafting, I want to bike ride all through out Alaska, I want to learn how to hunt, my wants are endless.  

So that is me! :)

I'm going to put a few pics of me when I was at my lowest just five years ago up here ...I'm starting to wonder if that will help motivate me a little.  Sort of depressing its only at 190..but wow did I feel good! :) I felt like I could take on the world at that weight. :)

Im the same here as I am in reality. Honestly. Im crazy, diva like, speak my mind, *****y at times, shoot...what you see here is who I am baby! lol. I just tell more here...that is with my weight issues...thats about it...no one knows about that stuff. :) But everything else ALL ME! "

wow.. I feel like I have to defend myself .. .lol  Here come all the "I"'s

I'm the same way HERE as I am in real life.. except.. in real life I "behave" in a fashion that works into my comfort level and on here I can only use words.

I never offer advice I can't take myself.  If I can't speak from a knowledge or experience.. generally I just keep my mouth shut unless I'm being inquisitive.  I don't force my way down anyone's throat... I'd rather encourage folks to find what works best for them in all areas of their life.  We're not all cut from the same mold and I encourage idividuality unless I see a behavior as detrimental to someone's well being. PS.. I am tough... physically.. oh hell yes.  I know how to get things done and I work well under pressure but complacent if I'm not under the gun.  So why can't a person be tough and still feel weak?  Are there rules to this I never learned or something?  If speaking my mind leaves me vulnerable to being labeled.... that makes me want to retreat.  I don't like labels.. I don't give ''em.. and I don't wear 'em.

I avoid crowds and I don't like to be LOOKED AT!  I've had enough of it....  I spent too much time being the fattest person in the room.. I didn't like being looked at THEN and I don't like it NOW so it's obvious that my weight has had a huge impact on my personality/behavior.  My weight keeps me from being the ME that I want to be.

I enjoy most people... and I'm quite entertaining when in the company of others.   I tend to bore easily and have the attention span of a carrot.  I AM assertive, despite the impression I'm giving off here.   

Aren't we all "complicated"....??? 

Ha! I act this way here because you guys put up with me!  I could not whine or wax philosphic about all this in 3D! Everyone would think I am weird. LOL You guys hear stuff about me that I do not tell anyone in 3D.  Well, maybe my daughters have heard much of this stuff...there's not much we have not said to each other! Just not every day like you guys have to hear it. Other n that...I think I am every bit the person in 3D that I am here:   diva bossy opinionated contradictive food lover gardener biker chick hates cats good wife good mother love to travel - wish I could do way more love my home life, too good sister good friend could be a better daughter determined good planner compassionate perceptive sex machine hard worker compulsive researcher filthy mouthed (in pm - ooooh, some of you have heard me carry on) fair minded high energy loving kinda funny good at expressing myself tho on the wordy side good at pushing buttons on people lover of life grateful

Biker chick!  OH YEA!  NOW it's making sense!!!  LOL  See... I would have never known that..

I love this post....only not sure how I come across on here, so hard to know if I'm different in real life. I used to be a big worry wart, anxiety, etc but have really mellowed as I've aged....life is way too short and I'm all about stopping to smell the roses at this stage of life. I LOVE being semi-retired...hate schedules and routines so a day with no particular fixed agenda suits me fine. I'm most proud in life of being a good mother and a hell of great grandmother (that's great, like in fantastic).  My grandchildren are the joy in my life and I treasure my time with them. I am a very strong and independent lady....nothing I can't do if I put my mind to it (except control my weight, I guess).  Am finally learning in this relationship with my SO (two years now), to relax a little and enjoy being pampered once in a while. Have spent most of my adult life being a caregiver and people pleaser....always like Holly said, meeting other's needs rather than my own.  Have learned with maturity (I like that better than getting old) to be good to myself. Have a wicked sense of humor....and sometimes it is "wicked".  Everyone who meets me says...."and I thought you were such a sweet, innocent type at first". The world's best procrastinator....never do today what can be put off til tomorrow, and yet a perfectionist...no wonder I have anxiety. A gypsy at heart (must be the Saggitarius in me).....I can get in the car and take off without a moment's thought and drive straight through to my son's in KY (12 hours) without batting an eyelash.  Love to drive....I covered most of NYS in my previous job and always kidded that I wanted to be a Greyhound bus driver when I retired.  (I'll go to Iowa with you Lori...when do we leave?) A very good money manager....but also an impulse spender.  (Hey you have to be able to manage it if you're gonna spend it) A deeply spiritual person....my faith has sustained me through a lot in life and only grows stronger as I grow closer to meeting my Maker. A very good friend, good listener....my high school year book described me as "warm hearted and delightful". There's a wild and free spirit buried in this fat body....and she sometimes escapes! Love deeply....have been blessed by being loved by several really good men in my lifetime.  Don't think I've ever experienced true unconditional love like I now have with my SO though.  Am so blessed to have found the man I want to grow old with. Hey....this was fun.  Hope you all feel like you know me a bit better now.

This may come as a surprise to many of you but I act the same online and offline, here and abroad.  I'm really do whine this much in person too!

I don't differ online from offline.  IRL you either love me I ruffle your feathers.  Same here.