A Love-Hate Relationship

A long time ago, in a faraway land, back in February, Midwest Mom tagged me for a meme. I've neglected to do it until now. It's really simple: 5 things I love about myself and 5 things I don't like about myself. Here goes...

LOVE
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1. My feet- We have been through a lot together. They have traveled from Kansas to Phoenix, San Diego and Austin. They've ventured up to Seattle, and even down to Tijuana. They now reside in North Carolina but long to head overseas. They've been through State Cross Country meets, kicked and jumped on sidelines, suffered through surgery, danced all night, waded into the ocean, and even have run a marathon. My feet, though far from pretty, are loyal friends and will always be loved.

2. My eyes- Though they can't see much (I'm talking my hands in front of my face, people) without the aid of contacts, they sure look pretty anyway. When I was younger, I had blue eyes like the rest of my family. However in middle school I read a book about a girl with piercing green eyes, and desperately wanted that too. I prayed and prayed my selfish, ungrateful little middle school prayer until sometime in middle school they did begin to take on a greenish tint (puberty perhaps?). They aren't quite the emerald I had hoped for but they are just different enough to be unique.

3. My obstinate nature- Hey, when you're right, you're right. I don't speak up often but when I do, you can guarantee I won't be shutting up any time soon.

4. My compassion- I have a heart for the weak, unjustly treated, and defenseless populations of our world. Whether it's the stray cat on the side of the road or the horribly misunderstood and mistreated impoverished of our nation, my heart weeps with pity. I'm guilt stricken by how little I help, how much I have, how silent I remain, and desire to one day have the courage to do more than shed tears (and adopt strays).

5. My gift- I have the gift of teaching. Teaching is not something I believe one can learn in school. The science of teaching will only make a decent teacher. For the best teachers, it is an art. Something they can do regardless of circumstance, education, or obstacles. It is horrible that so many people who do have the gift of teaching are forced to choose a different career due to a desire/need for higher pay, a more esteemed profession, or advancement opportunities.

DISLIKES
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1. My hair- It's thin and fine, often unmanageable, and always flat. Sure, it's blond even if it does require a little assistance to stay that way, but what I wouldn't give for a little bit of body.

2. My boobs- Yes, I once thought that breastfeeding a child would provide me with a new respect for these things attached to my chest, but alas no. They are HUGE, often painfully so. They are eye-catching whether I want them to be or not (usually not). They often make me appear much heavier than I really am (try being a size 4 on the bottom and a 12+ around the chest) and make it impossible to wear dresses and challenging to find shirts. It's even hard to find them a bra. Maybe one day, I will have them surgically altered, but I will have to wait until I'm sure there are no more mouths to breastfeed.

3. My inability to apologize- Refer to Love #3. It makes it awful difficult to be married to me.

4. My lack of social skills- I've written some about this before. However, at its worst, it means I don't even stay in touch with people I do know and like. I was once asked what a friendship required. My answer: proximity. Sad, but true. I can't be counted on to stay in touch, I must be forced. It's not that I don't want to and don't think about it constantly, it's just that I don't. Even Facebook can't save me especially since my brothers aren't on it.

5. My weakness for dessert- I can't help it. It's in my genes (paternal). I am a sugar addict of the worst kind. I love cookies, cake, candy, and chocolate- oh chocolate. It is impossible to resist. It's calling me right now...

Before I go get that Chocolate Peanut Butterbar, I'm supposed to tag 5 people for this meme. So...

Kelly of Monkey Man because she's in a blogging block.

Corrie of the CLog because I miss her writing.

Heidi of Elser411 because she doesn't have enough to do with a new baby and a return to work.

Chelsea of Loaf of Love because I figure she needs even more procrastination material.

Marty of Don't Take the Repeats because she usually doesn't do these on her blog but does on Facebook.