Getting to Know You
First blog…feeling no pressure. No siree, Bob. This is the blog that sets the tone, lets people know what to expect and I’m going to start off in the most mundane way. I’m going to introduce myself, and I’m hoping that when I’m done, you’ll do the same. I’ve been participating in Cigars for a few months now, mostly lurking, since I am actually rather shy, but becoming more outspoken as time passed—especially after Sam asked me to join. Thank you, Sam! I’m getting a feel for our readers who post, but I want to know more, so we’ll play the three words game. Think of three words to describe yourself and then elaborate. I'll start.
Here are my words:
Eclectic—I chose this because I’ve held a very eclectic assortment of jobs. I’ve been a theatre usher, gymnastic instructor, executive secretary to the president of a business college (because I knew shorthand—thankfully I never had to use it), janitor, keypunch operator (those of you born after 1970 are allowed to not know what that is), bar maid, drafter (by hand, not computer), research assistant, miner, geologist, teacher and now, mostly importantly, I am an author. It took three books before I realized it was legal to call myself an author. I love being an author and all those jobs are coming in handy now.
Whimsical—Remember Harry Stone in Night Court? He’s my hero. I covet his armadillo.
Driven—When I have a goal, I pursue it. When I learned to hitch horsehair (more about that later) I was told that it was very difficult to learn to do well. I ended up showing my pieces in museums and in juried shows. I pursued writing with the same focus. Now, after a few decades of spreading myself way too thin (see job list above), I’ve had to pick my most important goals and focus on those. Wife, mother, author. That’s what I am. Oh—there’s another three words.
What are your three words?
Jeannie, leave it to you...
To come up with such a fun first post! I'm so glad to have you here -- I love your posts on the Supers board, and I love your books. I know all the Cigars folks are going to enjoy getting to know you as I have.
It's hard tho... to come up with just three words... maybe one of mine should be "wordy"? LOL
So, lessee....
Creative. I would say this is a dominant trait, given what I do for a living, but also I am drawn to creative things in general -- gardening, sewing, cooking, baking, remodeling, remodeling, writing, etc -- things where I get to "make" something. The part of teaching I always enjoyed the most was the creative aspect of it, and I think that's why I was good at it, being creative about constructing a course, finding ways to teach things to students. But I think it was the lack of feeling like I'd done something concrete that eventually got to me. I like to have something to show for my effort... I've also had several jobs, but I am better self-employed. I don't like rigid scheduling or being hemmed in, which I also think is a creative thing.
Which would lead me to say Practical is probably one of the words I hear most often from Mike, for instance. I like whimsy in small doses -- a nice flannel shirt is a good gift for me, but maybe it has colorful buttons or a crazy pattern, etc. Practical seems to be the opposite of creative, but I don't think it is. It just means my creativity gets channeled in particular ways that I must find useful. Kitchen tools are practical gifts, but I can do creative things with them. I tend to think in very practical terms, about gifts, how I use my time, what I want out of life, etc. I think it has something to do with my working class upbringing, things have to be "of use."
Finally, I would say Obsessive LOL. I think this is close to what you had as "driven," but when I take something on, I take it on 110% and I don't let go easily. I will drive myself and others to get things done, and will literally obsess on learning something new if it grabs my interest -- like quilting -- when I first learning it, I had to quilt obsessively for a year or so, it was every day all the time. I turned out a lot of quilts. Now that's settled to the background, but every time I take on something new, like this blog, or, tiling my kitchen/bathroom, I buy books, read websites, and do the work, and I do get a tad bit obsessive. It's how I learn. :) It's how I've accomplished a lot in life, throwing myself into things full-boar.
Sam
Sam,
"Wordy"? LOL--We have a lot in common. And you're right, obsessive and driven are practically the same. Creativity and practicality do seem to go hand in hand even though they seem to be opposite traits. I never thought about it, but just look at pioneer women, and those people growing up during the Depression and the things they did using what they had.
Jeannie
Tough...very tough...
Outgoing - I really will talk to almost anyone, or email almost anyone. That said, I find lots of human interaction very, very draining. I don't recharge at parties or events; I recharge in my study, blessedly alone.
Driven - I, too, pursue goals with a single-minded intensity. The problem, of course, is pursuing the right goals. I've had lots of interesting jobs, none of them remotely suited to me as a person, but they were jobs other people thought I should have or would be good at. Learning when to walk away for a break from whatever I'm after is also tough. As my top three words are also wife, mother, and writer, I have to remind myself that the goal of "author" doesn't trump a 3-year-old who desperately wants to play Candyland for the 400th time.
Contradictory - I can't even pick three words to describe me without qualifying the choices, LOL!
Margaret
Margaret,
So glad to meet you, and I feel like we have tons in common, too--like getting drained at parties, yet loving to talk.
As you know, all that Candyland time pays huge rewards (although I have to confess, I'm kind of glad Candyland is now stored in the basement of our house, lol) but it is difficult when both the muse and the 3 year old want to play. And yes, 3 year old definitely wins. Looking forward to reading more of your posts,
Jeannie
I need caffeine...
Oh, Jeannie, that's so unfair. You're making me think on Monday morning. My 3 words would be:
Tenacious (sp?), okay stubborn, enough said, LOL. Funny -- I have a great sense of humor sometimes masked by my shyness. Sensitive -- oh yeah, way too sensitive.
Carrie
Carrie,
A fellow caffeine lover! Welcome! Tenacious is in the same ballpark as driven and obsessive. Maybe that's why we're writers. Can't give it up, you know?
What is it about writers and shyness? Here we all are, hanging our hearts out there for everyone to see, yet so many of us are shy. And sensitive...
:) Jeannie
We have this in common...
I like to socialize with people I know, and find that energizing, but find socializing in large groups or with people I don't know well draining -- I think it's because I don't like small talk. I like real conversation where I can be myself, and if I feel I have to "act a certain way" I get tired...
Sam
Three Words
Hi, Jeannie! Love Brett's cover...very hot! Both my DSs have those electric blue eyes! Much trouble in my future!
Devoted...I give my whole heart to the things that are important to me: family, job, writing... I'm not quite as driven as I should be in regard to my writing, but I'm a fantastic mother, wife, and teacher. I'm making room on my plate to be a fantastic writer!
Problem-Solver...I have a way of looking at problems and finding solutions to them without pulling my hair out...usually other people's problems and never related to my writing, but there it is!
Procrastinater...but there are worse things I could be
I'm also creative, practical, and fun-loving...three more words...because I teach English and love words and suck at math so I can easily say that counting to three for me is a challenge! ;-)
Ronda,
If a mom is a procrastinator, it's self preservation, lol. You can't do everything and oh how we try! And you'll find as your boys get older, you'll shift more and more toward fantastic writer because you have (slightly) more time for yourself, lol.
Oh, and yes, electric blue eyes=trouble for mom!
Great to see you here,
Jeannie
I still have that horsehair bracelet you made...
Hey, Jeannie! Great to see you here.
My three words?
Stubborn.
Stubborn.
Stubborn.
Sally Jane,
Lol,
Lol,
Lol,
You are a kick, Sally Jane! And I'm glad you have the bracelet.
:) Jeannie
Hmmm...
Hopeful, thankful, blessed.
Hopeful because it's the start of a new year and we've been doing all this thinking about goals--progress is possible! :)
Thankful because I'm so blessed ;)
Glad to be learning more about you, Jeannie, and the rest of the gang here!
Fedora,
What a lovely post! I'm going to think more like you do. Looking forward to talking to you more,
Jeannie
Right back at you!
I'm enjoying all the responses to your question today, and am definitely looking forward to chatting more :) And reading your books--love that newest cover, Jeannie!
Can't I Just Have Sam's List?
LOL, there's a big reason Sam and I get along, but I didn't quite grasp it's because we're both insane, lol.
Okay, my three...
Crafty: I'd like to say this is that I'm a smart girl, but nope, I'm really quite good at putting things together. I can crochet, sew, design, draw, build, quilt and occasionally paint. Though not often at the same time. I love to create spaces, you know, interior design and play with color. I enjoy creating new layouts and now that I've learned Flash, I'm getting better at digital design too. I'm not always useful, but I'm quite crafty.
Meticulous: Or psychotic, you choose. I was brought up with the requirement that the job isn't done until it's done right. Every detail complete. If that means you need a magnifying glass to finish, you use it. But then again, I get to be damn proud when it's done.
Pragmatic: I'm infamous for putting off stuff I want for stuff that needs doing. Case in point, I don't buy new clothes all that often. Hubby has begged--literally--for me to do so, but money's always needed on other little bodies. And you know, there's something to be said for still fitting in clothes from high school, lol. (Not many, mind you, but there's a few.)
God, I sound like a Nazi reject, lol!
Dee
Dee,
LOL, you crack me up--in the best possible way! I remember you saying that you made your dress for RWA Nationals a year or so ago and being very, very impressed.
Okay, I held up a pair of pants I wore in high school (velvet jeans--couldn't bear to throw them away) and well...I held them up...close to my body... I'm very impressed that you fit into high school clothes. And I so understand the other little bodies. Been there. Done that.
I love working with you Dee,
Jeannie
Sure...
Dee, did you just go grab synonyms???? Hmmmm???
LOL You know what's bad, is I don't know if I spelled that right -- syn-on-nym... all words look funny right now... too much writing...
Although I am NOT meticulous. As Mike likes to say, I am a "fudger" -- you know, "close enough" or "they won't be able to tell" is okay... LOL
Sam
LOL!
I can honestly say, I didn't look up any synonyms.
I'm just that psychotic. LOL!
Only three?
How can you confine word lovers to only three? I think one of yours should be taskmaster *g*. Ok.
Loyal-- to a fault. Had the same day job, and the same sweet hubby, for more than 30 years. Maybe that's not to a fault.
Sensitive-- yeah, me too. But that's not a bad thing if the "over" isn't in front of it.
Wicked-- it may be hidden, but it's in there... 'nuff said!
Sally Jane-- too funny!
And isn't necessity the mother of invention? As in: pragmatic the mother of creativity?
I'd like to know if you have 3 words that would describe your writing, the themes you choose, what inspires you...
Jen
Jen
Great to see you here! Loyalty--that's my husband's best attribute, too. Definitely NOT a fault. Thirty years--fantastic!
Three words to describe my writing? Wicked hard. (Oh yeah, wicked was one of your words, lol.)
Writing three--
Familiar--I try to write about people you might actually know and then put those people in a "situation".
Spunky--I like my characters to be proactive.
Wry--I like to laugh at myself and I like my characters to see the humor in themselves and the situations in which they find themselves.
Anyone else up to Jen's challenge?
Thanks, Jen!
Jeannie
Writing 3
I'm with you Jeannie. I'd pick the same 3 for my writing. Except I might go one step further (or farther?) with the wry part and say my humor borders on sarcastic. But we'll call it a dry humor, instead, so no one thinks I'm a smart a*s. ;-)
Carrie
Nothing wrong with bordering
Nothing wrong with bordering on sarcastic--I like sarcasm, which is probably why I love your books (I still think about Emily). I think it adds punch to a book.
Jeannie
writing words...
Independent...which might should have been one of my words to describe me, but DH says it like it's a bad thing...my heroines need to have backbone and not *necessarily* a man...
Funny...not laugh out loud, but enough to bring a smile to your lips...
Sassy...my CP says I have teenagers down to a science and we all know they are sassy!!
Off to teach my last class of the day!! Yeah Friday!!
Congrats on the last class,
Congrats on the last class, Ronda and have a great weekend. Put teens in your books. I love a well written kid.
Jeannie
Three words that describe
Three words that describe me----
Loyal - me too, If you are my friend I will support you and cry with you and even tell you when I think you are wrong, but I won't desert you.
Determined - If I start something I want to finish it. I almost didn't graduate from college due to family illness but I was determined to become a teacher and I did for 35 years. I guess you could say it took a lot of determination to teach teeagers that long.
Curious - I want to see the US and meet people all over. I spent my summers traveling when I could altho there were summers toward the end of my teaching career when I had to care for my parents and couldn't. Now I can travel at any time of the year. Except maybe winter. I won't drive in the snow!!!!! No matter what you say, I just won't.
Since I'm not a writer I can't comment on that question.
Ellen,
Anyone who teaches teens for 35 years and still likes kids is my kind of woman. I'm glad you're getting to travel now anytime you like. Color me slightly green with jealousy. Some day...
Jeannie
Three
Three words----
Caffein--lots and lots of it. Coffee, tea, soda, chocolate.
Creative--I love doing needlework and sewing.
Blessed--I live near my family and am able to take care of my young(28 mos and 11 mos)grandsons once a week so their parents can have a peaceful meal.
Estelle
Another member of the caffeine club! That's three of us. I hope I am as blessed as you and not only get grandchildren, but get to live near them.
:) Jeannie
my three
Passionate: get me going on something and it's hard to get me to stop
Confident: mostly, though not about everything
Creative: speaks for itself
Great lists, everyone!
M
Read in bed!
www.meganhart.com
Megan,
Another smoking sister! I'm looking forward to reading your posts. Lol at condident...mostly. I'd love to know the areas you aren't confident about. Mine is definitely politics. Politics makes me dizzy, I swear. I try to keep up and be a good citizen, but usually retreat to my cave before too long.
:)Jeannie
Wow, Jenster...
That's harder, thinking about three words that summarize our characters...
Since it's fun to pick out three more words, I'll give it a shot:
1) Complicated/complex. Are they the same thing? LOL Either way, I think all of my characters, bar none, are one or both.
2) Passionate. I mean, really.
3) Growing. They're all learning, and going somewhere, becoming.
Now I can add a fun one -- what three words would you all use to describe your husband or significant other?
Mike:
1) Focused. Seriously focused -- he's like a big hairy laser. Seriously, especially with work. He has learned, though not perfected, the art of making me think he's answering me when I know he's in another world. It's a good time to ask for things, LOL.
2) Smart. Really, really, freakin' smart. Scary smart.
3) Kind. This is probably the sexiest one, but he's a kind, generous man. To me, all heroes are. :)
Now your turn. :)
Sam
Oh, Sam. I'm ROTFL at "big
Oh, Sam. I'm ROTFL at "big hairy laser". Too, too funny. Now I have to think again...Three things that describe my husband.
Gary:
Sensual--He likes to feel good and he likes me to feel good. It works out well for both us.
Funny--He has one of the quickest wits I've ever encountered and trust me, I'm quick. We have these repartee sessions that are something to behold. Also, we both love the Marx Brothers and Three Stooges.
Intelligent--My mother always told me to marry someone who was as smart as I am (not that I'm a genius--just that I didn't want to marry someone and then have to explain my jokes). I thought she was crazy when I was in high school, but have since discovered that yes, you need to be with a person that challenges you and Gary challenges me.
Great question, Sam. And I'm going to sneak in number four about Gary--Soft hearted. I love that in a guy.
Jeannie
Oh--and he's supportive.
Oh--and he's supportive. He's been behind my writing 100% of the way and now he cooks so I can write. Obviously I can't describe my husband in three words.
:) Jeannie
throwing down the glove, Sam?
What fun- but hard to describe the DH in 3.
Funny-- but quirky as opposed to quick, or maybe even a warped sense of humor. A lot of people don't get his humor, but sometimes he makes me laugh so hard tears roll down my face.
Emotional-- gotta love a guy who actually owns his emotions, although sometimes I just ache for him.
Good thing for the next one...
Strong-- This guy's a rock.
oh, and did I mention sexy cowboy????
Jen
Sexy cowboy....*sigh*
Sexy cowboy....*sigh*
I like soft-hearted, too
I would equate that with "kind" for Mike... and it's the best when combined with that macho streak... love both sides. Good advice your mother gave you -- I think Mike and I are paired in that way, too, though our talents lie in different directions... He's more analytical and detailed, where I'm sort of the artsy "fudger" type, LOL. He measures everything twice, and when he's not looking, I just sort of do it by eyeball, LOL.
And since we're breaking the three limit rule, I have to add "adventurous" and "active" -- he's a much more adventurous soul than I am, wants to push the limits all the time...enjoys taking on challenges. I do, too, though mine are more mental or creative, where his are more likely to land him on the side of a tall rock face or in deep, choppy water in a kayak, etc.
Oh FRACK! FRACK! FRACK!
I spent a nice chunk of time crafting a cool response and I didn't log in before I hit post and it went away! ARRGGGHHH...
So, here's the condensed version.
My words:
Inquisitive=insanely curious
Social=can't help myself
Witty=which can double as sarcasm when the need arises
Alright, there's my three words. And bonus word to describe my hubby...complicated.
Kim
Kim, still a good list!
This seems right to me, knowing you online anyway. :)
I also owe you books, and getting to the post office is usually life's biggest challenge for me, but I'll get there... LOL
Sam
Kim,
Sam will have to meet you in person to get a feel for what a dynamo you are. If I were ever in a tussle, I want you at my back. And we can also add awesome writer to that list.
:) Jeannie
Welcome
Welcome to Cigars Jeannie! I hope you have as much fun here as we all do.
Three words to describe myself. Only three? I can be a bit winded but, I'll try to break it down to just a few sentences.
Friend would have to be the first. I really love people, and try to be a friend to everyone. I enjoy making new friends and I feel that there is always room for one more.
Bold would have to be the second. I usually say exactly what I mean, and my mouth has been known to get me into trouble at times. I'm never rude but, please don't ask for my honest opinion if you don't want it. The odds are that I'll probably give it to you anyway.
Adventurous would be my third. I'll try anything once. If I don't like it then I don't have to do it again but, at least I can say that I tried it.
I'm really looking forward to blogging with you, and believe me, I won't let you be shy. Mads:)
Mads,
Thank you for the welcome. Friendly, adventerous and bold--cool combination. I love hanging out with people who will not let me be shy, so I'm looking forward to blogging with you, too. I'm pretty outgoing, once I feel comfy, and I think I'm going to be quite comfy here at Cigars, lol.
Jeannie
Welcome, Jeannie!
Welcome to the blog! I love your three words!! We have one in common:
Driven. Anyone who knows me knows that's definitely one of my words, LOL.
Outgoing. Though, there's a limit to that. I'm just as happy at home, working on my computer all by my lonesomes as I am socializing. But I do love my getting out and being with people :-) Probably why I love going to conferences so much, but love the getting home just as much!
Creative. Like Sam, I tend to do a lot of creative things. Right now, I only have time for books, but I have in the past done a ton of other creative ventures. I love puzzles and art, and about anything that stirs my mind, too.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available now: REALLY SOMETHING another Hot Romantic Comedy from Zebra Books
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Hmmm...
Great post Jeannie! I love learning new things about my online buddies. Me? Hmmm...
Determined: When I really want something, I can get very focused.
Introvert: I can talk easily online but when it comes to social settings...I'd much rather be home where I feel safe. Everyone that knows me is surprised when I say this because I can talk to pretty much anyone. But I'd rather not.
Loyal: Don't mess with my friends or family...I'll duel to the death. I'm a Scorpio and tend to get a little creative when it comes to protecting my loved ones.
Hubby? My own personal hero. My hunky cowboy! Willing to work in a war zone to make a better life for his loved ones...
I'd have to say he's very devoted to his friends and family. He'd give a stranger the shirt off his back. We have a homeless guy that hangs out in the alley. (My mom owns a commercial building downtown.) Dh talks with this guy and knows his name. Whenever we eat out...dh brings leftovers home to put out in the alley for his friend. The guy knows dh is out-of-town and asked me recently how dh was doing and if I needed anything. Dh asked if I was leaving things to eat for his friend...of course. I even made up plates during the holiday.
Emotional when I least expect it. He doesn't always say a whole lot...but when he does - my heart melts.
McGyver: (sp?) If something's broken and dh doesn't know what he's doing...he figures it out. Doesn't always look so good...but it'll work if dh has anything to say about it.
Chelle
Chelle,
Great to see you here. I love a fellow introvert masquerading as an extrovert! I have to tell you that your husband sounds like a dream. When you write about him on eharlequin, I always get a little misty, and now you've done it again.
:) Jeannie