I've been Tagged

My blogging pal, Linda, over at the 7 MSN tagged me for one of those 'spill-your-secrets' games. Somehow over the past couple of years, I've been able to dodge being tagged, or maybe noone really wanted to know more about me?
It's actually been several days since Linda tagged me, but I've had Posting Block, not sure that anything I had to share would be interesting to anyone. But I'll participate for my friend, Linda.
And then I'll tag a few folks, just because I really do want to know more about them.

1)My Childhood: My stepmother insisted on putting up my hair into a pony tail on the top of my head. I hated it and I was teased mercilessly and called "Spout", as in Whale Spout. Nice. Eventually, when I'd get to school, I'd always tear out the rubber band and ribbon...and let my hair down.

Oh and if you enlarge the photo by clicking on it, you might think that I had older siblings and wore hand-me-downs. But no. I was an only-child. Can you see my thrift store-looking high-waters? I couldn't wait to move out and have my own money one day so I could buy 'cool clothes', or at least clothes that fit.

2)My Career: I started off working as a Vet Tech and then moved into the human medical field, but I quickly realized that my heart yearned to travel, so after doing a few stints at the car rental agencies, I nabbed a job in the airline industry. I did everything, but Flight Attendant position. I worked the gates, the ticket counter, loading and transporting bags, mail and freight, and loading and transporting passengers to the commuter gates on buses. It was a lot of fun and the best part was getting the free air travel. On my days off, I'd hop on a plane and fly to the beaches of Florida, visit family in California, party in New Orleans or Las Vegas and visit so many other places. Sometimes I'd go alone and other times with friends.
It was even better when I met my husband, who also worked for the airlines, because we enjoyed traveling together. He retired from the airlines a few years ago, but he was given lifetime free flying benefits for him and his family.
Unfortunately, after 911, deregulation and higher fuel prices, we don't enjoy traveling anymore. And it's even more complicated now flying 'space available' with 3kids in tow. Mostly it's not as much fun being treated like cattle, having to wait-wait-wait and rush-rush-rush, and not even be allowed to pack your own water bottle on board...or even get a free drink or a packet of peanuts. Don't get me started.

(Notice the top left photo, after you enlarge it. That's me working for Mesa Airlines. They had me driving the fuel truck and fueling planes. I also worked for UsAirways. I did everything with them, but my favorite jobs were driving the push back vehicle to direct the planes out to the runway or directing the jets into the gates with wands. I liked communicating with the pilots by headset.
My least favorite jobs were de-icing the planes or driving the mail and freight tugs, to the mail house, loaded with 5-8 fully loaded carts.)


3)I'm a gal who doesn't like when anyone tells me I can't do something. Friends and Family told me when I was pregnant with twins that my babies would probably be early, so they bought me preemie clothes. I returned all of them and bought full-term baby clothes. And my twins were born right on time and 7 lbs each.
I was also told there was no way I could breastfeed twins. People bought me cans of formula and bottles. I donated them to a woman's shelter. I had two breasts and two babies. The math was simple. I breastfed my twins succesfully for almost a year.(Notice I also enjoy scrapbooking)

4)Personal: This 'spill-your-secrets' tag thing is already getting quite lengthy. Maybe they should keep it to just 3 things? This one is not as happy as the other things interesting about me. You see, my Mother took her own life when I was only a little girl. Her selfish act affected me profoundly as a young girl and even as a woman. The experience has made it difficult for me to keep friendships and make commitments and to trust in people. And because I often thought she left me because she didn't want me or didn't like me, I've had to struggle with feeling worthy all my life. I was anxious about having my own daughter, as well, because I never had a positive relationship with a Mother.
Oh! Wouldn't I be the perfect subject for a Psyche Study? haha

5)Bad Girl: Yes I've been a bad girl. I've partied, danced and shook my 'tootie ta'(as Pony Girl says). I even used to dance for money. I know what you're thinking. No, nothing that sleazy. When we first moved to Albuquerque 16 years ago, I'd go to Cowboy Clubs to Two-Step and do the Cotton-Eyed-Joe. Many of the clubs had contests for the girls, usually involving dancing or wearing tight jeans and just looking like a hottie. I usually won, sometimes just for standing around in my tight green Ropers or the black fringe Ropers and my cowgirl boots. I'd come home each night with an extra $50-$100 in my pocket. How easy! And it sure boosted my confidance.

(The top left photo is my mother. And the top right is the actual location and bench, far left, where she took her life)(The bottom photos are of me looking like a 'hoochie mama'! hehe)

6)Happiness: I'm happiest outdoors. I love hiking, camping, traveling, letterboxing, horseback riding, biking, listening and watching wildlife, or just swinging in a hammock. Spending time outside lifts my spirits and gives me freedom.

It's been uber difficult finding anyone who hasn't been tagged yet, But here are my 7 special blog friends that I'm tagging:

Children in the Corn
Fantastyk Voyage
Little Bit of Heaven
Seatbelt for my Saddle
Sugar Creek Stuff
Rural Ramblings
Mud Ranch