SteemUSA Game Time: Introduce Yourself...a Little Deeper Look

I think many will agree with me that the biggest value in Steemit is the people on here.  Over the last 7 months or so of being on here, I have met some truly wonderful people that I am happy to consider friends!  Though I love seeing all of the fantastic recipes, killer workouts and stunning photography (among other topics), it is really interesting to see when my favorite folks share a little bit deeper about their passions and personalities.  That's my goal for today--to let you see a little different side of myself.  I hope I am pretty transparent in my writing, but we'll see if you can learn something a little new about me today.

I'll start off a little more superficial, then see if we can't peel off the layers bit by bit. ;)  You may have seen a few peeking out in some of my pictures, but you might not have guessed how many tattoos I have.  If you count them all separately I have 9, though 6 of them are in pairs.  I like symmetry, haha!  Most of them represent my bond with family or major turning points in my life.  The last one I got about 3 1/2 years ago to mark my shift in lifestyle to a whole foods plant-based way of eating.  I am lucky enough to have a dear friend of the family who does all of my work for me, so it makes each one even more special.  I have also had a few friends help design some of them.  My dear @dksart actually did the initial design for my friend here.

Can you pick out the individual components? ;)  This was quite the test of my pain endurance as it took about 4 hours from start to finish.  I have another one on my ribs that would be a toss up between the two which was more painful.  They can be quite addicting, though so it is probably a good thing my artist lives in another state!  Some day I will get one for my niece.  I have my parents and sisters represented, so I can't leave another piece of my heart off.

Speaking of family, I am one of three girls (we adopted our dear German friend on the left as the fourth sister quite some time ago, my sweet little mamma to the right).  Any guesses where I fall in the birth order?  If you guessed middle then you'd be correct.  I actually do exhibit some of the stereotypical traits of a middle child.  I tend to be the peacekeeper as I hate conflict.  Drama is something I try to avoid as much as possible as it really stresses me out.  I also tend not to like the spotlight.

Nope, that definitely would never be me up on stage.  Continuing with the family theme, a large portion of the concerts I have ever been to included my dad and/or sister.  I took my dad to see the band Primus for his 50th birthday back in 2004, and we have hardly missed them since.  It was probably the best gift I have ever given him as it was really one of the first outings I took with him after reaching adulthood and we had a blast.  This picture was from a concert last summer that I went to with @dksart and my sister.  Incubus, Judah & the Lion, and my absolute favorite band Jimmy Eat World.  I do love a good mix of music, but tend to gravitate toward alternative, Indie, the lighter side of punk, and I was totally a girl from the grunge era (my first rock star crush was Chris Cornell, may he rest in peace).  I don't have a musical bone in my body, though, so I will gladly listen and sway back and forth if I'm really feeling it. ;)

On to my "extended" family.  I am a true introvert (ISFJ for any fans of the Myers-Briggs), so it takes a little bit for me to open up when I'm meeting new people.  However, once you are in my circle, you'll have a friend for life.  I'm fiercely loyal to my small group of guys and gals.  Friendships are definitely an area I prefer quality over quantity.  These ladies are the best exports from Poland, Germany and Brazil. ;)  I think that is part of the reason why I prefer doing one-on-one personal training versus groups (though I do teach some classes), it appeals to my desire to really get to know someone beyond the superficial.  Appropriately, the majority of my clients are also introverts.

I am blessed to have quite a few friends that are so close I am called "aunt" by more than just my one niece.  It is a beautiful thing to see some of my best girlfriends become mothers.  However, I have no children of my own.  Nor do I want any.  That is a topic I may explore in a later post because I feel my experience may be helpful to someone else.  Though I know I have not had the terrible prejudices or horrific bullying that many people living alternative lifestyles receive, I have still gotten a lot of criticism and questions about what is wrong with me that I don't want my own children.  Motherhood is something everyone seems to have an opinion about, and I'm sure I have been insensitive at times, myself.  I have never had that instinct or desire to be a mother.  For years I questioned it and felt like something was wrong with me.  There's not.  I know that now.  I will just try to leave my legacy on this planet in a different way. :)

Whew, that got a little deep. Maybe we should end with something a little lighter?  I adore Cirque du Soleil!  I am a pretty frugal person, but any time one of the shows comes to Atlanta, I will fork out good money to go.  The performers are some of the most stunning athletes I've ever seen, the music can be otherworldly, and the sets, costumes and makeup reveal the depth of the artistic talent and workmanship of the whole production.  Perhaps some day I'll get to see a few in other cities.

I hope my pals on here enjoyed getting to know me a little better, or those of you who didn't know me at all may want to check out my other contributions to the Steemit blockchain.  I hope some other of the @steemusa folks join in so I can learn a little more about you all, as well!