An Independent Voice of Confusion

Yes, that a very good description of me right now. I am confused about so many things. But first an introduction. I am Debie, of A Devonshire Design and I am approaching the big 50 in an accelerated manner. ( at least that's how it feels!) I am married, I have a wonderful son 16, 2 steps, a daughter in law and 2 beautiful granddaughters. I am in corporate life today, but tomorrow it may all change.

I am registered as an Independent and over the years I have voted for Ronald Reagan, John Anderson and considered everyone who ever ran at least for a time. I was a McCain supported back in the day, but his Bush-leanings have moved me away. And that was before he chose Ms. Palin.

Maybe no one wants to say it out loud, but aren't some of you really concerned that she could be just a heartbeat away from being our President? I wanted to see a woman President, but not just any woman.

I was a Clinton supporter - both of them, I like their stands on issues and felt that she would be a tough woman in the right role. But, I never wanted her as the VP candidate once we knew she was not the nominee.

So I am supporting Obama. I have read his website side to side and up and down, I have listened to speeches, I have compared his views to mine and I can back him. I also like Joe Biden as his running mate, I think he will be a good complement to the idealism Obama brings forth.

I will listen intently to the debates and hope for more than sound bytes and sniping. I will continue to try to think independently and with an open mind and heart.

And then come November 4th my confusion will clear.

Hey wait for me!!!

Okay, I'm just getting here, and am totally thrilled with getting involved with this project! You can call me Sass, or Sassy. My husband calls me Sassafras, Sassalicious, or Sweet Sassy M'Lassie. Now that that's out of the way...

I'm a mom of three amazingly funny kids. They are 5, 7, and my oldest will be 9 on Monday. I have no particular areas of expertise in life, other than being able to find the humor in most any situation at all. My son was born with a congenital heart defect, has had two open heart surgeries and three heart caths, so I guess I know a little bit about that stuff.

I've been married for almost 12 years, and I'm only 32. I was a child bride, of sorts, and no I'm not from Kentucky. Sorry, had to say it.

Okay, so, I see that we're talking about the things that make us happy. That's a funny subject to me (it kinda makes me happy). When my kids were probably 2, 4, and 6 we made a list of the things that made us happy. I printed them out, and we cut and pasted them onto a poster to look at on rainy days. Here's a partial list:

• The smell of rain on the dusty ground.
• A hot cup of coffee in bed.
• My kids unexpectedly telling me I'm beautiful.
• My husband unexpectedly bringing me a flower. Not flowerS, mind you. Just...one.
• A really good glass of red zinfandel on the couch with my husband.
• Making a new friend, reconnecting with an old friend, and cherishing both.
• Nonfat lattes.
• Big sunglasses.
• Sunflowers.
• Rocket Dog tennis shoes.
• Trips to New Orleans.

There are so many more, but I think I've hogged the floor long enough!

We’re All in It to Win It…………..

Let me first start by introducing myself. I’m Miss Jack. I’m a SAHM for the most part, but I just got a part-time job to earn some extra cash to send our oldest to a private school. (Montessori) I married my best friend and soul mate. I tell him everything which can bite me in the ass sometimes, but I can’t lie to save my life.

We live in the suburbs of Chicago and despite the cost of living here, we love it….so far. We’re all Greek and half Italian so as you can imagine food is our life. My husband and I both went to school for Hospitality Management and currently he’s a chef at a restaurant. Yep! We’re well fed! Along with my degree I’ve added courses in Interior Design and I’ve picked up a few skills in the Montessori Method where I was a teacher’s assistant for a brief time. Since becoming a wife and mother, I’ve had to pursue a second degree in “Jack of All Trades” (hence the Miss Jack reference) and a Masters from the School of Hard Knocks.

I was born and raised Roman Catholic and my husband was born and raised Greek Orthodox. And since Greek Orthodox trumps my Roman Catholic upbringing I had to concede to baptizing our kids Greek Orthodox. My husband is very open-minded about religion and even though we’re raising them with primarily a Greek background we’ve taken them to church services at both churches. We are not regular parishioners at either church but if we ever have a desire or need to go we do. It doesn’t really help that my husband has to work 99% of the Sunday’s in a given year. I know, I know, I can take the kids to church whenever I want.

Then there’s politics. Honestly, I’ve never felt the need to vote. If I was alive when JFK was around, I probably would have voted for him. If I was old enough to vote when Regan was running, I probably would have voted for him. As far as the past 4 elections goes, ehh…no one made me sit up and take notice. However, this election has me looking. My husband and I have really made no decisions yet as far as what side of the political fence we are on. We really feel that our decision is going to be based on who we think is going to make for a better tomorrow. This means we do our share of reading up on both parties. We found a wonderful website at http://www.politifact.com/ that basically goes through all the major claims made by both candidates, both parties, commercials, mass emails, etc and does research to find out if they're true or not. In other words, it helps you sift through the crap and political mumbo-jumbo. And it seems VERY non-partisan, too, because it has mis-truths from BOTH sides - not just one. Anyway, for what it’s worth…..You can always read more about me and check out my blog at http://www.spyroufamily.blogs.com/.

Ready to Post One For the Team!

Hello Blogland!!

I'm so excited! I'm Mrs. D and thrilled to be included as a contributor for Collage. (Sweet name, btw!)




Here's a little background on me:

I'm 29, married, and the mother to a hilarious 5 year old boy. He just started kindergarten and I just started back to work as a result. My job is as a reading program assistant at our elementary school. I love the job and it is great to be able to "go to school" with my son. I consider myself very lucky.

We live in a smalltown in a rural area in Illinois, surrounded by corn and soybeans. I am a Southern Baptist, and am slightly more conservative than liberal. I don't consider myself Republican or Democrat, I just follow the issues and my heart.

We lead a simple life, not Amish simple, but we aren't the Lohans, either. lol. I have a weird, sarcastic sense of humor. I looooove cats, especially my own. I love to bake. Neurotic, over analytical, and smart assed would be good words to describe me. I'd be George if I were a Seinfeld character and I'd be Monica if I were a Friends character. lol.

I love blogging and am excited to see what will be on tap for those of us at Collage. You can find out more about me on my other blog www.dashofcrazy.blogspot.com.

Pleased To Meet You!

Hey, all. I'm Jenn, mom to two girls (ages 8 & God-help-me 11,). Along with my husband and two cats, we all live in Maine. By choice, which seems to freak a lot of people out. Seven years ago, we picked up and moved out here from Arizona, essentially swapping out desert sandstorms for blizzards. We've never regretted it, although I do confess that I occasionally miss good Mexican food and 70 degree January days.

I'm a former high school teacher turned SAHM. Now that my kids are elementary age, and I probably should get a job, I've decided to try my hand at writing a novel. (Seriously, I'll do about anything to keep from going back to work).

I also love photography, shopping, travel, reading, and I'm a complete movie whore. I'll watch just about anything. Unless it's about football, which I am completely incapable of understanding. I've tried. It ain't happening.

I think this is an awesome idea that Jill has come up with, and I can't wait to read everyone else's introductions!

Reporting In

Hi! I'm Jaina, my other blog is Looking Through the Lens

As of tomorrow I'll be 23. I recently graduated college, and am currently soaking up the sun in San Diego while working at the tech center for my alma mater. I love working with computers and spend WAY too much time online.

I was born and raised Catholic, and tend to be on conservative side of the political spectrum. I'm currently exploring and growing in my faith. It's a process, but one that I am enjoying and learning a lot about myself along the way.

Music is in my blood, I'm fairly certain it's genetic. I also love photography and enjoy experimenting with my digital camera. There's still a lot to learn, but I'm working at it. One of my other favorite things to occupy my time is crafting. Michael's is dangerous to my bank account. I love making things, not only is it fun but I also find it extremely therapeutic and relaxing.

I guess that's about it, I'm excited for this new blogging project. Let me know if you want to know anything else about me.

Roll call!

I'm so glad that we have lots of interest in this new experiment!

To get the ball rolling, let's get to know each other.

I'm Jill, my other blog is Caffeine Court.

I'm mom to 2 girls ages 5 and 9. I've been married 10 years to my husband Brad.

We live in Central Jersey near the beach. I'm moderate in my political beliefs, and I was raised Catholic. I'm not sure what religion I am now, but I love reading books on Buddhism.

I'm a huge animal lover, we have 2 dogs and 1 cat. If my husband would let me have more and I could hire someone to clean out the litter box and pick up the poop in the backyard I would have 5 dogs.

Okay, enough babble. Let's find out who's on the team...

Please introduce yourself with a post!