Brief respite from the boredom

I have been tagged by my lovely friend Lisa to answer this question:

Think back on the last 15 years of your life. What would you tell someone that you haven’t seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize about you. At the end of your list, tag 5 more people and send on the love.

This would take me to 1993 at the grand old age of 23 and thinking I knew more than anyone! That changed. I had just graduated from college with a major in psychology and marketing, worked in a grocery store (yuck) and was having a crisis because I didn't know what I was going to do with my life. This was when I started school again because I loved the hospital environment and my dad (bless his heart) told me that nursing would offer me the most flex ability.

1. I never thought I would marry. Finally, because a nurse I worked with and loved, talked me into meeting her brother. The rest is history. I had finally met my best friend and I married him in 1998 and he still is my best friend.
2. I thought once I had a house I would get pregnant and live happily ever after. Never did I think I would nearly die trying to get pregnant. Never did I think I would journey down the path of infertility.
3. I have travelled in lands few Americans have seen and my husband and I have 3 absolutely beautiful children. I sure never thought I would practially have triplets--and while is crazy, it's wonderful!
4. While in school for my nursing degree, I was terrified of working with children. I wanted to deal with adults who could express their needs. Little did I ever think that I would find my heart's desire working with little children--very sick little children. And I do think I'm fairly good at what I do.
5. Which leads me into my subculture of peds work--craniofacial. I barely knew what a cleft was and then we adopted Julia, which changed every direction of our lives. Ted with the sports (and I certainly never thought I would have the ice arena as my second home) and me with the craniofacial population. I love working with the families of craniofacial children. All it brings me is joy. And I soak up anything about craniofacial (and amniotic banding) like a sponge. I never thought that the love of craniofacial would lead me to the other 2 male loves of my life--Rauan and Alihan.
6. I love Madison!! I love working at the University hospital. 15 years ago---I thought I was a small town girl and staying that way. No way. Madison is awesome. I've travelled all over the world now and Madison is my hometown.
7. Norwegian elkhounds--who would have thought? Ted and I really wanted a dog when we got married since we both grew up with dogs. He found out about Norwegian elkhounds and the rest is history. I'm addicted to flying hair and frequent brushings. Plus, I have a male dog that thinks the sun rises and sets on me--he's pretty darn smart.
8. I have a minivan and love it. Enough said.
9. I honestly have to say that there is a place in Wisconsin that I consider to be the best vacation spot--Door County. Back when I younger--I thought Door County was for the middle aged folks who just want to sit around. How little did I know. Door County has some of the most beautiful places to hike and check out. I love the beaches and boy oh boy--they make some mighty good wine up there.
10. I'm glad that I grew up. I wouldn't want to be 23 again. My life has just improved and I look forward to the future. At 23, I lived for the moment. Now, I live for the present and for the future for my kids.

So, that sums it up. I am seriously sappy at some spots--but honestly who would have ever thought I would say infertility is the best thing that ever happened to me? It shook me out of my safety net, kicked my ass and woke me up to there is more to this life then just myself and my little corner of the world.
Ok I tag Hilary, Mala, Elizabeth, Stephanie and Gen. Let's hear it ladies!!