An Introduction

I love my name. Although a very common one, I still think it has a nice ring to it. It's an old name, and my mother always said, a good sturdy name will take you far in life.

In my kindergarten class (I'm not a teacher-I mean when I myself was in kindergarten), there were two Amanda's. My name was chosen to be shortened to Mandy so she could differentiate between us, and that kind of stuck for awhile. Everyone called me Mandy, except for my parents.

I switched high schools mid-career from public to catholic, because I thought I was headed down the wrong path, and changed my name back to Amanda. A new name, for a fresh start. The switch did not work out as planned, but I will save that story for a future blog.

I live in a small military town, the same place I was born, the same place I went to school, and have left here only briefly in my 29 years. It's kind of sad really. But I'm happy. There will be time for travel soon enough.

I have two beautiful girls, still quite young, but getting older quicker than I thought they would. It's true what they say; it does go by fast. This is disheartening to me for two reasons. One, if it keeps flashing by at this rate, they will soon be talking to me about what college or university they want to attend, then gone, and I will be left here in my empty nest wondering what to talk about with my husband over breakfast.

Second, I know that someday soon, I will have to turn my attention to, well-me. I will then have to look in the mirror and ask "where did these wrinkles come from?" But it's inevitable, and I enjoy the time I have with my kids. Both are very individual, with warm hearts and good souls. I pray that I don't wreck them; that they maintain their personalities despite my interference.

I am married to-you probably have guessed it by now-a soldier. This is why I live where I am, and not somewhere else. I met him here, and he lives where they tell him to. He's a hard core infantry man through and through. He's extremely good at his job, and is also a wonderful husband and family man. I guess you would call him perfect, but I am a tad bit biased. Tall, handsome, strong and smart. The man can do anything if he has a manual. It is a very admirable trait to have. And useful. If something breaks he can fix it. I, on the other hand, cannot fix anything. Usually, it's me that has broken what my husband has to repair. Poor guy really had no idea what he was getting into when he married me.

In the past I have asked him what his favourite trait about me was. His response? You talk a lot (he is also a man of few words). I suppose you who are reading this, would also agree. No story of mine is short. New thoughts fill my mind throughout the day, cluttering up my mind and leaving it hard to concentrate. I am hoping that this new blog will not only help me improve my writing skills, but also spring clean my head, so to speak.

There you have it. I am a 29 year old waitress in a small town, with an army husband, two beautiful girls, and an infinite desire to write for a living.

I hope you will join me on my adventure as I become what I've always wanted to be.