How hard is it to describe yourself?  Hard enough that I had to ask for help.  My husband described me as funny but a little too sarcastic and a good cook when I bother to actually pull out the pans.  My oldest daughter described me as "The Mother You Don't Mess With."  (a title to be worn with pride!)  My youngest daughter just described my hair -- rustic.  (just look for the blog entry)  Sigh.  Some kind of help they were (not)...

I grew up in Idaho, but have been transplanted long enough that now this really is home.  So when I feel homesick I self-medicate with a big ol' Idaho russet baked potato and then I'm right as Oregon rain.  My husband's family is from here and still here and we're here.  Our kids are third-generation St. Helens High School lettermen, so lemon and black run swift and deep.  Go Lions!

Most of my life has been spent with pen in hand or fingers on keyboard.  My grandma (featured in my icon photo) was an English teacher who encouraged me learn my adverbs, use commas sparingly, and always keep writing.  Professionally, for the last 20 years anyway,  I've written educational materials for moms raising young children.  "Fun" writing has generally been limited to the family Christmas letter.  But no longer!  :o) 

Interests and hobbies:
I'm interested in whatever my kids are interested in because they're not interested in what I'm interested in -- crochet and politics. I don't knit because it's dangerous to talk politics while holding pointy things in your hand. It's like the don't-run-with-scissors rule.

Favorite bands and musicians:
Whatever's on the radio is fine with me, but I do have a soft spot for 80's hair bands...

Favorite blogs and websites:
I love reading friends blogs, recipe sites, newspapers from all over the world, local school district sites, and of course, the jail inmate census.

Looking for:
Networking