I never do well explaining ME because I always feel that vanity will inevitably get in the way of the truth.

At the moment I work at the front desk of a small town hotel in a military environment. I quickly rose from night auditor to a management position, then promptly retreated to the lowly position of desk clerk. Less responsibility I tell everyone. I lie. Fewer politics, fewer power struggles, less stress. I do not do well with stress. Consider me an aging hippy. Peace, man. That's the ticket.

Most of my life has been spent in working with animals in one capacity or another. I did teach kindergarten for several years, but that could be grouped in the 'careers involving animals' category with very little stretch. I was a wildlife educator, a ranger, a vet tech, a surgical tech for a veterinarian, and an office manager for a veterinarian. I have also done wildlife rehabilitation and am seriously considering that route once again.

I am a serious cat lover. I would even venture to say I'm that crazy cat woman you've heard so much about. I have eight cats total, with six of them being rescue kitties. The other two I have because, when it comes to cats, I'm just a girl who can't say no. Unfortunately, I know too many people who aren't adamant about spaying and neutering who know this fact about me.

After forty-plus years as a Christian I 'converted' (the concept is vague in this context) to paganism. I have never looked back. Nature is my church. "How often do you attend church," I'm often asked. "Each time I step outside my door," I reply.

Life is good, or, at least, I'm content with mine.

So how was your day?

My passion is ...

Animals...two-legged, four-legged, winged, wingless...doesn't matter. They are the best part of my world.

I know too much about ...

my co-workers. I don't need to know when someone's period is starting or who is battling chlamydia.

My parents always told me ...

never say good-bye. Always say, "see you later."

My childhood ambition ...

was to be a veterinarian. I almost made it.

My favorite memory ...

is sitting on the sofa, snuggled against my father, watching John Wayne movies.

Why I write ...

I like to see myself think. I also like what I have to say. Hopefully someone else will enjoy it as well.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

At the moment I am reading Terry Pratchett...doesn't matter what title. All his work is hysterical. I am also watching the first couple of seasons of 'House' on DVD. You can never get enough 'House'.

My first job ...

was working at my stepfather's riding stables. Teenage girl surrounded by horses. Does it get any better than that?

My best moment ...

Actually I had five of them...the births of my sons.

My inspiration ...

Life...it has so much to offer...and it sure as hell beats the alternative.

Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: My pledge to humanity

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I stand before all humanity and pledge, right hand held high, to upgrade and maintain at the highest standards my own little corner of the world.

It is an ancient Buddhist belief that in order to change the world, we must each start with "the man in the mirror." So many individuals try to mend the numerous problems in the world by overcompensation; they try to fix everything at once. This path eventually leads to dismal failure, causing a person with high ideals and a good heart to become depressed and disillusioned. They end up throwing their hands in the air in dismay and stating, "I ...

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