cq, isn't it amazing how no matter how hard we try, we can't be anything other than who we are? I've always been outside the realm of what most people expect from a girl/woman. But I have found it is quite a litmus test...people who can't accept me for who I am aren't really worth knowing.

Funny thing is, in some ways I am so unfeminine...I am a scientist, in a field that is very male-oriented...I am a huge sports fan...and I've always been more comfortable hanging out with men than women. But then, I do so many "traditionally female" things that most women my age don't do...I love to cook and bake, at Christmas, I bake ~50 dozen cookies and everyone I know gets some...I crochet and do needlepoint...I have so many flowers in my garden that the nrighbors know me as the Flower Lady...I have even started canning and preserving vegetables from my garden. I suppose we each of us come in our own unique package, eh? : )

You know, I experienced my fair share of meanness when I was younger...I was many kids' favorite target as a child...too brainy, not pretty, too socially unaware. But I have found that as I have grown older, and have learned how to happily just be myself, people are more accepting. Almost like even other people can't imagine me being like a "normal" woman.

Every now and then, I wonder why I can't just be "normal"...but then I realize, normal is boring...I'd rather be me, problems and all. : )

mj