Hi! My name is Marley. I have been reading, responding and even posting pictures this past month - but have never really introduced myself - I'm kind of a commitment "phobe" so this is a big step for me!
First of all, thank you to each one of you who have given me advice, empathized with me, and shared your pics and your posts. I am touched by the level of trust and respect of all of the members, and hope that I can contribute as much as I am receiving by participating in the forum!
So, a little about myself:
*A transplant from the midwest - moved to So. CAL 23 years ago and fell in love with the climate, the life-style and my future husband.
*58 years old. No children. One stepson, 2 granddaughters - they OWN me!
*One cat, Zoe - the love of my life - 17 yrs. old and going strong. Also, (currently) 3 hospice cats from the local animal shelter - Dallas, Kiki and Delilah.
*Former CEO of large children and family services organization - for 20 years. Also, part-time private practice psychotherapist for 25 years. Had to resign from both jobs 5 years ago due to severe injury to neck and shoulder.
*Have gone through radical life transformation in past 5 years: loss of job, my purpose and my identity; my father's death; loss of house (my husband was laid off and we had to sell our dream home); loss of my best friend to sudden and brutal cancer; loss of income and the feeling of security and freedom that comes with that; loss of independence - for several years I was unable to drive, dress or feed myself, wash my hair, etc.; loss of ability to physically exercise and compete - I had been a competitive runner since I was 12 years old and had continued to compete up until my injury; in short - loss of my MOJO!
*Gains I have made as a result of the losses: grace and humility, as well as acceptance that I am not invincible; appreciation and love for my family and friends; a strength in admitting my weaknesses; space (in my head) to consider how I want to spend the rest of my life; a love of life and appreciation for things like being able to get out of bed and dress myself and move and drive and feed myself and laugh and not be constantly controlled by pain; new friends who once were complete strangers but stepped up to help me when I was at my most vulnerable; the discovery of my passion - animal rescue and welfare.
*Loves: People and Animals - and if I can work with both at the same time I am perfectly content. Currently serve as chair of a local foundation board that raises funds for the animal shelter - also, chair the committee that develops treatment plans for the "special needs" shelter animals.
*Other Loves: sports, walking (I am able to walk for exercise!) music - I used to be a public music teacher, anything creative - writing, drawing, painting, interior design, dancing, etc.
*Misc.: An oldest child, so I'm pretty bossy. My sisters and my mom are my best friends. I adore my nieces and nephew. Hate cold weather. Looking for a part-time job (it is doubtful that I will ever be able to work full-time again.)
Fashion and Style: 5'5", 114 lbs - but thick in the middle which is something that is new for me since I've stopped running. Floundering in my sense of fashion and style - my body has changed, my life has changed, my needs have changed, I am older - I have absolutely no idea of what my style is or how I should dress. My closet is stuffed full of clothes, shoes, purses, etc. - many of them I love, but some of them are complete strangers to me. I tend to buy quirky, different pieces of clothing items - I rebel against dressing like everyone else. I get sooooo bored shopping for the basics, even though I know that is what I need. I am an implulse buyer and never have a plan. The women that I have "met" on the YLF forum, as well as Angie, give me hope that maybe there is a better way, a saner way, a way that makes sense for me, my lifestyle, my age and my closet!
*And finally, menopause sucks.
