A better day than most.

I imagine that in order to  follow my blog you will need some background information. This post will not contain that info. I have tried to decide where to begin my blogging journey, only to let indecision prevent me from actually starting. Today is Valentines day, so I've resolved that it is a better day than most to begin. From here on out, I will probably  post things in an order which will make them difficult but I ask that you bear with me. I also ask  my readers (assuming I attract any) to read and respect the following:

I AM JEN, WOMAN, DAUGHTER, SISTER, AUNT, LOVER, FRIEND. There is a smart, sexy, honest, quick-witted, sensitive, complex, genuine woman behind these and I expect to be treated as such. I'm kind but not naive. I love politics, science, debate, music, genuine people, and laughter. I hold no one to a higher standard than I hold myself. I will Not tolerate cruelty, bigotry, whining, or intentional ignorance. I am an unapologetic atheist, but respect the religion of others provided it is not pushed on me. I am happy to discuss my lack of belief in God, but only in a civil manner. I am involved with the love of my life, my kindred spirit, my one and only. I have no children, but hope to begin a family in the next couple of years. I will be 33 in a week. 

I believe the occurrence that served as the reason for sitting and typing this today is a call from my grandmother. My grandmother called today and asked me what day by birthday is, and how old I am. This might sound odd or even bizarre to someone who doesn't know my grandmother or my relationship with her. Honestly, it is a little odd, but probably not in the way it would seem. My grandmother has no acknowledged my birthday in 10 years or more. We have been disconnected for a number of reasons, some of which I am not privy to. I called her this morning to wish her a happy Valentines day. This was approximately the 6th time I've called her in the past 3 months, as I am working on being a better communicator. I have given up the notion or hope that I can change anyone but myself. I know my grandmother will never be the sort to knit me a blanket, or pay me compliments, or remember important occasions. She will probably always call me Jenny though I've asked her not to since I was about 12. All of those things are OK though. I CAN and WILL change myself and put myself out there in a way I can be proud of. After our first conversation, I received the return call from my grandmother. She said she could not remember when my birthday was but knew it was this month. I gave her the date and told her I'd be 33 this year. She replied "You're Joking!" and then "You really are all grown up". I replied "Yes, I am". I told her I loved her, which has been historically difficult for me to say to her and we got off the phone. A great sense of accomplishment, pride and peace came over me after hanging up. Perhaps by changing myself, I can inspire change in others. 

Dear reader, I will leave you on that note today. I'll be back to typing sooner than later. Thank you for reading this, I'd appreciate you coming back. 

Jennifer