Monday Listicles: 10 Things I Am Proud Of

This is the 88th Monday Listicles… I haven’t been around for all of them, but I hope to be here for the next 88 and counting!

This week’s topic is 10 Things I Am Proud Of.

It’s hard to come up with a list like this.  We were raised to not toot our own horn and to be humble and put ourselves down.  But, today… try it.  It’s not bragging.  It’s not boasting.  It’s realizing what a great person you are.

It’s good for the soul.

Last week, we made a list of our 10 Worst Buys… this week, it’s the 10 Things We Are Proud Of… Next week’s topic?  10 Fantastic Smells.

Make a list, check it twice, link it up. Read others. Have fun!

1.  My children.

We spent of money getting pregnant– herbs, fertility doctors, prescriptions, shots, ultrasounds, uncovered doctors’ visits… but, it was worth it in the end.  Besides, I can actually say to my kids, “Do you know how much you cost me?”  Because… I have a total.  LOL.

2.  My drag racing “career”.

I grew up with a father that never told me no.  He believed I could do anything I put my mind to.  One summer day, while watching “roundy pounders” at the round track, I decided I wanted to become a drag racer.  There was no looking back.  When I started, there were THREE women racing at our track.  THREE.  I was one of them.  By the time I “retired”, there were more than 20.

3.  My degrees- Associate’s in Accounting and Bachelor’s in Accounting.

I went to three schools, ran out of money at one, flunked out of the other– before the CFO at a car dealership suggested I go for my accounting degree.  I remember looking at him like he was nuts.  I hated math.  I loved accounting.  Go figure.  I worked my butt off to get my associates… it took me 6 years, one class at a time.  I was on complete bedrest as I finished up my bachelors’– I couldn’t even go to graduation.  I am currently working on my Master’s…

4.  Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Franklin University.

Some people might think this is bragging… and it really isn’t.  I never got good grades.  I was an average C student in high school.  But, it all clicked at Franklin and I graduated with a 4.0.  Okay, so maybe it is… but I am damn proud of that seal on my diploma.

5.  My Scrapbooking

I have never been good at crafts.  The hubs’ grandma got me into scrapbooking… and I don’t think there IS a way out.  I love it.  I love knowing my kids will have their history documented one picture and story at a time.

6.  My belly.

I always hate when I tell people I have twins and they look at my belly.  It pisses me off.  I know I am overweight.  I know I have a belly.  But, that belly kept two beautiful babies healthy and happy while I was pregnant.  That belly protected my angels when it got tough.  That belly kept those babies safe for 8-1/2 months.  I am damn proud of my belly.  Fat and all.

7.  My credit score and financial stuff.

I know this might sound like a dumb one.  But, I really am proud of this.  The Hubs and I have a very high credit score, we pay our bills on time, we own our house and cars… I have several friends my age who have already filed for bankruptcy or have maxed out credit cards.  We have credit card balances, but nothing crazy.  If we can’t afford it.  We don’t buy it.  We save money and put it in our savings.  So, yes… I am proud of that.

8.  My Blog.

I never thought I would get into blogging like I have.  I love it.  I love “meeting” new people and getting to know them through their blogs.  I love running into them and meeting them for real at blogging events.

9.  My mechanical ability.

I was 12 when I rebuilt my first engine.  I was 5 and knew the names of tools and could get the correct sockets and wrenches when asked.  I helped the Hubs repack wheel bearings at the race track– ruining my new pink Doc Martins in the process.  I helped rewire the race car.  I know my crap… and I got the tools to prove it.

10.  My Life.

I used to think I had it so easy… then I lost my brother at 17 and my dad a few years after that.  But, I didn’t let it bring me down.  I rolled with the punches and have become a better person and parent because of it.  So, yes, I am proud of my life and what I am, what I have become and what I will be in the future.

Julia is the divorced mom of twins, a blogger, a sometimes crafter, crazy snailmailer, and a corporate bean counter. In her "spare" time, she scrapbooks, travels, makes cards, blogs, designs jewelry, searches for missing cleats and pom poms, enjoys good dark chocolate, and sneaks naps.