Did you know?

To kick off this new adventure I want to start with a post about myself.  I know, it probably sounds vain...but who doesn't want a verbal picture of themselves to keep forever and ever?  I know I do and so will my kids, even if they don't think so now. 
I decided to focus on the things that people may not know about me.  I will admit, I am a relatively quirky person - bless my sweet husband who puts up with all of my nerotic behavior and tendencies. 
The first thing that came to my mind is grocery shopping.  There is a ridiculous part of my brain that does not allow me to pay more for something than I absolutly have to.  As a result I usually go to 3-4 stores to complete a full round of grocery shopping.  I am sure that many people are thinking "you spend more in gas than you save".  I am sure that may be true, but I strategically arrange these visits based upon my regular schedule (because my brain works on economizing my life all the time) so I drive maybe only a mile more than I would otherwise.  Due to the pursuassion of my trusted frugal, foodie friends I have recently become a fan of Woodmans.  Yes, I love their options and prices on most things (Lewis has better prices on produce) but the drive to WI stinks. 
Next is my all or nothing attitude.  I don't do this intentionally but my brain seems to think that if I am going to put the effort forth to do something, it better be pretty awesome.  If I don't feel like going all the way, I simply won't do it.  This gets me in more trouble than I can tell you.  This, combined with another volatile trait (my extreme competiveness) is the reason that I will not be participating in the ward cookoff.  I know, I know, it sounds totally lame - let me explain first, then you can judge me.
Cooking is a passion of mine.  It is one of my favorite ways to show love.  The initial talk about the cookoff was comical in nature and it sounded as though people were going to make a farse out the whole thing.  Nothing would hurt me more than to spend a lot of time cooking somthing insane and delicious, only to lose or have someone make fun of the process.  So yes, it does sound rather petty, oh well!  Should anyone care to taste my food feel free to stop by for dinner sometime.
The last thing people probably don't understand about me is my view on giving.  I think the root of my attitude is my understanding of my grandpa.  I'll be honest, I don't really know him that well but have seen his interactions with my parents and others.  My grandpa was an extremely hard working man.  He saved and invested and planned for his future - which I think is responsible and smart.  But, after accruing an enormous nest egg, my grandpa has chosen to continue keeping the vast majority of it in his investments.  He will be 90 years old this year and could try - actively work - to spend what he has and wouldn't be able to before the end of his life.  While my grandma was alive they wouldn't pay for any help and she had to continue doing all of the cooking and cleaning.  They never took trips or enjoyed adventures with their grandkids.  They had the money but chose to keep it socked away...and for what? 
I have learned that while savings is extremely important and something we must focus on, there is something to be said for sharing what we have with those around us.  Anthony and I have never had a lot a money, but there have been times when we have been able to do small things for others.  I love the feeling of giving to others - even when it means I give something up for myself (that actually makes it even better).  I want to spend my life knowing that I have done as much as I possibly could for those around me.  I want to share all that I have so people feel loved and know that at least one person cares. 
These are a few of the things that make me ME.  Do any of my actions make a little more sense to you now?  I sure hope so!  And I challenge you to tell the world a little more about yourself so we can love you a smidge more than we already do :)