10 random things about this blogger

Every once in awhile, I like to veer away from the DIY projects and share a little bit about the person behind the power tools. So here are a few random things about me:

1. I left a great corporate job to be a stay-at-home mom and blogger. A lot of folks probably think I’m cuckoo for doing that. Heck, sometimes I think I’m cuckoo for doing that (especially when I check our bank account). The truth is, I feel like I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’m doing work I am passionate about and I know I’m operating in the center of God’s will for my life. Don’t get me wrong, this is the most challenging job I’ve ever had. It is forcing me to grow in so many ways. I’ve discovered I am not nearly as self-disciplined as I need to be. I am not as physically fit as I need to be. I’m not as organized as I need to be … the list goes on. But I’m learning; I’m growing; and I fall into bed each night feeling so fulfilled and blessed to be able to do this.

2. I’m not the brains behind this operation. If I had to figure out all the technical aspects of this website, I would have long ago curled up in the fetal position, cried and probably quit blogging. My husband (who offers amazing video tutorials through his Lecture Snippets website, by the way) has helped make my vision for Living Rich on Less a reality. When I get a hair twisted and want to change something, add a complex plugin, fix a problem, etc., he takes care of it for me. In so many aspects of my life, I have no idea what I would do without him.

3. I’ve been a DIYer my whole life. That is partly why I’m so passionate about this blog and why I believe I’ve found my calling (I explain how to find yours in Chapter 3 of my e-book.) When I was about eight years old, I was already sewing my own headbands and Barbie clothes. I remember looking through JCPenney catalogs in elementary school and planning my bedroom re-do using stuff from around the house. I altered my own clearance rack prom dress. I’m grateful we didn’t have a lot of money. It kept me humble, fostered my creativity, and helped me learn to solve problems and overcome challenges.

4. I have a brown thumb. Seriously. Only one plant in my house has survived my reign. I’ve pretty much given up on gardening and am now just working on not killing my shrubs. At my former job, I wasn’t allowed to water, touch or even breathe on anyone else’s plants for fear of killing them. I totally envy you green thumbs out there with your little wagons and floral gloves and colorful flowerbeds and bountiful vegetable gardens. My yard is easily identifiable in the neighborhood; it’s the one that looks like it’s been in the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Brown-thumb

5. I’m in the military. Actually, the hubs and I were both on active duty in the Air Force for four years, stationed in South Carolina (fist bump to all the Shaw peeps out there). We got out after our first enlistment to pursue civilian careers but, since then, I joined the Air National Guard and continue to happily serve my country as a public affairs specialist. Please pray for those who defend the freedoms we enjoy!

6. I’d rather stick a fire poker in my eye than get up before dawn. OK, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. I mean I never sleep in super late or anything. I’m usually up between 6:30 and 7 a.m. But I really need to start getting up earlier to meet some personal and professional goals I’ve set. For some reason, this is so stinkin’ hard for me. The mister hops out of bed every morning at 5:30 a.m. and I should be getting up then, too. If any of you have tips that really work, please share.

7. I lead praise and worship at my church. Growing up, my dad played the guitar, so we always had one hanging around. I was your typical angst-filled, bored teen, so I started tinkering with the guitar and eventually kind of taught myself how to play. I even wrote a few songs (they probably sounded a lot like Phoebe’s “Smelly Cat,” though). Now I have the amazing privilege of leading my church’s praise and worship team. It’s been a blast!

8. I’m on a weight-loss journey. I gained 40 lbs. while pregnant with my son. While that is not necessarily an earth-shattering amount, it’s safe to say it’s a hefty bit more than I should have gained. Being in the military, you can’t really go around with a lot of extra junk in the trunk. So I’ve been on a mission since December to, literally, run my butt off. I’ve lost 37 lbs. so far and I’m going to keep whittling it off even after I reach my pre-baby weight. When I do reach PBW, I’ll be sharing all the details of my journey with you, so stay tuned for that.

9. I’ve experienced major setbacks and loss in my life. I share this because I never want you to think I have this perfect home and this perfect life and every day I wake up to the smell of gourmet coffee and fresh flowers (it’s probably more like poopy diaper and bad breath). My husband and I have been through difficulties that nearly ruined our marriage. I’ve lost close loved ones long before I thought it was their “time.” I’ve been through a miscarriage. Our family has experienced financial strain and job loss. I’ve had low points in my life that sucked every ounce of energy and creativity out of me. I’ve asked God “Why?” more times than I can count. But through the disappointments and circumstances that were out of my control, I have witnessed the hand of God always working in my life, showering me with His grace and blessings. He has always provided for and never forsaken me, which leads me to …

10. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Of course I am not naive enough to believe that everyone reading this shares my faith. And I always welcome feedback and questions about it from anyone, especially those of you with differing opinions. 😉 Maybe you think I shouldn’t talk about a sensitive topic like Jesus on my blog. But here’s the raw truth: My faith affects every area of my life. It is the reason I go to bed with peace of mind and wake up every day with joy in my heart. So it’s something I’m going to talk about. I can’t help myself. 🙂

So there you have it, a smattering about little ol’ me. If you’d like to know more, visit my About Page or read “About the Author” in my e-book.

On a side note: Regarding Friday’s post, the three $1 yard sale objects on my DIY patio table were the basket, napkin rings and lemonade pitcher. Pam P. hit it right on the nose!

I’m sharing this at Graced Simplicity.

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36 Responses

  1. Danielle says:

    Loved this post! Not really sure why but it struck a chord with me. I laughed (out loud and all, 6, children I was feeding snack at the time looked at me like I had 3 heads), I teared up a bit, and learned something new about you! Definitely worth stepping away from the norm. 🙂

    • Susan says:

      So glad you liked it! Sometimes I have to take a deep breath before I hit publish on posts like this. I’ve never been a person to just hang all the dirty laundry out there, if you know what I mean. But I’m getting bolder in my old age, lol.

  2. Great post Susan! I’m so with you on the waking up early — but even 7 a.m. kills me. 😉

    • Susan says:

      Ah yes, I remember your post on the subject. And I remember thinking I hope you find some magic potion that works and share it with the rest of us. Still waiting … 😉

  3. this is great to know- I always share some type of my faith on my blog even if it is very subtle- I think we should just put it out there like the world puts their business out there…I have christian and non Christians following but the reason I blog is for Christ not the people who have a bad opinion of him….I hope the non Christians keep reading my blog though- I don’t want to loose them either…

  4. Mar says:

    Susan, Thanks for being so transparent about your relationship with our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. He is our reason for being. I was a keyboard player for years for the Praise and Worship band. I also enjoyed reading your e book. Thank you for that freebie. Your blog is wonderful. May you be encouraged in your ministry.

  5. Melissa says:

    Great post. Thanks for sharing and for your service to our country.

  6. Shannon says:

    If we didn’t have God – why bother?! I love it that you share your faith and wish more people would. Loved the patio set. God bless!

  7. Lisa says:

    Great post! Thank you for allowing us to know you a little better. Love your blog!

  8. Vicki says:

    Thanks for sharing. #10 is a big reason why I follow your blog! 🙂

  9. Dorothy says:

    Thanks for sharing all of that information. I enjoy your blog and now know more about you.

  10. Norma Jean says:

    Many moons ago, my hubby was stationed at Shaw and we lived in a little house in Sumter. I too, am a Christ follower and I am delighted that you are willing to share your faith with your readers. I am a “wannabe” blogger and have started one called “Lilacs and Lemonade”. All the techie stuff is more than a bit overwhelming to me, but I am attempting to wade my way through it. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your heart!

  11. Sharon says:

    Great post! BTW, I’d love to offer your e-book to my readers…let’s talk!

  12. Tricia Hicks says:

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

    I love your writing style & the spirit of your blog. God bless you!

  13. Dianne says:

    I love your blog for its decorating, but I love that you share your faith in Jesus Christ as well!!!

  14. Megan says:

    Loved this post, Sus! Mark and I are blessed to have you and MP as friends 🙂

  15. Sheila says:

    Susan,
    I have been reading your blog for about two months. I new there was something special about you. Thank you for sharing your relationship with Jesus Christ. I also am a Christian and I really needed your blog today. I recently left my job because I felt God was leading me in that direction. I have stepped out on faith and I am waiting to see where He leads me as He continues to prepare my heart and mind. Thank you so much.

    • Susan says:

      So glad we were able to connect, Sheila. I’m praying for you and your family and you seek God’s direction for your next steps.

  16. Lisa E says:

    New follower here. Great post. Always wonderful to find fellow Christians as well. Have yet to go through more of your website, but like what I see so far! 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  17. Well, now, so great to “meet” you (even though I’ve been reading along for a while now!!)! Super post. 🙂 Just to make you feel a little better, I get up a o-dark-hundred every day during the school year (I teach) and hate it. The only thing that helps is spending 30 minutes with my coffee and blog reading. Seriously. Come May 28, it WILL be daylight before I get out of bed! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your heart!
    xo Heidi

  18. Shawna says:

    Love that you shared things about yourself… and a big AMEN to #10! 🙂

  19. Shannon says:

    Thanks for digging deep and sharing. I discovered your blog about 6 weeks ago and have been reading it, and it’s awesome that you shared 10 interesting facts. I too am stong in my faith with Christ, and share it as well. I have a corporate job but feel smothered, and creatively drained. I need the job to pay for our son in college, so I’m trying to feed my creativity on the side. I just started a blog at http://bohemianjunktion.com. It has really helped get me motivated to be creative again. I’m loving it and hope that God continues to work in my heart and lead me to where I need to be. I’m constantly praying for direction because I need the “in your face” guidance from Him, and not the subtle hints. Thanks again.

    • Susan says:

      It took me many years before I could take the plunge and leave my day job, and I am still so grateful for the experience I got while in the corporate world. Hang in there. Congrats on starting your own blog!

  20. Louise says:

    Susan, I love your blog, love that you share your faith and let us know that our Lord and Savior is very important to you. I think it is wonderful that you are a stay at home mom. I was fortunate to stay at home with our two daughters; and they, too, have been stay at home moms to my wonderful grandchildren who have also been home schooled. All the wonderful blogs which I read makes me want to write a blog also . . . just keep wondering if this grandmother could manage all the tech stuff involved!

  21. Gerrie says:

    I just started reading your blog. I also have a brown thumb and I am not allowed to touch any plants in the office I work at. I was looking at your house tour and love the earth tones. My husband and I are working on redoing our living room and bedroom. I will have to share the photos with him. He is a neat freak and I’m sure he will love the unclutteredness of your house. I realize it probibly doesn’t look like that every day. My favorite saying is “Don’t compare your everyday life to someone else’s highlight reels”. I look forward to more inspirations from your blog.

    • Susan says:

      Gerrie, I’m so glad we were able to connect! I actually did chuckle out loud when you mentioned my house was “uncluttered.” It sure doesn’t look that way today. I just counted 12 different items strewn about the living room floor. Love that “highlight reels” quote, too. So true.

  22. Michelle says:

    Great!!!! Never hide the light of Christ! If we do not cry out the rocks will! Loved this blog and thank you.

  23. I just found your blog because of your review of this year’s Haven conference (attending in the future is definitely on my Bucket List). After reading this post and learning more about the person behind the blog, I am definitely subscribing to receive your posts. Some unexpected experiences are changing my life course and have impacted our family financially, but they are also causing me to reflect more on what is really important in life and how I want to proceed. I admire that you left your corporate job to stay home with your children (I too, experienced a miscarriage, and consider the two children I have a true blessing in my life). I wish you continued success with this blog and all of your creative endeavors!
    Dorene @ Seasonal Chapters
    (PS: My nephew is in the Air Force and my niece is about to enlist, so I appreciated your shout out for prayers and support of military personell as well!)

    • Susan says:

      Wow, Dorene! I’m so glad we were able to connect. Thanks for reading. I wish you all the best success as well and I’m headed over to follow your social channels now. 🙂

  1. May 13, 2013

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