Elesean Fields

I met Gina on LiveJournal, through my friend Sydney, and was intrigued.  Gina was(is) a single mom, who seemed to have a really good work/life balance.  What really caught my attention was how she was able to put her family first and still have a thriving social life.  I've never known another mom who was really able to be successful at that, but she is.  I have to learn how to do this.  Gina's got this amazing relationship with her daughter-still-at-home, is a good, solid, conscientious parent, is a good, solid, conscientious employee, and is still a full-on personality of her own.  Does that make sense?

Gina is bold.  She is vocal.  She has opinions.  One of the things I like best about her is that she thinks.  She's got a fantastic mind, and she uses it. She doesn't make excuses, she makes things happen. 

I have worlds of respect for this woman.  I love how she lives her life without appearing to waste a moment, loving her family, her friends, and her boyfriend full throttle, no holds barred, not holding back an ounce of energy.  And even though I've never seen her in person, when she misses a few days posting on LJ, I miss her.  I just really, really, really like Gina.

Meet Gina:

First Name: Gina
Age Range 40's
Job Title: Logistics Administrator
Industry: Automotive

 

(I normally ask which picture these ladies want to use, but I had to put this one in for Gina.  It's just who she is, and it's how I see her in my mind.  All dressed up and with her favorite companion.) 

Who are you? An outspoken introvert, who loves with fierceness which makes her appear as though the guns are ablazin' but is secretly terrified of life. One who will go to the mat for her loved ones, even those times you don't need or want her too.

Describe Your Family: An unconventional single mother of a teen I feel unworthy of at times. A friend whose loyalty shadows few. A girlfriend who runs her man thru the gambit of sanity like it was rat maze. A daughter of a woman who never realized how much she was appreciated and understood.

What does the first hour of your day look like? Laziness personified; my only motivations that get me out of bed, are the need to pee, and the knowledge that I must provide housing and food for another. I think in a previous life I was a sloth or a very spoiled princess.

What does the last hour of your day look like? A ball of stress, slowly unwinding, jaw unclenching, hair unfrazzling, comforted by the wonderful sounds and murmurs of HGTV. :-)

What makes you feel successful? Considering I know shortcuts to most everything, (and those that I am unaware of, I can pour a myriad of energy into figuring out, instead of just DOING IT) knowing I put my all into any project gives me satisfaction. Plus I live for The Praise.

What brings you joy? My daughter. She is my light, my laughter, and my grounding stick.

What were you like in first, sixth, and twelfth grades? A frightened meek little being at six, who nearly suffocated herself by keeping quiet about a ring she inadvertently stuck in her nose, fearing the teachers wrath. Sixth grade I discovered boys, but didn't understand them, or the power one could wield over them. So instead I studied and poked and prodded about, in total fascination of them, discounting anything else in life. Twelfth grade had my boy-powers under complete control; as I did my most of my shyness. But I still was fascinated by them, and continued that journey for nearly ten more years before I found ME.

What advice would you give yourself at each of those ages? 6 years: It's okay to be frightened. Stop placing things in your nose, and don't try and lay in bed with marbles in your mouth. You will scare the hell out of yourself, and nearly choke to death. 11 years: Adam isn't worthy of your tears, but don't be angry or spiteful. There will be many more, and a couple of them will be worth the tears. Love yourself, truly and with full respect, and the right ones will find you. 17 years: Boys are NOT the answer. GO TO COLLEGE and get educated! Cross Law off the list, and consider Psychology. You will do better there, and have much more fulfillment.  

Who do you admire?  Oprah. As crazy as it sounds, her life was full of so many hardships, and I admire those who are able to overcome the hard, and turn it into something positive. Cher for the same reasons. I think the three of us are kindred spirits. ;-)

How would you like to be remembered? As a good mom who put her kids first. As a friend who made my friends laugh. As a wife who loved her husband with all the depths possible. As someone who wrote something that someone else enjoyed.