Meet Leslieann
I met Leslieann in February of 1997, on her birthday, which also happened to be Valentine's Day. That night, she was the focal point of a group of women who would become my tight social circle for the next several years--actually, the group of women who made me really appreciate what it meant to have girlfriends.
Leslieann is funny. She is smart, and friendly, can work a spreadsheet like nothing I've ever seen, and can talk more than anyone else I know. (I'll let her tell you about that in her Q&A.) She is a country girl, from a little town in west Texas, who has a taste for bad boys and bad television (Matlock is her favorite show. We love her anyway.), and an uncanny ability to find herself in the strangest situations. She always has a story.
Meet Leslieann.
First Name: Leslieann
Age Range: Thirties
Job Title: Admin Analyst
Industry: Transportation/Insurance
Who are you? I am a Christian, mother, soon to be ex-wife, friend and self professed geek. I was queen of the geeks in college and continue to hold the title. If there is a nerd, ne’er do well, socially inept person within 50 yards they will be drawn to me like a moth to a flame.
I want to be the cool popular one, but instead I’m the friend of the cool one. I’m changing my definition of myself as I travel down the road of divorce. I’ll let you know what I become in the end.
Describe Your Family: I am a single parent with a large extended family. I have aunts and uncles that are really cousins, but due to age and closeness are considered more. I have loving church family that is there to support me and keep me in line. Currently I’m sharing a house with another single mom and it’s actually going well. We compliment each other in our strengths and weaknesses.
What does the first hour of your day look like? Blurry. I hit snooze once then get up about 6:15 a.m. I stumble to the shower and try to wake up. I get dressed and ready to go then wake up my daughter about 7:00. She’s not a morning person either so we rush to get out the door by 7:30.
What does the last hour of your day look like? I usually wash my face, get the young one to bed then try to zone out with a little mind numbing TV or book. Then I crash and sleep like the dead.
What makes you feel successful? My daughter’s laugh and the ability to make my co-workers laugh. I feel I’ve done my best when my daughter laughs and then runs to hug me and tell me for the 10 millionth time she loves me and I’m the best mommy ever. My co-workers says I should write a book about my misadventures and laugh at my stories.
What brings you joy? My daughter and my friends, driving with my sunroof open on a perfect day singing at the top of my lungs to some cheesy song.
What were you like in first, sixth, and twelfth grades? First grade was lots of time spent in the corner for talking and trying to be the teacher. I stood in the corner so long one time my teacher forgot about me and I fell asleep. I fell to the floor and she felt horrible. She even bought me a gift to apologize. I still talk too much, but I started young.
6th grade – My father died and I don’t remember much of that year or the next. I know I got braces and a bad perm. I also got boobs so I’m sure it was better that I blocked it out.
12th – Chomping at the bit to get out of high school and my small town. I knew greater things awaited me in college.
What advice would you give yourself at each of those ages? 1st – you don’t have to say everything you think. 6th – this will pass and you will survive. 12th – you were right…college and life does get better.
Who do you admire? I admire strong, independent women. I admire my mother for being a great friend and mother and always being there for me no matter what. I admire my friends for many different things and I love how we are all so different yet the greatest of friends. I admire how they still accept me for all my faults and admit to being my friend.
How would you like to be remembered? I want to be remembered as someone who stood out and always fought for the right side and never compromised her principles. I want to be remembered as a good mother, friend and for sharing Jesus with others.
Want to know more about Leslieann? Look her up on LiveJournal as willa_love. She promises she is going to start writing more.
Oh, she is going to kill me for posting this picture (our questionable style is now under control), but we look like such a happy couple! Here we are on the Strand in Galveston in 1998. Ah, the 90s. Leslieann on the right.
