Alyssa

To describe myself...

I’d say that there are many ways to consider myself and many things to say about me. It all depends on the standards and experiences one uses to define others. Different people have told me different things, all from their own unique perspective—family member, friend, husband, co-worker, etc. My own perspective and experiences are what I trust the least, but I rely on those closest to me to keep me in check and give me their valuable perspective.

Words that are been used to describe my personality are wide and varied. Some of the kindest sentiments have been warm, generous, thoughtful, organized, intelligent, competent, independent, strong, capable, having a wonderful sense of taste and aesthetic, and a good judge of character. Less flattering, but perhaps they paint a more honest picture—sometimes (but truly unintentionally) intimidating, occasionally stubborn, unforgiving, harsh, brutally honest, a perfectionist, completely unable to accept honest compliments and flattery, and reluctant to deviate from my vision (often perceived as my own high standards).

In many ways, I am the quintessential Libra (not that I exactly read my horoscope or believe in astrological influences). I am passionate about maintaining a balance in life and a sense of fairness—in my own life and in what I see of the world around me. Nothing makes me more discontent than perceived injustice and thoughtlessness. Librans, of course, are associated with the symbol of the scale due to their desire to assess and mete out justice. Libras are known for their sense of aesthetic—something that loved ones and strangers alike have complimented—my sense of taste and style. I love art, concerts, movies, calligraphy, photography, fashion; visiting the occasional museum, concert hall, or theatre clears my head, crystallizes my thinking, and recharges my batteries. I have a wonderful sense of humor, most of all amused by life’s little quirks, coincidences, and unspoken commentary. I often think of things that I believe many people are too rushed, harried, and stressed out to really ponder or consider.

In other ways, I am not the typical Libra. Most Libras are known for being good-looking and often vain. That couldn't be the furthest from the truth for me. I think I am comely at best (my husband will disagree—but he loves me), and definitely not one to sit around preening—although I enjoy getting dressed to go out occasionally. I am definitely not comfortable being the center of attention by large groups, most recently experienced at my wedding.

I admire one woman who shares my birthday—Emily Post, who was renowned for her etiquette books of the 1920s. I love society’s codes and intricate rules and am a rare person of my age who seems to have a good grasp of them, even if I recognize they have often become antiquated and disregarded.

Life as I see it, past, present, and future, is but a series of mental snapshots. Lately, as I think of my future, I am taking stock of the photo album in my brain, and wondering what snapshots I will soon add and what future they will reveal for my own fledgling family. Sometimes I regard it with some disappointment that being a person who “has her stuff together” that much of my life has fallen into place and are now knowns, rather than a series of unknowns. I sometimes take stock of my dreams from childhood, youth, and adolescence when the whole world of possibilities awaited me; I miss the great fun of life in not knowing what is coming next. Then again, even with the known, there is room for improvement…and many experiences still await.