I'm 41 years old and fortunate enough to be able to choose my current occupation as a stay-at-home Mom. On the upside, I have job security in a shaky economy, but on the downside, I frequently get promotions and new responsibilities without a corresponding pay increase. However, I have been named "Queen of the House," so I guess rewards don't always have to be monetary?? Currently, my charges go by the names of "Wasabi" and "Ginger," but that was the result of a sushi outing one night. But at least that's better than "Ketchup" and "Mustard" from the burger outing, so no complaints from the peanut gallery! They do have their birth names, but they're not nearly as much fun. :-)

So after spending 10 years as full time "manager of domestic operations", part of my job responsibilities were outsourced by way of elementary school! Freedom! Again, one of those non-monetary rewards. So when my youngest started kindergarten, I was finally able to re-enter the real world without a miniature human attached to my leg. Shortly thereafter, a friend introduced me to Flickr (thanks Warner!) and it changed my life! Not only did I finally have a place to display all of those disorganized pictures crammed onto my hard drive, but I had a virtual channel to connect with, and be inspired by, others who share my passion.

I've grown SO much in the last year and I owe most of it to Flickr. The quality of the images, as well as the amazing creativity, is just so inspiring and humbling. It keeps me on my toes and constantly pushes me to become a better photographer. Though I do try to have fun with my photostream at times, so it's not always about "better." Gotta laugh too!

If I've made you a contact, you've inspired me, or made me laugh, or made me stop and think.... or maybe I just loved your shoes! And for some of you, I'm so glad you allow me to live vicariously through you with all of your travels and wonderful adventures, which gives me great ideas for my own travels and adventures. Though I think I'll stick with the "vicariously" on the serious mountain climbing and surfing. Think I'm meant to do that in another lifetime. But I really DO love following all of my contacts' photostreams and having that little peek inside of your world. So thanks for allowing me in!

(Oh, and I try to respond to most group requests, but sometimes I'll pass if I'm short on time and know I won't be able to keep up with the commenting requirements. But thanks for the invite! I still appreciate it. :-))