LivinLovinCA's profile

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Relationship

Single. Interested in meeting men for dating and meeting people for friendship and meeting people for networking

Hometown

Peoria, IL

Places I've been

I've been everywhere, man crossed the deserts bare, man I've breathed the mountain air, man travel I've had my share, man Seriously, I have a very fond memory of traveling by car from Illinois to Sanibel Island, FL with my grandmother and sister in 1971. It was stunningly beautiful on Sanibel Island then. I've considered going back, but I'm almost afraid to. I love Chicago! Been to Los Angeles (many, many times) San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Sedona, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Galveston, Denver, Colorado Springs, Memphis, Nashville, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Des Moines, Detroit, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, and many points in between.

Education

• Eureka College, Elementary Education - 1995 to 1999

More about me

I grew up in a very small town (pop 2500) in central Illinois.  My first job was as a receptionist at Illinois State University in Normal, IL.  I think I made $3000/year.  Which blows me away when I think about it!  I have an Elementary Education degree, but work for the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County.  I had my first child when I was not quite 21, my second when I was 23, and I wasn't married (SHAMEFUL!).  ;-)  I raised them by myself for 10 years.  I started going to a community college when I was 25 because I wanted to make a better life for myself and my sons.  I met my future husband there.  He was my Psychology teacher.  We were married for 19 years...mostly good years...and were divorced this past April (2007).  We didn't divorce for the "usual" reasons, but it's a long story...don't want to go there right now.  We had a son together who is 19 now.  So, I have three sons....29, 27, and 19; two step-daughters, and three grandchildren--two step-grandkids and one brand new grandson (who is in my profile picture).  My sons are scattered all over the place--Portland, Chicago, and Colorado Springs.  So, it's just me and my dogs now.  It's been a big adjustment, and I'm still adjusting.  But, I think I'm doing ok....most of the time.  :-) 

Activities

my family, gardening, reading, yoga, working on my house, playing with my dogs, traveling, going out to see live music, dancing, hiking

Favorite Charities

My Children ;-)

Favorite Music

Classic Rock n Roll (they don't call it "oldies" anymore), Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, Beck, Foo Fighters. I also like to listen to Irish music, Rockabilly, and Bluegrass, but can only listen to them in small doses.

Favorite TV Shows

I'm a CSI junkie, The Closer, Saving Grace, Moonlight, Cold Case, Forensic Files. I think police/forensic shows have taught me how not to be a victim. (hint: don't walk around, alone, in the dark or open your door to strangers ;-)

Favorite Movies

To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite movie of all time. I also love A Christmas Story. I never get tired of watching those movies. Newer movies I've enjoyed have been the Bourne series and The Queen. I like movies that make me think or surprise me. I hate violent and/or slasher movies. I think they're a gross waste of time and money. There's enough violence in the world...I don't want to pay to see it. Honestly, though, I don't watch many movies. Don't have time.

Favorite Books

any good murder mystery or historical fiction (so long as it's not those romantic ones)

Favorite People

my family

Favorite Places

anywhere it's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful

Favorite Animals

my dogs, Annabelle and Schatzy, my "grand-dogs" Roark and Basil, and my son's cat, Sylvie.

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