honestly, i've never wanted to be anyone else. really. but i envied some of the women who did things that i admired. like weren't the shrinking, helpless, snivelling chicks that resembled most of the girls i knew.
women who could operate a chainsaw, a .45 and a pastry bag. could make beef bourguignon and hang some shelves. would go on a motorcycle road trip and then come back and teach sunday school. loved mountain climbing and poetry. women who didn't care much about expectations, and answered to themselves and God.
didn't need a guy to carry everything out of the vehicle for them. could be alone for a spell without falling to pieces. women who didn't apologize for, or diminish their strength, beauty, smarts or dreams. women who didn't need permission to do everything, but took the opportunity to choose their path. a woman who was brave enough to like herself for who she is, and accept herself for who she is not.
not to prove something, but simply because they wanted to.
and could do all those things with quiet humility and a great appreciation, instead of diminishing the other gender with their accomplishments and independence.
those are the women i admired. : )
i liked all the guys who encouraged and appreciated them, instead of being threatened by their drive and interests.
oh, and all the guys who beat me in school/college, especially that heartbreaker who stole the sanders county spelling bee from me. : )