Re-introducing myself

I've had this blog for almost five years now.  Can you believe it's been that long?  I've shared a lot of thoughts and tidbits in that time, but I don't know if I've ever done a proper introduction.  I've gained some new readers recently, so I figured this might be a good time for it.

So ... this is me:

Most recent photo of me ... a selfie from last Saturday.

///  I was born and raised in central Iowa.

This is me as a wee one!

/// My high school graduating class consisted of 43 people.

Yep, this is all of us.

/// I have a bachelor's degree in mass communication (journalism) and worked in newspapers for seven years, including two daily publications in Texas and a weekly one back here in Iowa. I met a lot of fascinating people this way.  I even got to interview the current president (please, no politics debate).

Me (several pounds ago) with the current prez during campaign time in 2007.

/// I lived in Texas for four years after college, where I learned a ton about myself and developed a love of Texas Rangers baseball.

Just a few of my Rangers bobbleheads.

/// While I was in Texas, I met a lot of great friends, many of whom I'm still in touch with today.  But I also lost someone. My close friend, Amy, passed away in her sleep at the age of 29, and I had a hard time dealing with her death.

Amy and I were on TV a lot during Rangers games.

/// I moved back to Iowa shortly after Amy's death in 2006, and have been here ever since.  I can't imagine leaving again either.  This is home.  Plus, I love that my parents and brother live just 40 minutes away.

My parents in Memphis for Iowa State's most recent bowl game.

/// I currently have three jobs. My full-time gig is subrogation of workers' compensation claims. (Don't feel bad if you don't know what that is. I didn't know until I took the job either.)  My part-time gigs are circulation clerk at a library and beertender at my favorite local brewery (it really was my favorite even before I started working there).

I'm looking forward to reading this soon.

/// I have written and self-published three novels.  I have a fourth one in the editing stages and a few others in draft mode.

Here's a link to my author page on Amazon.

/// My fandoms include live music (I have attended more than 200 concerts), Texas Rangers baseball, Iowa State Cyclone athletics, and Kansas City Chiefs football.

Cheering on my team on a no-makeup Sunday.

/// While my taste in music is all over the board (pop to country to Broadway tunes), I go weak in the knees for a guy who plays piano and/or guitar.

This guy plays piano AND guitar, so you can guess where he ranks.

/// I live with two cats -- Cleo and Casey.  Notice that I didn't say I own them.  I'm pretty sure they own me at this point. They've been mine for nearly 12 years, and I can't imagine life without them.

Casey and Cleo = my loves.

// I have three tattoos.

This is on the inside of my right ankle.

// One of my life goals is to visit every MLB ballpark.  I've been to 10 (out of 30) so far.

My brother and me at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

/// A few years ago, I discovered running.  I have completed several 5Ks and did my first half-marathon last fall.

All smiles after 13.1.

/// I love craft beer.  I'm part of an organization called Barley's Angels, which promotes craft beer education and appreciation for women.

Mmmm. Beer!

/// My biggest celebrity crush is Jake Gyllenhaal, followed closely by Zach Gilford.

Mmm. Yes.

Is there anything I missed?
Something you want to know about me?
Feel free to ask!