Valerie - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Hi! My name is Valerie and I am a 44 year old out and proud woman. I have worked as a registered nurse for the past 21 years. I love being a nurse and I love my current job. I like making a difference in people's lives and I try to go that extra mile to make each patient who I come in contact with feel loved and respected and truly cared for. I had a ROTC scholarship in college and served for 6 years on active duty as an Army nurse when I graduated. I was stationed in Monterey, CA...Honolulu, HI....and Alexandria, VA. I also was assigned briefly to Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Benning, GA and Fort Sam Houston, TX.Michelle is my wonderful partner in life. She is 33 years old. We met on Myspace! Michelle works as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a large hospital in Cleveland. She is everything I've ever looked for in a partner. They say that many times a woman looks for a man who is like her father. Funny thing is, I found a woman who's the female version of my father: soft-spoken, sweet, kind, caring, honest, intelligent, hard-working and optimistic. I love her with all of my heart and soul. We are always doing funny things to make eachother laugh. We truly enjoy being together and my kids absolutely adore her...all of them. She is the big, silly sister that they never had. I have three awesome sons. My oldest son, Brad, is 21 years old. He was born in California. He has 2 years of college under his belt and is currently working full-time for a large landscaping company. He likes hunting, fishing, and lifting weights. My middle son, C.J., is 17 years old. He was born in Virginia. He is an excellent skateboarder and also loves snowboarding. My youngest son, Alex (Junior), is 12 years old. He was born here in Pittsburgh. He is an awesome skier, loves animals and is a computer wizard. Even as a tiny, little girl, I always wanted to have children. Being a mother was and is everything that I dreamed it would be! My kids are wild and crazy, just like me. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. They are not "perfect" in any way, shape or form and I would hate having kids who were like that....BORING!!!Now, about me: I am a little spoiled but I'm also a very kind and giving person. There are definately two sides to my personality. There is my crazy, silly self and then there is my quiet, compassionate self. I have a goofy, sarcastic sense of humor. You could probably dare me to do anything! I have always been a risk taker and a daredevil. I love taking care of people, especially my family and my patients. I love cooking and cleaning and being a mother and a housewife. I am a positive person who believes that life is good! I can act silly with my family and friends, but with my patients, I am softspoken and very kind and compassionate. I don't go to church every Sunday but I am a person of deep faith and I talk to God daily and trust in Him. I am out to my family and friends and workplace. Many of my closest friends are straight or bi. I prefer to surround myself with people who accept me for who I am and who feel that my life is as valuable and important as their life is....relationships based on mutual love and respect. I like and have a wide variety of friends. I look for honesty and integrity in my friends. Just when you think you have me figured out....I'll surprise you again! I love men and I welcome them to be my friend... I love to be on the go year round. I have traveled to almost every state. Luckily, Michelle loves the outdoors and adventure as much as I do. We are planning on relocating out west sometime in the next few years. We have both had the same dream of living in Colorado since we were little girls! My goal is to be able to work part time as a nurse and part time at a ski resort during ski season.We would like to have a log home near a lake so that we can hike and kayak during the summers and ski and snowshoe during the winters.Layout Provided By FreeCodeSource.com - Myspace Layouts .. ..
Two Hundred Random Questions Survey
1. What's the sickest you've ever been? when I was about 14 years old, I had a very bad type of Victoria flu
2. Have you ever bought a car? yes...several
3. One best friend or many good friends? I prefer many good friends
4. What is your favorite type of music? I like everything, but probably country is my favorite!
5. Explain what you think about dating. Been there done that, but I'd rather be in a long-term relationship!
6. Have you ever been on a boat? yes....many times
7. How do you align yourself politically? I consider myself more middle of the road on most issues
8. Do you play an instrument? piano, prim
9. Do you smoke? occasional cigar
10. Do you wear perfume? usually just Bath and Bodyworks body spray, but sometimes Bulgari
11. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney
12. Do you love someone? I love Michelle with all my heart!
13. Chocolate or vanilla? chocolate to eat, vanilla to smell!
14. Status quo or radical change? status quo although I've made some radical changes professionally
15. Have you ever searched for your own name on Google? no
16. What is your favorite hair style? I like short hair
17. What is your heritage? Italian and Croatian
18. Do you like dogs? I can tolerate them
19. Mom or Dad? I love them both
20. Have you ever walked more than a mile? Michelle and I made it up to 20 miles in one day so far!!
21. Who is your oldest friend? How long have you known them? Joyce....we have been friends for 21 years!
22. Have you ever been in an accident? many....broke my collarbone, nose twice, sternum, ankle, foot, ribs
23. Would you give me $5? probably
24. Favorite city? San Francisco
25. Would you live on another planet if it were possible? never
26. Do you shower daily? yes
27. What store would you choose to max out a credit card? Why? REI because I love everything in there!
28. Explain what you think about abortion. I personally would never have one but I believe it's a woman's choice, I believe adoption is a better choice
29. Ever run away from home? no but sometimes I'd like to!
30. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? all of the time at my job
31. Do you use email, IM, MySpace, or phone the most? email, myspace or phone
32. Do you have any tattoos? 3 tattoos
33. Emotional or physical pain? I'd rather have physical pain
34. Who is your favorite celebrity? Angelina Jolie
35. Have you ever been toilet papering? Why? no
36. Favorite type of shoe? Keens or ski boots!
37. McDonalds or Burger King? I worked at McDonalds for 3 years so I'm partial to them
38. Favorite year so far? the current year
39. Do you eat meat? I could never be a vegetarian
40. What was the last movie you saw in a theater? Gay and Lesbian Film Festivals, "One Night Stand"
41. Favorite age you have been so far? what I am now
42. Do you believe in miracles? yes
43. Have you ever fallen in love with a best friend? once
44. Do you sleep naked? usually just in my underwear
45. Have you ever gone rock climbing? yes and I really enjoy it
46. Rock or rap? both
47. Soup or salad? both
48. Favorite country? USA
49. What is the perfect day for you? anyday that I am off work and enjoying something outdoors with Michelle and Alex
50. Last time you saw your mom? I see my parents once or twice a week
51. Where did you get your last email from? Michelle sent me some funny ones last night
52. Cars or boats? boats
53. Kleenex or Puffs? kleenex
54. Would you flip off the pope? absolutely not
55. Boxers or briefs? both
56. Do you wear glasses? yes
57. What do you do most when you're bored? bite my nails
58. Weekdays or weekends? weekends because that's when I get to spend the most time with Michelle
59. Have you ever had a crush on more than one person at the same time? no
60. When do you go to bed? usually about 11:00 pm
61. What's your favorite store? REI
62. Are all the pigs lined up? what?
63. Last time you saw your dad? Once or twice a week
64. Who do you want to meet? some of my friends who I've made on myspace
65. Have you ever been to a concert? Rupert Holmes, Dan Fogelberg, Kenny Rogers, Melissa Etheridge, Dave Matthews, Macy Gray, Elton John, U2, Prince, Rusted Root
66. Do you want to die? no, but I accept the fact that I will someday
67. Do you know anyone who has never left their home state? there are many people like that in Pittsburgh
68. Do you have a boyfriend? even better....I have a girlfriend!
69. Are you afraid of the dark? yes
70. Right handed? Left handed? Both? I write with my right hand, I golf or bat with my left
71. Is there happiness in slavery? absolutely not
72. Have you ever been in a movie? just home videos
73. Would you live in a different country? maybe somewhere in the alps or western Canada
74. Do you send chain letters very often? never
75. French or Italian? Italian
76. Have you ever sat on a rooftop? yes
77. Have you been on drugs? I've experimented
78. Fridays or Ruby Tuesdays? Fridays
79. Do you like having your picture taken? Why? yes because I like making memories
80. Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman? Walt Whitman
81. One goal you'd like to achieve this year: hike the entire Laurel Highlands Trail (70 miles)
82. Explain your religious beliefs. I was raised Catholic, I believe in God, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God
83. Are you a health freak? for the most part
84. Do you believe in love at first sight? I guess it's possible
85. What's the best concert you've seen? Macy Gray right before she made it big and won the Grammy
86. What was the last compliment you received? that I was an excellent nurse from one of my patients
87. What does the world need more of? kindness and tolerance
88. Have you ever been in a mosh pit? yes
89. Do you drink alcohol? yes...my favorites are white wine, plum wine, Captain Morgans and Absolute Ruby Red Grapefruit
90. How much cash do you have right now? about $12 on me
91. Your crush's first name: Michelle
92. Last time you were really really mad? probably at one of my sons
93. Have you ever fallen in love with a neighbor? no
94. Have you ever kissed someone? are you serious?
95. Have you ever performed on stage? high school musicals, Tamburitzans, Pittsburgh Folk Festival
96. Tastes great, or less filling? tastes great
97. If you had to get married now, who would you want to marry? Michelle my belle
98. Do you study the Bible? no
99. Name one person you love, and why: Brad because he is trying hard to behave and make something of himself
100. Who do you talk to most on the phone? Michelle
101. Do you believe in free will? yes
102. Would you drop out of school or quit your job? I am planning on quitting my job in 3 years when we move out west
103. Have you ever sworn? like a sailor
104. What was the last insult you received? can't remember
105. What would you NEVER change about the past? I'd pretty much keep everything the same because everything happens for a reason
106. Where do you live? outside of Pittsburgh in Monroeville, PA
107. Dogs or cats? cats
108. Collar popped or normal? normal
109. What do you call those little plastic things on the ends of shoelaces? little plastic things on the ends of shoelaces
110. Would you run from the police? I don't think so but you never know!
111. Have you ever snuck anyone into your house? yes
112. Have you ever been surfing? no
113. Are you artistic? not really
114. Do you like your neighbors? Why or why not? for the most part because they accept me
115. Meat or veggies? both
116. Pancakes or waffles? pancakes
117. What's your phone ringtone? I have no clue
118. Have you ever trusted in Jesus Christ as your savior? yes
119. Who did you last talk to? Brad and Stefanee
120. Have you ever failed drivers' ed? Why? I failed the written test once but passed the actual driving test the first time
121. Is it Pet's Mart or Pet Smart? Pet Smart
122. Would you pretend to be someone's bf/gf? no
123. What's your favorite album/CD? right now Pink
124. What's the most common name you know? Vicki
125. Hot or cold? I prefer cold weather but I like to be warm!
126. Have you ever gone skinny dipping? yes
127. Do you hate someone? no
128. Who have you met in real life after meeting them online? Lots and lots of myspace friends, including Michelle!
129. Do you have a bad life? not at all...I am happy
130. Do you think you're attractive? I think I look pretty good for a 44 year old who's had 3 kids!
131. What kind of music do you hate? none
132. Have you ever gone to a mall? yes
133. Have you ever been arrested? Why? no
134. Have you ever driven a Ferrari? no
135. Have you ever licked a battery? (and if you haven't WHY NOT, it's fun!) no, I know many other ways to have fun!
136. Would you eat human flesh for money? no
137. Have you ever prayed to Bhudda? no
138. Do you drink soda? sometimes diet soda
139. Snakes or rabbits? rabbits although I'm not afraid of snakes
140. Have you ever been on a plane? many times
141. Do you find dead people interesting? no
142. Why do you admire people? I admire courage, independence, good work ethic, kindness, non-complainers, positive people
143. Do you like taking surveys? every once in a while
144. Sprite or 7Up? sprite
145. You are about to die. What do you do with your worldly possesions? give them to the people I love
146. Say something annoying. OMG
147. New York or California? California here I come!!
148. Math or science? science
149. Do you think Snoop Dogg sucks? no, I love him as a singer and an actor (Soul Plane)
150. Have you ever gone streaking? no
151. Would you have sex before marriage? Why or why not? I did because I'm not the type to wait for anything....too impatient!
152. Have you ever seen Nine Inch Nails in concert? no
153. Magazines or books? both
154. Have you ever done yoga? no, but Bryan's going to teach me, aren't you?
155. Where did you last go on vacation? March 2008 Steamboat Springs, Colorado with Michelle, my kids, my friend Debbie and her kids
156. Who do you talk to most on IM? noone
157. Last time you used the bathroom? an hour ago
158. Apple or Microsoft? microsoft
159. Do you believe in spontaneous combustion? Michelle calls it internal imbustion and claims that she may do it someday when we are in the heat of passion!
160. Have you ever been to a beach? many beaches
161. Have you ever gone to a public school? yes
162. What is your lucky number? 8
163. Have you ever been homeless? no
164. What's your family like? I have a mom and dad and 2 younger brothers, 2 sister-in-laws, 1 niece, 3 nephews, and 3 wonderful sons of my own
165. Do you like walks in the park? I like walks in state parks or Boyce Park
166. Have you ever been on a roller coaster? yes...my favorite is Top Speed Dragster at Cedar Point
167. Do you get motion sickness? sometimes
168. Watching or playing sports? playing
169. Logic or art? art
170. Happy or depressing music? happy
171. Do you like working with people? yes..that's why I'm a nurse
172. Name 4 things you always have with you: keys, money, credit card, cell phone
173. Name one person you hate, and why: I dislike President Bush because of the war in Iraq (hate is a strong word)
174. Would you smoke? depends on what I'd be smoking!
175. Have you ever thrown up on a dentist? no
176. Do you like the taste of blood? no
177. Have you ever gotten your tongue frozen to something? an ice cube
178. Do you want to go to college? been there, done that
179. Do you like to learn? yes
180. If you could go to one place right now, it would be: in Michelle's arms
181. Do you want to talk to anyone right now? I'm going to call Michelle as soon as I'm done with this dumb survey!
182. Do you own a car? yes
183. Do you have any pets? Why? 2 cats because they are low maintenence and Bailey (Michelle's dog)
184. Explain what you think about hippies. they're cool
185. Do you believe in yourself? I make mistakes but I still believe in myself
186. What grade are you in? I'm done with school
187. Have you ever told someone that you loved them? yes
188. Do you have any piercings? 2 in each ear
189. Do you hate yourself? no
190. Have you ever prank called someone? yes
191. Would you lie to your best friend? I'd try not to
192. Have you ever been to a different country? Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica
193. What's your favorite TV show? The Weather Channel
194. Do you have a soul? yes
195. Pink or blue? pink
196. Do you believe in soul mates? yes
197. Do you like seafood? yes, especially sushi and scallops
198. Have you ever seen Switchfoot in concert? no
199. Day or night? day
200. Would you sell your soul to the Devil? no Take this 200q survey!
Find more myspace surveys ..

My Interests

I have a wide variety of interests. I have been downhill skiing since I was 13 years old and would have to say that it is my favorite thing to do. Each year, I get a season pass to Seven Springs Ski Resort. I try to go every single day that I'm not working, weather permitting. I also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, backpacking, hiking, geocaching, biking, kayaking, the arts and theater, watching live minor or major league baseball games, dancing, playing pool, drinking wine, smoking an occasional sugar-tipped flavored cigar, eating sushi, cooking good meals and reading. I try to stay in shape by speed-hiking up and down a huge hill several times a week and working out with dumbells.Michelle and I work very hard at our jobs during the week so on the weekends, we like to unwind and have fun and enjoy the outdoors and our friends and family as much as possible. I spend a lot of time with my parents and I have 3 kids who demand their mother's love and attention!..
We love to travel and enjoy spending time at area state parks. Our favorites are Cook Forest, Kooser, Laurel Hill, Ohiopyle and Coopers Rock. An annual ski trip every March is something that we look forward to. In 2005, I skied at Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek and Eldora, Colorado. In 2006, the kids and I skied at Breckenridge, Keystone and Vail. March of 2007 saw Michelle and I at Heavenly, Lake Tahoe right after the biggest snow storm of the season. In March of 2008, the entire crew enjoyed the all time season record for the most champagne powder snowfall at Steamboat Springs, Colorado.The Secret
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I'd like to meet:

I would love to meet anyone, especially people who have similar interests. Also, I made it my New Year's Resolution to make more GLBT friends both in Pittsburgh and around the rest of the USA. I would have liked to have met Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul, Helen Keller, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Neil Armstrong, Ronald Reagan (an awesome Commander in Chief when I was in the Army) and someone from my birth family!!

Music:

Any music, especially Dave Matthews, Pink, Indigo Girls, Jill Scott, U2, Joss Stone, Mates of State, Cher, Metro Station, Bob Marley, Flo Rida, Amy Winehouse, Paul Potts, Melissa Etheridge, Morningwood, Josh Boots, Katy Perry, Jay Z, Rusted Root, Rihanna, Amber, Johnny Cash, Uh Huh Her, The Beautiful Girls, Entrain, Norah Jones, Macy Gray, Phil Vassar, Dierks Bentley, ACDC, Neil Diamond, Toby Keith, Dan Fogelberg, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Buffet, Jessie Baylin, Ry Cuming, Kenny Rogers, John Denver, The Rapture

Movies:

The Birdcage, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation, What's Up Doc?, But, I'm A Cheerleader,South Park The Movie, Beavis and Butthead Do America, Austin Powers, I Wish You Would, Any Warren Miller Film (extreme skiing and snowboarding to music), Soul Plane, Bruce Almighty, Bend it Like Beckham, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, anything funny!!

Television:

I don't watch much tv, except for the Weather Channel. My kids love watching the Discovery Channel and History Channel and learning about anthropology, astrology, history, dinosaurs, everything and anything so sometimes I will sit down and watch anything with them that captures my attention. Michelle didn't even have cable before she moved in with me. Just another reason why I love her. We are too busy doing other things when we are together.

Books:

I love any non-fiction story that is about outdoor adventure and overcoming the odds....especially stories about mountain climbing, survival out in the wilderness, etc. I am absolutely fascinated with Mt. Everest. I probably won't get a chance to climb it in my lifetime, but I would love to do a 2 week trek to the Everest basecamp sometime in my life. I think I have read every single book ever written about Mt. Everest and Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are two of my heroes. I also want to hike to Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains in Peru someday and climb to the top of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Ranier, Mt. Hood and many of the 14'ers in Colorado. I subscribe to the following magazines: Skiing, National Geographic Adventure, Outside, Backpacker, Canoe and Kayak, Prevention

Heroes:

My heroes are my parents who have loved me unconditionally ever since the day they adopted me. I was raised in the most normal, loving, non-dysfunctional family I know and I don't think that I owe anybody an apology for that! My parents have been wonderful role models because of their deep love for eachother (happily married 50 years and counting), the kindness and caring they show towards others, and by always putting their family ahead of everything else in life.Additionally, my heroes are all of the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. As a veteran, not a day goes by that I don't think about the sacrifices that they make for our country.My heroes are also all of the gays and lesbians who tested the waters and bravely ventured out of the closet, thus making it easier for me to hold my head up high and be proud of the woman who I am. Thank you!! I think that the Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is ridiculous and that one day, hopefully soon, a person's sexual orientation will not matter. I also believe that someday, gay marriage will be recognized and once it is, I will not hesitate to marry the love of my life!..
P.S....yes I am Airborne. I received my wings at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1985 after completing 3 weeks of parachutist training and 5 parachute jumps. So, you may ask....did Airborne school have an impact on me? Well...let's just say that after 23 years, my class motto is still fresh on my brain, "37-85 Airborne paratroopers never die. We drop by day, we drop by night. We hit the ground. We're ready to fight. (clap, clap) HOOYA! (clap, clap) HOOYA!" Now, that's an experience that I will never, ever, ever forget!! I thank God every single day for the fact that I live in America and that I have all of the things that I have. I do not believe that everything is wrong with our country. I believe that most things are right. We are not perfect, but I'd much rather live here than anywhere else in the world! I would just like to see equal rights and acceptance for all Americans and I am confident that this will improve during my lifetime!! I love my country and know that the right thing will happen eventually and believe that it is important for everyone to be involved. One of the biggest obstacles in our country is that most people don't even personally know a gay person. It is very important for people to see that we can be normal, happy, well-adjusted people who can be in very good, loving relationships. Hiding in a closet or walking around with blinders on is not going to solve anything. We all must do our part to be instruments of change. Otherwise, we have absolutely nothing to complain about.

My Blog

Life.....

Hi everyone! I feel as though I haven't been on myspace forever and that it is only right that I write a little blog about life and what's been going on. This summer has been a busy one!&n...
Posted by Valerie on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:14:00 PST

A beautiful work in progress......

It's hard to believe that Michelle and I have been together for 20 months now! That would be the 20 best months of my life.... I can't say it's all been smooth and happy. We've had o...
Posted by Valerie on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:01:00 PST

Moving sucks.......

First of all.....no, we are not moving anytime soon...that’s probably still at least 3 years or so down the road. Today at work, my co-workers and I were talking about how many times each ...
Posted by Valerie on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:38:00 PST

What is Class?

Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along. Jacob had it. Esau didn't. Symbolically, we can look to Jacob'...
Posted by Valerie on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:36:00 PST

Double Standards

I have found that the best way for me to deal with bigotry and situations that are bothersome to me is to write about them. It especially helps when my friends offer suggestions for how to deal ...
Posted by Valerie on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:21:00 PST

Whats happening!

Just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what we've been up to.....This past Monday, Michelle and I went to Cleveland for the Melissa Etheridge listening party at the Hard Rock Cafe. It...
Posted by Valerie on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 03:43:00 PST

PRICELESS FUN

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Michelle's 32nd birthday. Michelle wanted to see the Steelers/Browns game in Cleveland so I got 2 tickets in the front row behind the Steeler bench on the ...
Posted by Valerie on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:38:00 PST

Me and my Adventurous Girlfriend!

Michelle and I have really had a lot of fun over the past couple of weekends. Last weekend, we went on a 3-hour caving excursion at Laurel Caverns. We had to wear helmets and headlamps and...
Posted by Valerie on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:29:00 PST

Michelle is Coming Out!! PLEASE HELP HER!!

I have had the honor and priveledge of meeting many wonderful people on myspace. Many of you have taken the time to get to know me and I can consider us true friends, even if I haven't had the c...
Posted by Valerie on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:29:00 PST

A funny email sent to me by one of the Jewish physicians who I work with at Mercy.......

..> Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abominati...
Posted by Valerie on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 09:03:00 PST