Things I Like About Myself and Don't Wish to Change

As I am sure you are all quite aware, this time of year is one where people tend to examine themselves, at least on a surface level, decide there are a few flaws in their characters, and make something called a "new year's resolution". Most abandon them as quickly as they make them, and with just about as much thought.

I thought I'd turn the system on its ear and reflect on things I like about myself, instead. Heaven knows I probably don't do it enough. So here you are: a (probably incomplete) list of things I like about myself.

A List of (a Previously Unspecified Number of) 

Things AnnMarie Likes About Herself

I like my eyes. I like that they're green, especially. Not too many people have green eyes, plus green happens to be my color of choice.

I like that I am intelligent. I don't wish to sound overly conceited, or even the least bit conceited, but my academic career bears out my self-assessment. (Nevertheless, I find it hilarious that it took me four tries to spell "assessment" correctly when I typed that. Never let it be said that I am incapable of laughing at myself. Or that I think myself genius material.)

I like that I am musical. I like that I have a pleasant singing voice and that I am mildly proficient at playing various musical instruments.

I like that I love to read. It sets me apart from your run-of-the-mill twentysomething and enriches my life.

I like that I have a crazy obsession with Korean dramas and cheesy Korean pop music. It took me a long time to learn to speak Korean, darn it, and I am proud that I can speak it even a little bit.

I like that I am a loyal friend. While I don't claim to be a perfect one, I always strive to be there for my friends. I am a good listener, and I have never betrayed a confidence placed in me.

I like that my greatest ambition in life is to be a wonderful wife to my husband and mother to my children. These are roles that don't get a lot of credit in the 'real world', but frankly I don't care.

I like that I love my family. I like that we have eight kids, and I like that my parents love each and every one of us.

I like that I enjoy learning. They say you never grow old if you continue to learn.

I like that I can do well at my job, even if it's something I've never done before and wouldn't have chosen to do if I'd had another option.

I like that I have strong, healthy nails.

I like that I still sleep with my baby blanket and my stuffed Pooh Bear, and I like that I can admit it without shame.

I like that I make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies. They really are amazing. Plus, cookie dough is the best.

I like that I don't like chocolate. But I do like boys.