Getting to Know Me

I want to tell you a bit about myself for those that don’t know me. My name is Jineen, I’m a fourty two year old Mama of three teenagers. I also was a surrogate (gestational carrier) for my friend and carried her two babies (two different pregnancies) so I’ve actually birthed five children, but I’m only raising my own three. (More on that in another post.) I am a middle child of four siblings. I have been married to a super sweet loving guy for nineteen years...twenty in June.
I was raised in the church. Like literally was at the church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday nights plus activities possibly throughout the week. Lots of church! My dad was a teacher and has been a pastor and marriage and family counselor for almost my whole life. My mom was a stay at home mom and I grew up in the North in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York.
I had a good childhood, but as a third born middle child I struggled with being misunderstood and I was very strong willed and often fighting for attention. Little did I know then how far my strength would carry me, but I am thankful and proud of my strength.
I am more of an introvert than extrovert, but I have learned to be more extroverted the older I've gotten and I do enjoy talking, but I want to talk about real authentic deep things. I am pretty sure that I am a four on the enneagram, the romantic, and I'm realizing I am more of a creative person than I really knew growing up. I'm a singer and have been singing since I was a little girl. I love music and it speaks to my soul in a deep way. I enjoy decorating, makeup, and makeovers. I used to model and still would enjoy that if given the opportunity. I like creating beauty in the world. I love to see old things made new. I enjoy repainting furniture and getting creative with second hand furniture and I love flea markets, thrifting and antiquing. Oh, and I have to mention some of my favorite stores: Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, TJMaxx, Homegoods, and of course Target! One of my favorite treats while I shop is iced coffee with cream and caramel swirl from Dunkin Donuts!
I love discussing real life issues and helping others figure out why they are the way they are. I enjoy helping people in their relationships and marriages and I was certified as a Surrendered wife coach. I wrote a chapter in a book with other women that was published called Surrendered Wives Empowered Women: The Inspiring True Stories of Real Women. I enjoy writing lyrics to songs and poems and I love a good book that makes me think and challenges me to be better. I'm finally working on my first book about my surrogacy journey. I'm anxious to share that with the world.
I want to write more about real life things that matter. My desire is to encourage others to love, receive love, and to create compassion for one another and learn to be present and stand for one another in our stories. To create connection during the highs and lows of life. I want to create a connected community where we can share in each others worlds and bring light and love to a troubled world. Life is not always an easy journey, but if we can learn to be present with someone, really see each other and allow ourselves to be known by one another, that is the best gift as we walk along this path to wholeness.