My Kind Of People

As I walked to my car after last night's rehearsal, I thought to myself, "These are not my kind of people." I wasn't being mean. I certainly don't think I'm better than them. On the contrary, if anything, I feel I don't fit in among the vocal divas. There is incredible talent in this choir. Big voices and even bigger personalities. Everyone pronounces Bach - Baccccchh (you know, like they're clearing their voices) which I cannot do without giggling. It reminds me of my high school Government teacher, who was sure to pronounce words in their native accents. Coooba for Cuba, Hav-i-ee for Hawaii, and when she said Machievelli, I almost fell out of my chair from laughing.

I don't mean to pigeon hole anyone. I don't actually believe anyone fits in just one category and stays there and has no other dimension to their personality, but when people get in groups, and the group takes on a life of its own, I think in that instance, one trait stands out above the rest and at that moment - they are a "kind" of people. And my conclusion is that professional singers - as a group - are not my kind of people.

Which makes me wonder who are my kind of people. Who do I identify with and feel like I belong among the group?

Mormons. I think my biggest identifier is a Mormon or to use the now politically correct label - Latter-Day Saint. It is just so all-encompassing that it infiltrates most aspects of my being. How I parent, how I wife, how I work and serve and play. Mormons are my kind of people.

Moms. I think it's true when they say there is a mommy club. From labor stories, nursing, potty training, sleeping and feeding. It's impossible not to feel some bond because you just know how it is. Moms are my kind of people.

Sharers. As a certified sharer, I can't help but feel a strong connection to others willing to open up and let it out. I think that's why blogging has been so satisfying for me. I'd say, in most cases, that bloggers are sharers. Why else put your life on the world wide web? Now, I'm not including in sharers "too-much-information-too-soon"ers. Nothing freaks me out more than someone, I barely know telling me they are depressed, in debt, constipated etc. Let's build something first. Then let me feel your pain. Otherwise, you are not my kind of people.

Doers. My kind of doers are not to be confused with those who must have something to do at all times. I am perfectly content to be still. What I mean are people who follow through, who don't need their hand held and do what they say they are going to do. The opposite of flaky. I just don't enjoy people I can't rely on. I take plans seriously. If someone suggests a girls night out or a date night, or a cruise or whatever. . . and the consensus is "let's do it" then I mentally commit - start arranging my schedule to allow the activity to happen. I gravitate towards fellow doers. Let's just get 'er done.

Thinkers. My favorite thinkers are my dad, my mom and my husband. My biggest attraction to my husband (besides his cute bum which I'm sure by mentioning...I'm creeping my in-laws out. Sorry) is our conversations. He'll print something out that he read on the internet to share it with me. We'll talk about war or the Sunday school lesson or great inventions for hours. I am a wonderer and a ponderer. I want to hear both sides of a story and discuss them. I like to be around people who have opinions and know why they have them. People who have read something interesting and share it with me.

Of less importance but significant enough to mention are athletes - I'm certainly not world class but I enjoy physical competition and some of my favorite people have been those I high five after a game. Dancers - I've bonded with people in mosh pits to line dances. I love to dance (socially - I'm no performer). I miss dancing greatly. Also, people who struggle with their weight - most women would probably put themselves in this category but unless you REALLY know, you really don't. It's a shadow that haunts most minutes of your day.

This list is not comprehensive. It's just what I've thought of the during the last 12 hours. I think it's a pretty inclusive group which makes me happy. I guess most people are my kind of people in one way or another.