Hmm. It seems a little odd to be describing myself, but what the hell.
My name is M.J. Marino. No, it’s not my real name—it’s in fact, my pseudonym—but aside from that, it's the name I am known as by many of my family and friends. It’s a story for another day.
I am currently 38 years old, and I live in Waukesha, Wisconsin with my husband, Matthew, and our three boys. Yes, I live with all males and no, we will not be trying for a girl. Honestly, God knew what he was doing when he blessed me with all boys.
I worked as a production chemist for a medical device company for over eleven years before I finally walked away. Why did I walk away? The job was hell, the environment was toxic, and it was making me a miserably depressed person. In a nut shell, it sucked. My husband encouraged me to walk away and focus on our marriage, our children, and what I really wanted to do with my life. He basically told me to pursue my passions and not stop till I found it.
So what is my passion? Writing awesome stories and sharing them with others. I’ve been writing for years, but I’m very new to self publishing.
What’s one thing I’m known for being guilty of? Swearing—lots of fucking swearing. And no, I don’t feel bad about it one damn bit. It’s kind of like a rite of passage in my family, especially for the women. My great aunt, Clarice, was a heavy swearer—it’s safe to say, I probably learned how to first swear from her. My mother, Darrell, is a very creative swearer. Oh man, she has come up with some really catchy ones. My sister, Sam, is a very vocal swearer. You know exactly what she’s thinking when she’s thinking it because it flies right out of her mouth faster than the crack of whip. And if you play Cards Against Humanity with my grandma, Dorothy, you can trick her into swearing too. I’m a swearer and I’m proud of it. You don’t like it, well then plug your fucking ears.
What do I like to do outside of writing? I have a lot of interests. I love to read. I’m a very prolific reader and read anywhere from 2-3 books a week. Gardening is another thing that I love and apparently, I have a green thumb. I’m a music connoisseur and love all kinds—I’m quite partial to 80’s pop/rock, all British Punk rock, alternative rock, indie, and classic rock. I have an uncanny ability to remember lyrics to all songs I hear, and even if I hate the song, I know all the words and sing along—it’s a super power, I swear. I like to run—been running/racing all my life. Love going for long walks. I have a weird obsession with organization—ask my husband or anyone in my family and they will say I’m OCD—all things have a place and order. I love spending time with my family, whether it’s going to local events or sitting down to a meal and movie. Love family game night—it gets pretty cut throat. I like to coach my kids in their activities—with my oldest son, I love to coach him in his cross country and track, and with the younger two, I love to help out my husband coach them in their soccer (even though I have no clue what I’m doing when it comes to soccer). I love going to estate or antique stores with my husband—we have very eclectic taste and it's safe to argue, we're old souls.
My favorite color is green—pretty much all shades of it. Favorite food is gyros. Favorite song of all time is The Very Thought Of You by Billie Holiday. Favorite drink is coffee. Favorite alcohol is bourbon—hands down! Favorite time of year is fall. Favorite holiday is Christmas Eve. Favorite guilty pleasure is Twizzlers and all chocolate with nuts. Favorite ice cream is not ice cream at all, but mint oreo frozen custard.
Favorite Book—well fuck, I have a lot, but I’ll give you my top five: To Kill A Mocking Bird, The Secret Garden, The Help, Tell The Wolves I’m Home, and Go, Dog. Go! (Yes, I know the last one is a children’s book, but I loved it as a kid and still do—I could say I love Good Night, Gorilla, Harvey the Harvester, and The Book With No Pictures equally as much since they were my boys favorite books. Oh, and Wuthering Heights and A Time to Kill—so, I guess I gave you my top ten.
I have a legit fear of large bodies of water even thought I know how to swim. I nearly drowned in our family’s swimming pool when I was three years old. My phobia was not something that came to light until I was nine years old and my parents took me to the ocean for the first time. I will get in the water but when I feel a panic attack coming on, I’m out.
I believe in treating all people with kindness and respect. I believe that people can change if they really want to. I believe in second chances. I believe in fighting for what is right. I believe dreams are worth going after. I believe that teachers and nurses are some of the greatest treasures in the world. And I believe I’m the luckiest woman to have the husband that I do and the family that I have.
What else is there about me? I’m hard worker. Extremely competitive. I can get overwhelmed at times. I love fiercely. I have a hard time expressing my own emotions but I’m constantly working on that. I’m protective of those I love—definitely, a mama bear. I admit when I’m wrong and apologize even when it’s difficult. And I look forward to getting to know all my fellow readers.
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