Last month I participated in a prompt from Denyse Whelan Blogs entitled Me from ‘A to L’ if you missed it you can catch up here.
Now it is time for the second half of the alphabet and there were a few harder letters in this one to describe myself.
Me from ‘M’ to ‘Z’
Mother
I’m a mother to Rachel and Nathan. Rachel is 37 and is a mother herself to Ethan and a brand new baby boy, Elliot. We have a wonderful mother/daughter/friend relationship and I admire her as she has developed into a very independent, competent, caring and loving woman.
Nathan is 35 and I’m lucky to have a great relationship with him. We don’t see each other as often as I see Rachel, but he calls and we chat, although I do most of the talking 🙂 Nathan is not big on words but deep down he is a caring soul and I admire him for living his life on his own terms which takes courage. He is a great uncle to Ethan because they both love building with Lego!
Nan
I am ‘Nan’ to my darling Ethan, Wallis the Pooch and newest addition to the family his baby brother, Elliot Alexander. I’m now going to call them E1 and E2 🙂
I’m also Nanna Sue to Lexie, Harry and Camden who are our grandchildren on Mike’s side. I love being a grandmother and never knew how special the love between a grandparent and grandchild could be. I have a special relationship with Ethan and have learned so much from this gorgeous little boy in just 4 years.
Organized
I like to be organized and am a list girl from way back. I get great satisfaction ticking off the list and seeing what I have accomplished. Although I wrote in ‘Me from ‘A’ to ‘L” that I was Impulsive, that doesn’t mean I’m not also organized. I do like structure in my life and knowing that I have all my ducks in a row.
Punctual
I hate being late (I was even early to my first wedding!) and I’m also not patient when people aren’t on time. I can forgive lateness if there is a good reason or I at least receive a call. To me being on time is a courtesy and shows that I value the other person’s time – whether it is a business appointment for meeting friends.
Queenslander
I live in Queensland and moved from New South Wales in 1988. Born and bred in Sydney, I will always hold that place dear to my heart. When I first moved to Queensland I didn’t know if I would ever fit into what I considered to be ‘a country town’ compared to Sydney. I also found that it takes years, if ever, to be accepted as a Queenslander, especially around the State of Origin Football time. This is a football competition between New South Wales and Queensland, so as someone from NSW I was never popular at this time of year!
I love Brisbane, where I live and enjoy the City which has matured and become more sophisticated but still doesn’t have that ‘rat race’ feeling to it.
I also love our apartment at the Gold Coast where we regularly spend time enjoying the sunshine and the ocean.

Surfers Paradise at the Gold Coast where we escape to.
Runner
Most of you would know that I love running and run regularly with my Saturday Sisters. I started running just before I turned 50, ran a full marathon at 55 and still running today. I love it (although many don’t) because it clears my mind, keeps me healthy and running with my Saturday Sisters and built a strong and loving friendship.
Sue
For my 60th birthday speech last year I spoke how I had been reflecting on how quickly 60 years had passed and asking myself : WHO IS SUE?
We are all defined in many ways. For me, I’m a wife to Mike. I’m Mum, to my darling Rachel & Nathan. I’m Nan to my darling Ethan who brings such joy to my life and I’m Nanna Sue to Lexie, Harry and Camden. I’m a daughter-in-law to Luisa, I’m a MIL to Ian who is like a second son to me and a wonderful husband & father.
I’m also Sue, the friend to you all. But most importantly, I’m Sue the individual who wants to inspire others and be a role model to my children and grandchildren through the way I live my life.
Travel
Mike and I love travelling and exploring new cultures and experiences. We have been fortunate to have travelled to many parts of the world, both on land touring and sea cruises. We have cruised the Mediteranean, Adriatic, Baltic, Nova Scotia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Islands. We have also visited the US several times, Quebec, Italy (where my husband was born), Germany, U.K., China, Bali, Thailand, Hong Kong and driving holidays in New Zealand. We toured Spain last year for my 60th birthday celebrations and this October we are cruising around Japan.
Unique
I’m borrowing from my AtoZ Challenge here. I am unique and so are you. There is no one in the world quite like me with all of my strengths, weaknesses and emotions. It took many years for me to overcome my lack of self-belief and learn to love the person that I am – ‘warts and all’. We are all unique and special with so much to offer this world it is just a matter of accepting that and opening up.
Volunteer
When my MIL moved to an aged care home, I started volunteering there. It was a way to encourage her to join in the activities and also for me to give my time. I volunteer only for outings and special events so that I’m not tied to a weekly appointment, which could easily become a chore. I have developed some fun relationships with some of the residents and have learned that a smile or ‘hello, how are you?’ might not seem much but can make someone else’s day.
Warm
I like to think I am a warm and caring person. It makes me feel good to help others feel comfortable and cared for. I also feel the warmth when I give to others and see how happy it makes them.
Xcited
Yes, I cheated but there aren’t many ‘X’ words are there! I love feeling excited and still feel the excitement of Christmas and other celebrations, including my birthday. I count down with excitement to our holidays and travels and this hasn’t waned over the years. Life can be a surprise and exciting if we allow it to be. I hope I never lose my ability to feel excited because then I will have lost part of me.
Youthful
I recently was MC and Guest Speaker at a function for a Mother’s Day High Tea. The topic of my speech was ‘Having an Ageless Attitude’. I feel much younger than my 60 years and that is because of my attitude to life and the keeping healthy and active. We can feel sorry for ourselves that each year we are a year older, or we can just get out there and enjoy life! Of course, I realise that we all age but I have a favourite saying:
‘The moment we focus on the number is the moment we grow old’
Zest for Life
In the Blogging AtoZ Challenge I wrote that Zest is such a fun word. When I hear or read the word, I think of vibrancy and a ‘get up and go attitude’. A feeling of being alive. That is how I try to live my life. I don’t always get it right but I’m giving it my best shot.
This prompt from Denyse Whelan has certainly been a good lesson in self-awareness. I have really had to think about who I am as a person and what makes me tick.
Will you take a lesson in self-awareness and describe yourself from ‘A to Z’? If you do, I would love to hear your thoughts.
64 Comments
Hi Sue – Whenever I get the chance to know your more, I find additional things that we have in common. I am also organized and punctual and love the excitement of holidays (especially Christmas and Birthdays). I enjoy all of your posts, especially your personal ones. Great post!
Well we will definitely have to meet IRL, Donna as I know we would have a great time together. Thanks for your lovely words, as usual, which I always appreciate and never take for granted. I always appreciate you taking the time to write a thoughtful comment. It is hard sometimes to write personal posts but yes, when I do, I share a little more of myself. Have a beautiful week, my friend xx
I love these A-Z posts & often wonder just how many ways the letter X can be used…Have a great week, Sue.
Hi Jo I enjoy these posts too although I’m sure many make up ‘X’ words like I do 🙂 Have a great week xx
You Queenslanders got an easy one with Q!! You used your latter letters much more effectively than I did!
Yes Lydia, I took the easy way out with ‘Q’ that is for sure and I made up the ‘X’ word because I could not think of anything. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by xx
I love your attitude towards being active and healthy after 50. I am almost there and recently tried adult gymnastics and loved it despite being the oldest person there and not entirely the fittest! Very inspired by you x
Oh well done with the adult gymnastics Alicia, I’m not sure I could do that. I’m so pleased you feel inspired by me and am very impressed with your attitude of giving the gymnastics a go and not worrying about age or fitness. Good for you! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by to comment. x
Good on you Sue (isn’t that an Aussie expression?) for finding such apt descriptors for each letter of the alphabet. I think it’s a great way of sharing what’s important to you.
I was aware of your warmth, compassion and generosity. I didn’t know that you like to be both organized and punctual. We will get along so well when we meet!
You are almost an Aussie, Karen! I’ve enjoyed this writing prompt as it is a journey of self-discovery. I know we would get along well and would love to meet IRL one day. Have a great week! x
This is a fun activity and I have enjoyed learning more about you. I am impressed with how much traveling you have done. I think the cruise around Japan sounds awesome.
It was a fun activity and a good lesson in self-awareness, Victoria. I have been very lucky to have travelled as much as we have and we are definitely looking forward to the cruise. xx
Really loved getting to know you a bit more through this post, Sue! I wrote about running for ‘R’ as well! Great minds.
SSG xxx
It is a fun exercise isn’t it SSG – I learned more about how I feel about myself writing the post. Yes, I read that you had ‘R’ for running! x
Nice to learn more about you. Sounds like you have a beautiful family and a wonderful attitude towards life.
Hi Ness thanks for stopping by to comment and yes, I am very blessed to have such a beautiful family. Life is there to be lived and appreciated that is for sure. Have a great week! xx
I’ve been looking forward to your next instalment of this series Sue. I’ve found a few more things here that we have in common. I also love lists and need to g organised. As regimented as I am in some thing, like you, I tend to get excited about things. Great getting to know you better.
Looks like we would get on very well Jen with so many things in common. Looking forward to a catchup IRL. xx
You sound like a very happy person and I enjoyed reading about you through the alphabet
Hi Suzy, yes, I’m pretty happy and very blessed to have the life that I do. No real complaints from my end. Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by xx
Describing yourself using letters is probably not the easiest thing to do, and you’ve managed it quite well! I feel like I have learned even more about you as a person through this second group of letters. We share some common traits with organization and punctuality (I am not a happy person when people are late:) Thanks for sharing with us!
Yes the ‘Q’ and ‘X’ were a little difficult Candi but it certainly was a fun exercise and I learned a few things about myself as I wrote the piece. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by xx
See how useful the AtoZ has been Sue? How would you have gotten through this post without all those great words you gained from it. And now you have next year’s theme all set – the AtoZ of Sue 🙂 Lovely reading some more about you – and BTW I hate people being late too – it’s disrespectful and shows they don’t value me or my time.
Yes Leanne, are you still trying to justify pushing me into AtoZ LOL:) There are a few of us still around who like to be punctual thank goodness. I agree that being late is disrespectful and it really annoys me. 🙂
Hi Sue – I’ve shared this on my SM and I refuse to take all the blame for the AtoZ – I wouldn’t sleep at night if I did (especially after shell-shocking poor Donna!)
Thanks my friend! Oh so you are guilty of pushing not one, but two people into AtoZ. LOL! I’m sure Donna and I are both secretly grateful to you for the push even though we wouldn’t tell you 🙂
Sue, I love these insights into who you are. It’s obvious that you love being a Mother and Grandmother but also have so much more going on in your life.
Thanks Jennifer, it certainly was fun trying to describe myself through my eyes. I have much to be grateful for xx
Hopefully I’m early to my wedding as well! I absolutely hate arriving somewhere late, to the point where I’m usually 20-30 minutes early just to stave off the paranoia of getting stuck in traffic or not finding parking. I can relate.
It is a very exciting time for you, Katherine! I’m a little like you with being early but I would much rather have to wait and know I’ve arrived rather than being anxious because I’m running behind time. Good luck with the wedding plans and have a great week! xx
Your warmth and sincerity shine in your post as always, Sue. If you ever visit Canada to meet Donna or Karen, let me know to meet up. We’ll all be on time for our meeting, LOL. Have a beautiful week!
Oh wouldn’t that be a wonderful catchup Natalie? My husband and I are looking at visiting Canada and also taking an Alaskan cruise so would definitely let you know. Thank you for your continued support of my blog and your encouraging words. Have a beautiful week,my friend xx
What a fun way to learn more about you…I think I am going to steal this idea when I’m out of blogging topics!
#MLSTL visitor
Steal away Donna. It was definitely a lesson in self-awareness as I tried to really examine who I am with each of the letters. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Sue – I left a comment a day or two ago but don’t see it here so I’m re-writing it. Thank you for sharing more about you and hosting MLSTL. Your warmth and sincerity shine through your posts. Whenever you visit Donna and Karen in Canada, let me know to meet up. We’ll all be on time for our meeting 🙂
Hi Natalie, I did see the comment and replied to it so not sure what is going on??? Yes wouldn’t that be a great catchup? We are planning a trip to Canada and Alaska so will keep you updated. Have a great week and thanks for leaving another comment for me xx
Fabulous M to Z words Sue and all such lovely descriptions of you! Also wonderful to learn more about you. For example – I never knew you came from Sydney! I also didn’t know you were off to Japan in October. Guess what – so is one of my sons! Wish I could say I was going. Have a great day! xo
Hi Min! I’m full of surprises 🙂 How exciting for your son to be off to Japan, I know we are excited. Yes I was born and raised in Sydney and moved to Qld in 1988. You have a great day too! xx
I can’t stand being late, either. I must be half an hour early (but I don’t go in at that time, I wait in the car or something similar), then I feel like I’m late. It’s hard to be like this when my mother (and her whole family, really) run on ‘Smith time’, as we call it. ALWAYS late and never a care for those who were on time.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Well I would be keeping you company in the car, Becky as I’m usually early! 🙂
Love it! I had a bit of a chuckle about the Queenslander thing, we are a tight knit, pain in the ass bunch, aren’t we? Haha.
I didn’t realise you were a Queenslander! It did take a little getting used to that is for sure. I have some fun stories about my husband (from Qld) and me around State of Origin time. 🙂
That was a very interesting read and I agree, no-one can be YOU except you! I think you are living a wonderful life right now via the examples here and through this blog I am glad we connected. You are a very caring blogging friend indeed!
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is Share Your Snaps 5. A ‘show off your photos’ post! Denyse
Thank you for your lovely words, Denyse and I’m so pleased we have connected through blogging. I can always count on your weekly prompts to keep me going. Have a great week! xx
I love these posts where we really get to know each other, and I’ve loved finding out more about you Sue in this one. Your running always impresses me and spurs me to do at least some exercise! Your Gold Coast apartment sounds a fun and relaxing place to escape to. I loved hearing about your relationships with your grown up children, that you are off to Japan and I didn’t know you came from Sydney 🙂
I love writing these posts Jo because it makes me examine who I really am. I was born in Sydney and lived there for 30 years then we moved to Queensland in 1988. It seems a life time ago but Sydney will always have my heart. 🙂
That punctual thing – I am so with you on that one! I hate tardiness and it drives me crazy when people aren’t on time (probably because I’m compulsively early). Now I need to go read the first part of this series…I’m a bit compulsive about things being left unfinished!
Yes it really annoys me Shelley because most of the time people don’t have an excuse they just don’t care, which is sad. I hope you do read my AtoL as you only know about half of me at the moment! 🙂
It’s always fun to find out more about the favorite bloggers that we follow. You chose some lovely words to go along with the second part of this A to Z post. And on April’s A to Z challenge, I’ve often cheated on a letter or two. Especiall ‘X’! Sharing for #MLSTL
Hi Trisha Faye it certainly was fun writing and trying to describe myself in each letter. Q & X always seem to get me but I found a way around that! xx
Hi Sue
It is very important to find methods to be active especially when we become old.
I try my best to be organised. It makes things much easier.
I don’t like being late. If I have to meet someone at 10, then I plan things in such a way that I have to meet the person at 9.45. I also, don’t like others being late. If someone is late, I would appreciate if they let me know that they are late.
– Pradeep | bpradeepnair.blogspot.com
(Came to your post via #MLSTL. Sharing this on my social network.)
Hi Pradeep I feel exactly the same about punctuality. If someone is going to be late, these things happen but I do expect a call or text as a courtesy. Thanks for stopping by to comment and also for linking up at #MLSTL.
What a fun way to get to know a little more about you. I found another thing we have in common. I hate being late, and I am not patient about waiting for someone else. I am typically a few minutes early. My older sister, on the other hand, is always late. I’ve worked hard to accept that and work around it. For example, for our monthly girls dinner, we used to meet at someone’s house, and we were always waiting. Then we changed it to meet at the restaurant and start without her if necessary. They tease me at work that I am usually the first one there and ready to go. If I’m not there at starting time, they know something is wrong. 🙂 I’m okay with that reputation.
I wouldn’t mind that reputation either Christie. Being punctual is another thing we have in common – maybe ‘sisters in another life’?? xx
I have participated in the A-Z challenge for three years now and love the creative process of digging deeper into a particular subject. It never dawned on me to do an A-Z of Molly but I’m going to try it… just for fun 🙂
It was a fun exercise Molly and also a lesson in self-awareness. I did the AtoZ challenge also this year and it never occurred to me to use myself as my theme! Try it, I will be interested to get to know you more. xx
I love this way to delve into some self-discovery! I too am a list maker and a lover of words, so this approach hits 2 “loves” for me. I’m going to have to try it.
But, unlike you, I’ve learned to be not as punctual in retirement as I was before! I think it’s more because I’m not on a routine and never realize what kind of traffic I’ll hit… so I’m either way early or a little bit late for stuff. And I try not to stress being late… which I would have pre-retirement!
Keep up your zest for life! You’re an inspiration to many.
Hi Pat, I really enjoyed doing this and might even use it as my theme for next year’s AtoZ. We have so much in common! Wouldn’t we have a great catchup IRL…sigh…maybe one day xx
Hi Sue, I think of you as a person with a zest for life so the Z you chose was a good one. I have never been to Brisbane, or Australia for the matter, but it looks a lot like Madison, Wisconsin where I live.
Brisbane is a ‘gentle’ city if I can describe it this way. It is growing but still has a ‘small town’ feel about it and they have done a wonderful job around the river building lots of green and pathways for walkers, runners and bikers. You should visit one day. xx
Enjoyed learning more about you Sue ♥
Thanks Dee, there is always more we can learn about each other. These types of posts help us to actually dig a little deeper. x
I too enjoy learning more about you Sue! You did really well with those tricky letters. Great to read that you still get excited about things, I do too as it’s so much fun to count down and anticipation is part of the thrill. You sure have travelled a lot too!! Lovely post to finish off the alphabet ?
Oh yes I look forward to the grandchildren’s birthdays because I always make them a special OTT cake. Christmas is delightful as we make Santa Sacks for all the grandchildren and fill them with bits and bobs. Nothing expensive but the joy on their faces is priceless. xx