Hi! Just call me Dusty, most everyone does, even though it isn’t my given name. I’m a bar tending social worker who just happens to own a t-shirt that says, ‘I’m Not a Bitch, I’m Just Giftedly Outspoken.’ It was given to me by a friend a couple of years ago, because she knows I am very opinionated and very outspoken. The gifted part is up for debate. Whether you believe I’m gifted or not, I hope my attempt to cover matters that piss me off, depress me, or cause me undue concern will make you stop and think!
I’m married to my best friend, a wonderful man named Donnie. We share 3 children, Nicole – 26, Amanda – 24, and Dylan – 10. Nikki (from my 1st marriage) is in a long term relationship and has provided us with 2 adorable grandsons, Trenton and Evan, and a very special ‘son-not-in-law!’ Mandy (who is technically my niece but the daughter of my heart and calls me Mom) has also provided us with 2 adorable grandsons, Elijah and Braden. And Dylan is the blessing Donnie and I neither one thought we’d ever have. In addition we have 2 Shelties, Missy Lou and Rose and a sweet cat we call Daisy Mae.
I started college in the fall of 2000. I obtained an AA in Human Services at a local tech in 2003 and then transferred to UIU that fall to work on my BA. Unfortunately the 1st job I obtained in social work was grant funded and only lasted 3 years, so I am not currently working in my field. Social work and bar tending are surprisingly similar though.
I truly believe that with age comes wisdom. I have more self awareness and self confidence than at any other point in my life. At 46 I believe that I am a unique and special individual with exceptional people skills, which I’ve acquired through life, not just my education. I also feel I have the distinct advantage of age. I am not too old or too young. I am no longer concerned with only the small world around me (as most of us are when young) but about the world at large. I know I can make a difference. And it matters not how big or small the contribution, just that I make it! This Blog is an outlet for that cause.
