October 1, 2012

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My Many Identi”T”i es
I decided to share my identities with you, creatively, by using song titles. Without further ado, here’s “T”…(Theresa Ann Mirci-Smith):
National Identity: “Born in the U.S.A.”—The Boss (Bruce Springstein)
I am an American and I know the history of my country. I am grateful for my freedoms. I am not always proud of the leaders of the nation or the actions they take.
Regional Identity: “Wish They All Could Be California Girls!”—The Beach Boys
While I have some roots in the Midwest and Nevada, I’m a California girl. I love going to the beach and have fond memories of vacationing there growing up. I like the informality of California, yet as my little hometown grows larger and more congested, I yearn for a quieter, slower-paced place to call home.
Gender Identity: “I Am Woman”—Helen Reddy
I was socialized to be a girl, having received dolls and domestic toys while growing up. I always loved to fish, catch frogs, and climb trees, however (much to my grandmother’ s dismay). I enjoy being a girl, but I’m not a real girly girl. I discovered the joy of pedicures at age 47. Now, I enjoy them every few of months. I am assertive, yet compassionate and nurturing (depending on the requirements of each specific situation), transcending the restrictions of social gender roles as often as possible.
Organizational Identity: “Honey, I’m Home”—Shania Twain and "Let It Be"--Paul McCartney
I was a college professor of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts at VVC for 21.5 years. I wanted to major in Drama, Psychology, or History and ended up in a field that enabled me to use all three. There were many times in my marriage where I was the primary or sole wage-earner, so I am ever thankful to my father for telling me that an education would always give me something to fall back on in life. After 32 years of working, I am entering a new phase in life without a full-time job. I have had a hard time with this--missing face-to-face interaction with students and colleagues in a stimulating environment. My whole working life has revolved around acquiring and sharing knowledge. Now, I am learning to "let it be" and focusing on the blossoming of wisdom. I hope to create a vocation of sharing hope and inspiration through music.
Age Identity: "The Old Gray Mare, She Aint What She Used To Be"--Traditional
My early years were influenced by “Leave it to Beaver”, “Father Knows Best”, “The Flintstones”, “Felix the Cat”, and “The Partridge Family”. High school was marked by influences like the Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Santana, Creedance, and Kansas. College was marked by the original SNL cast productions. Early adulthood arrived when disco fever was raging. I can’t believe I am 53—o ver half a century! It really does go faster and faster. On the inside, I feel so much younger…< /p>
Ethnic Identity: “Mambo Italiano”, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, “The Beer Barrel Poka”—an Italian, an Irish woman, a German 
I identify most with my Italian heritage. My FBI (full-blooded Italian) grandparents were alive well into my forties, dying at 96 and 91 (a month apart; after nearly 77 years of marriage) and they had a tremendous influence on me. My grandfather’ s nickname for me was “The Sicilian” because he said I was the only Italian-looking grandchild! He was a great friend and I miss him dearly. On my mom’s side, I identify most with the Irish heritage, attending the McGee-O’Neal Reunion every two years in Iowa. It’s funny, though, because we eat a lot more bratwurst than corned beef, so I guess the German influence can still be felt.
Physical Ableness Identity: “I’m Too Young to Feel This Damn Old”—Garth Brooks
I used to be very athletic and in excellent physical condition. Age, stress, and life have made a dent in that. I have arthritis in my neck and back; a B-12 deficiency, and ulcers. I had a total hysterectomy in November, 2007; and fell from a six-foot ladder in June of ’08. The ladder injury developed into RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) - a painful malfunctioning of the Central Nervous System. In November, 2009, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In December, 2010, I was diagnosed with a congenital kidney defect, complicated by a crossing artery. I had surgery to repair it in April, 2011. I have much more empathy now for people in pain and those who need a little more time to get from here to there. I miss dancing, hiking, and the other physically demanding hobbies I used to enjoy.
Religious Identity: “Amazing Grace”—John Newton; and “ Imagine”—John Lennon
Recently, I left the Catholic Christian Church (after working for reform for many years), so now I consider myself a “Christist” (a follower of Christ, and a student of Buddha). My heroes are Jesus Christ, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Don’t ask me how, but it works for me. Update: for the last year, I have attended St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, and I am contemplating joining.
Social Identity: “You’ve got a Friend”—James Taylor
My family members are friends and my friends are family. I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, godmother, best friend (for 48 years), friend and a colleague. I can’t imagine a life without relationship. Many of my older loved ones have died, and I miss them more than I can say - especially my mother who has been gone for 21 years, my grandparents, and my aunts and uncles.
Sexual Orientation Identity: “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man of Mine” (Showboat)
I like those fireman calendars and I lust after George Clooney, Hugh Jackman, David Tenant, and Robert Downey, Jr. (It’s okay; my husband knows). I am an advocate for Gay Rights.
Cyber/Fantasy Identity: “Theme from Star Wars”—John Williams
Okay, I’m a Sci Fi fan, so sue me! I love to watch Dr. Who, Alphas, Warehouse 13, and Supernatural! I like Zombie movies. Last summer, I was excited to get in to see the Supernatural and Dr. Who panels at ComiCon in San Diego. My daughter went to Con as River Song from Dr. Who, but I have not assumed a fantasy identity…YET. I guess being a Speech Diva on hotmail is as close as it gets (and I only chose that name after trying 47,000 others)!
Personal Identity: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”—Cyndi Lauper
I’m not just about having fun, but, come on, fun is…well, FUN! What do I do for fun? Laughing with friends and family tops the list. Luckily I married a very, very funny man! Who knew we would still be laughing until we cried after 25 years? I reallllly enjoy my girls and wish we could be together more often (one is at home, one is out of town, and one is out of state). I also like movies, plays, all kinds of puzzles, books, singing, acting, dancing, TRAVELING, meeting new people, eating great food; riding Indiana Jones (the amusement park ride; not the man), Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Tower of Terror, trying new foods, drinking good wine, microbrewed beer, margaritas…(not often, though), playing with our goats, alpacas and dogs; and gardening. On the serious side, however, I am an advocate of peace, social justice and integrity. I guess that’s why I teach this class. I want people to understand, appreciate, and get along with one another.
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