Due to my husband's military and company transfers, I have moved often over the years, crisscrossing the country. I have had homes in North Carolina, Florida (twice), Virginia (twice), California (twice), Kansas, and Washington State. I gave birth to three sons while trying to finish college. I finally managed to graduate (degree in Textiles & Clothing) in California.

Nine years ago, my husband and I adopted an infant girl in China. Now I find myself participating in many activities with the 30-something parents (many of whom are younger than my oldest son) of my daughter's friends, as well as, the empty-nester, retirement-anticipators of my own age. I often feel like I am living a double life.

About the boys: Al, our oldest, graduated from Berkeley with a degree in Integrated Biology. After graduate school (PhD, Entomology), he decided he would rather work in the computer field. Sigh! He is married and works for the School of Engineering at the University of Washington as a website designer.

Ty, our second son, is a software engineer. He was totally focused on this goal since he was about 16. No abrupt career change here. He worked for a company in Silicon Valley for about 6 years, writing software for Palm Pilots. He now works for the Boeing Company as an Engineering Specialist, writing software for the Navy's new multi-mission aircraft.

Our third son, Jon, is still in college. He first majored in recreation, toyed with majoring in Astronomoy, switched to Anthropology, and now has one class left to receive a degree in Biololgy. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.

Katie, our 9 year old, feels that it is time for her to select a career. She anguishes over the fact that there are so many things she wants to do that she can't decide. She obviously needs to do much more talking with brother number 2.