Damara Hutchins

Snapshot of my world

Damara Hutchins | Highlands Today
Published: November 13, 2010

Reader: If you are perusing this article then you have already gathered that I am the new community columnist. Before anyone makes any snap judgments about me due only to my name or photo, please allow me to interject by introducing myself before you reach any conclusions.

First, my name is pronounced "Dah-mare-uh," but most of my friends just call me "D." I was born and raised in the Sunshine State, though I never much cared for those pesky mosquitos. I always figured that the nearness of white, sandy beaches made up for a lot (i.e. humidity and sidewalk-fried eggs). I live in Sebring in a house for which I have some grand future remodeling plans, but to date the yard has a bit more sand than grass and I don't have people over much because my carpet looks like a former crime scene.

I have a husband I've been with for almost 20 years (married 12); a 4 year old daughter who doesn't like anything I cook; and a ten year old son who doesn't believe anything I say. I'm a bit of a control freak which is why I do the majority of the housework instead of delegating chores to my children like I should. I am a hopeless nerd who loves gadgets, reading, and obscure movie quotes. I frequently put my foot in my mouth, but I really don't mean any harm. If I ever have to apologize to anyone, I do so through a veil of tears and self-loathing. A friend of mine once told me that I was the dumbest smart person she knew. She is exactly the type of person I like to keep close (no sense in unleashing her on the general population).

I graduated from Avon Park High School where I spent the majority of my free time not doing my homework or thinking about my future. My very first job ever was at the local Clock Restaurant where I worked with some veteran waitresses who would've stabbed your hand with a fork if you tried to take their toast. After spending six years waiting tables, my customer service background landed me a job as the manager of a toy store which was really not as much fun as it sounds and completely destroyed my Christmas spirit.

My most recent place of employment was working for a local subcontractor doing payroll and accounts receivable. The combination of not exactly being cut out for an office job and the rapidly tanking economy ultimately factored into my decision to stop messing around and return to school. I now spend my days at SFCC on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse. I just started the first year of the program this past August in the belief that I could one day save lives and make a difference.

I am now three months in and feel like I don't know anything at all except basic CPR and the importance of providing a caring touch. To say I'm terrified about being set loose on innocent hospital patients is a gross understatement, but my instructors seem confident enough so I'm going to try and trust their judgment. If I can make it through nursing school, I can do anything. Expected graduation date: 2012. Please wish me luck; I need all I can get.

This is just a quick snapshot of my world. If this column brings a smile to your face, I'll feel as if I have succeeded. I look forward to taking you all on a weekly journey into my stressed out, insanity-filled existence.

damarainsebring@hotmail.com